Norwegian Cruise Line’s Francis Ndung crowned Diageo World Class Cruises Bartender of the Year 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line's Francis Ndung claims the World Class Cruises Bartender of the Year 2024 title

Francis Ndung from Norwegian Cruise Line has been named 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 in Miami on June 13.

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.

Francis Ndung will represent the Cruise category at the World Class Global Finals this September

“It means so much to be amongst my talented peers creating delicious cocktails, Ndung said. “This is my passion and I feel honored 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!”

Andres Annese, Diageo’s Customer Marketing Manager Cruise and Airlines, commented, “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.”

Annese described the bartenders as “the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry, delighting travelers 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.”