Cruise Line Reaches Milestone with Record Wine Spectator Recognition Celebrity

Cruises earned 25 Wine Spectator Awards in 2026, marking the highest number the premium cruise operator has ever received in a single year. The haul includes 17 "Best of Awards of Excellence" and eight "Awards of Excellence" recognitions, extending the line's cumulative total to 165 awards over 14 consecutive years of recognition. The honors span Celebrity's Edge, Solstice, and Millennium series ships, with two newly recognized venues. Trattoria Rossa on Celebrity Solstice, which debuted during the ship's revitalization in March 2026, earned recognition for its Roman and Southern Italian cuisine. Mosaic on Celebrity Xcel, launched in November 2025, was honored for its elevated dining concept inspired by regions the ship visits. Le Voyage, the exclusive restaurant helmed by Chef Daniel Boulud and Celebrity's global culinary ambassador, also earned accolades. The venue became the first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated restaurant at sea earlier this year. "Celebrity Cruises constantly redefines the possibilities of food and beverage at sea, and this industry-leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence," said Jan Sorensen, Celebrity Cruises' vice president of food and beverage operations. "With up to 32 food and beverage venues on board, we offer something for every guest's preference, while providing authentic, globally inspired experiences like no other."

Wine Program Specifics Each Celebrity ship operates with a trained

sommelier in every restaurant, providing guidance through more than 500 wine selections spanning regions worldwide, alongside Celebrity's private label offerings. The cruise line also offers Food and Wine Pairing Workshops and World Wine Tours focused on wine education and regional varietal knowledge.

Why It Matters For cruise operators and hospitality managers, Celebrity's

sustained recognition underscores the market value of robust sommelier staffing and curated wine programming—elements that differentiate premium cruise experiences and justify pricing strategies in an increasingly competitive leisure travel sector.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors