The World Wins Best Ship Wine List Award for 11th Year

The World, Residences at Sea has again been recognized by The World of Fine Wine magazine, receiving the publication’s Best Ship Wine List award for the 11th consecutive year. The announcement was made during The World of Fine Wine’s World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025 at an awards dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London.

Award presentation at The Savoy in London

The honor was presented by Neil Beckett, Editor-in-Chief of The World of Fine Wine and chair of the judging panel, along with Francis Percival, the magazine’s food editor and a judge. Linda Schultes, The World’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, accepted the award on behalf of the residential ship.

“This recognition by one of the world’s leading wine magazines is an honor,” Schultes said. “We are grateful to be recognized by The World of Fine Wine for 11 years running.”

Schultes credited the onboard beverage team for maintaining the program year after year, and said residents also influence what is carried and supported onboard. “It is truly a testament to the dedication and expertise of the World’s beverage managers and sommeliers for creating an exceptional wine list,” she said.

What the onboard wine and beverage program includes

According to the ship’s beverage leadership, The World’s current wine list spans more than 1,200 labels sourced across 22 countries, along with 34 sake labels. The onboard cellar has capacity for 15,000 bottles, and the broader beverage program also includes more than 300 spirits.

• Wine list scale: The program includes more than 1,200 wine labels across 22 countries, with additional categories such as 34 sake labels and a spirits inventory that extends beyond wine.
• Storage capacity: The ship’s cellar capacity is 15,000 bottles, a scale the company says supports long-term collecting as well as rotation across regions.
• Recognition: The 2025 award marks the 11th consecutive year The World of Fine Wine has named the ship’s list Best Ship Wine List, based on the publication’s judging process for the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards.

Local sourcing tied to a global itinerary

Schultes said the ship’s sailing schedule shapes how the list evolves. “Thanks to our global itinerary, we source wines locally, building an expansive collection in our cellars and wine vaults,” she said.

“Our wine list reflects the ship’s global journey and the special relationships that we have with renowned winemakers worldwide,” Schultes added.

Private-label winemaking: The World Barrel Program

In 2024, The World introduced The World Barrel Program, a private-label initiative designed to produce exclusive vintages for residents onboard. Beverage Manager Leandro Alves said the program began with an inaugural vintage called The Journey.

Alves described the broader program’s ambition in land-based terms. “The World’s wine program rivals the finest cellars on land,” he said.

The Journey is an exclusive 2022 Bordeaux blend crafted by Viniv, a producer owned by the Cazes family of Chateau Lynch-Bages. The blend is built around Cabernet Sauvignon (80 percent), with Merlot and Cabernet Franc also included, and the components are drawn from multiple Bordeaux appellations.

Newer additions focused on wellness and sustainability

Alongside its traditional wine offering, The World has expanded options intended to reflect changing preferences among residents and guests. The ship introduced a curated list of non-alcoholic wines last year as part of a wider emphasis on health and wellness within the onboard community.

The wine program also includes biodynamic and organic wines. The company has described these as part of the broader list, rather than a standalone concept, allowing residents and guests to choose across different styles and producers.

Lyubomir “Lubo” Ivanov Stoyanov appointed beverage manager

The World Residences at Sea also announced the appointment of Lyubomir “Lubo” Ivanov Stoyanov as beverage manager aboard The World. The company said Stoyanov brings more than three decades of experience spanning fine dining, luxury hospitality, and wine service.

Stoyanov began his career in Bulgaria at the Palace Hotel, then moved into cruise ship roles that included Aurora One and Vistamar, as well as work with Renaissance Cruises and the Radisson Seven Seas Navigator, where he advanced to head sommelier. In shore-side roles, he held senior food and beverage leadership positions in restaurants and hotels in Varna, Bulgaria, and most recently served as executive cellar master with Oceania Cruises, where he worked on beverage program development.

His career recognition includes Best Sommelier of Bulgaria in 2007, a second-place finish in 2006, and participation in the Best Sommelier of Europe competition in 2008. The company also noted his involvement with wine boards and judging groups, including the Bulgarian Winemakers Admission Committee, which evaluates wines prior to market release.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Lyubomir “Lubo” Ivanov Stoyanov?

Lyubomir “Lubo” Ivanov Stoyanov is a wine professional with more than 30 years of experience who has been appointed beverage manager aboard The World. His background includes roles on ships such as Aurora One, Vistamar, and the Radisson Seven Seas Navigator (where he became head sommelier), along with most recent work as executive cellar master with Oceania Cruises.

Who awards The World’s Best Ship Wine List recognition?

The award is given by The World of Fine Wine magazine as part of its World’s Best Wine Lists Awards, which includes a Best Ship Wine List category.

How large is The World’s onboard wine list and cellar?

The World’s wine list includes more than 1,200 labels sourced across 22 countries, plus 34 sake labels. The ship’s cellar capacity is 15,000 bottles, and the broader beverage program includes more than 300 spirits.

What is The World Barrel Program and what was its first release?

The World Barrel Program launched in 2024 as a private-label initiative. Its inaugural vintage, The Journey, is an exclusive 2022 Bordeaux blend crafted by Viniv (owned by the Cazes family of Chateau Lynch-Bages), built around Cabernet Sauvignon (80 percent) with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, using components from multiple Bordeaux appellations.

What changes has The World made for wellness and sustainability preferences?

The company said it added a curated list of non-alcoholic wines last year as part of a broader health and wellness emphasis onboard. It also highlighted the inclusion of biodynamic and organic wines within the main wine list.