Sip and savor the flavors of Europe, Cuba and the Pacific Northwest on one of these tantalizing culinary- or wine-themed sailings.
A Taste of Cuba
From ropa vieja (stewed beef with vegetables) and crispy malanga fritters to mojitos and daiquiris, guests can now get a taste of Cuba on all of Oceania Cruises’ sailings to this bucket-list topper. The luxury cruise line first introduced Cuban menus on the Marina’s inaugural voyage to the island nation earlier this week (March 7) and will also offer local cuisine during the Insignia’s six recently announced November and December 2017 cruises to Cuba. Guests can sample an array of typical Cuban meals in the Grand Dining Room, while the Terrace Cafe will offer a Cuban tapas menu during special themed evenings. For more information, call (855) 623-2642 or visit oceaniacruises.com.
Sensational French Cuisine
Emerald Waterways has announced a tasty new Provence sailing for 2017 taking place aboard the company’s newly built 138-passenger Emerald Liberte. The 8-day Sensations of Southern France itinerary sails from Lyon to Arles along the picturesque Rhone and Saone rivers, passing through Chalon-Sur-Saone, Tournon and Avignon, where guests will be treated to an onboard, Provencal-style dinner by local chef and “Top Chef France” finalist Fabien Morreale.
In addition to having plenty of onshore opportunities to sample the wines and foods that have made this region famous, guests can sample chef Morreale’s traditional Provencal-style dishes made with Mediterranean ingredients during the onboard dinner. Thirty departures will be available between April and October 2017 starting at $2,645 pp dbl. Guests wishing to extend their stay in France can add a 3-night stay in Paris to the pre- or post-sailing with a package that includes accommodations, daily breakfast, one dinner, a city tour and the chance to customize the stay with a Discover More tour to Versailles. Packages start at $875 pp. There is also a Nice extension package including a 3-night stay, guided tour of Monte Carlo, day trip to Cannes and the Grasse Perfumery, breakfast daily and one dinner starting at $785 pp. For more information, call (855) 222-3214 or visit emeraldwaterways.com.
Rivers of Wine
UnCruise Adventures has updated its wine itinerary aboard the 88-passenger S.S. Legacy with additional departures for 2017. The weeklong river cruises depart roundtrip from Portland, Oregon between April and October, and sail along the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers exploring one of the country’s most prized wine regions.
The updated Rivers of Wine itinerary has added a day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, an area with more than 500 wineries and known for its Pinot Noir, and a visit to the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington. The itinerary also makes stops in five leading Washington and Oregon wine regions—Walla Walla, the Columbia Gorge, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley and the Willamette Valley. In addition to winery visits and tastings, guests can also participate in an exclusive lunch at Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard, and private wine production and cave tours at Archer Vineyard and Maryhill Winery. A sommelier and local wine expert will also be on board the ship to lead special wine tastings, pairings, and presentations. For more information, call (888) 862-8881 or visit uncruise.com.
