Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Wine Butler
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Wine Butler is responsible for recommending and serving wines, managing wine presentation, taking guest orders, and ensuring an excellent dining experience onboard MSC Cruises. Candidates should have previous experience in wine service, restaurants, hotels, or luxury hospitality, along with strong knowledge of wines and food pairing. Excellent English communication, a polished appearance, customer-service skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a multicultural team are expected. Wine qualifications such as WSET are advantageous. The role requires flexibility, attention to detail, stamina, and readiness to work long shifts at sea while maintaining professional service standards.
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 organization with deep roots in shipping and transportation. The company operates a modern fleet visiting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Middle East, and other regions. MSC Cruises offers accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions, and leisure services to guests from around the world. Its onboard teams are highly multicultural, with employees working across hotel operations, food and beverage, entertainment, marine services, guest relations, and technical departments. Working for MSC Cruises generally involves living onboard, following company procedures, serving international guests, and adapting to a fast-paced hospitality environment. Contracts commonly include accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.