Luxury cruise season is officially in full swing. Millennials and Gen-Z travellers are trending when it comes to looking at cruising as a way to see multiple destinations on a budget without compromising on luxury. For luxury seekers, and especially those who love champagne, there’s never been a better time to experience the best of gastronomy on the high seas.
Tailoring champagne and wine experiences to the individual preferences of travellers is a growing trend across many luxury cruise lines today.
Immersive experiences are also emerging, designed to connect cruisers with the local area they are visiting. Everything from vineyard tours and winemaking classes to chef-led tastings are curated as bespoke experiences for travellers.
Travel Associates represents some of the world’s leading cruise lines
“For a 10-night voyage on board the Seven Seas Grandeur, for example, the wine cellar stores a generous 15,000 bottles of champagne and 5,000 bottles of wine - so there’s certainly plenty of choice,” says Jo Kennedy, Travel Advisor for the Travel Associates representing some of the world’s leading cruise lines.Silversea Cruises is known for its all-inclusive and ultra-luxury experiences, offering a vast selection of complimentary champagne, wine and spirits - all with wine lovers in mind. Its wine list features renowned brands like Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Duval-Leroy, alongside curated selections of other sparkling wines. Silversea’s signature touch is its sourcing of wines from each of the local regions where the ships are docked, so passengers can experience the uniqueness of each region.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is another cruise line that offers an extensive wine and champagne selection and highlighted with brands like Krug and Moët et Chandon.
“For a 10-night voyage on board the Seven Seas Grandeur, for example, the wine cellar stores a generous 15,000 bottles of champagne and 5,000 bottles of wine - so there’s certainly plenty of choice,” says Jo Kennedy, Travel Advisor for the Travel Associates representing some of the world’s leading cruise lines.
The Ultra Luxe Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is known for its all-inclusive and ultra-luxury experiences, offering a vast selection of complimentary champagne, wine, and spirits, all with travellers in mind.Oceania Cruises, is another known for its culinary focus and offers a premium selection of champagnes and sparkling wines to accompany dining choices. They feature well-known labels like Laurent-Perrier as well as boutique champagne producers, providing a mix of options for wine lovers. Earlier this year, the cruise line named Giada De Laurentiis as its culinary ambassador, debuting her seven-course champagne-paired dinner at La Reserve. One standout dish involves a pairing of truffle risotto with Veuve Clicquot, allowing the crispness of the champagne to cut through the richness of the dish.
Silversea’s restaurant, La Dame, offers a wonderful French fine-dining experience where wines and champagnes, such as Duval-Leroy, Dom Pérignon, or Ruinart, are expertly curated to enhance dishes like foie gras or lobster. The food and beverage team are trained to international dining standards, offering great knowledge when it comes to food and wine.
“For example, once onboard, our butler brought us a surprise bottle of Duval-Leroy champagne and caviar just as the sun was setting as the perfect aperitif while getting ready for dinner. It doesn’t get much better than that!” says Jo.
Luxury cruises represent an alternative way to enjoy a 5-star, all-inclusive hotel experience at sea without compromising on fine dining with all of the champagne trimmings. Exclusive holiday packages can be tailored to your needs by contacting the Travel Associates.
