PoliticsHow do you think Trump did in his first 100 days in office? Wine-tasting trips are the toast of the cruise industry. But wait, why is Alaska part of that? If your bucket list includes learning more about wine, and tasting buckets of it, you'll get a chance on a wine-themed cruise.The trips, increasingly popular in the cruise industry, often visit the world's best-known wine regions, such as Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France and Italy's Tuscany. Participants may attend educational sessions and tastings on board, then take excursions to vineyards during port stops. But some of the destinations may be a surprise. For instance, a wine cruise in Alaska or the Caribbean may seem counterintuitive. You may not be able to watch the process taking place on land, but there are plenty of chances on board to educate your palate and spend time with a glass of your favorite wine."Alaskan wine cruises are hugely popular with cruisers," said K-K Afre of Expedia Cruise Ship Centers in North Bay, Calif.

"We can be looking at glaciers calving while sipping great wines. It gives them an additional reason to cruise."), said many passengers are first-time cruisers who "want more than a vacation; they're  looking for an elevated experience.”“Often they're foodies, in addition to being interested in wines."Paul Wagner, a Napa Valley College wine instructor, loves the ambience the group's cruises offer. "It's a great way to meet people and learn about wine," said Wagner, who has led several of the cruises.  Many wine cruises are on smaller ships, including river boats in Europe. AmaWaterways, for instance,  is offering  themed cruises in 2017 that showcase wine regions along Europe’s Danube, Douro, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone and Seine rivers. The line's 13-day Taste of Bordeaux cruise, for instance, is offered eight times in 2017, with prices starting at $2,149 per person, double occupancy.Large ships also offer wine education classes and sponsor special wine-themed cruises. Holland America Line's fleet, for instance, has wine-tasting classes aboard all its ships. 

The line's new ship,  Koningsdam, also has an activity called Blend, which allows passengers to become winemakers by creating their own blends of wine.need good soft red wineHolland America is sponsoring a holiday cruise next month that will feature Leslie Sbrocco, a nationally known wine expert and James Beard award winner.best type of wine with pizzaThe seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise sets sail Dec. 2. best wine clubs londonRates begin at $999 per person, double occupancy.  best rated wine cellar coolersCelebrity Cruises isn't new to wine-themed cruises, either. best sweet wine in usa

It has sponsored more than 100 such trips in the past five years, and it has nearly two dozen on the schedule for the next 15 months, including cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.The itineraries, limited to 120 participants each, include a welcome reception, two one-hour seminars and wine-pairing lunches.best wine 2007Among the upcoming cruises organized by the Wine Cruise Group:•Wine Cruise to Alaska, seven nights aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner with Sbragia Family Vineyards, from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver,  Canada, May 31. Rates from $5,498 a person, double occupancy. Includes free airfare from a Regent Gateway city, plus wine seminars, tastings and dinners.•Mediterranean Wine Cruise, seven nights aboard the Oceania Riviera from Barcelona, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, with B.R. Cohn and Balletto Vineyards, June 28. Rates from $4,198 per person, double occupancy. Cruise includes free airfare, gratuities, three shore excursions, $300 onboard credit, plus welcome party, four wine dinners and four tastings.•Tahiti Wine Cruise, 11 nights aboard the Paul Gauguin through the islands of French Polynesia with Beaulieu Vineyard, July 15.

Rates from $5,915 per person, double occupancy. Includes free airfare, three tastings, a winemaker dinner and a welcome party. © 2017, Los Angeles TimesSample the region’s best wine and take in spectacular views as you indulge in a luxurious river cruise– it’s the ultimate way to experience wine country! For almost 20 years, USA River Cruises has catered to the most discriminating traveler, providing wine cruise experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. Take our Columbia River Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise, for example. How else can you taste wine in two different valleys, walk down the beaches of the Oregon and Washington coasts, and spend a decadent evening in Portland, all the while cruising on a luxurious yacht? And that’s not all, many of our wine cruises also include tours of local museums and historical sites, creating once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. There is a deep-rooted passion for wine all across the globe and we can’t wait to share it with you! Come taste new varietals, discover new vintages and try barrel tasting amongst the rolling hills and romantic vines.

Discover the hidden gems of wine country as you visit boutique wineries, rustic barns and historical estates. Whether you’re a wine novice or an experienced connoisseur, USA River Cruises will ensure that your trip is personal and special. As our guest during your unforgettable cruise, we’ll pamper you with our signature services, including transport to and from airports and hotels, delicious meals cooked by renowned chefs, and deluxe cabins and accommodations. Aboard our smaller ships, you can relax as knowledgeable guides tell the region’s greatest stories. And in smaller groups, you can complete our exciting itineraries at a slower pace. It’s an intimate wine country experience that can’t be missed! Talk to one of our friendly agents to learn more about American, European and Asian wine cruises! Captivating Rhine (Wine Cruise) Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise) Europe's Rivers & Castles (Wine Cruise)