Working on a cruise ship is an appealing choice for those keen on traveling the world and earning money at the same time. However, you might also be typing search phrases like “How old to work on cruise ships?” because you’re unsure whether or not you qualify.
Well, here’s the short answer: Age requirements vary by position and cruise line, but the common minimum hiring age at most cruise lines is 21.
This guide breaks down the age requirements across job types and several cruise lines, helping you find opportunities that match your experience and qualifications — whether you’re just starting out or making a career switch.
Minimum Age Requirements for Cruise Ship Jobs
Cruise lines have specific age requirements for different ship positions. These requirements ensure compliance with maritime laws, safety regulations and operational standards.
Standard age requirements in major cruise lines
While many cruise lines set the minimum age at 21, some positions may be available to individuals who are at least 18 years old. It all depends on the job responsibilities, company policies and legal requirements.
For example, Princess Cruises requires applicants to be at least 21 years old. On the other hand, American Cruise Lines hires high school graduates starting at 18.
Physical fitness and medical clearance also play crucial roles in the hiring process, regardless of age. Cruise employers require candidates to pass medical examinations since crew members work long shifts, often exceeding 11 hours with no days off.
Positions available for 18–20 year olds
Young applicants can find some entry-level positions even though options are limited.
Entry-level roles suitable for those below 21 years old include:
| Cruise ship role | Primary duties and responsibilities |
| Room Steward or Housekeeper | Cleans and maintains passenger cabins, replenishes supplies and ensures a comfortable stay for guests |
| Dishwasher | Works in the galley cleaning dishes, cookware and utensils, as well as assists with basic kitchen tasks |
| Deckhand | Maintains deck areas by cleaning, painting and performing minor repairs while also assisting passengers during embarkation and disembarkation |
| Laundry Attendant | Handles washing, drying and ironing linens, towels, and crew uniforms to ensure cleanliness onboard. |
Roles strictly for those 21 and above
You must be 21 or older for several positions on cruise ships. These usually involve alcohol service or sensitive operations.
The food and beverage department leads the pack in strict age requirements. Guest-facing roles and positions handling sensitive operations may also demand more mature candidates.
Examples of such positions are:
| Cruise ship role | Primary duties and responsibilities |
| Bartender | Prepares and serves cocktails and other alcoholic beverages while ensuring responsible service and guest satisfaction |
| Guest Services Attendant | Acts as the first point of contact for passenger inquiries, handling check-ins, complaints and special requests |
| Food & Beverage Manager | Oversees all dining and beverage operations on the ship, ensuring high-quality service and efficiency |
| Security Officer | Maintains ship safety by monitoring public areas, enforcing security protocols and responding to onboard incidents |
| Casino staff | Operates gaming tables and slot machines, assisting passengers with betting and ensuring fair play |
Why cruise lines have age restrictions
Multiple factors drive these age requirements. First of all, international maritime laws mandate certain age restrictions for specific roles. Moreover, serving alcohol in international waters requires staff to be at least 21 years old.
Experience also factors into age requirements. Mature crew members often handle guest-facing roles better, particularly in positions requiring conflict resolution or emergency management.
Additionally, living conditions aboard ships demand emotional maturity, as crew members share small living spaces with roommates.
See also: Interview With Tareq Salahi: Hiring in the Cruise Industry
Cruise Line-Specific Age Policies
Major cruise lines have different age policies that create opportunities for crew members. You can target the right positions by knowing these specific requirements.
Carnival Cruise Line age requirements
Most shipboard positions at Carnival require a minimum age of 21. The company hires experienced professionals mainly for the Food and Beverage service and Guest Relations departments.
Age requirements go hand in hand with physical fitness. Bartenders and Casino Staff must be 21 or older due to legal requirements for handling alcohol and gaming operations.
Explore hospitality jobs in your area
Royal Caribbean age policies
Royal Caribbean International has strict age guidelines throughout its departments. Staff in their Adventure Ocean youth program must have formal training in child development, making these positions unsuitable for 18-year-olds or recent high school graduates.
The cruise line values language skills highly. Guest Service Staff must speak another language besides English, even in entry-level roles.
