The Black Dress Traveler

A Glass with a View: Wine Cruise Around Manhattan

A view of Lady Liberty from aboard the Yacht Manhattan

New York City looks pretty magical from the water, especially from aboard a yacht while sipping a fantastic glass of wine perfectly paired with a delicious cheese. No, I'm not daydreaming again - last week I was invited to join a 2-hour cruise on the Yacht Manhattan hosted by wine educator & cheese expert Wendy Crispell.


The Yacht Manhattan is a sleek vessel inspired by the commuter yachts of the Roaring 20's - very elegant.

While we cruised around the New York harbor, Wendy Crispell guided us through a tasting of five wines from New Zealand and Australia paired with artisan cheeses from around the globe. Wine varietals tasted included Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. The cheeses included a sampling of Chevre, Cheddar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Did I mention that the wine pours were quite generous? Yay!

Wine & cheese diva Wendy Crispell

Wendy Crispell gives a very informative and entertaining wine presentation that includes detailed tasting notes that are yours to keep. Wendy's remarks and the serving of the wines are perfectly paced so that you still have time to chat and enjoy the view. A former chef who owned a bistro, Wendy has professional certifications in wine & cheese and has traveled extensively throughout Europe to enhance her knowledge. I also recommend taking a moment to visit Wendy's blog Sassy Sips NYC - it has great wine reviews, pairings, and recipes.

Are you ready to take a wine cruise around Manhattan? Wendy hosts wine cruises aboard the Yacht Manhattan on select Mondays (2 hours) and Saturdays (2 hours & 45 minutes) through New Year's Eve. Upcoming tastings include Sparkling Wines of the World, Bodacious Red Blends, and an Exploration of Spanish Wines. Prices per person are $85-$120.
Click here for more information and to book tickets. Bon voyage!

 

Captain Coward: Thoughts on the Costa Concordia Cruise Tragedy

image: Max Rossi/Reuters

I've been waiting to weigh in on the recent Costa Concordia cruise tragedy. The footage of the sinking ship, the loss of life, and the startling stories of the survivors left me stunned, sad, and scared. Now, that I know more details, anger has been added to the mix. Not only was the disaster caused by Captain Francesco Schettino's reckless handling of the vessel but he then abandoned the ship, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. Utter cowardice. 11 lives were lost and 22 people remain missing.

Yesterday, the transcript was released of the radio conversation between Schettino and the Italian Coast Guard and it is a jawdropper. Over and over, the Coast Guard port official orders Schettino to return to the ship and he makes every lame excuse in the book to avoid his responsibility. Click here to read the full transcript.

 Captain is not just a title. The job description goes beyond the mechanical function of steering the ship. To be a Captain is to have a solid moral compass, a strong code of ethics, and exemplary leadership qualities. When we we fly or sail, we put our trust in the Captain to follow the rules designed to keep us safe and to manage an accident with poise and strength. Based on the evidence presented so far, Schettino failed on every count.

 

Cougars Prowl for Cubs at Sea: Seriously, A Cruise Just for Older Women and Younger Men

When I first heard about the World's First International Cougar Cruise, I thought it was a set-up for a skit on Saturday Night Live. Silly me - I should have known that someone always tries to make a profit in matters of the heart and hormones.

The Singles Travel Company, which produces vacations for singles of all ages, is hosting a cruise specifically targeted to older women (cougars) and younger men (cubs). The 3-night cruise departs from San Diego on December 4 to Ensenada, Mexico.  Hey, why not give Madonna, Demi and all aspiring Mrs. Robinsons the vacation of their dreams! Growl!