British-born Ian Smith began his career with Carnival Cruise Lines in 1981 as a yeoman aboard the former Carnival ship, the TSS Mardi Gras. Prior to that, he held positions with a number of travel- and hospitality- related companies, including several years with U.K.-based P & O Cruises, where he worked as a galley bosun and storekeeper, and Cunard Line, where he was a member of the company's hotel staff.

In 1982, Smith was named assistant food manager on the MS Tropicale and was promoted to food manager several months later. In 1990, he was promoted to his present position of senior food & beverage manager and over the years, has served in this capacity aboard seven Carnival ships, including the new 100,000-plus-ton MS Carnival Destiny.

During his 15-year career with Carnival, Smith has played a role in the introduction of every new Carnival ship dating back to the Tropicale in 1982. Presently, Smith divides his time between the 11 vessels in the Carnival fleet, ensuring that the company's quality control standards are maintained and offering his expertise to the thousands of employees in the line's food & beverage department.

As senior food & beverage manager, Smith is responsible for every facet of Carnival's onboard catering operation, including inventory, quality control and employee training and motivation.