Norwegian Cruise Line has been awarded Best Wine Program and Best Adult Alcohol-Free Program at the 2023 Vibe Vista Awards.
Two of the line’s chefs have also been inducted into the prestigious L’Académie Culinaire de France.
Listen to this articleOn March 10, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line announced multiple award recognitions for its food and beverage programs from Vibe Conference, a leading conference for beverage professionals, and L’Académie Culinaire de France, the acclaimed culinary organization.
Norwegian Cruise Line recognized for two outstanding beverage programs
NCL received honors for Best Wine Program and Best Adult Alcohol-Free Program at the 2023 Vibe Vista Awards, which distinguishes the top performers in chain and hotel beverage programs.
Related: Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages
With a total of nine Vista awards over the last five years, including the Best Overall Beverage Program in both 2019 and 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line is the conference’s most-awarded brand within the hotel, casino, multi-unit chain restaurant, and cruise line industries.
“The foundation of our guest-first philosophy is built on continuously innovating the onboard experience and further developing our award-winning food and beverage programs,” said Mark Kansley, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at NCL.
“We are thrilled to share the accomplishments of our skilled onboard culinary and beverage professionals whose talents continuously showcase NCL’s commitment to excellence and innovation in creating unique dining experiences for our guests,” Kansley continued.
Vibe recognized NCL’s expansive wine portfolio which features an organic and biodynamic wine menu, a rare vintage wine program curated by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, and the Meet the Winemaker series which offers guests the opportunity to engage with world-renowned winemakers through exclusive culinary experiences and intimate engagements across its fleet.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series
Norwegian also won an award for its alcohol-free program which includes a dry bar menu with low-alcohol, zero-waste, and ready-to-drink cocktails first featured at Vibe Beach Club on NCL’s new ship Norwegian Prima.
NCL chefs inducted into L’Académie Culinaire de France
In addition to Norwegian’s awards for its beverage programs, both NCL Director of Culinary Operations Eric Bilodeau and Fleet Executive Chef Patrice Mick were recently inducted into L’Académie Culinaire de France at the French Consulate in New York City.
The institution chose both chefs as profound representatives who impart French culinary art into the world.
As Director of Culinary Operations, Bilodeau assists with hotel operations and serves as Norwegian’s certified Executive Pastry Chef for creative offerings and execution in bakery and pastry.
Fleet Executive Chef Mick assists with the culinary operations and training development of all shipboard culinary members, ensuring elevated guest service standards across the fleet.
The Académie Culinaire de France, founded in 1879, has 1080 members worldwide, with a presence on all continents. L’Académie recognizes chefs for the esteemed award based on their background, career, passion for French cuisine, and dedication to teaching future generations.
The prestigious honor is shared by previous NCL inductees Corporate Executive Chef Didier Lailheugue and Senior Director of Culinary Christian Pratsch.
For a sneak peek at Norwegian’s culinary talent, you can watch Lailheugue, Bilodeau, and Pratsch—along with Michael Koertgen, NCL’s Corporate Executive Chef for Research and Development—on NCL’s “Great Cruise Cookoff”. In the embedded video below, the chefs battle it out in the kitchen for the opportunity to feature their dish aboard Norwegian Prima.
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Want to check out Norwegian’s award-winning culinary and beverage programs in person? You can find the best NCL prices and exclusive perks at CruiseDirect. Plus, they never charge a booking fee!
More resources for your NCL cruise
- 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know
- How to Get Onboard Credit for Owning Norwegian Cruise Line Stock
- Norwegian’s Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide
How do you feel about Norwegian Cruise Line’s food and beverage offerings? Did NCL deserve the recognition? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
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