Working with Atlantic Marine Interiors and interior designer Guri Blindheim, Lupino's will be a Mediterranean-style restaurant with a relaxed, al-fresco feel and capacity for up to 70 passengers. It will recognise Michelle Lupino’s Italian heritage and ‘vibrant, inclusive and warm-hearted qualities,’ said the line.
To add a personal touch, the Lupino's logo on restaurant signage has been designed in a style inspired by Michelle's own signature.
Celebrates Michelle Lupino’s qualities
‘Michelle was with us at the very start of our journey as we sought to build the welcoming Ambassador team ashore and onboard that today form the backbone of our business’ explained the cruise line’s CEO Christian Verhounig. ‘She was not only an essential member of the team, but also a long-term friend of myself and many of her colleagues. As such, when Michelle left us, the overriding feeling was one of utter shock, disbelief and sadness on both a professional and personal level.’
He added that ‘In Lupino’s, we have created a warm and welcoming dining experience, which our guests will enjoy for many years to come. Celebrating all the qualities she showed, Lupino’s will serve as a constant reminder to us all of the positive and inspiring impact Michelle, and indeed all of us, can have on those around us.’
The life and soul of any party
Bob McGowan, head of guest experience, Ambassador Cruise Line revealed how the concept came to fruition. ‘I was very close to Michelle, and news of her passing affected me deeply,’ he said. ‘When I was asked by the business to help create a place on our new ship to honour her memory, I wanted it to be a celebration of her life and the many things that made her so special, including her love of socialising with friends old and new.
‘She was the life and soul of any party or gathering and would always make people feel welcome. We hope the restaurant designed in her image will be a fitting tribute to Michelle, and I’d like to think she would wholeheartedly approve of what we have created.’
Flexible seating with sharing platters
Complete with a soothing palette of Ambassador’s brand colours of aloe green with hints of allium purple, the marquee restaurant will feature a convivial dining concept where groups of passengers can eat and drink together. It will consist of flexible seating, with sharing platters inspired by local tastes and cultures.
In addition to Lupino’s, dining options onboard Ambition will include two main restaurants, speciality dining options in the Saffron restaurant, a more casual bistro style café, four bars, lounges and a wine bar.
Ambition
Ambition will enter dry dock in Germany for six weeks from the beginning of April, where it will undergo environmental upgrade works, furnishing upgrades and more.
Its maiden voyage gets underway May 12.
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