Royal Caribbean International's Shekhar Grover Crowned Best Bartender

Shekhar Grover of Royal Caribbean International has been crowned Diageo Global Travel best cruise line bartender at a glamorous DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS™ final held last night in Miami. Judged by a panel of industry elites, Shekhar impressed with his incredible showmanship, inventive cocktail-making and unrivalled flair.

Shekhar presented his skills in front of the judges - 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.

Shekhar, 27, from India, triumphed over 5,500 floating bartenders from four of the world's leading cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, in the biggest year in global travel yet for DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS. He and 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 CÎROC® Vodka.

The mixologist master will go forward to the star-studded DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year Global Final taking place 28th July - 1 August 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."

"We are very proud to have Shekhar as a member of the Royal Caribbean team," said Brian Abel, Vice President of Food & 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."

"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 on-board fine drinking experiences."

If Shekhar is successful at the Global Final, securing the title of DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year, he will experience a life changing journey filled with new and exciting opportunities. Previous winners have become recognized industry leaders, travelling the globe as WORLD CLASS Ambassadors, participating in international high-profile events such as Petra Ecclestone's lavish wedding and consulting on the widely acclaimed James Bond film, Skyfall.

Shekhar is set to make an indelible mark at the upcoming DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year Global Final taking place 28th July - 1 August 2014 in London.