Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Specialty Restaurant Sommelier
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Specialty Restaurant Sommelier is responsible for managing wine and beverage service in an upscale onboard restaurant. Requirements typically include recognized sommelier or wine-service training, strong knowledge of international wines, previous experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality, excellent English communication skills, and the ability to work with guests from different cultures. The candidate is expected to recommend wines confidently, provide professional and engaging service, maintain cellar standards and inventory, support restaurant revenue targets, and handle busy service periods calmly. Flexibility, teamwork, polished presentation, and willingness to live and work at sea for extended contracts are essential. Additional languages and experience with cruise or international hospitality operations are advantageous.
Can I work on cruise ships?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: No host-country permit: a seafarer medical, safety training, a seaman's book, a US crew visa and a Schengen visa.
Watch for: Recruitment fees are banned on ships.
Official source: US Department of State: crewmember visa. Checked October 2026.
What the job usually comes with on cruise ships
Usual for cruise ships, varies by employer. Checked October 2026.
| Housing | Free cabin, usually shared |
|---|---|
| Meals | Free (by law) |
| Flights | Joining and home flights usually paid; free repatriation (by law) |
| Service charge | Passenger service charges pooled on many lines |
| Contract | 6 to 9 months on board, about 2 months unpaid between contracts |
| Leave | 2.5 days a month, often paid as cash |
| Income tax | Usually not withheld; depends on your home country |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a major international cruise company and part of MSC Group, a global transportation and logistics business. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises operates a large fleet serving destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. The company offers accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness, family activities, and shore excursions to a broad international guest base. Its ships employ people in hotel operations, food and beverage, entertainment, marine operations, technical services, guest relations, and administration. MSC Cruises promotes multicultural teamwork and provides employees with the opportunity to build international hospitality experience while travelling between ports. Crew members generally receive onboard accommodation, meals, medical support, and structured contracts, although working hours can be demanding and schedules may include weekends, holidays, and long periods away from home.