Royal Caribbean Unveils Exclusive Wine Partnership

Royal Caribbean International has established a relationship with Ponting Wines, co-founded by Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s most recognised cricket players and co-founder of Ponting Wines, known for its uncompromising, premium wines. The relationship exemplifies Ponting Wines and Royal Caribbean’s dedication to delivering memorable holidays and moments.

From October 2023 to April 2024, wine lovers and connoisseurs alike can raise a glass of handpicked rosé, red or white wine, on 2- to -18-night getaways from Brisbane and Sydney this summer.

Ponting Wines was founded in 2019 by award-winning Australian winemaker Ben Riggs and legendary former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting and his wife, Rianna. The co-founders are masters of their trade, meticulously crafting each wine to achieve the greatest quality, taste, structure, and complexity.

Holidaymakers on board the Ovation, Quantum, and Brilliance of the Seas will be able to sample six of Ponting’s award-winning wines, including fan favourites Ponting First Session Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc and Ponting Mowbray Boy Tasmanian Pinot Noir. The collection will be available by the bottle and glass in all restaurants and bars, from Jamie’s Italian to Royal Caribbean’s flagship steakhouse, Chops Grille, and the Vintages wine bar.

In addition, the wines will be included in the Deluxe Beverage Package for guests who wish to savour their drinks while on holiday.

“My wife Rianna and I have always shared an affinity to explore and taste wines at vineyards as we travel the world,” Ponting said of the partnership. Ponting Wines embodies our shared enthusiasm for exquisite wines and the devotion and passion that has motivated me throughout my career.

Every decision is made with sustainability in mind, and all of our fruit is ethically sourced from Tasmanian and South Australian producers. We are proud of our partnership with Royal Caribbean since it aligns with our basic principles. We look forward to travellers making new memories while sipping a bottle of one of our Ponting Wines.”

“We are delighted to unveil our exclusive partnership with Ponting Wines, raising the bar on our already extensive variety of food and beverage experiences,” said Kathryn Lock, Royal Caribbean International’s director of marketing for Australia and New Zealand. As Royal Caribbean prepares for the Australian summer season, we aim to provide Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific with the best holidays. This will now be elevated by the excellent wines handpicked by the talented Ricky and Rianna Ponting alongside Ben Riggs.

We strive to select partners and goods that conform to sustainable practices and are dedicated to working with local Australian suppliers. We look forward to improving our guest vacations further with our cooperation with one of Australia’s most premium winemakers. The Royal Caribbean crew is toasting this amazing partnership with a glass of Ponting’s The Pinnacle McLaren Vale Shiraz!”

Royal Caribbean’s 2023-2024 season will feature three award-winning ships visiting idyllic spots in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, including Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Ovation and Quantum will return to Australia on 28 October, sailing from Brisbane and Sydney, respectively, while Brilliance will debut in Australia. On unique Sydney getaways, the ship will take guests to destinations such as Port Douglas and Melbourne, Australia; Suva, Fiji; and Luganville, Vanuatu.