By Nancy Schretter
Imagine sailing from Tampa to the sunny Western Caribbean for seven nights in an oceanview or balcony stateroom aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. Such a tantalizing cruise during the month of November would probably cost well over $1500 per person for an average guest. Add in seven award-winning wineries, renowned California chefs, and platinum-selling recording artists such as Kenny Loggins and Three Dog Night. Suddenly the value becomes even greater.
Now add a special package that gives every cabin one bottle of wine per night from each of the seven wineries, plus in-depth seminars on wine and food. If such a package was purchased separately on the Brilliance of the Seas, the price would be over $500 including gratuities. That would bring the cost of this cruise to $1750 per person, right? Not on the Wine, Dine & Music Cruise. Right now, oceanview staterooms on this week-long November cruise start at only $699 per person. What a steal!
This inaugural full ship charter of the beautiful Brilliance of the Seas features special menus and food tastings by top chef John Ash, the “Father of Wine Country Cuisine,” and chef Catherine Venturini. John Ash will be offering his popular seminar, “Marriage of Food and Wine” to cruise guests, while Catherine will delight foodies with her small plates and hors d’oeuvres. Food-loving passengers will also be able to enjoy the many dining choices available onboard the Brilliance of the Seas. In addition to choosing from delectable dishes in the complimentary main dining room, guests can try out some of Royal Caribbean’s signature specialty dining venues including Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and the pan-Asian cuisine of Izumi.
Seven top flight California wineries will be onboard offering wine tasting opportunities hosted by either their winemaker or their wine club manager. These specially chosen wineries include Truett-Hurst, Dutcher Crossing, Sapphire Hill, Two Amigos, Robert Young, Flora Springs and Rodney Strong. In addition, mixologist Pam Bushling and Sommelier Deb Del Fiorentino will be educating guests as well. Wine, Dine & Music cruise guests can learn more about wine and spirits throughout their vacation at complimentary wine seminars and Introduction to Mixology classes.
Music is certainly an important part of the Wine, Dine & Music cruise vacation experience. On this seven-night sailing, all guests will be able to attend free nightly live concerts with major recording artists including Kenny Loggins, Three Dog Night, World Classic Rockers, Nestor Torres and more. Kenny Loggins and Three Dog Night have platinum-selling albums. World Classic Rockers is comprised of former members of leading rock bands including Journey, Steppenwolf, Boston, Santana and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Nestor Torres delights audiences with his smooth jazz sounds. In addition to the evening shows, guests can get up-close-and-personal with some of their favorite artists at meet n’ greet gatherings, jam sessions, and special performances on sea days. Additional recording artists will be onboard as well.
The Wine, Dine & Music cruise departs Tampa on November 9, 2013 and visits Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya on its week-long sailing. All of the ship’s interior cabins are sold out at this time. Oceanview and balcony staterooms are going fast as well, so book soon. For more information, visit the cruise’s website at www.winedineandmusiccruise.com
Subscribe to our Cruise Updates.
