Celebrating Excellence in Cruise Food & Beverage
On April 16, 2026, the F&B@Sea event culminated in a spectacular awards ceremony that highlighted the exceptional talent and innovative spirit in the cruise food and beverage sector. Hosted at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, this year’s event brought together cruise lines, suppliers, and hospitality leaders from across the globe to honor those redefining dining experiences at sea.
2026 F&B@Sea Awards: Recognizing the Best in the Industry
The F&B@Sea Awards, presented by Rémy Cointreau, celebrated a diverse array of winners who have made significant contributions to the cruise industry’s culinary landscape. The awards not only recognize established leaders but also spotlight emerging talents that are shaping the future of onboard dining.
Top Cruise Line Winners
- Best Restaurant: Princess Cruises – Makoto Ocean
- Most Sustainable F&B Programme: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- Best Beverage Programme: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- F&B Maverick: Linken D’Souza, Senior Vice President, Global Food & Beverage – Royal Caribbean
- Rising Star Award: Alex Palmeri, Senior Manager, Beverage Operations – Royal Caribbean
- Woman of Impact Award: Marisa Christenson, AVP, Food & Beverage Operations and Development – Holland America Line
Supplier Awards: Innovations That Inspire
- Food Innovation Award: Aussie Select (Lamb Charcuterie)
- Beverage Innovation Award: BZ Consortium – Wine of the Sea (Underwater-aged wine)
- Eco-Pioneer Award: The Chef’s Garden (Produce/Regenerative Farm)
- Trailblazing F&B Technology Award: The Butter Book (Training Platform)
- Best New Product Award: Nektar Natura (Beverage Dispensing Solutions)
Insights from Industry Leaders
Mary Bond, Group Director of Seatrade Cruise, emphasized the significance of this year’s honorees, stating, “This year’s honorees exemplify excellence in cruise F&B. Their commitment to quality, creativity and elevating the guest experience continues to redefine dining at sea.” Such recognition not only honors these innovators but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry to aspire to.
Innovative Trends Shaping Dining at Sea
The cruise industry’s culinary landscape is evolving rapidly, influenced by trends in sustainability, technology, and guest experience. As we analyze the winners of the F&B@Sea Awards, several key trends emerge:
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
The Most Sustainable F&B Programme award highlights an increasing commitment to eco-friendly practices. Companies like National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions are leading the charge by integrating sustainable sourcing and minimizing waste in their operations. This trend is not just a passing phase; it’s becoming a fundamental expectation from consumers.
Innovations in Food and Beverage
With the Food Innovation Award going to Aussie Select for their Lamb Charcuterie, it’s clear that unique and high-quality offerings are gaining traction. Similarly, BZ Consortium’s underwater-aged wine represents a bold step in beverage innovation, showcasing how creativity can enhance the guest experience.
Empowering Emerging Leaders
The Rising Star Award recognizes the importance of nurturing new talent in the industry. As professionals like Alex Palmeri rise through the ranks, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas that can drive the industry forward. This emphasis on mentorship and development is crucial for the future of cruise dining.
The Future of F&B@Sea
The F&B@Sea event is set to return to Miami on April 7-8, 2027, where the mission will continue to connect, inspire, and celebrate the global cruise culinary community. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, events like these play a vital role in fostering innovation.
Join the Conversation
As professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, it’s essential to stay informed about these evolving trends. The 2026 F&B@Sea Awards serve as a reminder of the incredible potential within our industry. We encourage you to share your thoughts on how these innovations can influence your operations or the industry as a whole. Join us in the comments below!
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Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
