Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Imagine yourself standing on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the ocean stretching out endlessly before you. In one hand, a glass of wine crafted exclusively for your journey; in the other, a sense of pure indulgence. If that doesn’t sound like the dreamiest vacation ever, let me take you on a little tasting tour of why Celebrity Cruises should be your next getaway — especially if wine is your love language.
Skipping the Drink Package: My Wine-Lover’s Confession
I know it might sound odd, but I’ve often skipped the drink package on cruises. My husband craves a good cappuccino, and I despise wasting money on mediocre wine. I’m no sommelier, but I know what I like—and I can’t abide by a wine list that looks like the back aisle of a gas station. So, when I heard Celebrity Cruises was collaborating with Napa Valley’s elite wineries to craft exclusive signature wines, I had to investigate.
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Spoiler alert: They’re not just slapping fancy labels on generic bottles. These are meticulously crafted blends designed to wow even the pickiest wine lovers. And trust me, they deliver.
Behind the Scenes: Celebrity Cruises Goes to Napa Valley
I recently had the chance to visit Napa Valley to see exactly how these exclusive wines are created. Celebrity Cruises isn’t playing around; they’ve partnered with iconic vineyards like Grgich Hills Estate and Shafer Vineyards to produce wines that match the luxurious cruise experience they promise. And no, this isn’t just marketing fluff. These wines are the real deal.
The Process
Picture walking through sun-soaked vineyards, breathing in the crisp air as winemakers explain the delicate balance of art and science that goes into crafting their blends. There’s something magical about seeing the care that goes into every bottle. From the sustainably farmed vines to the meticulous blending sessions, it’s clear that these wines are made with as much passion as a cruise guest has for exploring the world.
The Stars of the Show: Opulence and Excellence
Opulence by Grgich Hills Estate
Let’s start with the name: Opulence. It’s a promise that this wine lives up to. Grgich Hills Estate, a Napa Valley gem, crafted two private-label wines for Celebrity Cruises: a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. These wines aren’t just tasty; they’re a celebration of sustainability.
Grgich Hills takes an old-school European approach to winemaking—think hawks patrolling the skies, flowers in the vineyard, and ducks paddling happily in a garden pond. It’s all about letting nature take the lead. The result? Wines with depth, balance, and a story you can taste in every sip.
The Cabernet Sauvignon was my personal favorite, with bold flavors that paired perfectly with both the chicken I had at the tasting and the imaginary steak I envisioned devouring later. If you’re more of a white wine fan, the Chardonnay is equally stunning—crisp, layered, and oh-so-drinkable.
Excellence by Shafer Vineyards
Next up: Excellence. The name alone hints at what’s to come, but nothing prepares you for the first sip. Shafer Vineyards, perched on a hillside surrounded by jaw-dropping views, created this wine exclusively for Celebrity Cruises.
Winemaker Elias Fernandez, who grew up in the vineyards as the son of migrant workers, brings a personal touch and decades of expertise to this blend.
Excellence is a symphony of flavors, from the lush aromas to the lingering finish that leaves you wanting more. It’s not just a wine—it’s an experience. This might be my favorite wine, and while this masterpiece won’t hit the high seas until 2025, you can still indulge in the 2023 vintage of Opulence while you wait.
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
A Wine Lover’s Paradise at Sea
Celebrity Cruises isn’t just about exclusive blends. Their overall wine program is unmatched, boasting over 500 selections from around the world. It’s no surprise they’ve won more wine awards than any other cruise line. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious enthusiast, you’ll find something to love on board.
The sommeliers? Absolute rock stars. They’re not just there to pour; they’re there to guide you on a journey through the world of wine, sharing insights and stories that make every sip even more enjoyable.
Why Book Now?
Here’s the thing: a great vacation isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the entire experience. Food, wine, and ambiance—all play a role in creating memories that last a lifetime. With Celebrity Cruises, you’re not just booking a cruise; you’re booking a ticket to indulge in some of the best wines you’ll ever taste.
And if you’re looking to be among the first to try Opulence or Excellence in 2025, now’s the time to secure your spot. Trust me, it’s worth planning ahead.
Final Sip
If you’ve ever hesitated to cruise because you thought you’d be stuck with boring wines or lackluster drinks, Celebrity Cruises is here to change your mind. From their commitment to quality and sustainability to the sheer joy of sipping a world-class wine while watching the sun dip below the horizon, this is a wine lover’s dream come true.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to raise a glass to the ultimate wine-filled adventure. Cheers to your next great escape!
- Head to Celebrity Cruises NOW to book
