Whiskey has become quite the trendy liquor recently. Now, Craft Whiskey Expo at Sea is looking to capitalize on the trend with a special trip geared all around the drink.
The 2022 Craft Whiskey Expo at Sea event will take place on the Celebrity Millennium next spring between March 31 and April 4. It’s a 4-day cruise off the Florida coast where passengers will immerse themselves in the drink.
Cruise organizers hope to “take the relationship between whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts and craft brands to a new level.”
It will give participants the opportunity for both those new to whiskey as well as long-time enthusiasts to spend time talking, tasting, learning, and sharing.
“[We’re] creating a true consumer expo rather than a simple bourbon festival,” organizers claim.
The cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 31, sailing to Key West and Nassau before returning on April 4. Each day aboard is filled with a variety of activities and a nightly group dinner.
The first day begins with a branded cocktail party as an icebreaker to meet the brands and fellow passengers.
Day 2 includes a bar crawl in Key West, where participants will hit five different locations and a distillery. That’s followed by a day of breakout sessions aboard the ship, covering everything from mixology to barrel picks to the differences between craft bourbon and whiskey.
The next day includes a free morning ashore in Nassau, followed by an expo, bourbon tasting, and a closing night branded cocktail party.
Prices for the cruise start at $519 for an inside cabin up to $949 for an aqua class cabin. A $200 deposit is required at booking, with full payment due by January 14. There is also a $75 expo fee to take part in the alcohol portions of the cruise. This fee is not needed for those simply wanting the cruise experience or for anyone bringing minors along.
This is an all-inclusive cruise, so prices include cabin, meals, entertainment, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a classic beverage package.
The cruise will be following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines requiring anyone 12 or older to be vaccinated at the time of the cruise to fully participate. Those who are not can still board, but will be limited in their activities, including being unable to attend most of the expo events.
Representatives and samplings from up to 20 craft bourbon and whiskey brands will be part of the cruise, including such brands as Uncle Nearest, Nashville Barrel Company, Old Elk, Sugar Works, and 291 Colorado Whiskey.
Cruise organizers expect this to be a fun and educational experience.
“A first of its kind, Craft Whiskey Expo at Sea is putting enthusiastic whiskey and bourbon consumers together with the people behind exciting brands in a uniquely intimate setting,” organizers say. “This is so much more than just another bourbon festival.”
Be sure to check out all of our travel news coverage, as well as our food and drink articles for some tasty inspiration.
