As we focus on Europe and food and beverage in this issue, two industry challenges become apparent.

Europe is the second largest cruise market and ship deployment region in the world and is expected to maintain this position over the next decade, if not longer. This year, the European brands’ market capacity is for an estimated 6.8 million passengers, and by 2027 the annual passenger capacity could be more than 11.1 million, based on current ship orders and known deployments.

“We are investing in new ships and are also prepared to invest in many different regions in the world,” said Gianni Onorato, president and CEO of MSC Cruises. “What you are seeing are initiatives by a company that wants to be an increasingly important player in this industry.

Carnival Corporation will spend about $9 billion on operating expenses per year, including more than $1 billion on food products (the company does not break out its beverage spend). Julia Brown, chief procurement officer, told Cruise Industry News in an exclusive interview that about 35 to 40 percent of the supplies are sourced globally, 35 percent regionally and the balance locally.

At Costa Crociere, the core daily focus is to exceed guest expectations.

“This is our mantra; we put our guests at the center of every decision in every department,” Neil Palomba, president, told Cruise Industry News. “And, we focus our activities to ensure that guests are fully satisfied prior, during and after their cruise.”