Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, continues to elevate its culinary program with the debut of “Connoisseur Collection,” a series of premium epicurean and reserve wine experiences on board the line’s ultra-luxury fleet. Available on most 2025-2026 cruises and expeditions, the new “Connoisseur Collection” invites guests to indulge in a variety of bespoke culinary experiences, ranging from premium whiskey and wine tastings to “Dinner Under the Stars” and curated meals expertly paired with premium wines.
“Memorable dining is so important to a travel experience, and we are always looking to innovate our offerings to ensure we deliver luxurious and sophisticated culinary moments that exceed our guests’ expectations,” said Gerald Mosslinger, senior vice president of guest operations at Seabourn. “Our new ‘Connoisseur Collection’ was created to deliver unparalleled epicurean delights and experiences that will please a wide range of palates.”
Each bespoke experience was designed for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy an intimate, small-group atmosphere to savor premium selections alongside fellow aficionados. The “Connoisseur Collection” will feature the following onboard events:
- Whisky Tasting – Led by the onboard bar manager, guests can embark on an hour-long whisky-tasting journey, exploring a curated selection of 5-7 top whiskies from Scotland, Japan, the U.S., and beyond. This immersive experience delves into diverse styles, grains, and production processes, offering an in-depth exploration of the world of this renowned spirit. As guests savor each pour, the bar manager will provide insights into the unique characteristics of each whisky. The tasting is complemented by thoughtfully chosen palate cleansers such as breadsticks and cheeses, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience.
- Prestige Macallan Tasting – Under the guidance of the bar manager, guests can indulge in a refined whisky tasting of The Macallan Expressions, featuring three exclusive selections: Rare Cask, Oscuro, and No. 6. While the specific Expressions may vary, each tasting is a journey through the complexity and richness of The Macallan’s finest offerings. During the experience, the bar manager will explain the intricate details of each whisky, from its origins to its distinctive flavors. To enhance the tasting, palate cleansers such as breadsticks and cheeses are provided, ensuring a seamless transition between sips.
- Sommelier Lunch – Guests can elevate their dining experience with this exclusive culinary masterpiece, featuring five exquisite courses paired with Premium Reserve Wines. Curated by a team of expert chefs and sommeliers, each dish is matched with precision, allowing the wines to enhance the flavors of the internationally inspired menu. This exclusive event is defined by its focus on rare Reserve wines and perfectly orchestrated pairings, creating a dining experience that is both luxurious and unforgettable. Example dishes include Black Truffle Risotto with Château Batailley 5ème Grand Cru Classé 2017, and Pacific Cod & Lobster Fricassee paired with Maison Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014.
- Global Wine Quest – Embark on a journey of global flavors during this new wine experience, where guests can sample up to 10 distinct Reserve Wines sourced from five different countries, each represented by two varietals. Whether held in the intimate setting of the Club, the Solis Bar, or on the open deck under the stars, this tasting is a voyage through the world’s most esteemed vineyards. The Sommelier team will be on hand to guide guests through the nuances of each wine, offering detailed explanations of the differences between regions and varietals.
- Dinner Under the Stars – Guests can immerse themselves in the magic of an open-air dining experience, where exquisite cuisine crafted by talented chefs is paired with exclusive Reserve wines selected by the Sommelier. This exclusive event, available on select ocean voyages, offers an evening of prestige ingredients and fine wines under a canopy of stars, weather permitting. Guests on board Seabourn Encore or Seabourn Ovation will enjoy this event within The Retreat, Seabourn’s exclusive sanctuary located on deck 12. The ambiance is further elevated by the gentle melodies of a classical guitarist, when available, creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. This culinary experience combines luxury ingredients with the world’s finest Reserve wines and champagnes, to create a truly unique dining event.
The “Connoisseur Collection” experiences are available for an additional fee and can be reserved on select days during the voyage. Due to limited availability, guests are encouraged to secure their spots promptly after booking their Seabourn voyage. Event times and details will be provided upon embarkation.