Princess Cruises Garners Four Major Nominations at the 2026 F&B@Sea Awards, Highlighting a New Era of Culinary and Beverage Innovation.

This recognition serves as a testament to the cruise line’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, beverage innovation, and the strategic cultivation of industry-leading talent across its expansive global fleet. The nominations, which place Princess Cruises at the center of the maritime hospitality spotlight, underscore the massive organizational transformation led by Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food & Beverage. Under Kohen’s visionary leadership, Princess Cruises has not only modernized its traditional dining offerings but has also successfully integrated high-concept, land-based culinary partnerships and a world-class mixology program that resonates with the evolving preferences of modern travelers.

The F&B@Sea Awards, an integral part of the global cruise industry’s calendar, are judged by an independent panel of distinguished experts, including veteran food critics, hospitality consultants, and maritime operations specialists. Being shortlisted is a feat that requires a demonstration of both creative ingenuity and operational consistency. For 2026, Princess Cruises has secured finalist spots in four critical categories: Best Beverage Program, Best Restaurant for the innovative Makoto Ocean, Rising Star for Andreas Dymke, and the Woman of Impact award for Sarah Hancock. These accolades will be officially presented on April 16, 2026, at the F&B@Sea Awards Ceremony in Miami, a city that serves as the unofficial capital of the global cruise sector.

The nomination for Best Beverage Program is perhaps the most significant indicator of the brand’s comprehensive overhaul of its liquid assets. Over the past several years, Princess Cruises has moved away from the standardized drink menus of the past, opting instead for a sophisticated, end-to-end transformation of its beverage operations. This strategy, spearheaded by Sarah Hancock, Director of Beverage Operations, in close collaboration with Sami Kohen, focuses on a multi-tiered approach: curated wine and spirits selections, innovative cocktail development, and the establishment of premium partnerships with global brands.

The beverage program’s success is visible in the fleet’s signature venues, such as Crooners, where guests can experience meticulously crafted cocktails like the Green Tea infusion, or the exclusive Sanctuary Club on the Sun Princess and Star Princess, which serves artisanal blends such as the Red Fruit & Roses. These offerings are not merely about the ingredients in the glass but the training and execution behind the bar. The program emphasizes quality and consistency while maintaining a rigorous focus on cost discipline and guest satisfaction. By elevating the onboard beverage experience to mirror the trends seen in the world’s most elite land-based cocktail lounges, Princess Cruises has successfully tapped into a demographic of travelers who view high-quality libations as an essential component of their vacation experience.

In the culinary realm, the nomination for Best Restaurant for Makoto Ocean marks a milestone in the cruise line’s partnership strategy. Led by Sami Kohen and Andreas Dymke, Senior Director of Culinary Operations, the collaboration with world-renowned celebrity chef Makoto Okuwa has redefined contemporary Japanese dining at sea. Makoto Ocean, which debuted to critical acclaim on the Sun Princess, brings the precision and artistry of Edomae-style sushi and modern Japanese cuisine to the high seas. The restaurant has been lauded for its authenticity, offering a high-end experience that rivals top-tier restaurants in Tokyo, New York, or Miami.

The success of Makoto Ocean is part of a broader culinary shift within Princess Cruises to provide diverse and specialized dining options. This includes other high-profile venues like The Butcher’s Block by Dario Cecchini, where guests can indulge in signature dishes such as Steak Tartare with Osetra Caviar, featuring hand-cut seasoned beef and sour cream. Similarly, Alfredo’s Restaurant continues to set the bar for casual luxury with desserts like their signature Tiramisu, a delicate balance of mascarpone cream, coffee sauce, and chocolate mousse. These venues collectively represent a move toward "destination dining" within the ship, where the food becomes as much of a draw as the ports of call.

The individual nominations for Andreas Dymke and Sarah Hancock further highlight the "human element" of Princess Cruises’ success. Andreas Dymke’s nomination as a Rising Star is a reflection of the next generation of maritime leadership. As Senior Director of Culinary Operations, Dymke has been the operational engine behind the launch of new dining concepts. His role involves the Herculean task of scaling Michelin-level quality across a fleet that serves tens of thousands of meals a day. Under Kohen’s mentorship, Dymke has mastered the balance between creative innovation and the logistical complexities of maritime food service, making him a respected figure among his peers and a vital asset to the Princess brand.

Parallel to this is the recognition of Sarah Hancock as a Woman of Impact. This nomination celebrates her leadership in a traditionally male-dominated sector of the cruise industry. Hancock has been instrumental in not only modernizing the beverage programs but also in strengthening supplier partnerships and developing high-performing onboard teams. Her impact is felt in the culture of inclusivity and excellence she has fostered within the F&B department. By setting new standards for how beverage programs are managed at sea, Hancock has become a trailblazer, proving that operational discipline and creative flair can go hand-in-hand to drive commercial success and guest loyalty.

The broader significance of these four nominations lies in what they say about the current state of the cruise industry. As cruise lines compete for the attention of a more discerning and younger demographic, Food & Beverage has moved from a supporting role to a lead role in brand differentiation. Travelers are no longer satisfied with generic buffets; they seek "Instagrammable" culinary moments, authentic global flavors, and craft beverage experiences. Princess Cruises has recognized this shift and pivoted its strategy to meet these demands head-on.

Sami Kohen’s influence on this trajectory cannot be overstated. Having won the F&B Maverick of the Year Award at the 2025 F&B@Sea ceremony, Kohen has established a culture of performance and accountability. His leadership philosophy centers on building a team that is capable of delivering world-class experiences while maintaining the rigorous operational standards required at sea. In a recent statement, Kohen noted that these nominations are a direct reflection of the "incredible people" behind the programs, emphasizing that the dedication shown by both onboard and shoreside teams is what truly drives the brand forward.

As the industry looks toward the April 2026 awards ceremony in Miami, Princess Cruises finds itself in a position of strength. The launch of the "Sphere Class" ships—the Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess—has provided the perfect platform for these new culinary and beverage concepts to flourish. These ships represent the future of the fleet, featuring architectural designs that prioritize light and space, creating the ideal environment for the high-concept dining and drinking venues that have earned these nominations.

Furthermore, the integration of technology, such as the MedallionClass experience, has allowed Princess Cruises to personalize the F&B journey for guests. Whether it is ordering a craft cocktail to be delivered to a specific lounge chair or making reservations at Makoto Ocean via a mobile app, the seamless blend of service and technology enhances the perceived value of the F&B program. This holistic approach to the guest experience is a key reason why the brand continues to dominate industry discussions regarding culinary innovation.

In conclusion, the four nominations at the 2026 F&B@Sea Awards are not just a collection of accolades; they are a validation of a multi-year strategy to reposition Princess Cruises as a leader in maritime gastronomy. By investing in celebrity partnerships, fostering internal talent, and reimagining the beverage experience, Princess Cruises has set a new benchmark for the industry. As the 2026 awards ceremony approaches, the cruise line remains focused on its mission to provide guests with unforgettable culinary journeys, reinforcing its status as the "Love Boat" for a new generation of food and drink enthusiasts. The industry will undoubtedly be watching closely as the winners are announced in Miami, but for Princess Cruises, the nominations themselves already tell a story of remarkable transformation and sustained excellence.