BevX 2023: Princess Cruises’ Program is Fit For a Queen
Consumers have no shortage of options when it comes to cruises, and many lines excel in food and beverage offerings. Princess Cruises, a winner for Multi-Concept Hospitality, stands out for its exceptional programs on all 15 ships in the fleet.
For one, the company has partnered with celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd, who uses his unique blend of knowledge, technique and flair for storytelling to create cocktails exclusive to Princess. Guests can explore these new drinks at the lively Good Spirits at Sea cocktail bar, which is based on the popular Good Spirits TV series. Guests are immersed in the culture of each destination with crafted cocktails inspired by regional flavors around the world.
“Rob has been a great partner for us,” says Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. Floyd is also heavily involved with Princess’ newest ship, the Sun Princess, which will have 25 different bars.
Fine wines
Each Princess ship is recognized for its wine list. The selections include more than 250 labels of wines that pair well with the menu to offer a well-rounded culinary experience. The brand this past year launched several partnerships and initiatives, including a Caymus Winemaker Dinner.
Available on all ships in the fleet, the exclusive dinner leverages the expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu that complements the tasting notes of his wines. Caymus Vineyards is also working with Princess on a refreshed wine menu, and will be the curator for Crown Grill specialty restaurant, with wine-pairing recommendations on the menu.
The lively Good Spirits at Sea cocktail bar.
Princess also partnered with spirits provider Diageo to create a series of pop-up Martini bars. Guests can sip and savor custom-made libations featuring the top-quality spirits, fresh ingredients and unique preparation techniques from by Princess’ own expert mixologists.
Offered at venues such as Crooners, Take 5, Crown Grill and The Wheelhouse multiple times per voyage, guests can request their favorite gin or vodka Martini, combine it with dry vermouth (or keep it very dry). They can then customize their creation with olives stuffed with everything from blue cheese to caviar and finishing a twist of lemon, lime or orange for a truly personalized experience. The cruise line is revamping its Martini program, Kohen says, “putting a new twist on the old program and making it fun.”
Princess, which had seven ships sailing in Alaska during the 2023 season, expanded the beverage program onboard these ships this year to include decadent coffee and hot chocolate-based creations, themed frozen drinks, Alaska wines and flights of Alaska beer, Alaska cocktails, Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
The cruise line has also named Lavazza its official coffee partner, giving guests the chance to enjoy hot coffee options and convenient ready-to-drink cans. The partnership will soon be expanded to include coffee-inspired dinners and recipes collectively designed by Lavazza experts and Princess executive chefs, educational sessions, tastings, food pairings and samplings.
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