Seatrade Cruise Talks Seatrade Cruise

Join host Ken Taylor as he sits down with industry expert Darragh McGillicuddy, Founder of  McGillicuddy Hospitality as they reminisce over lessons learnt from the hotel industry and their roles in shaping drinking & dining experiences at sea. Offering insight into the impact of F&B on passenger experience onboard and how clarity in brand standards and service excellence contribute to guest satisfaction and loyalty.
In particular, Darragh highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of small ship F&B programmes and culinary teams, and the crucial role that onboard crew play. The pair discuss leadership programmes and team culture, and the invaluable role these can play in maintaining gold standards and brand quality.
Tune in for behind-the-scenes anecdotes and practical advice for setting cruise F&B teams up for success and service excellence.

Dive into the world of food, travel, and social media influence with this weeks Eat. Drink. Cruise. episode.
Join host Ken Taylor as he explores the fascinating intersection of culinary innovation, hospitality, and social media with special guest Rachel Samson (Stick a Fork in Me). In this episode, Rachel shares her journey to becoming a social media influencer, offering insights into the evolving landscape of digital content creation in cruise F&B.
Discover how social media has reshaped the way we experience food and travel, as Rachel delves into the challenges and rewards of curating authentic content about food in the age of influencer culture. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of cruise ship kitchens to uncovering hidden culinary gems in bustling cities, Rachel's culinary adventures offer a tantalising glimpse into the world of food entertainment.
Plus, Ken and Rachel discuss viral moments, how to drive engagement and connection with cruise F&B on social media, shaping the perception of cruise travel among younger generations and opening up new opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Dive into the world of cruise industry innovation in our latest Tech Talks podcast episode, where host David Tibbles from theICEway chats with Jessica Wright, Managing Director of Peel X. Together, they navigate the realm of augmented reality (AR), shedding light on its transformative potential within cruise tourism.
Discover how AR breathes new life into travel experiences, overlaying digital wonders onto real-world landscapes. Jessica unveils the magic of interactive storytelling and engaging activities, from historical voyages to thrilling treasure hunts, all enhanced by AR technology.
Jessica shares captivating examples of AR projects in the cruise space, including a fascinating archaeological storytelling initiative in the Outer Hebrides, demonstrating how AR breathes new life into forgotten histories and undiscovered locations.
Join David and Jessica as they delve into the practicalities of implementing AR solutions, from technical intricacies to connectivity challenges in remote destinations. Plus, uncover how customised AR experiences are forging deeper connections to destinations, enriching the passenger experience ashore.
Tune in, to uncover the boundless potential of AR to enhance cruise tourism, promising guests unforgettable adventures and enriching cultural encounters beyond the confines of traditional shore excursions.

In this episode, Ken sits down with a cruise line supplier: John Devine, President of Michael J. Devine and Associates, a family-run business steeped in the wine industry's tradition.
Together, they offer insights into supplying wine to the travel industry, navigating the journey of Michael J. Devine and Associates from family dynamics, to cruise line deals, providing anecdotes and best practice examples along the way.
This episode offers the opportunity to understand the business of supplying F&B to cruise lines, and the importance of partnership with cruise line buyers - working together to adapt, finding products that meet everchanging guest expectations.
Tune in as John shares insights into relationship-building in the cruise industry, the evolving landscape of wine sales, rising interest into sustainable and low2no wine categories, and current ventures into better-for-you snacks.

In this week’s Ship Safety Spotlight, sponsored by Survitec, Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne is joined by Richard McCormick, Commercial Director of MES and AES Systems for Survitec. The pair explore the critical role of safety in the cruise industry, and particularly the advancements in ship evacuation technology.
Tune in to discover how Survitec's Seahaven Advanced Evacuation System, redefines safety at sea. With its fully automated, rapid evacuation capability, launching at the push of a button and deploys in under four minutes. Learn how this Survival Technology is designed to enhances passenger safety and free up valuable deck space onboard!
Key takeaways include insights into the increasing need for advanced evacuation systems as cruise ships grow larger and more ambitious, the crucial role of regulations in ensuring safety standards keep pace with innovation, and the impact of safety solutions like Seahaven, on the future of cruise ship design.

In this week's episode, Ken Taylor hosts Charles Steadman, Director of Food and Beverage Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages. Together, they delve into the captivating journey behind the creation of Virgin's distinctive brand and its innovative food and beverage offerings.
Explore Virgin Voyages' fresh perspective on onboard drinking & dining, shaped by collaborations with artists, musicians, and other creatives to elevate the experience for sailors.
Charles offers insights into the meticulous process behind realising Virgin's vision at sea and sheds light into emerging trends shaping menu creation, tailored to their unique, adult-only demographic. From the rising interest in low-to-no alcohol options to wellness-centric initiatives.
Tune in to discover how Virgin Voyages continues to redefine the cruise F&B experience.
Mentioned in this episode:
SSA Marine
You can visit SSA Marine at booth #1433 at Seatrade Cruise Global, April 8-11.
SSA Marine
You can visit SSA Marine at booth #1433 at Seatrade Cruise Global, April 8-11.