Celebrity Cruises has released two special Australia and New Zealand Wine Lover Cruises departing in February 2019. 

The two sailings will see wine aficionados embark the Celebrity Solstice to visit renowned wine regions in Australia and NZ, while enjoying in a range of onboard and onshore experiences hosted by wine experts.

Marc Udy, renowned New Zealand winemaker at esteemed Villa Maria Estate in the Marlborough region, will host the first 16-night cruise departing Auckland on 12 February 2019, calling to Tauranga (Bay of Plenty wine region), Napier (Hawkes Bay wine region), Picton (Marlborough), Sydney, Hobart (Southern Wine Trail), Adelaide (Barossa) and finishing in Fremantle.

“All of these places have their own little nuances when it comes to food and wine, which we’ll guide guests through on this journey,” says Udy, “For example, everyone knows Marlborough is world famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, but I’m sure a lot of people don’t know the region does a spectacular Pinot Noir. It’s this kind of insight, teamed with the variety of destinations and activities we offer, that make this the ultimate wine lover’s cruise.”

Travis Fuller, Director of thewinemaster.co, hosts the second sailing departing February 28 from Fremantle, calling to Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Milford and Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Tauranga, and finishing in Auckland. With more than 25 years experience as an international wine judge and educator, Fuller has toured the world in search of great experiences to share and excite others in the world of wine. 

“Wine is a journey that you just find yourself immersed in once you are bitten. The highs, the lows, the people and the landscapes are enthralling. It’s a shared passion, and one that is hard to beat,” he said.

Throughout the cruises guests will visit gateways to renowned wine regions, learn the art of food and wine pairing, discover wine tasting techniques, sample cheeses paired with featured wines and visit boutique wineries with award-winning shore excursions at locations including Marlborough and the Barossa Valley.

Each cruise kicks off with a Wine Cruise Orientation, where guests will meet the host and onboard sommeliers. Wine-focused experiences are then scheduled throughout the cruise, offering an array of unique onboard activities and shore excursions. 

Celebrity’s main dining room wine lists host over 300 prestigious labels, including Tignanello, Grgich Hills, Caymus Special Selection, and Guigal Cote Rotie, and a significant Australian and New Zealand range. A team of specially trained Sommeliers navigates guests onboard through the award-winning wine lists, guiding them to new and exciting choices.

Fares for the Wine Lover’s Cruise departing February 12 start at AUD$2429 per person, twin share for an Oceanview Stateroom.

Fares for the Wine Lover’s Cruise departing February 28 start at AUD$3299 per person, twin share for a Balcony Stateroom.