P&O Cruises – the Cream of Baristas

It’s official, P&O cruises offer GREAT coffee!

Just because you are in the middle of the ocean doesn’t mean that you can’t get your caffeine fix. Whether you are an extra strong European drinker, or prefer a creamy latte, you’ll find your favourite drink onboard a P&O cruise ship!  And what’s better?  P&O are even training their staff to make sure they are amazing cups of coffee too.

Baristas are “trained mixologists familiar with both alcohol and coffee-based drinks” and those employed by P&O keep their skills up to date by having on-board competitions with their colleagues. Nestle Professional work with the cruise company to ensure that whether their customer wants sheer indulgence or a healthier option, taste and quality are not compromised.

The annual barista competition is held over the three ships initially, and then the top six baristas go head-to-head, preparing three drinks for a representative of Nestle Professional. The pros are looking for presentation, technical knowledge and that little bit of extra skill to set them apart from the others.

“The F&B staff involved onboard our ships are proud of the very high standards they have set. Passengers love our coffee and that’s what keeps them coming back for more,” said Graham Willshere who is Carnival Australia’s Manager of Food and Beverage Systems.

The 2012 winners were Mario Avelino from Pacific Pearl, Maylene Galban from Pacific Dawn and Rowena Rongavilla from Pacific Jewel.

Last year Pacific Dawn launched coffee appreciation courses on board, with coffee demonstrations, and lectures to help passengers to understand the basics of creating and enjoying coffee.

Mr Spinoglio, who is a barista of over 13 years, passed his knowledge and expertise on to staff and cruisers. “It’s easy to make coffee, but it takes dedication, passion and practice to master the technique of creating great espresso coffee. After putting the P&O cruise coffee ambassadors through their paces, they will now be able to pass on the skills required to craft the perfect espresso” said Mr Spinoglio.

The P&O baristas will be able to educate passengers on the origins of coffee beans, how to blend them to create the flavour required, and how to properly store coffee.

The flavour of the coffee is everything, but the design and look should reflect the care and attention to detail that went into it.

There’s plenty of opportunity to partake in a coffee moment on-board P&O’s cruise ships with coffee shops, bars and plenty of fantastic locations to sit and enjoy it.