The deal
Few things in life can compare to the perfect combination of elegant cuisine and fine wine. Doing so while sailing on a luxury cruise ship at a fraction of the cost however, is pure bliss.
Food and Wine Trails provide wine tours at sea on some of the finest luxury ships in the world. In response to the changing economy, the company has reduced rates on these voyages up to $1,000 per person, plus, they are giving away free airfare, free pre-paid gratuities and onboard spending credits of up to $500.
So all you wine, food and cruise connoisseurs can delight in the finer things in life, without having to reach too far in your pockets.
This unheard of special offer from Food and Wine Trails applies to several winery-sponsored cruises this summer and fall on numerous European itineraries. Each cruise includes wine tastings and seminars, round-trip airfare to Europe from more than 20 major cities, a wine-makers dinner and welcome cocktail party. Not to mention you’ll be sailing around the Mediterranean onboard elite Oceania cruise ships.
Paumanok and Wolffer's 2009 Best of Long Island Wine Cruise is one of the five sponsored cruises being offered at reduced rates of up to $1,000 per person. This 10-night cruise on the Oceania Insignia departs from Athens June 24, and after enjoying a welcoming reception the ship makes its first stop the following morning in breathtaking Santorini. This island is the quintessential picture of the Greek Isles, with its cliff-side white washed-churches and unbeatable scenic views.
After this port-visit, you’ll spend a day at sea exploring the ship, or attending one of the private group wine seminars and tastings. Next up, the ship will stop for a day in Valletta, Malta and Tormina, Italy.
From there, you’ll spend the next day strolling through the quaint streets and shops of Amalfi, Italy followed by a wine-makers dinner later that evening onboard the ship. During the next two days the ship will be docked in historic Rome and romantic Florence before a port-stop in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Here, passengers will have the opportunity to explore the Monaco cathedral, or relax in the newly built spa just along the seawall.
After, the ship will dock in Marseille, the largest port city in France known for its cultural influences from nearby Africa. The final port of call on this voyage is the art inspired city of Barcelona.
The special reduced rates for the 2009 Best of Long Island Wine Cruise start at $2349, that also includes pre-paid gratuities of up to $330 per cabin. Additional winery sponsored itineraries are available through autumn at slightly higher prices.
The dollars
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Accommodations, meals, some beverages, entertainment and port charges are covered in the cost. Government fees and taxes as well as off-boat expenditures are extra.
The catch
Airport taxes and government fees are not included in the price.