From wine aficionados and bourbon connoisseurs to history buffs and art admirers, the cruise industry has a themed sailing for travelers with a wide range of interests. These are just some of the latest offerings on the waterways of Europe, North America and beyond.
Wine Enthusiasts
AmaWaterways is inviting dedicated wine enthusiasts to sail on its series of 64 wine-themed cruises hosted by award-winning winemakers, winery owners, and wine experts. Sailing through Europe’s most well-known wine-producing areas, these itineraries include onboard lectures and wine tastings led by award-winning wine hosts, and shore excursions that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local wine and culinary culture. Wine enthusiasts on these themed-sailings can expect to participate in small group visits to private cellars, strolls through vineyards, and engaging sessions with world-class vintners and artisans. Departures on these Wine Cruises Through Europe are still available for 2018, but those looking ahead to next year will have the option of sailing on two new itineraries: the Gems of Southeast Europe and the Medeival Treasures. Guests on those itineraries can indulge in curated epicurean experiences in cities such as Basel, Nuremberg, Budapest, and Giurgiu.
Rates for the Wine Cruises Through Europe start at $2,699 pp. For more information, visit amawaterways.com.
Bourbon Lovers
For those who prefer a stronger alcoholic beverage, American Queen Steamboat Company offers a cruise that takes travelers to the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon region for a behind the scenes look at the history and production of the popular liquor. Along the way guests will be treated to special bourbon tastings, complimentary distillery tours, creative dining menus, and cooking demonstrations, plus presentations and onboard tastings provided by Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace. In addition, Michael Veach, a bourbon historian and member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, will be on board to engage with guests and offer a tasting of some of the world’s unique and most famous bourbons.
Rates for this bourbon-themed sailing start at $1,999 pp. For more information, visit americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
History Buffs
Debuting in 2019, Ponant’s Quintessential Collection is a series of themed cruises designed to immerse travelers in specific aspects of their destination’s history and culture. These sailings will feature speakers and performances aboard the ship, along with excursions ashore that embody the cruise’s theme. In Asia, travelers can set sail on the World War II History—From Hong Kong to Japan’s Inland Sea itinerary, where a historian and expert on the war will lead discussions, while guests walk in the footsteps of American General Douglas MacArthur. In Greece, multi-generational groups can sail on the Treasures of the Mediterranean World: A Family Learning Adventure itinerary, while the Green and Gentle Lands sailing will take them to the gardens and historic sites of the British Isles, Belgium, and Norway.
For more information, visit en.ponant.com.
