Position Summary:

The Sommelier is responsible for delivering exceptional wine service and enhancing the onboard dining experience through expert wine knowledge and personalized guest recommendations.

They provide wine education to guests and crew, support food and wine pairing initiatives, and consistently deliver outstanding service for a memorable dining experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist guests during dining hours with wine recommendations, service, and selections for perfect pairings with their meals.

• Actively ensure that beverage service teammates in the assigned dining locations are working together as company ambassadors and making a positive and professional impression at all times.

• Host and ensure the proper setup of all wine tastings.

• Work closely with Culinary and Dining teams on wine and food pairing dinners and special events as instructed.

• Maintain all wine storage area inventory, ensuring it is updated and reconciled with physical inventory.

• Personally get involved with handling guest concerns.

• Ensure that all guest orders are processed promptly and accurately through the onboard POS system.

• Confirm all charges on company accounts are processed correctly and in a timely manner, escalating any inconsistencies to senior management.

• Be accountable for all wine stock held in the assigned location.

• Conduct daily and weekly wine training for all front-of-house ranks in the Food & Beverage department.

• Ensure cleanliness and proper storage are maintained in the wine cellar and wine displays in line with public health standards.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent computer software skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, or equivalent.

• Ability to interact with others in a culturally diverse and dynamic environment.

• Extensive knowledge of varying wine and beverage brands, trends, and quality.

• Knowledge of New World and Old World wines, including food and wine pairing.

• Ability to conduct wine tasting sessions for large groups of guests, officers, and/or teammates.

• Ability to train other members of the Food & Beverage team on making wine recommendations and correct service standards.

Non-Negotiable Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as part of a beverage service operation.

• Four-star hotel, resort, or restaurant experience is preferred.

• Extensive working wine knowledge with a WSET, ISG, CMS, or SWE certification.

• Ability to speak and write English fluently.

• Proficiency in at least one of the following languages would be an advantage: Spanish, French, Italian, or German.

Strongly Preferred:

• Minimum of 1 year’s experience as part of a beverage service operation on a cruise ship.

Contract Details:

• 6/2 rotation: continual rotations of 6 months onboard followed by 2 months of vacation.

• Shared cabin with private bathroom facilities.