Quick Answer

Carnival Cruise Line's hiring of people with felony convictions is extremely limited and position-dependent. As a major cruise line operating internationally, Carnival faces strict maritime regulations, international travel requirements, and comprehensive background standards. While corporate shoreside positions (call center, reservations, office roles) may evaluate candidates case-by-case, shipboard positions face significant restrictions due to international maritime law, passport requirements, and security clearances for port access. Most people with felony records will find shoreside customer service, reservations, or warehouse positions more accessible than shipboard employment.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Carnival Cruise Line

3. Does Carnival Cruise Line Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Affects Hiring Decisions

5. Available Jobs at Carnival (Primarily Shoreside)

6. Background Check Process at Carnival

7. Application Tips for Carnival Shoreside Positions

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Alternative Maritime & Travel Industry Opportunities

10. Final Thoughts

About Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the world's largest cruise companies, operating a fleet of cruise ships serving millions of passengers annually. The company employs thousands of people in shipboard positions (crew members working on ships) and shoreside positions (corporate offices, call centers, reservations, port operations, and warehouses).

Carnival needs employees for diverse roles ranging from customer service representatives in call centers to stateroom attendants on ships, from dining staff to entertainment crew, and from warehouse workers to corporate professionals.

For people with records, understanding the distinction between shipboard and shoreside positions is critical. Shoreside positions follow standard employment practices with case-by-case evaluations. Shipboard positions face additional international legal requirements, passport restrictions, and maritime security regulations that create significant barriers for those with criminal records.

Does Carnival Cruise Line Hire People with Felonies?

The answer depends heavily on the position type: shoreside vs. shipboard.

Shoreside Positions (Corporate, Call Centers, Warehouses)

Case-by-case evaluation

Carnival's shoreside positions—including call centers, reservations, customer service, warehouse operations, and corporate offices—follow standard employment practices similar to other companies.

These positions get evaluated individually considering:

• Type and severity of offense

• Time since conviction

• Job requirements and responsibilities

• Rehabilitation efforts

  
  

Customer service, reservations, and warehouse positions at shoreside facilities have the most accessibility for people with records.

Shipboard Positions (Working on Cruise Ships)

Extremely difficult, with most positions effectively closed. Shipboard employment faces multiple legal and regulatory barriers:

International travel requirements: Cruise ship workers need passports and travel internationally. Many countries restrict entry for people with certain criminal convictions. A single felony conviction can make you inadmissible to multiple countries where ships port.

Maritime security regulations: International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirements for port access create additional background screening hurdles.

Flag state regulations: Ships operate under the laws of their flag country (Carnival ships typically sail under Panama or other flag states), which may have restrictions on crew with criminal records.

Visa restrictions: Crew members need C1/D visas (crewman visas) which involve strict background requirements. Criminal convictions can result in visa denials.

Company insurance and liability: Cruise lines face insurance requirements and liability concerns that make hiring people with serious criminal records for shipboard positions very risky.

Practical reality: Most people with felony convictions will not qualify for shipboard positions due to these combined restrictions, especially for violent crimes, drug trafficking, sex offenses, or recent convictions.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Position type: Shoreside positions (call center, reservations, warehouse) are much more accessible than shipboard positions.

Type of offense:

• Theft/fraud: Problematic for positions handling money, customer information, or cruise bookings

• Violent crimes: Create major barriers, especially for shipboard positions with passenger interaction

• Drug offenses: Particularly problematic for international travel and maritime security clearances

• Sex offenses: Effectively disqualifying for nearly all positions due to passenger safety concerns

  
  

Time since conviction: 10+ years helps significantly. 5-10 years may be considered for some shoreside positions. Recent convictions (within 5 years) make employment very unlikely.

International travel history: If you already know you can't travel internationally due to your conviction, shipboard employment is not possible.

Available Jobs at Carnival (Primarily Shoreside)

For people with felony records, shoreside positions offer the most realistic opportunities:

1. Customer Service Representative / Call Center (Shoreside)

Pay: $14-18/hour

What you do: Answer customer calls, assist with cruise bookings, handle reservations, resolve customer issues, provide information about cruises, process payments over phone.

Requirements: Customer service skills, phone etiquette, computer literacy, problem-solving ability

Why it works: Shoreside office/call center environment. No international travel required. Standard employment practices. Many positions available.

