Cruise Ship Jobs Age: 3 Key Takeaways
- While most cruise ship jobs require you to be 21+, some entry-level roles are open to 18–20 year olds.
- Jobs such as Bartender, Guest Services Attendant, Casino Staff, and F&B Manager require you to be at least 21.
- You'll also need a valid passport, C-1/D visa, STCW certification, and to pass a medical exam to qualify for life at sea.
Cruise ship jobs age requirements are a top concern for anyone considering a life at sea.
This guide breaks down the age policies and what else you need to qualify so you can confidently take your first step toward working onboard.
Cruise Ship Jobs Age: What You Need to Know
Cruise lines have specific age requirements for different ship positions. These requirements ensure compliance with law and safety regulations.
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.
- Princess Cruises requires applicants to be at least 21 years old.
- American Cruise Lines hires high school graduates starting at 18.
Also, cruise employers require candidates to pass medical examinations since crew members work long shifts, often exceeding 11 hours.
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 |
| Housekeeper | Cleans and maintains passenger cabins, replenishes supplies |
| Dishwasher | Works in the galley cleaning dishes, assists with basic kitchen tasks |
| Deckhand | Maintains deck areas by cleaning, painting and performing minor repairs |
| Laundry Attendant | Handles washing, drying and ironing linens, towels, and crew uniforms |
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.
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 |
| Guest Services Attendant | Acts as the first point of contact for passenger complaints and special requests |
| Food & Beverage Manager | Oversees all dining and beverage operations on the ship |
| Security Officer | Maintains ship safety by monitoring public areas and responding to onboard incidents |
| Casino staff | Operates gaming tables and slot machines |
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 as mature crew members often handle guest-facing roles better.
See also: Interview With Tareq Salahi: Hiring in the Cruise Industry
Minimum Age to Work on a Cruise Ship by Role
Cruise lines have different age policies, and knowing them helps you target the right jobs.
Carnival Cruise Line age requirements
Carnival typically hires crew 21+ for roles in F&B and Guest Relations, while Bartenders and casino staff must meet the 21+ legal requirement for handling alcohol.
Royal Caribbean age policies
Royal Caribbean International has strict age rules, requires child development training for youth staff, and values multilingual skills for Guest Services.
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 hires most crew at 21, but entertainment roles like dancers or singers can start at 18; youth staff need child care or education experience.
Cruise Ship Job Requirements 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.
Background checks and medical clearances
Cruise employers require a police clearance showing no convictions and a medical exam (ENG1 or ML5) to confirm fitness for duty.
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.
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.
Conclusion: How Old Do You Have to Be to Work on a Cruise Ship?
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.
Ready for a cruise ship career? Explore jobs, news and tips with OysterLink!
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.
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