Is It Worth It? The Realities of Working as a Sommelier on a Cruise Ship
Cunard - Queen Victoria - 2016
Ever thought about mixing your love for wine with the thrill of traveling? Picture this: You're sailing across the globe, surrounded by bottles of the finest wines, and every day is a new adventure. Sounds like a dream job for a sommelier, right?
Well, I've been there, done that—working on cruise ships like Cunard and Disney, and let me tell you, it's not all about sipping wine while staring at the sunset (though there's plenty of that, too!).
My journey was a bit of a rollercoaster. One day, I think I'm the wine professional on board, and the next, I'm also serving coffee at breakfast.
Yes, really. From being a so-called sommelier to being the head of wine but not feeling quite like it, I've seen a bit of everything. But hey, working on a cruise was a blast! I learned a ton, met amazing people from all around the world, and yes, I got to travel—a lot.
So, if you're young, eager to learn, and ready for some serious adventure (with a bit of wine on the side), a job on a cruise might just be for you. But is it all smooth sailing? Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the bubbly of working as a sommelier on the high seas. Buckle up, grab a glass, and let’s explore together if this dream job is really worth chasing.
The Dream vs. Reality of Working as a Sommelier on a Cruise Ship
Ever thought about mixing your love for wine with a bit of adventure at sea? That was me, excited to hop on a cruise ship, thinking I'd be sipping and learning about wine between stops at beautiful beaches. And while there's a lot of truth to that, there's also much more to the story.
Truthfully, the job's not always as glamorous as it sounds. Sure, I got to travel to amazing places and taste wines I wouldn't have dreamed of trying back home. But there were also days when I swapped my wine glass for a coffee pot during breakfast shifts. It's all part of the gig on a cruise ship.
One of the coolest parts? The travel. It's practically part of the job description. I got to see new places almost every day and, yes, taste plenty of local wines along the way. This wasn't just fun; it was a crash course in wines from around the world, something you can't get anywhere else.
Now, let's talk money. I didn't get into this for a big paycheck, but it was a nice perk. Living on a ship means you're not tempted to spend much, so guess what? You end up saving a lot. For me, that meant being able to pay for wine courses and certifications without stressing about the cost.
So, here's the deal: working as a sommelier on a cruise ship is an adventure with ups and downs. It's about more than just wine; it's about embracing the unexpected, from your duties on board to the incredible places you'll see. If you're young, thirsty for knowledge, and ready for some adventure, this might be the perfect path for you.
A Day in the Life: What It Really Means to Be a Sommelier at Sea
Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the ship and the endless blue horizon outside your window. Sounds like a dream, right? As a sommelier on a cruise ship, this dreamy start to the day is often followed by a whirlwind of mundane and magnificent activities.
Starting my journey with Cunard, I quickly learned that the title of 'sommelier' can come with some unexpected duties. Sure, you might think our days are filled with swirling, sniffing, and sipping fine wines—and don't get me wrong, there's plenty of that. But here's the twist: some mornings, my job was less about decanting wine and more about pouring coffee.
Yep, you heard that right. As part of the team, I'd help out in the restaurant during breakfast hours, trading wine glasses for coffee pots. This wasn't every day, though. It happened twice a week, giving me plenty of free mornings to explore our latest port or dive into a new wine region's offerings.
Fast forward to my time with Disney, where I climbed up to the role of head sommelier. Leading a team meant new responsibilities and, surprisingly, no coffee duties. But Disney's strict discipline extended beyond wine service to maintaining an immaculate environment—something I learned the hard way when asked to clean the floors.
It was humbling, reminding me that titles don't exempt you from rolling up your sleeves in this world. However, it also signaled a moment of clarity for me: when my role as head sommelier included tasks far removed from my passion and career goals, I knew it was time to reassess my path.
These experiences, as varied and surprising as they were, taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility, teamwork, and the importance of aligning your job with your career aspirations. Working on a cruise ship as a sommelier means embracing every part of the job, from the unexpected to the extraordinary.
It's about adapting to the day's needs, whether delighting guests with wine knowledge in the evening or helping out with the morning coffee rush.
The real beauty of this job? It's not just in the wines you taste or the places you visit; it's in the rich tapestry of daily duties that teach you resilience, adaptability, and the joy of being part of a close-knit crew.
The Perks of the Job: Travel, Learning, and Unforgettable Experiences
Norway
One of the undeniable highlights of working as a sommelier on a cruise ship is the sheer abundance of perks that come with the job. Imagine having the world as your playground, with every contract offering a new horizon to explore.
