Diageo Global Travel has named Francis Ndung from Norwegian Cruise Line as the World Class Cruises bartender of the year 2024.
He will now go on to represent the Cruise category at the World Class Global Finals this September.
Prior to the cruise final of the global competition, Ndung took part in the World Class Cocktail Cruise Festival, where six contestants created cocktails using Johnnie Walker and Ketel One Vodka from Diageo’s Reserve portfolio of luxury brands.
These special creations were then placed on the bar menus across March and April. The judges (including Laura Newman, World Class US bartender of the year 2018) then narrowed the field of contestants down to six exceptional mixologists who took part in the final last night in Miami.
The six finalists took part in two challenges: Check-On and Bar of the Future. With each challenge judged by a panel of four experts.
Ndung said: “It means so much to be amongst my talented peers creating delicious cocktails. This is my passion and I feel honoured to win amongst this group of finalists. I am already looking forward to representing my fellow contestants at the competition in Shanghai. Bring on the Global Finals!”
Leading the cruise partnership activation at Diageo, the spirit company behind the World Class Competition, Diageo Customer Marketing Manager – Cruise and Airlines, Andres Annese said: “It has been a brilliant final. We have witnessed the best that the world of cruising offers its floating patrons which many don’t get to see. The talent on board delighting passengers night after night. The skill and creativity have been striking. We are delighted to now have Francis Ndung to represent this wonderful category at the World Class Global Finals in Shanghai this September.”
He added: “These bartenders really are the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry, delighting travellers for decades. They have so many hurdles to overcome – balancing the desire for luxury with the restrictions that come with being at sea; constantly working to excite customers who are aboard for several days or weeks at a time. Mastering the classics but shaking it up every evening is something that Francis Ndung proved he can do here tonight, and we’re just thrilled to shine a light on this wonderful area of the hospitality industry.”
