ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNCORKS EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH PONTING WINES

SYDNEY, Sept. 25, 2023 – Royal Caribbean International has uncorked an exclusive partnership with Ponting Wines, cofounded by one of Australia’s most celebrated cricketers – Ricky Ponting – and known for its uncompromising, premium wines. The collaboration showcases Ponting Wines and Royal Caribbean’s commitment 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.

In 2019, award-winning Australian winemaker Ben Riggs and the renowned former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna launched Ponting Wines. Masters of their craft, the cofounders carefully created each wine to ensure flavour, structure and complexity are of the highest quality. On board Ovation, Quantum and Brilliance of the Seas, holidaymakers will be able to enjoy 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 the glass across all restaurants and bars, from Jamie’s Italian to Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille, and the Vintages wine bar. Plus, the wines will be featured as part of the Deluxe Beverage Package for travellers who want to savour their drinks and their time off all holiday long.

Ponting shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, “Rianna and I have always shared an affinity to explore and taste wines at vineyards as we travel the world. Ponting Wines is an embodiment of our shared passion for beautiful wines and the dedication and passion that has driven me throughout my career. Sustainability is at the forefront of every decision, ensuring that all our fruit is ethically sourced from local growers in Tasmania and South Australia. We take great pride in our partnership with Royal Caribbean that aligns with our core values. We look forward to holidaymakers creating new memories while savouring a glass of our range of Ponting Wines.”

Kathryn Lock, director of marketing in Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International said “We are delighted to unveil our exclusive partnership with Ponting Wines, raising the bar of our already extensive variety of food and beverage experiences. As Royal Caribbean gears up for the Australian summer season, our goal is to offer the best holidays to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which will now be enriched by the exceptional wines curated by the talented Ricky and Rianna Ponting alongside Ben Riggs. We strive to choose partners and products that adhere to sustainable practices and are committed to engaging local Australian suppliers. Through this collaboration with one of Australia’s most premium winemakers, we look forward to elevating our guests’ holidays even further. The Royal Caribbean team is celebrating this exciting 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 locales across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, including Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Ovation and Quantum return to Australia to sail from Brisbane and Sydney, respectively from 28 Oct., while the cruise line celebrates a Down Under debut with the arrival of Brilliance. The ship will introduce guests to unique destinations, including Port Douglas and Melbourne, Australia; Suva, Fiji; and Luganville, Vanuatu, on unique getaways from Sydney.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 20 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, holidaymakers can call their travel advisor, visit RoyalCaribbean.com.au or call 1800 754 500.

About Ponting Wines

Ponting Wines is a collaboration between one of Australia’s most celebrated modern-day cricketers, Ricky Ponting, and his wife Rianna together with Ben Riggs an award-winning Australian winemaker known for uncompromising, high-quality wines. Masters of their craft, their partnership has been forged to celebrate their dedication and achievements.

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