Sommelier

OSM Thome Limited; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

OSM Thome, on behalf of Royal Caribbean Group, seeks a skilled sommelier onboard to lead wine service and guest engagement. You will guide wine selections, pairings, and contribute to beverage operations while ensuring compliance with USPH standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires strong knowledge of wine, service excellence, and the ability to work collaboratively with culinary and bar teams to maximize guest satisfaction and onboard revenue.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in beverage-related roles; cruise ship experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wine, service standards, and guest engagement.
• Ability to read and interpret menus, manuals, and recipes.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive wine service in dining venues onboard, including specials.
• Assist with inventory management and wine deliveries as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized wine cellar and comply with hygiene standards.
• Apply sales techniques to boost wine sales and meet targets.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Communication

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

OSM Thome, on behalf of Royal Caribbean Group, is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented Sommelier to deliver exceptional wine service onboard. This role is responsible for guiding guests through the wine selection process, enhancing their dining experience through expert pairings, and contributing to onboard wine sales. The Sommelier will also assist with inventory management, ensure compliance with USPH standards, and support the overall beverage operation while maintaining the highest levels of guest satisfaction and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold Celebrity Cruises’ standards of Safety, Service, and Style in all interactions, maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor with guests and crew.
• Provide attentive wine service in designated dining venues, including specialty restaurants and buffets. May also assist with general bar service when needed.
• Operate within a station assigned by the Head Sommelier and Restaurant Manager, following the posted schedule in the wine cellar.
• Restock the wine cellar daily and assist with wine deliveries during weekly restocking as needed.
• Maintain a clean, professional appearance and adhere to uniform and hygiene standards.
• Have a strong knowledge of the wine list and confidently recommend wine pairings based on guest preferences and menu items.
• Understand and follow the company’s service protocols.
• Apply sales techniques to boost wine sales and meet set sales targets, contributing to higher personal earnings.
• Accurately process transactions using the ship’s cashless system and address guest inquiries or issues by escalating them to a supervisor when necessary.
• Keep the work area and tools clean and sanitized in compliance with USPH standards.
• Be flexible and available to take on extra duties or extended shifts as required.
• May be assigned additional duties within the Bar Department.
• Stay informed on ship protocols to assist guests and crew effectively.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned to support overall bar operations.

Minimum Requirements for Employment:

• At least five years of experience in a beverage-related role (prior cruise ship experience is a plus), or a comparable mix of education and work history.
• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
• Ability to read and interpret various documents, such as manuals and recipes.
• Comfortable with basic math functions, including calculating percentages, commissions, tips, and proportions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and follow instructions in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.

Language Skills:

• Must be able to speak clearly and politely in English with guests and colleagues.
• Must be able to read and write in English to understand operational procedures and effectively communicate instructions and information.
• Additional language skills (e.g., Spanish, French, or German) are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to perform duties involving standing, walking, reaching, lifting, and using hands frequently.
• Must have adequate sensory skills including taste, smell, hearing, and vision (including distance and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus).
• Must be capable of fully participating in emergency drills and procedures, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and effectively carry out life‑saving duties as needed.