Prevue: How do you incorporate F&B into teambuilding activities?
Muller: Royal Caribbean can offer custom F&B experiences as dedicated teambuilding activities. For example, one of our most popular offerings is group wine tastings. We also offer cooking demonstrations and classes like sushi making and cupcake decorating. Our ability to combine F&B and teambuilding into one immersive experience allows for the ultimate bonding activity for attendees. Additionally, we can add F&B stations to any teambuilding activity and tailor to match. For example, if the activity is more thrilling like FlowRider surf simulator, we may incorporate ice cream socials or handheld bites.
What trends have you seen become staples in F&B?
We are seeing a big focus on sustainability and the shift toward ethically and sustainably sourced food items. Creativity and flexibility are also huge staples to ensure that if a menu item has an ingredient that a guest cannot eat, we can make the proper adjustments to accommodate. One of the biggest trends we are seeing is that dining is now more of an experience, and Royal Caribbean is continually raising the bar to offer options to cater to all interests. For example, The Mason Jar has a live country band, while Empire Supper Club onboard our newest ship, Icon of the Seas, offers an elite dining experience where each course is paired with a unique cocktail and musical number from a live jazz band.
How do you work with the F&B team to create unique menus?
We have a dedicated F&B support team in our shoreside office that is focused on groups and charters, as well as a dedicated F&B team on each ship. With this, we’re able to craft and deliver unique offerings that will blow attendees away. We can curate F&B items and menus that can be tailored to any group or theme in our main dining room, at our specialty restaurants, or lounges. We also have the ability to customize menus based on the dietary needs and interests of the group. When it comes to F&B, the options really are endless and our teams have the expertise and creativity to deliver.
Tips for being creative with F&B but keeping costs minimal?
We try to think high value and low cost, implementing creative cost-effective ideas that leave a lasting impression. For example, adding a chocolate logo piece to desserts is relatively inexpensive for the exposure and elevation of a dessert setup. Another tip is to always ask the question: does dessert have to be served at the dinner table, or can we serve it later in another location? This saves on cost and waste and provides a differentiated experience.