A glass of perfectly chilled Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc beneath a Caribbean sunset has always been quintessential Princess. Now the cruise line has proof that the rest of the world agrees: every ship in the 16-strong fleet has just received a coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025.
From the grand dining rooms of Regal Princess to the new Sanctuary Collection restaurant on Sun Princess, Princess now holds more restaurant citations than any other cruise brand—proof that serious oenophiles no longer have to choose between fine vintages and life at sea.
The accolades arrive at an ideal moment—just as Princess expands its roster of immersive culinary voyages and destination-first itineraries. They also mark the second consecutive year the line’s entire fleet has made Wine Spectator’s annual list.
Princess is the only cruise company to secure 16 awards in one year, demonstrating consistent attention to cellar management across vessels. Each main dining room curates a core list of about 250 labels, then layers on regional bottles collected during world voyages, ensuring guests taste wine where it’s grown.
Wine Spectator reviewers seek balanced, well-explained lists featuring both established benchmarks and adventurous newcomers. Princess meets that brief by pairing Grand Cru Bordeaux with women-led boutique wineries and vegan, biodynamic pours. Staff sommeliers provide tasting notes in clear, approachable language.
Behind the certificates stands a veteran team led by Vice President of Food & Beverage Sami Kohen. Over twenty years, Princess has invested in sommelier training, including WSET certifications, ensuring the onboard advice rivals top land-based venues.
An award plaque is exciting; discovering why it was earned is even better. Princess structures its lists around “collections” that cater to every level of curiosity.
From Champagne house Louis Roederer to Tuscany’s Tenuta San Guido, iconic producers anchor the menu. These bottles reassure connoisseurs and provide reference points when comparing emerging regions during themed tastings.
Princess spotlights sustainable estates like New Zealand’s Dog Point and Argentina’s Chakana. Many of these wineries rely on organic or biodynamic farming—ideal for travellers who value environmental stewardship as much as flavour.
A dedicated section celebrates female pioneers such as Louisa Rose of Yalumba and Laura Catena of Catena Zapata. By the second formal night, guests often realise this subset pairs particularly well with Princess’ seafood-forward entrées.
A superior list is only half the story; the experience must live up to the promise. Princess layers in daily events designed to deepen knowledge and heighten pleasure.
Small-group seminars guide guests through side-by-side comparisons—say, Rhône Syrah versus Barossa Shiraz—while chefs deliver tapas that highlight nuanced differences in spice, oak and tannin.
The new Love Lines programme merges celebrity star-power with quality production. Think Kylie Minogue’s zero-alcohol Rosé or Jason Aldean’s Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc served alongside pool-side seafood skewers.
A handful of sailings feature multi-course menus created jointly by the executive chef and head sommelier. Expect wild-caught Tasmanian salmon matched with a back-vintage Hunter Valley Semillon, followed by Margaret River Cabernet for the beef course.
Recognition from Wine Spectator sends a clear signal to would-be passengers: you no longer have to book a dedicated wine cruise to enjoy cellar-level service.
With the entire fleet certified, travellers can trust that a seven-night Alaska itinerary on Discovery Princess offers the same depth as a Mediterranean jaunt on Enchanted Princess—valuable when you’re choosing purely on date or destination.
Knowing the house list is strong encourages guests to upgrade confidently to venues like Crown Grill. Here a 28-day dry-aged rib-eye finds its ideal partner in a bold Barossa Shiraz—available by the glass thanks to Coravin preservation.
Casual drinkers appreciate staff guidance that demystifies terms like malolactic or lees-aged. Meanwhile, seasoned collectors delight in rare allocations of Napa cult labels poured at cost, thanks to Princess’ buying clout.
Before you pick your vintage, pick your voyage. Princess’ 2025-26 deployment stretches from Alaska’s glacier-cut fjords to Japan’s cherry-blossom coasts, meaning you can clink Riesling flutes beside glaciers or toast with chilled Sake in Yokohama.
So where do you begin? Our Cruise Finder tool filters itineraries by region, sailing date and dining style, displaying real-time fares alongside current onboard credit promotions. It’s the fastest way to see which award-winning dining rooms align with your calendar. And because our filters include wine-themed voyages and chef-hosted dinners, you can zero in on experiences that speak to your palate.
Princess’ sweep of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence proves that a cruise ship can rival the world’s top land-based restaurants for depth, diversity and value. With expert sommeliers guiding you from embarkation toast to farewell flute, every dinner becomes a masterclass in pairing.
Let S.W. Black Travel match you to the sailing—and the cellar—that will make your taste buds sing. Ready to start planning? Reach out via our dedicated contact page and we’ll pour the perfect itinerary.