You have to be at least 21 years old to work at Royal Caribbean Cruises. Royal Caribbean Cruises only hires employees who are over 21 due to the job requirements for positions on board, which include some experience and maturity.

To work on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2026, the standard minimum age for the vast majority of shipboard positions is 21 years old. This age requirement is strictly enforced because most crew members are required to interact with guests in environments where alcohol is served, and international maritime safety and labor standards often favor older candidates for the high-stress, 24/7 nature of life at sea. There are very rare exceptions for specific entry-level roles or technical apprenticeships where the minimum age might be 18, but these are typically limited to certain itineraries or non-guest-facing positions. Additionally, all applicants must possess a valid passport, pass a comprehensive criminal background check, and clear a pre-employment medical exam. While you can sail as a guest unaccompanied at 18 in some regions (like Europe or Australia), the "employment" side of the business remains firmly anchored at 21 to ensure maturity and compliance with global liquor and labor laws across the fleet.