Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Master sommelier Doug Frost uncorks Princess wine menu expansion

9c795fe4a2d9a0963ba5ccfe46650755
Doug Frost guided an expanded wine menu, with 30% of the choices priced at $39 and under, many more grape varietals and a wider regional selection
Princess Cruises expanded its wine menu, offering nearly 50% more selections for a total of 142 wines selected in partnership with master of wine and master sommelier Doug Frost.

One of four in the world to hold both titles

Frost is one of four individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the master of wine (MW) and master sommelier (MS) titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993. He was the second person in history to complete both exams and 25 years later he is still one of only four people in the world to have achieved both distinctions.

Thirty percent priced under $39

The Princess beverage team and Frost established a new wine philosophy that centers on exploration, discovery and enrichment. With quality and global diversity in mind, the new wine menu, available in the main dining rooms fleetwide, is also approachable, with 30% of the list priced at $39 and under and 66% at $49 or less.

Wine list descriptions also make it easy for occasional wine drinkers to select. For example, white wines are designated as 'refreshing,' 'light and mild,' 'fruity and vibrant' and 'rich and textured.'

'Princess guests have a passion for culinary travel so our goal in creating this new wine menu was to find fascinating wines from some of the memorable destinations Princess visits,' Frost said. 'This way guests can return from shore and still experience local tastes with exciting wines at all price points. Plus, what better way to celebrate any occasion than with a special bottle of wine that can be shared with friends and loved ones on a cruise.'

Regional wines expanded by 56%

The new wine list has expanded regional representations from around the world by 56% and adding 42% more grape varietals than previously. Emerging gems, such as Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon from China, along with elites such as Lafite, Petrus, Grange, Masseto and others round out the offerings.

Selections like Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and an opportunity to explore varietals that are noteworthy—like Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia and a Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa—offer value.

The complete wine list can be found here.

Passengers who purchase the Premier Beverage Package get a 25% percent discount off bottles of wine in the main dining room.

Plus, six new beverage menus

In addition, Princess is rolling out six new beverage menus at The Sanctuary, Pool Deck, Wheelhouse Bar, Crooners, Explorer’s Lounge and a general menu offering 13 drinks created by master mixologist Floyd. There are 20 new high-end and exotic spirits, some reflecting the line's exotic destinations, and 17 new international and craft beers, as well as 39 new wines by the glass, also inspired by Princess itineraries.