Destinations Operations Excellence - Summer 2026 Intern

Are you ready to set sail on an exceptional career journey? Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to announce openings for our 2026 Summer Internship Program—a unique opportunity to make waves in your professional life. 

Position: Summer Internship Program
Location: Hybrid in Miami, Florida
Dates: May – August 2026
Compensation: Competitive hourly wage provided 

About Us:
Carnival Cruise Line is a global leader in the cruise industry, renowned for delivering unforgettable experiences at sea. Our Summer Internship Program is your ticket to join us in our Miami, Florida headquarters with a hybrid work schedule. This is an exciting opportunity to dive into the dynamic world of cruising. 

Your Journey Awaits:

Dynamic Exposure: Immerse yourself in our business units, including Human Resources, Revenue Management, Communications, Finance and Accounting, IT, and Marine Operations. 

Hands-On Experience: Over 10 weeks, you'll actively contribute to impactful projects, challenge and enhance processes, and gain firsthand insights into our daily operations. 

Mentorship: Receive mentorship and guidance from Carnival's seasoned professionals, paving the way for your professional growth. 

Networking: Build valuable connections and friendships with fellow interns and Carnival Cruise Line employees. 

Key Details:

Hybrid Program: This internship is a hybrid program based in Miami, Florida. Students must be available for the entire duration of the program and willing to work a hybrid schedule, combining both in-office and remote work. This is a full-time opportunity, with interns working 40 hours per week. While hours may vary, interns can expect to work from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. 

Relocation Support: Carnival provides housing for interns who are relocating to Miami for the summer. 

Eligibility: Juniors, seniors, and graduate students are preferred for the program. 

Technical Requirements: Interns will be provided with a company-issued laptop and will need reliable internet when working remotely. 

Department Name:

Global Ports and Destinations Development – Operations Excellence 

Department Summary:

The GPDD group focuses on the destination experience of the guest while at our exclusive corporate ports. From developing completely new destinations to operating the different ones in our portfolio, our team collaborates with local stakeholders, the brands in the portfolio, and governmental entities to deliver the best experience to our guests while preserving the pristine nature at each place we do business in. 

Example:
The Operations Excellence team is responsible for cross ports tasks such as compiling and analyzing the KPI’s for each destination, supporting financial planning and monitoring (Opex and Capex), identifying opportunities of cross ports integration and synergies in the operating aspects related to guest or staff experience.

Internship Project Summary:

1^st Option: The Operations Excellence Intern will be responsible for developing standardized operating procedures for paid, guest-facing services at Half Moon Cay. This initiative focuses on crafting a comprehensive playbook that outlines the delivery of onsite experiences—such as tours, rentals, and beach club —tailored to guest expectations. By aligning service execution with our experiential goals, the intern will help ensure consistency, quality, and elevated satisfaction across all premium offerings. 

2^nd Option: The Operations Excellence intern will evaluate operational performance across services, excursion allocations, and team time management. The project will focus on collecting and analyzing data from the island systems and guest feedback to identify trends, uncover inefficiencies, and propose actionable insights that enhance guest satisfaction and team productivity. Working closely with cross-functional departments, the intern will help build dashboards, generate reports, and support strategic decision-making to optimize the post-launch experience. 

Essential Functions:

1^st Option: 

Gather the product developed by the shore excursions team for each type of tour, rental, and the beach club. 

Determine set up, operating, and turnaround procedures in collaboration with the team onsite considering highest levels of guest satisfaction. 

2^nd Option: 

Analyze operational data: collect and interpret data on service, excursions, and team time to identify trends and inefficiencies. 

Develop reports and insights: create dashboards and summaries that guide improvements in guest experience and operational efficiency. 

Specific Qualifications:

Education

Enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Data Analytics, or a related field. 

Skills & Competencies

Analytical Abilities: Strong skills in collecting, interpreting, and analyzing operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities. 

Technical Proficiency: Intermediate knowledge of Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas) required; experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other visualization tools is a plus. 

Process-Oriented Mindset: Ability to document and standardize processes clearly and logically to improve efficiency and consistency. 

Research & Problem-Solving: Skilled at investigating issues, synthesizing information, and proposing actionable solutions. 

Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to translate findings into reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders. 

Collaboration: Comfortable working cross-functionally with operations, finance, and on-site teams in a fast-paced environment. 

Attention to Detail: Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

Preferred Experience

Previous internship, coursework, or project experience in operations, process improvement, or data analytics. 

Experience creating SOPs, building dashboards, or conducting operational research. 

Familiarity with hospitality or service operations is a plus. 

Application Information:

Required Materials: Please submit a resume as part of your application. Applicants should stay on top of their tasks, including interview invites and follow-up emails, to progress through the hiring process. 

Application Deadline: Applications will remain open until October 10, 2025. 

Interview Process: Selected applicants will complete a HireVue recorded video interview and a virtual interview. 

Selection Notification: All interns will be selected by March 1, 2026. 

Onboarding: Interns will participate in a comprehensive onboarding process, including orientation sessions and pre-internship activities. 

Assessment Criteria:
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, strong communication skills, relevant academic and work experience, and a passion for the cruise industry. Each department will have specific qualifications and requirements for their internship projects, so applicants should review the full job description thoroughly to ensure they meet these qualifications. 

Diversity and Inclusion:
Carnival Cruise Line is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

Your Path to Success:
Our internship program serves as a pathway to identify top talent who can seamlessly transition into a thriving career at Carnival Cruise Line or become part of our esteemed 18-month Rotational Leadership Programs. With the knowledge and professional insight you'll gain during your internship, the possibilities are endless. 

Embark on a journey of learning, growth, and endless possibilities!

Ready to take the helm of your career? Apply now and seize the opportunity to shape your future with Carnival Cruise Line. Don't miss the boat!