Carnival Launches Paid High School Internship in Cruise Terminal Operations

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its new “Carnival Fun-ternship Program,” a six-week paid internship designed to give high school students in key U.S. port cities an immersive introduction to cruise terminal operations. Running from June 21 to August 2, 2025, the program offers rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to develop professional skills, earn an hourly wage of $15, and gain insight into the maritime and tourism industries.

Key Program Features

Students selected for the Fun-ternship will be placed at terminals in Tampa, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Norfolk, VA; New York City, NY; and Long Beach, CA. Interns will shadow port services teams and observe the embarkation and disembarkation processes, coordinating passenger check-ins, assisting in luggage handling, and supporting day-to-day terminal operations. This hands-on approach is meant to give participants tangible skills in areas such as customer service and logistical coordination.

In addition to an hourly wage, each intern receives:

• A uniform shirt for professional appearances
• A guided tour of a Carnival cruise ship
• Lunch-and-learn sessions focused on career development

“This will be more than just a unique, fun summer job,” said David Candib, vice president of Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line. “It will be an opportunity for young people to develop professional skills, build confidence and leadership abilities, and gain experience in a part of the travel industry that directly impacts their community’s economy. We believe this is another great way to invest in the communities we call home, as well as the future of our dynamic and growing cruise industry.”

Eligibility and Requirements

The Fun-ternship is open to high school students who will be juniors or seniors by the summer of 2025. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Given the limited number of spots, Carnival Cruise Line emphasizes the importance of prompt applications.

Throughout the internship, participants will help:

• Coordinate passenger check-ins and debarkation
• Assist with luggage-handling processes
• Shadow supervisors to learn about leadership roles
• Gain exposure to various aspects of homeport operations

Application Process and Deadlines

Students must submit all application materials, including a form, a letter of good standing, a resume, and a cover letter, by May 1, 2025. Successful applicants will start their roles on June 21 and conclude on August 2, gaining valuable experience in a busy port environment.

As the internship wraps up, students will have gained insights into maritime operations and built connections with industry professionals that could shape their future career paths. Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to nurturing local talent underscores a broader goal of sustaining port communities across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the age requirement for participants?

Applicants must be at least 17 years old in addition to meeting the GPA and residency requirements.

Which cities are offering this internship?

The Fun-ternship is available to students in Tampa, Jacksonville, Norfolk, New York City, and Long Beach,cities where Carnival Cruise Line operates key terminals.

How do I apply for the program?

Students should submit an application form, a letter of good standing, a resume, and a cover letter by May 1, 2025. More information is available on Carnival’s official website and through local port authorities.

When does the internship run?

The internship program spans six weeks, beginning on June 21 and ending on August 2, 2025.

What is the hourly wage?

Participants will earn an hourly rate of $15 for the duration of the program.