By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International bartender Shekhar Grover won the Diageo Global Travel best cruise line bartender award at the Diageo Reserve World Class final on 12 June in Miami, US.
The competition was judged by Mario Seijo, World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013; Enrique De Colsa, master distiller at Don Julio Tequila; and Arturo Savage, one of Diageo’s senior reserve ambassadors.
Grover, who works onboard Oasis of the Seas’, triumphed over 5,500 floating bartenders from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Competitors were tested on different aspects of their craft, creativity and bartending knowledge. Presenting his signature French Royale cocktail, Grover was recognised for his showmanship, inventive cocktail-making and flair.
“I’m thrilled to win the World Class Global Travel Final and I’m very excited to be going forward to represent cruise-line bartenders at one of the industry’s most prestigious and respected mixology competitions,” said Grover. “I’ve been inspired and challenged by many talented bartenders over the last few weeks and I’m really looking forward to using the skills and knowledge that I’ve developed through the programme to wow the judges.”
Grover will now enter the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Final, which will take place in London, UK, from 28 July to 1 August. He will compete against 50 of the world’s best bartenders and if successful, could become a recognised industry leader and represent the brand as a World Class Ambassador.
“We are very proud to have Shekhar as a member of the Royal Caribbean team,” said Brian Abel, vice president of food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “He is a very talented and dedicated barman who embodies Royal Caribbean’s spirit of innovation and our world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. We wish Shekhar the very best of luck in July.”
Abel added: “We also would like to thank World Class for training our bartenders in the art and science of creating unique, moment-defining drinks, using award-winning spirits from the Diageo Reserve collection. Our partnership ensures that we provide our guests with amazing onboard fine drinking experiences.”
Royal Caribbean interviewed Grover to find out more about his role at the cruise line and what this accolade means to him.