Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Maitre'd Sommelier
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Maitre'd Sommelier oversees dining-room service while providing expert wine recommendations and ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Candidates should have strong knowledge of wines, food pairing, beverage service and restaurant operations, along with previous experience in a high-end restaurant, hotel or cruise environment. Excellent communication, leadership and upselling skills are expected, as well as confidence managing guest requests and service standards. The role requires a professional appearance, attention to detail, teamwork and the ability to work long hours at sea. Fluency in English is generally required; additional languages and sommelier qualifications are advantageous. Flexibility, cultural awareness and the ability to live and work onboard are essential.
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 Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand created by the MSC Group, offering refined, yacht-inspired voyages designed around spacious accommodation, personalized service and immersive destinations. Its ships combine elegant suites, multiple restaurants and bars, wellness facilities, entertainment and carefully curated shore experiences. The brand aims to provide a relaxed alternative to traditional cruising, with an emphasis on understated luxury, culinary quality and meaningful travel. Employees are expected to deliver highly personalized hospitality to an international clientele while maintaining polished service standards. Shipboard teams work in a multicultural environment and usually receive accommodation, meals, travel arrangements and access to onboard facilities during their contracts. Explora Journeys continues to expand its fleet and creates opportunities across hotel operations, food and beverage, guest services, marine operations and luxury retail.