A friendly and cheerful presence on SeaDream sailings, guests soon come to know Christophe, whose impeccable service has been polished by a notable hospitality career in his native France. Born in Normandy, the future SeaDream Chief Steward studied his craft in Saumur’s Hotel Management School in the Loire Valley. That was the beginning of an amazing land-based career that ultimately led him to SeaDream.

 

His first position was a two year stint as a Commis de Restaurant at Le Pre Catelan, the Paris Two Michelin Star establishment operated by famed Chef de Cuisine Gaston Lenotre. Christophe moved on to become Chef de Rang, or line cook, at Lucas Carton, the Paris Three Michelin Star restaurant owned by Alain Senderens, founder of Nouvelle Cuisine. Next, young Christophe did his military service in the French Army but even that became a stepping stone; he was assigned as Maitre D’Hotel in charge of hospitality in the residence of a top French General.

 

Returning to civilian life Christophe joined the landmark establishment Hotel de Crillon on the Place de la Concorde in Paris as Headwaiter. It was following that illustrious experience that Christophe went to sea. “I loved travel and I loved the sea,” he says today. “So when I had the opportunity to join Sea Goddess II in 1993 (now SeaDream II) I jumped at it and became a waiter.” In 1997 he was named Headwaiter and was quickly promoted to Maitre D’Hotel and then Chief Steward.

 

For many SeaDreamers, Christophe Cornu represents the epitome of Gallic flair, charm, sophistication and impeccable old-world service. He was the ever-present Chief Steward aboard SeaDream II. In May 2005, Christophe’s presence with SeaDream Yacht Club was elevated dramatically when he was named Executive Hotel Manager, a newly-created position for the entire SeaDream enterprise.

 

A few weeks ago our editor caught up with Christophe to discuss his new role with SeaDream.

SeaDreamer: A hearty congratulations young man. Please tell us a bit about your new position as Executive Hotel Manager.

Christophe: Well, I am greatly pleased by this honor and by the confidence SeaDream has placed in me. In my new position I am responsible for the service, hospitality and in general, the overall hotel operations on both SeaDream I and II.

 

SeaDreamer: That must keep you hopping.

Christophe: It does. I rotate between our two yachts; two months aboard SeaDream I and then two months aboard SeaDream II. Basically it is my job to insure consistency and quality for all of our deliverables.

 

SeaDreamer: Christophe, that sounds formidable. What’s the bottom line here?

Christophe: That’s easy. To state it simply, I have been charged with helping onboard staff on both SeaDream I and II with continuing to raise the bar, if you will. We all want to seek new levels of excellence that our guests have recognized as the best service standard in the world.

 

SeaDreamer: High goals indeed.

Christophe: Yes, certainly high goals, in fact the highest of goals. But, all of us at SeaDream yacht club are so committed to excellence that great service becomes ingrained with us. We all accept this. It requires high energy and high resolve. This philosophy comes with the job.

 

SeaDreamer: Is it fair to say this move centralizes the hotel operations onboard our twin yachts?

Christophe: Absolutely. It gives me a hands-on approach to our entire operation, not only on our two yachts but also with our supporting team ashore. It allows the entire management group to become closer to our guest to achieve even better results. This greater connectivity and team effort is what we want. The key word here, of course, is “team.”  I think it is instructive to note that many of us continue with SeaDream, five years after its founding. It is this original team, and our offspring, so to speak, that has made the SeaDream product unique among seagoing holidays.

 

As in most fields of endeavor, SeaDream frequently uses shorthand descriptions to define titles and responsibilities. Readers will find it interesting to note that in this shorthand, Executive Hotel Manager. Christophe Cornu is identified as HOTMAN. And indeed he is.