Few cruise traces launch with their model so properly established as Margaritaville at Sea. Constructed across the life and legend of musician Jimmy Buffett, the cruise line has loads of materials to attract from, together with the profitable land-based resorts, when constructing a culinary program its two ships, the Paradise and the fresh-from-drydock Islander, stated Eric Neuwirth, Margaritaville at Sea’s director of meals and beverage.
“Wanting first to the legacy of the Margaritaville model is all the time an necessary place to start out. Whether or not it’s gathering inspiration from Jimmy Buffett himself, or the life-style he lived, we’ve a lot freedom to construct a meals and beverage program,” stated Neuwirth. “The Margaritaville model, and all of the properties inside its portfolio, push to ship an elevated and differentiated expertise with meals and beverage. Margaritaville is our true north that permits us to dream up island-inspired creations with a chef-crafted twist that put substances and high quality preparation on the forefront.”
Buffett followers, referred to as Parrotheads, adore names and themes enjoying on his 32 studio albums and 6 books.
There’s room for a range of choices throughout the model, Neuwirth stated. With the elevated JWB Prime Steakhouse or the carefree mind-set at a 5 o’Clock Someplace Bar; the road has created a novel spin on Buffett lore that speaks to cruisers, he stated.
“We’ve acquainted favorites like cheeseburgers within the Paradise Burger Bar in addition to new-for-Margaritaville-at-Sea flavors like Island Eats, with enjoyable mashups like Sea-Cuterie Boards. We very a lot remember the fact that company, particularly company of all ages, are searching for selection on longer cruises. We get to push the envelope, considering up methods for them to search out our signature model of enjoyable, irrespective of the venue, menu, or meal,” Neuwirth stated.
“A number of signature favorites, like Key Lime Sponge Cake, have made the soar to the brand new ship,” he stated. “We’re excited to launch Mexican Cutie Cantina too, the place company will take that very same build-it-your-way method to tacos. As a result of let’s be trustworthy, is there something higher than sitting again within the solar by the pool with tacos and an ice-cold margarita?”
Maintaining all of it going is a group effort, Neuwirth stated, particularly within the age of labor and provide shortages.
“We’ve an unbelievable group and actually nice distributors, however like several entity within the hospitality house, we’ve hiccups occasionally,” he stated. Overcoming obstacles requires retaining nimble, much more so when rolling out a brand new ship.
“The number of eating places aboard the Islander additionally lets us wander into uncharted waters and ship one thing new. We’re providing boba tea at Far Facet Sushi, near our Far Out Arcade and Teen’s Membership, as a result of we all know it’s a family-friendly favourite. We’re introducing the Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar for company searching for one thing to kick off their night meal within the Islander Eating Room. Plus, we’ve three swimming pools, all with a special environment, and the meals and beverage program at every will match the vibe of the expertise.”
And the place would a margarita-themed cruise line be with out its beverage program which Neuwirth described as well-thought out and strong.
Every of the 13 bars and lounges have their very own signature margarita highlighting the venue’s ambiance.
“We often push out greater than 1,875 margaritas every day on the Paradise, which interprets to round 80 to 90 bottles of tequila. I’ve stopped counting the limes so don’t ask!” he stated. “I’m assured that whether or not a visitor is searching for the proper pour of one thing tall and powerful or a gently balanced cocktail, we’re able to ship.”
Excerpt from the Cruise Trade Information Quarterly Journal Summer time 2024