Cruise
passengers to experience cutting-edge cocktail culture as DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD
CLASS(TM) takes to the high seas with Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line,
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises
One
of the world’s most prestigious cocktail competitions is taking to the high
seas to turn floating bartenders into mixologists extraordinaire. The Diageo
Global Travel team today announced the launch of the biggest ever DIAGEO
RESERVE WORLD CLASS(TM) program, in partnership with four of the world’s leading
cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean
International and Celebrity Cruises.
This
year the program will see over 5,500 cruise line bartenders (almost 15 times
the number of 2013 participants) trained in the art of mixology then whittled
down to just four via a series of explosive heats. These four will go
head-to-head at the glamorous DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS GLOBAL TRAVEL
semi-final event in Miami , Florida
Managing
the training program this year will be World Class Global Winner for Latin
America & Caribbean 2013, Mario Seijo, supported by leading mixologists
Julio Cabrera, Joseph Brooke and Michael Parish. In sessions around the world
from Shanghai to Sydney and Naples to Cozumel, they will coach on board
bartenders in showmanship skills and the latest cocktail-making trends such as
‘Mediterranean Mastery’ and ‘Gin and the Secrets of Distillation’ to create
delicious drinks for on board guests. Pushing the boundaries of high-end
cocktails, the bartenders are encouraged to innovate and experiment using some
of the world’s leading collection of fine spirits: the Diageo Reserve Brands
portfolio.
Following
a successful partnership with Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line last
year, WORLD CLASS is doubling in size and welcoming Royal Caribbean
International and Celebrity Cruises in 2014. DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS will
elevate the craft of the cruise line bartender, revolutionise on board
fine-drinking experiences and ensure these cruise lines bartenders are ahead of
the latest mixology trends.
Now
in its fifth year, DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS has trained over 15,000
bartenders in 50 markets worldwide, using the finest, award-winning spirits
from the Diageo Reserve collection. It has been transforming the face of
cocktail culture by creating new experiences for the discerning drinker around
the world.
Louise
Higgins, Marketing Director, Diageo GTME Western, said: “WORLD CLASS has become
synonymous with creativity, style and sophistication, constantly pushing the
boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture. Through DIAGEO RESERVE
WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest investment in luxury drinking
experiences, we are delighted to be collaborating with the best cruise lines in
the industry to transform fine-drinking for holiday makers. This is our biggest
year ever by some way and we are excited to see these bartenders will take
their cocktail making skills to new levels in the world’s most credible
cocktail competition.”
Jonathan
Wilson, Vice President, Food and Beverage Services and Product Development,
Princess Cruises added: “As the pioneer cruise line that broke new ground with
our participation in the program in 2012 and cemented our place as the Cruise
Channel winners for DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS 2013, we are absolutely thrilled
to be returning for another year of participation and excellence. The influence
of on-trend mixology training from accomplished celebrities of the cocktail
industry has ignited a new level of passion and enthusiasm for our crew.”
Michael
Flesch, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Norwegian Cruise Line: “At
Norwegian Cruise Line, we have seen incredible success with The DIAGEO RESERVE
WORLD CLASS program and look forward to continuing our participation once again
this year, on an even broader level. The program allows us to provide excellent
training, elevate our mixology and, ultimately, further enhance our guests’ on
board experience.”
“Royal
Caribbean International is glad to be part of DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS
mixology program,” said Brian Abel, Vice President of Food & Beverage for
Royal Caribbean International. “The program will help enhance the on board
beverage experience and deliver the WOW to our guests like never before. It
will help showcase our talented bartenders and beverage staff, as well as their
individual creativity and skill in serving delicious cocktails to guests on a
Royal Caribbean vacation.”
“Celebrity
Cruises’ collaboration with DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS is an incredible
opportunity to showcase the progressive and award-winning beverage program
guests can enjoy while sailing on board our modern, luxurious ships,” said
Chanelle Duarte, manager of Beverage Development, Celebrity Cruises. “Working
with WORLD CLASS will also enhance our bar experience through specialized
training emphasizing innovation and impeccable service – two hallmarks of a
Celebrity Cruises vacation experience.”
