And The Best Bartender At Sea Is...

Earlier this month we reported in CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News that four cruise line bartenders—one each from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Celebrity Cruises—had battled it out on the high seas to secure a place at the semi-final of one of the world’s largest luxury mixology competitions. The final four, who were victorious over 5,500 cruise line mixologists, went head to head at the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS™ Global Travel semi-final event, which was held last week in Miami.

And the winner is Shekhar Grover of Royal Caribbean International (pictured above), who was crowned Diageo Global Travel best cruise line bartender. Judged by a panel of industry elites, Shekhar, 27, from India, impressed with his incredible showmanship, inventive cocktail-making, and unrivalled flair. Shekhar and his fellow competitors were tested on different aspects of their craft, creativity, and bartending knowledge. Shekhar excelled in the bar arena and enthralled judges with his signature serve inspired by this year's Mediterranean theme: 'French Royale' featuring CIROC® Vodka. The mixologist master will go forward to the star-studded DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year Global Final taking place July 28-August 1, 2014 in London, to battle it out against 50 of the world's best bartenders for the coveted 'Bartender of the Year' title.

Shekhar, who is one of the Lead Bartenders on the Oasis of Seas, said, "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. 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 program to wow the judges."

If he is successful at the Global Final, securing the title of DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year, Shekhar will experience a life changing journey filled with new opportunities. Previous winners have become recognized industry leaders, travelling the globe as WORLD CLASS Ambassadors and participating in international high-profile events.

Image Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International