Norwegian Cruise Line hiring practices
Norwegian Cruise Line usually hires people aged 21 and above. Some positions in housekeeping and maintenance departments accept younger applicants who show exceptional maturity and responsibility.
Disney Cruise Line youth opportunities
Disney Cruise Line takes a unique approach to youth employment. While most roles require candidates to be 21, some entertainment positions accept 18-year-olds.
Production cast members, including dancers and singers, can qualify at age 18 if they show enough maturity and professional capability. These roles are highly competitive and ask for specific skills beyond age requirements.
The company prioritizes candidates with relevant experience in child care or education for their youth programming positions. Even entry-level roles require demonstrated expertise in working with children.
Documentation and Qualifications Beyond Age
Getting a cruise ship job in the United States takes more than just meeting age requirements. You’ll also need specific documents and qualifications. A clear understanding of these requirements will help speed up your application.
Required identification and work permits
Every cruise ship position needs a valid passport as the basic form of ID. Work permit rules change based on ship flags and routes. U.S.-flagged vessels only hire U.S. citizens and green card holders.
Ships embarking from U.S. ports require crew members to get a C-1/D visa. Most cruise companies will help you with your visa application after offering you a job.
Background checks and medical clearances
Cruise employers need police clearance certificates that show a clean record. Your local law enforcement agency issues this document to confirm you have no arrests, convictions or criminal cases. Even small violations like DUIs could stop you from getting hired.
Your medical fitness is also crucial for working on ships. You must pass a complete medical exam or get an ENG1 or ML5 seafarer medical certificate. These tests ensure you can handle tough work schedules and maintain safety standards.
Language proficiency requirements
Every cruise line needs you to speak English well. Safety drills, crew talks and passenger interactions happen in English. Jobs that deal with guests need excellent language skills, and many positions want you to speak other languages too.
Guest service roles usually need you to be fluent in at least one more language besides English. This helps serve international passengers better.
STCW certification needs
Most shipboard jobs need the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety Training certificate. Some cruise lines offer this training post-hiring, but candidates holding valid STCW certificates often receive priority consideration.
This certificate shows you understand maritime safety rules and emergency procedures. Getting your STCW certification before applying shows you’re serious about the job and boosts your chances in the cruise industry.
How Old To Work on Cruise Ships? – Conclusion
Cruise ship work is a chance to build a career if you meet the age requirements. Most positions need you to be 21 or older, but qualified 18-year-olds can start in certain entry-level roles like Room Steward and Dishwasher.
Look for positions that fit your age group; many successful crew members started at entry level and worked their way up to their ideal roles. For instance, you can start as a Room Steward at 18 and then move into guest-facing roles when you reach 21.
Lastly, check if you meet both age requirements and other qualifications. A valid passport, proper visas and STCW certification are must-have documents. Medical clearance plays a crucial role since crew members work long schedules that run over 11 hours each day.
Ready to explore cruise ship (and other hospitality) job opportunities? Visit OysterLink to find and apply for jobs, get the latest industry news and discover tips to help you launch your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most major cruise lines require employees to be at least 21 years old for the majority of positions. However, some entry-level roles may accept applicants as young as 18, depending on the cruise line.
Entry-level positions that may be available to those aged 18 to 20 include Room Steward, Houseekeeper, Dishwasher, Laundry Attendant and Deckhand.
Working on a cruise ship often involves long hours, typically exceeding 11 hours per day with no days off during your contract. Living quarters are usually small and shared with roommates.
While it can be challenging, many find the opportunity to travel and meet people from diverse cultures rewarding. The work is demanding but can offer unique experiences and potential for career growth in the hospitality and maritime industries.
Salaries vary widely depending on the position and experience level. Entry-level positions may start around $20,000–$30,000 annually, while more specialized roles can earn significantly more.
Keep in mind that room and board are typically provided, which can offset the relatively modest pay scales for some positions.
Written by Megan Bonthuys
Megan is a customer relations expert driven by a strong problem-solving mindset and a passion for streamlining processes. Her experience in technical support, workflow optimization and team development has enabled her to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction across various industries.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
