Marinela Ivanova – Beverage Manager
Beverage Manager
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Marinela Ivanova is Beverage Manager for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. Ms. Ivanova, a certified Sommelier and a holder of DipWSET, is responsible for the beverage program on board which includes a wine list with over 1,200 labels hand-picked from 20 countries, a wine cellar with a collection of 15,000 bottles, an extensive sake selection of 34 labels, a contemporary cocktail program, and a top tier spirits selection of over 300 labels. Routed in a company-wide philosophy of delivering on each Resident’s individual preferences, Ms. Ivanova notes that The World carries the favorite wines, spirits, and sakes of every Resident. In addition to the core wine and bar programs, Ms. Ivanova and her team “bring the destination alive” for Residents by featuring destination-oriented wine lists, as well as cocktails that incorporate regional spirits and fresh ingredients discovered during her visits to local farmers’ markets.
Ms. Ivanova also organizes exclusive visits for Resident wine lovers to iconic wine producers, which are typically closed to the public. While designing these trips, she looks for unique, one-of-a-kind and authentic experiences. Instead of being received in a tasting room, Residents will enjoy an exclusive cellar and vineyard visit, often in the owner’s home, where the owner or winemaker will perform the tasting. A few of the private events that Ms. Ivanova has arranged for Residents include receptions at some of the most iconic properties in Bordeaux such as the Châteaux Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Lafite-Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, Haut-Brion, Ducru-Beaucaillou, and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de la Lalande to name a few. During calls to Australia, Residents enjoyed bespoke visits to Torbreck, Jim Barry, Chris Ringland Henschke, Tapanappa, Thompson, Leeuwin, Howard Park and Cullen Wineries.
The exploration of the wine world continues in 2023 with three Overland Journeys to Rioja in Spain and Chile, as well as to some sparkling wine producers from Kent and Sussex in England. In Chile, Ms. Ivanova has arranged for Residents to visit Montes, Matetic, Almaviva, Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta, Casa Silva and Clos Quebrada de Macul, and in Rioja, they will visit Bodegas Muga, Roda, Marques de Murrieta, and La Rioja Alta.
Ms. Ivanova has been instrumental in The World receiving three prestigious accolades in The World of Fine Wine magazine’s World’s Best Wine List Awards. In 2022, for the eighth consecutive time, The World’s wine list received the highest possible three-star rating and the title of Best Ship Wine List in the world. In 2021, for the first time, The World was crowned Regional Winner for Best Sake Wine List (outside of Japan).
Ms. Ivanova’s career in hospitality extends over 38 years, 25 of which have been spent at sea. She joined The World as Sommelier in 2008 and was promoted to Head Sommelier in 2009. She has held the position of Beverage Manager since December 2012. Prior to joining The World, she was Head Sommelier for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Head Bar and Wine Stewardess for the German cruise ship MS Berlin. Before heading to sea, Ms. Ivanova was at Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe, voted the number one hotel in Germany by Michelin for five consecutive years.
Ms. Ivanova is a graduate of the University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria, and holds a Sommelier Diploma from the German Wine School in Koblenz as well as a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine Academy of Rust, Austria, a subsidiary of WSET (British Wine and Spirit Education Trust). She is fluent in German, Russian, English and Bulgarian. Her position aboard The World allows Ms. Ivanova to nurture her two greatest passions – traveling the globe and discovering wine and other beverages in the countries The World visits. She also enjoys spending her holidays exploring wine regions around the world.
About The World
Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.
Media Contacts: For additional information or to request images of The World, please contact:
Jayne Alexander, +44 (0)20 3709 7809, jayne@dovetail-agency.co.uk.
Joanna Merredew, +44 (0)20 3709 7809, joanna@dovetail-agency.co.uk.
February 2023