Following a successful first season of immersive European wine cruises in 2012, Celebrity Cruises has announced that world-leading wine connoisseur Oz Clarke will continue his partnership with the cruise line in 2013, taking in renowned vineyards throughout France, Spain and Portugal during the annual grape harvest.
The 12-night immersive holiday, designed to wow the palates of food and wine fans, will allow guests to take advantage of the first-class restaurants and wine programmes onboard Celebrity Infinity while travelling between Europe’s top wine producing regions.
Guests on the 12th October sailing will, once again, have the chance to get up close and personal to some of Europe’s best vintages, enjoy exclusive wine masterclasses with Oz Clarke, and learn about the range of wine styles and grape varieties in the regions visited.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy onboard activities such as champagne brunches, Bordeaux samplings, lessons in how to pair wine and food, as well as a range of dedicated shore excursions visiting renowned chateaux and vineyards with the opportunity to experience grape harvesting first hand.
The European Immersive Wine Cruise departs during the 2013 harvest season from Harwich (UK) on 12th October 2013 and will call at Paris (Le Havre, France), Bordeaux (Le Verdon, France), La Rochelle (France), Bilbao (Spain), Vigo (Spain) and Porto (Leixoes, Portugal) before returning to Harwich.
Oz Clarke said: “This time last year I had never cruised before but, following my first stint as host of the inaugural season of immersive European wine cruises where I was able to share my knowledge and talk to fine food and wine fans, I can honestly say I am now hooked. I can’t wait to take my passion for wine back to the high seas. The chance to get back onboard and visit some of Europe’s best known wine regions, relaxing with a glass in hand, is just too good to turn down and I couldn’t be more excited to set sail as part of the second season.”
Prior to the exclusive Oz Clarke hosted sailing on 12th October, Celebrity Cruises will also offer a number of immersive wine cruises to popular vineyard destinations throughout Europe. Wine-themed sailings will depart from Harwich on 6th, 18th and 30th September 2013.
Michael English, Head of Sales UK & Ireland for Celebrity Cruises, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Oz Clarke back with us for our second season of immersive European wine cruises, which expand on our everyday emphasis on the enjoyment and exploration of fine food and drink into a full-on immersion. The feedback from our first season was second to none, with guests loving Oz’s laid-back approach to exploring wines and his ability to make tastings and tours accessible for even the most complete wine novice.
“This second season of sailings will allow guests to enjoy the renowned wine producing regions of Europe through bespoke shore excursions and, with Oz Clarke as host, we have yet again created a winning combination that I will certainly be raising a glass to.”
Celebrity Infinity has recently had a modern luxury makeover and hosts a range of new bars including Cellar Masters wine bar, inspired by the vineyards of Napa Valley, California, and a ‘cool’ ice-topped Martini Bar, as well as unique speciality restaurant Qsine; the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five; and the Café al Bacio and Gelateria. Guests can relax in the onboard spa or solarium or head to the iLounge Internet café to use, learn about or buy a range of Apple products.
