Crew member wearing a formal dining uniform standing in a restaurant with soft lighting and tables arranged behind. Crew member wearing a formal dining uniform standing in a restaurant with soft lighting and tables arranged behind.
Shining Star

Nestor, Dining & Beverage Manager

3 minutes 8 Jun 2026

From first role to leadership at sea: Nestor’s journey

Nestor Nogueira is a Dining & Beverage Manager on board Arvia. Originally from Mumbai, India, he has spent almost 20 years working on board P&O Cruises ships and more than 25 years in hospitality.

In the video below, he shares how his journey started, how he progressed through the ranks and what life at sea has given him.

His career journey

Nestor began his career in hospitality at a leading hotel in Mumbai. Watching colleagues return from working at sea with new experiences and opportunities inspired him to follow the same path.

He joined his first P&O Cruises ship in an entry-level role and developed his career step by step. Over time, he progressed through roles including waiter, head waiter and restaurant manager before moving into senior leadership.

Today, as a Dining & Beverage Manager, he leads teams and plays a key role in delivering the onboard dining experience. His journey shows how a career at sea can evolve with the right mindset, commitment and willingness to learn.

Life on board and making an impact

For Nestor, working on board is about more than travel (although waking up in a new destination is always a highlight!) From Mediterranean ports to Northern Europe, each itinerary brings something different.

But what matters most is the people.

Over the years, he has built strong connections with returning guests and supported his teams to deliver memorable experiences every day. One moment that stands out was being asked by returning guests to play a special part in their wedding on board, something he describes as a proud and meaningful recognition of the relationships built over time.

It’s these moments that define working at sea with P&O Cruises. You’re part of experiences that guests remember for years to come.

 

His advice

For anyone considering a career at sea, Nestor’s message is clear: approach the opportunity with an open mind, stay focused on your goals and be ready to grow.

Working on board a P&O Cruises ship offers the chance to build leadership skills, gain international experience and be part of a team that delivers something special every day.

 

Start your journey

Explore current opportunities on P&O Cruises ships and discover where your career at sea could take you.