Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Asst. Wine Keeper
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant Wine Keeper supports wine and beverage service across the ship, helping receive, store, organize and issue wines while maintaining accurate stock records and appropriate storage conditions. The role may involve assisting sommeliers or restaurant teams, preparing wine lists, replenishing service areas and providing knowledgeable, courteous guest service. Candidates are generally expected to have previous experience in restaurant, bar, cellar or wine-service operations, good product knowledge, basic inventory skills and comfortable spoken English. A professional appearance, attention to detail, physical stamina, flexibility and willingness to work long hours at sea are essential. Hospitality training, wine certifications and experience with international guests 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 the Switzerland-based MSC Group. It operates a modern fleet sailing to destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and other global regions. The company provides accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions and hospitality services for a diverse international guest base. MSC Cruises employs crew members from many countries in hotel operations, food and beverage, marine services, entertainment, engineering and administration. Shipboard employees typically live and work onboard under fixed contracts, with meals, shared accommodation and access to selected crew facilities included. The company emphasizes guest satisfaction, operational standards, safety, teamwork and multicultural collaboration. Working for MSC can provide international travel exposure and opportunities to progress within the cruise and hospitality industries.