Meeting and incentive travel planners, it’s time to take a fresh look at your event food & beverage program. Today’s attendees expect more than just a meal. They crave memorable culinary experiences and epicurean adventures. At the same time, hotel food & beverage costs continue to rise. According to a recent State of the Meetings Industry survey, 58 percent of respondents expect their F&B expenses to be at least 20 percent higher in 2023.
Planners who want to elevate food and beverage experiences while cutting costs are discovering cruise ships are a unique solution. With all meals included on a ship venue, an organization can drastically reduce its F&B expenses. Complimentary event spaces, A/V equipment, onboard activities & entertainment also add to a successful event at sea.
And when it comes to inspired culinary experiences, cruise lines are right on trend. Ships now offer unique dining venues, healthy and sustainable choices, and epicurean journeys – both onboard and ashore.
What are the top cruise F&B trends for 2023 and beyond?
Just what groups are demanding! According to Seatrade’s recent Cruise F&B Trends E-Report, they include:
- Locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood
- Plant-based food and meat substitutes
- Accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions
- A diverse range of global culinary options
- Low to zero-proof cocktails, craft-spirit fusions, and health supplement beverages
Here are a just few ways cruise lines are elevating culinary experiences
Silversea S.A.L.T. Program
Silversea invites guests to broaden their taste horizons with their unique Sea And Land Taste program during all voyages on Silver Nova, Silver Moon, and Silver Dawn. Curated with Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, S.A.L.T. focuses on authentic, immersive destination experiences.
Travel deeper: From market trips and culinary shore excursions accompanied by food experts to destination-inspired dinners in the S.A.L.T. restaurant and cooking demos with local guest chefs in the interactive cooking lab.
Holland America Line ‘Alaska Up Close’
Holland America Line is the first cruise line to earn the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. The cruise line’s expanded “Alaska Up Close” program also offers new culinary and cultural experiences.
During every Alaska cruise, guests can enjoy regional cuisine and cocktails featuring authentic Alaska glacier ice. Destination-focused culinary events include an Alaska brunch menu featuring local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and Food & Wine’s New Pacific Northwest Voyages
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is partnering with FOOD & WINE for a new series of 7-night culinary journeys in the Pacific Northwest. Travel along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, delving deep into the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes while enjoying unique culinary experiences and world-class regional wines. The immersive gastronomic journeys will feature menus designed with locally sourced ingredients.
The 31-cabin National Geographic Sea Bird and sister ship National Geographic Sea Lion are perfectly sized for a private ship charter during your epicurean adventure.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Immersive Epicurean Explorations
Regent Seven Seas Cruises elevated its epicurean experiences with 128 culinary-focused shore excursions in the Mediterranean. The tours were crafted in collaboration with local chefs and culinary experts and offered throughout France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. As part of Regent’s Epicurean Perfection program, local guides will lead participants during exclusive wine tastings, cooking classes, and gourmet meals.
Back onboard, your group will savor gourmet meals in up to five restaurants with fine wine and spirits included.
New Culinary Experiences on Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity’s new ship, Celebrity Ascent, will delight your group with a reimagined food and beverage program. The premium ship will feature a unique immersive dinner experience, expanded food and cocktail menus, a new whiskey-tasting experience, and a seven-course plant-based tasting menu.
In addition to specialty restaurants and complimentary casual dining venues, Celebrity Ascent will also offer four complimentary main dining restaurants. Each main restaurant features a different style and menu with a combined choice of 84 different dishes for your guests to enjoy.
Find Your Perfect Cruise
Ready to explore cruise options for your next meeting, incentive, or group travel program?
To learn more, request a quote, give us a call at +1 786-594-0732, or email inquiry@landrykling.com.
