Diageo Global Travel is seriously investing in the cruise line sector in a competition, which will engage 5,500 bartenders in the mixology art.

 

The leading drinks company is adding two more cruiselines (Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises) to its 2014 Diageo World Class programme, in addition to Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

The anticipated participation of 5,500 bartenders this year takes the event into the serious big league compared with the 400 that took part last year, with the drinks company promising that its enlarged event will push the boundaries of high-end cocktails, with bartenders encouraged to both innovate and experiment – obviously using base spirits ingredients from the Diageo portfolio.

 

Interestingly, Diageo has Mario Seijo managing the training programme this year – last year’s World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean. He will apparently be aided by leading mixologists Julio Cabrera, Joseph Brooke and Michael Parish.

 

In a statement, Diageo said: “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”.

 

Part of the Diageo portfolio (Photo credit – Ian Derry).

The bartenders will then compete in heats for the opportunity to compete head on with their peers at the semi-final of the competition in Miami on June 5. The cruise line winner will then compete with other bartenders from around the world at the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year global final.

 

Now in its fifth year, Diageo’s cruise programme has trained over 15,000 bartenders in 50 markets worldwide and claims to be ‘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: “This is our biggest year ever by some way, and our continued investment demonstrates our commitment to the cruise industry and belief in the sector as a commercial growth area.”

 

The following quotes from the participating cruise line companies were gathered by Diageo:

 

Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess.

 

Princess Cruises: Jonathan Wilson, Vice President, Food and Beverage Services and Product Development: “As the pioneer cruise line that broke new ground with our participation in the programme in 2012 and cemented our place as the Cruise Channel winners for Diageo 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.”

 

 

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ ‘Getaway’.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line: Michael Flesch, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations: “At Norwegian Cruise Line, we have seen incredible success with The Diageo Reserve World Class programme 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 Sovereign of the Seas.

 

Royal Caribbean International: Brian Abel, Vice President of Food & Beverage: “Royal Caribbean International is glad to be part of The Diageo Reserve World Class mixology programme. The programme 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’ GTS Summit.

 

Celebrity Cruises: Chanelle Duarte, Manager of Beverage Development, Celebrity Cruises: “Celebrity Cruises’ collaboration with The 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.

 

“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.”

[TOP IMAGE: Last year’s Global Winner Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Seijo].