2. Reservations Agent (Shoreside)

Pay: $15-19/hour

What you do: Book cruise reservations, help customers select cabins, explain packages and pricing, coordinate with travel agents, process bookings.

Requirements: Sales ability, customer service, attention to detail, computer skills

Why it works: Office-based role with no travel requirements. Sales-focused position for those with customer service skills.

3. Warehouse Associate (Shoreside)

Pay: $13-17/hour

What you do: Receive and process cruise supplies, organize warehouse inventory, prepare shipments for vessels, operate forklifts, maintain warehouse organization.

Requirements: Physical capability, forklift operation (training provided), organization skills, reliability

Why it works: Physical labor focus with limited customer interaction. Shoreside position at port warehouses. Clear responsibilities.

4. Port Operations Associate (Shoreside - Limited)

Pay: $15-19/hour

What you do: Assist with passenger embarkation/debarkation, handle luggage operations, coordinate with terminal staff, support port operations.

Requirements: Customer service, physical capability, reliability, may require TWIC clearance (difficult with felonies)

Why it works for some: Shoreside position at terminals. However, TWIC requirements may create barriers for many with felony records.

5. Corporate Office Positions (Shoreside)

Pay: Varies widely by role

What you do: Various functions—accounting, marketing, HR, IT, administrative support, etc.

Requirements: Varies by position—relevant education, skills, and experience

Why it works: Professional office environment with standard employment practices. Case-by-case evaluation for corporate roles.

6. Maintenance Technician (Shoreside Facilities)

Pay: $16-22/hour

What you do: Maintain shoreside facilities, perform repairs, handle HVAC and electrical systems, maintain equipment at corporate or terminal facilities.

Requirements: Maintenance skills, technical knowledge, ability to work independently

Why it works: Technical skilled position focused on shoreside facility maintenance. Valued skills can compensate for background issues.

Note on shipboard positions: While some entry-level shipboard positions like dining staff, stateroom attendants, or galley workers theoretically conduct case-by-case evaluations, the practical reality of international travel restrictions, visa requirements, and maritime security regulations makes these positions effectively inaccessible for most people with felony convictions. Focus your efforts on shoreside opportunities.

Background Check Process at Carnival

Understanding the background check helps you prepare mentally and practically.

When It Happens

Carnival conducts background checks after interviews, typically before making final offers. For shoreside positions, this follows standard corporate practices. For shipboard positions (if somehow applicable), checks are far more extensive.

What They Check (Shoreside Positions)

For customer service, reservations, and warehouse positions:

• Criminal records: Comprehensive checks, often 10+ years

• Employment history: Verification of previous jobs

• Identity verification: Confirming you are who you say you are

• Sex offender registry: Standard check given passenger safety concerns

What They Check (Shipboard Positions - If Applicable)

For shipboard roles, checks are dramatically more extensive:

• FBI criminal background check: Federal-level comprehensive check

• International criminal records: Checks in relevant countries

• INTERPOL database: International criminal database searches

• Credit check: Financial responsibility assessment

• Drug testing: Mandatory pre-employment and random testing

• Medical examination: Comprehensive health screening

• References: Extensive reference checking

• Social media review: Increasingly common screening

How Long It Takes

Shoreside positions: 7-14 business days typically

Shipboard positions: 4-8 weeks or longer due to international checks, visa processing, and maritime documentation

What Happens If Issues Arise

For shoreside positions:

1. Carnival contacts you regarding findings

2. You have opportunity to provide context or dispute errors

3. HR and hiring manager review the case

4. Final decision made based on position requirements

   
   

For shipboard positions:

• Criminal records often result in automatic disqualification due to visa restrictions, maritime regulations, or international travel limitations

• Less flexibility due to legal requirements beyond company control

Application Tips for Carnival Shoreside Positions

Focus your efforts on shoreside opportunities where you have realistic chances:

1. Target Shoreside Positions Only

Be strategic and realistic. Apply for customer service, reservations, warehouse, or corporate positions at shoreside facilities. Don't waste time applying for shipboard positions if you have felony convictions.

2. Apply Online

Visit carnival.com/careers or Carnival's parent company CCL Careers site. Search specifically for shoreside positions in your geographic area.

3. Emphasize Customer Service Skills

For call center and reservations roles, highlight customer service experience: "I have [X years] experience in customer service handling high call volumes, resolving customer issues, and maintaining positive attitudes under pressure."

