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Press Releases
Whelpton Consulting, Inc., Consulted with Local Government
In Savannah, Georgia to establish them as a Home Port for Cruise Ships
Savannah’s interest in pursuing a cruise ship to designate the city as its home port got a big boost from a Florida consultant on Monday, 11.23.09. Peter Whelpton, President of Whelpton Consulting, toured Savannah and traveled its’ river to check prospective sites for a home port, then met with businessmen , city officials and river pilots to discuss issues related to bringing a cruise to the Hostess City. He believes the city could be a home base for ships carrying 2,500 to 3,000 passengers. “I think you would be a good candidate for a home port,” he told one group. “The city itself is marvelous. I have never seen a city so steeped in history. You have a good river, its wide, its deep; you have a good turning basin.” “I’m reasonably sure you can get the first (cruise line). And once you get the first one, others follow.” A task force studying the cruise initiative, which is headed by Savannah Alderman Tony Thomas, agreed to pursue a feasibility study that would address the cost estimates for building a terminal, parking garages and other needed infrastructure. Last week, State Senator, Lester Jackson committed to pursuing state funds for a study.
“Savannah Morning News”, dated 11.24.09 (portions taken from this publication)
Whelpton Consulting, Inc.
Creates Four New Restaurants and Beverage Operation
for Celebration Cruise Line
Whelpton Consulting, of Palmetto Bay, FL has recently completed a four restaurant and beverage operation for Fort Lauderdale based Celebration Cruise Line's "Bahamas Celebration". The ship sails from Port Everglades, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas.
Pete Whelpton, President of Whelpton Consulting Inc. was engaged by Celebration Cruise Line to create the new restaurant complex that includes Rio's, a Brazilian Steak House, Tattoria Di Gerry, an Italian sidewalk cafe' (named in honor of the owners Father), the elegant Crystal Dining Room, and an intimate Gourmet Restaurant. The project also included a complete beverage operation with seven bars and three wine cellars.
All dining facilities are serviced from one galley. "This was a tremendous challenge for our Chef and his staff to prepare and serve such variety from one small galley and to prepare food for 352 crew members at the same time" said Whelpton. "The owner admitted that he did not have food knowledge and it was up to me to deliver the product."
Starting with an empty desk and a telephone, Whelpton first recruited Corporate Executive Chef, Fritz Mariacher, with fourteen years experience at Royal Viking Line. Mariachi then brought Walter Schipple onboard as Executive Chef. Whelpton and his senior management team that included Beverage Operations Manager Luis Ortega, formally with Celebrity Cruise Line then recruited 105 galley and beverage personnel. "We did most of the recruiting from our own sources", Pete noted.
We also developed new menus, uniforms, carving equipment, recipes, cutlery, crockery and napery. "We even gave our servers some Italian singing lessons" he says.
"The result of this effort was that we had no food complaints for the first six cruises. I always enjoy a challenge and we did it all in just six months while the ship was under renovation" said Whelpton.
For more information contact:
Peter Whelpton,
Whelpton Consulting Inc.
5984 Paradise Point Dr.
Palmetto Bay, FL. 33157
Whelconsult@aol.com
www.whelptonconsulting.com
Phone; 305.632.6020