Thos who consider themsleves to be true foodies may want to take a gander at a New Zealand cruise itinerary from Crystal Cruises that sets sail in March of 2010.
The luxury cruise line is showcasing the culinary delights of regions spanning from New Zealand to Australia with a 12-day Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruise that features master sommeliers Robert Bath and Cameron Douglas— the first and only Master Sommelier from New Zealand. Aboard the newly-refurbished Crystal Symphony, the palate experts will guide guests through the nuances and pairings of New Zealand's finest vintages, while optional Crystal Adventures take guests to celebrated Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.
While sailing to Sydney, leading Australian chef Serge Dansereau will share regional specialties via cooking demonstrations, tastings and special menus, while top Australian food purveyor Simon Johnson will host tastings of artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolate.
Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer intimate looks at the farms and vineyards dotting the coast:
* Cloudy Bay Vineyards, which first put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map, provides guests with a tutored tasting session in the privately hosted barrel room
* At Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's leading wine-producing region, guests will visit three of 600 celebrated wineries, Brookfield's Vineyards, Church Road and Mission Estate
* From the rich farmlands of the Wairau Valley to the vineyards of Marlborough, the largest grape-growing region in New Zealand, then Havelock, the mussel shellfish hub, guests will see varied sides of New Zealand food and drink.
From Auckland, Crystal Symphony visits Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin, New Zealand; the fjords of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and its longest fjord, Dusky Sound; concluding with an overnight in Sydney.
New 2010 two-for-one cruise fares begin at $6,530 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credit, plus complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com.