4. Highlight Relevant Experience

Any experience in travel, hospitality, customer service, sales, or cruise industry helps significantly. Emphasize transferable skills even from other industries.

5. Be Honest About Limitations

If asked about your ability to travel internationally or obtain necessary clearances, be honest. Don't pursue shipboard positions if you know you can't meet travel or clearance requirements.

6. Research Company Values

Carnival emphasizes fun, customer satisfaction, and creating memorable experiences. Reference these values in your application and interviews.

7. Prepare for Extensive Background Checks

Understand that cruise lines conduct thorough background checks due to passenger safety concerns. Be prepared for comprehensive screening even for shoreside positions.

8. Consider Geographic Flexibility

Carnival's major shoreside operations are in Miami, FL (headquarters), plus call centers and port operations in various locations. Be willing to relocate if necessary.

9. Network with Current Employees

If you know anyone working for Carnival in shoreside roles, ask about the hiring process and culture. Employee referrals can help.

10. Be Patient with the Process

Cruise line hiring moves slower than many industries due to comprehensive background checks and security requirements. Be prepared for longer hiring timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work on a cruise ship with a felony conviction?

A: It's extremely unlikely. Shipboard positions require international travel, C1/D visas, maritime security clearances, and the ability to enter multiple countries. Most felony convictions create insurmountable barriers to one or more of these requirements. Focus on shoreside positions instead.

Q: What if my felony was 20 years ago?

A: Time helps significantly. Very old convictions (15-20+ years) with completely clean records since have better chances, especially for shoreside positions. However, shipboard positions still face international travel and visa restrictions regardless of how old the conviction is.

Q: Will my DUI prevent me from working for Carnival?

A: For shoreside positions, a single old DUI may not be disqualifying, especially if 5+ years ago. For shipboard positions, even DUIs can affect visa applications and international travel eligibility depending on the countries where ships port.

Q: Can I work in a Carnival call center with a felony?

A: Possibly. Call center and customer service positions are shoreside roles with more standard employment practices. These undergo case-by-case evaluation. Type of offense, time since conviction, and job requirements all factor into decisions.

Q: Does Carnival do drug testing?

A: Yes, extensively. All positions undergo pre-employment drug testing. Shipboard positions have random drug testing throughout employment. Shoreside positions may have random testing depending on the role.

Q: What if I lie about my criminal record?

A: Never lie. Carnival conducts comprehensive background checks. Lying will result in immediate disqualification or termination if discovered later. Be honest and let them make an informed decision.

Q: Are there any cruise lines more flexible with felony convictions?

A: All major cruise lines face similar international legal requirements, visa restrictions, and maritime regulations. The industry as a whole has strict standards due to passenger safety concerns and international travel requirements. Shoreside positions across all cruise lines are more accessible than shipboard positions.

Q: Can I get my record expunged to work for Carnival?

A: If your state allows expungement and you qualify, this can help significantly. However, understand that federal background checks and international databases may still show records even after state-level expungement. Consult with an attorney about your specific situation.

Alternative Maritime & Travel Industry Opportunities

If Carnival doesn't work out, consider these alternatives in related industries:

Port authorities and terminals – Shoreside port operations positions (though TWIC requirements may still create barriers).

Travel agencies – Customer-facing travel booking and customer service roles without international travel requirements.

Hotel chains – Hospitality customer service and operations without maritime restrictions.

Airlines (ground operations) – Baggage handling, ticketing, customer service (though TSA clearances required for secure areas).

Tour companies – Domestic tour operations, customer service, logistics.

Vacation rental companies – Customer service, reservations, property management.

Focus on shoreside, domestic-focused hospitality and travel opportunities that don't require international travel or maritime security clearances.

Final Thoughts

Carnival Cruise Line presents significant challenges for people with felony records, particularly for shipboard positions. International travel restrictions, maritime regulations, and visa requirements create barriers beyond the company's control.

However, shoreside positions—especially customer service, reservations, and warehouse roles—offer more realistic opportunities with case-by-case evaluation. Be honest about your background, focus your efforts on shoreside positions, and emphasize your customer service skills and reliability.

Start here: Visit carnival.com/careers and search specifically for shoreside positions (customer service, reservations, corporate, warehouse) in your geographic area. Be realistic about limitations and focus your energy where you have actual opportunities for success.