For me, the thrill of visiting various wine regions across Europe was an adventure. Each port of call was a chance to dive deep into the local wine and culture of cities, tasting and learning in a way no classroom could replicate.
Traveling not just as a tourist but as part of your job brings an unparalleled depth to the experience. From the rolling vineyards of France to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, I got to taste my way through some of the world's most famed wine regions, enriching my knowledge and palate with every sip. It's one thing to read about the terroir of Bordeaux or the unique grape varieties of Tuscany, but to taste these wines in their birthplace is an education like no other.
But it's not just about the places; it's about the people you meet along the way. Working on a cruise ship, you encounter fellow crew members and guests from around the globe, each with their own stories and insights. These interactions weave a rich mosaic of experiences that stick with you long after you disembark.
The Flip Side: Challenges and Misconceptions
For every stunning sunrise over the ocean and every new wine discovered, there's a less talked-about reality of life as a sommelier at sea. It's not all smooth sailing, and it's important for anyone considering this path to understand both the highs and the lows.
First up is the work schedule. Imagine marking your calendar, not with days off, but with the start and end of your contract. That's right—during my tenure, there were no days off. You're on duty every day for the length of your contract, which typically lasts about 6 months. It's a marathon, not a sprint, demanding stamina and dedication that can catch many by surprise.
Then there's the matter of living conditions. The word 'cozy' takes on a whole new meaning when you're sharing a small cabin with another crew member. Space is at a premium and privacy? Well, that's a luxury. Adapting to these tight quarters is a part of the job, requiring a good dose of flexibility and a great sense of humor.
And let's talk about the food. While guests dine on gourmet meals, the crew's culinary experience can be hit or miss. Sure, there are moments of gastronomic delight and crew parties with good food and great company, but day-to-day dining might not always meet your foodie expectations.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. These challenges are accompanied by a vibrant social life on board. The ship is a melting pot of cultures and personalities, offering endless opportunities to forge friendships that can last a lifetime. From crew parties to impromptu gatherings, the sense of community is a silver lining in the demanding life at sea.
Working as a sommelier on a cruise ship is a study in contrasts. It's about balancing the allure of travel and wine with the reality of hard work and cramped living spaces. It's a unique experience that can enrich your life in unexpected ways, provided you go in with your eyes wide open and a willingness to embrace both the job's good and the challenging aspects.
Navigating the decision to work as a sommelier on a cruise ship is a bit like choosing a wine from an extensive list—exciting, a tad overwhelming, but ultimately rewarding if you know what you're looking for. Here's some advice for those pondering this unique career path, along with a few tips to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Who's Cut Out for This?
If you're someone who thrives on constant change and loves the idea of waking up in a new country every few days, this might just be your calling. It's perfect for the adventurous soul with a passion for wine and a knack for customer service. You'll need to be resilient, adaptable, and ready to work hard. If you're the type who finds joy in meeting new people and can handle living out of a suitcase (or a small cabin), then you're off to a good start.
But it's not just for the wanderlust-stricken. This path suits those early in their sommelier careers who are eager to taste as many wines as possible and learn on the fly. It's an immersive, hands-on learning experience unlike any other.
Preparing for the Journey
Brush Up on Your Wine Knowledge: The better you know before you go. Consider taking additional certifications or courses to broaden your understanding of global wine regions, as this will come in handy during tastings and guest interactions.
Pack Your Patience and Flexibility: Life at sea is unpredictable. Be ready to adapt to last-minute changes and embrace the challenges as part of the adventure.
Financial Planning: While the job offers good saving potential, it's wise to manage your finances smartly, especially since you'll be away for months.
Physical and Mental Well-being: Working on a cruise ship can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. Start a fitness routine and find ways to practice self-care and stress management.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Before jumping aboard, take a moment to reflect on your career aspirations and personal goals. Ask yourself:
Are you looking for stability or adventure?
How important is work-life balance to you?
Are you prepared for the unique living conditions on a ship?
Is gaining a broad range of experience in a short time appealing to you?
Remember, working as a sommelier on a cruise ship is not just a job; it's a lifestyle. It's a dream come true for some, offering unparalleled opportunities to travel, learn, and grow. For others, the cons might outweigh the pros. It all comes down to what you value most in your career and life.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether this path aligns with your aspirations. But for those who embark on this journey, the experience is extraordinary, filled with stories and wines that, like the best vintages, only get better with time.
Alper
