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By Thomas Westerholm
Life & Trends Reporter
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Carnival Cruise Line is facing criticism after supposedly updating onboard rules that some argue unfairly impact Black travelers.
However, the cruise line says the claims are unfounded as the rule changes in question have been in place since February 2023, and items like clack fans that some users say are banned are just not allowed on indoor dance floors anymore.
Clack fans are still allowed on the ships' Lido decks, where there is more space for larger groups.
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"Unfortunately, various media outlets have misconstrued the matter and blown it out of proportion," Carnival spokesman Matt Lupoli told Newsweek in a statement.
"Carnival has always had a wide variety of entertainment options, and recent adjustments like expanding themed nights at the nightclub have already been popular with guests on board."
What To Know
Carnival's "Have Fun. Be Safe" guidelines include:
- Curfew for minors: Passengers under 18 must now leave public areas by 1:00 a.m. unless participating in supervised activities or accompanied by an adult. Guests are also banned from running and making noise in hallways.
- Bluetooth speakers banned: The use of personal speakers in public areas is no longer permitted, with the cruise line writing, "For safety reasons, public announcements must be heard by all guests and crew."
- Handheld fans restricted: Carnival noted that the non-battery kind of fans used in social dances pose a safety hazard.
- Narcotics: The cruise line says no cannabis product is allowed on board, and purchasing and using illegal substances ashore could get passengers arrested.
According to Carnival, any guest who violates these policies "will be fined, disembarked at their own expense, and banned from sailing on Carnival in the future".
What People Are Saying
User @haileystel said she "will never sail with Carnival Cruises again".
"It's to a point I feel uncomfortable on the ship because I feel like I'm not welcome," she said.
"I feel like as a brown person, everybody will be looking at me, either waiting for me to slip up, looking for a reason, or just judging me the entire time. I would not feel comfortable on that ship."
User @I_am_Austin_512, however, was sympathetic to the cruise line.
"Y'all wanna call them people racist for having to put some real restrictions and rules in place to get some order on this damn cruise?" she said.
She continued, "I get it, Carnival Cruise. Do what you've got to do to protect your business, honey. I know you're not racist. I know, I get it."
Newsweek reached out to multiple users requesting further comment.
What's Next
Enforcement of these rules has been active across the Carnival fleet for two years, and the cruise line maintains that these efforts aim to preserve a safe and enjoyable environment for all passengers.
"Enhancing the guest experience is an ongoing effort, and for the past three years, we have communicated our expectations about guest behavior," Lupoli said.
"Our ships are shared spaces, and we create a friendly environment for all who sail with us."
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