PRESS RELEASE
DIAMONDS IN THE DEEP BLUE
Princess Cruises’ Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario Receives The International Five Star Diamond Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Wednesday, April 29, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA – The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) has announced Princess Cruises as a recipient of the 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award. The recognition specifically honors two specialty dining establishments within the fleet: Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario.
The awards were officially presented in The Piazza aboard the Sun Princess. AAHS International Trustee Kevin Dunn delivered the Five Star Diamond Award plaques to Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Princess Cruises, and the respective culinary teams for both venues. The International Five Star Diamond Award is an industry recognition focused on performance in the global luxury and travel sectors. The 2026 honors for Princess Cruises highlight the brand’s current initiatives in specialty dining, which include collaborations with Master Chef Makoto Okuwa and butcher Dario Cecchini.
“These honors reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences for our guests without compromising what makes our partners exceptional,” stated Sami Kohen during the presentation. Makoto Ocean features Edomae-style sushi and Japanese cuisine, while The Butcher’s Block by Dario focuses on artisanal butchery and Italian culinary traditions. These dining concepts are part of the current offerings on the Sun Princess and are scheduled to be included on the Star Princess.
