By
Rebecca Gibson |
Five operators have reached the semi-finals of the 9th annual Bacardi Cruise Competition, which has generated the largest volume of entries in the competition’s history.
This year, entrants were tasked with using Bacardi brands to create ‘The Inspired Cocktail’ that epitomises how travel has inspired them in their craft. Bacardi received the cocktails recipes from bartenders and mixologists at 14 cruise and ferry lines.
Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Tallink & Silja Line each have a contender in the final, which will be held in Miami from 4-5 September.
A sixth finalist will be chosen by readers Cruise Critic, while a ‘live from the bar’ function will enable bar customers to vote online.
“We were overwhelmed with the professionalism and innovation shown in creative cocktail recipes submitted to the qualifying round,” said Geoff Biggs, Bacardi Travel Retail Americas regional director. “The quality of the 25 semi-final candidates is truly extraordinary, in creative vision and in the accounts the entrants gave explaining the inspiration behind their uniquely personal cocktail creations. We are delighted to introduce an exciting new aspect whereby cruise guests can engage with the event to determine the sixth finalist.”
For the past two years, the competition has been won by Adri Ford, a bartender with Carnival Cruise Lines. Her winning entries include the Bacardi Oakheart Caribbean Hideaway and the Grey Goose Pink Victoria – Grey Goose L’Orange.