1 5 1 on our variety and innovate with a specific purpose of delighting out guests.” Hurtigruten is similarly dedicated to ensuring staff onboard its vessels are trained to a high standard. “Our restaurant staff undertake a rigorous training programme to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to deliver first-class service from their very first season,” says Nilsen. “Our vision of locally sourced cuisine goes hand in hand with championing home-grown talent, ingredients and suppliers.” In spring 2022, Hurtigruten launched its Culinary Ambassador programme, a collaboration with award-winning Norwegian chefs Astrid Nässlander and Halvar Ellingsen. “They are both from northern Norway and know how to get the most out of the unique ingredients harvested along the coast and from the sea,” says Nilsen. “Working with our chefs, they have crafted locally inspired, sustainably produced, delicious dishes exclusive to the restaurants on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express. Feedback from guests about the food has been very positive. They have also been impressed by our training programme and our commitment to supporting future chefs.” Ponant has also recorded high customer satisfaction levels among its passengers, primarily because it capitalises on opportunities to offer guests exclusive experiences. “When it comes to ordering supplies during our ports of call, I always try to seek out opportunities that our guests will really enjoy,” says Kuhry. “Recently in eastern Greenland while stopping in a very small village called Tassilaq, we purchased some fresh and smoked salmon that we served directly to our guests on the sea ice, and they loved it! “These kinds of events are really important to me, and as soon as we have an opportunity to do this sort of unforgettable experience, we try to make it happen.” CFR Photo: ©PONANT-Nicolas Dubreuil Photo: ©PONANT-Gilles Trilla Passengers on Ponant ’s Le Commandant Charcot can expect Michelin-star service and, top, Hurtigruten values the use of sustainably sourced ingredients for its dining options
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