Carnival Opens 2026 Fun-ternship Applications for 100+ Teens
As cruise terminals expand and competition for hospitality workers grows, Carnival is building a local talent pipeline that ties homeport jobs to community economies.
Carnival Cruise Line has opened applications for a second summer of its Fun-ternship program, a paid, eight-week opportunity that will place more than 100 high school students in cruise terminal operations at six U.S. homeports.
The program, which first ran in 2025, is open to students age 17 and older who live in the participating homeport communities. Carnival said the 2026 session will run in the June-to-August window, with exact start and end dates varying by location, and applications will be accepted through June 8.
How the program is structured at the terminal
Fun-terns will work alongside Carnival’s port services teams during embarkation days, supporting on-the-ground activity and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how cruise operations come together at the terminal. Carnival said the experience is designed to expose students to travel and hospitality careers while building job-ready skills through real work assignments.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the company decided to bring the program back after last summer’s response. “After seeing the enthusiasm, growth and pride of last year’s Fun-terns, we’re excited to bring this opportunity back and continue helping students develop confidence, leadership skills and real-world experience in an industry that plays an important role in their local economy,” Duffy said.
Homeports included this summer
Carnival said the Fun-ternship will again be offered across six U.S. homeports:
- Baltimore
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Norfolk
- New York City
- Long Beach
Training, mentorship, and end-of-program recognition
Along with supervised work during embarkation-day operations, Carnival said participants will receive hands-on training and mentorship, with exposure to different functions tied to guest processing and cruise terminal logistics. Fun-terns will earn an hourly wage during the program.
To close out the session, Carnival said it will host an end-of-program experience that includes a ship tour and an onboard luncheon, giving students a chance to meet company leaders and mark the completion of the internship.
How to apply and key dates
Applications are open through June 8, and Carnival said space is limited. The company is recruiting locally from communities near each participating homeport, with schedules and weekly timing to be set by location within the broader June-to-August period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for Carnival’s Fun-ternship program?
Applicants must be high school students age 17 or older who live in one of the participating homeport communities.
Is the Fun-ternship paid?
Yes. Carnival said participants will earn an hourly wage during the eight-week program.
How long is the Fun-ternship and when does it run?
The program runs for eight weeks during the June-to-August window, with exact start and end dates varying by homeport.
What happens at the end of the program?
Carnival said the session concludes with a ship tour and an onboard luncheon hosted by company leaders as a recognition event for participants.
