Tag Archives: wine

Norwegian Announces 2023 Meet the Winemakers Series

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Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new Meet the Winemaker series. This program features winemakers and culinary experts sharing their expertise with a group of guests onboard the cruise line’s ships, according to a press release.

“We Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

The Meet the Winemaker series gives wine enthusiasts and foodies a chance to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through seminars and activities. The program includes wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets onboard the ships. Guests can also buy wines that are only available by visiting the wineries.

This year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker, who is a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker and leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland. She will join guests onboard the Norwegian Prima on September 17, 2023, sailing in Northern Europe for the company’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.

Additionally, Chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo onboard the Norwegian Encore on July 9, 2023, sailing to Alaska.

Miguel Torres, a pioneer of planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, will make his debut onboard the Norwegian Encores during its April 9, 2023, Eastern Caribbean voyage.

Hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among other famous names.

2023 Meet the Winemaker series lineup includes the following:

  • April 2, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera with celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
  • April 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean with winemaker Miguel Torres
  • April 22, 202 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
  • June 10, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
  • July 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Alaska with Antonio Hidalgo of the Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Chef Ashley Breneman 
  • Sept. 17, 2023 – The Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe with Master Blender, Emma Walker of  Johnnie Walker
  • Oct. 22, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
  • Oct. 28, 2023 – The Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean with Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
  • Oct. 29, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family

Carnival eases beverage policy at ports of call

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Carnival Cruise Line has eased its restrictions on guests bringing nonalcoholic beverages aboard at ports of call.

Guests can now return to the ship with as many as a dozen 12-ounce cartons or cans of soda, water, juice or other soft beverages. Bottles continue to be banned.

Earlier this year, Carnival limited the amount of bottled water brought aboard on embarkation to reduce screening times and help stop passengers from bringing unauthorized alcohol onboard.

As before, duty-free alcohol purchased at ports will be safeguarded until the end of the cruise.

Disney Cruise Line tightens alcohol policy

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Starting in October, Disney Cruise Line guests will no longer be able to bring spirits on board with them.

The cruise line posted a change in its policy, limiting guests over 21 to two bottles of wine on embarkation or at each port of call, or one six-pack of beer.

Disney was one of the few cruise lines that allowed passengers free rein to bring alcohol on board.

As before, guests bringing alcohol aboard must bring it in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. Carry-on alcohol cannot be consumed in public areas or lounges, Disney said.

A corkage fee of $25 will apply to carry-on wine or champagne consumed in the dining room.

Spirits or wine and beer in excess of the limits will be safeguarded until the end of the cruise, Disney said.

The policy takes effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 30.