Posted on 07/05/2025 4:35:10 PM PDT by simpson96
Carnival Cruise Line is under fire after implementing a series of new onboard policies that some Black passengers say are restrictive at best and racist at worst.
The rules, introduced in June, have triggered a wave of cancellations and a broader debate about how cruise culture is evolving.
According to Carnival, the changes are meant to enhance safety and improve the overall guest experience. But for some travelers, the message feels exclusionary.
“We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore,” said one TikToker who shared that she canceled her reservation for a friend’s birthday celebration. “Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”
Among the new policies is a zero-tolerance stance on marijuana, even if it’s legal in a passenger’s home state.
Because cruise ships fall under U.S. federal maritime law, all cannabis products are banned.
“Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives…are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board,” Carnival stated. Violations can lead to removal from the ship, a lifetime ban, law enforcement involvement, and possible fines.
There’s also a Carnival curfew now in place for minors. Passengers 17 and under must be off public decks by 1:00 a.m. unless participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.
The cruise line also allegedly banned on the popular “Wobble” dance.
Another rule that’s drawn criticism is a new ban on handheld, non-battery-operated fans.
While Carnival cited safety concerns over the loud “clacking” sound — originally popularized by a viral “Boots on the Ground: Where Them Fans At?” line dance by 803Fresh, where dancers loudly “clack” fans on certain parts of the song — some believe the move unfairly targets Black cultural expression.
Similarly, the cruise line has tightened its regulations on personal Bluetooth speakers and appears to be limiting Hip-Hop and rap music played in onboard clubs, though no formal ban exists.
The perception that the company is distancing itself from its Black passengers has spread online.
I’m booking my Carnival cruise right now.
“They should have a cruise for only black people and then film it.”
I’m sure the crew would be thrilled with the tipping thereon. lol
Cruises are not for everybody. I happen to be one of those people.
And this was just this past April...thanks, I'll pass.
"More than 240 people on board the luxury Queen Mary 2 cruise ship have fallen ill with the highly contagious norovirus stomach bug. The cruise ship was likely carrying thousands of passengers and was affected by the infection, with holidaymakers 'dropping like flies'."
Norovirus outbreak hits more than 240 people on luxury cruise ship
Curfew at 1a? Try 9:pm.
did the documentary stink?
Stink- like the cruise....
Oil of oregano kills norovirus...
i’m sorry- prevents, not kills
Clorox disinfecting wipes are your friends. I never trust the turnover crew to disinfect the cabin so we wipe it down 1st thing.
Never had a problem on Carnival. But RCL - Big Problems!
Carnival is suffering severe FATIGUE.
Go ahead Black Investors. Start a Black Cruise Line that caters exclusively to Blacks. Of course it will never happen because it would be a complete and unmitigated disaster.
That made me laugh out loud
:)
🤣
Lol
Made for television...
Nope. It is a rap concert on a barge.
Trapped 500 miles at sea with 3,000 of your closest friends. What possibly could go wrong?
I don’t worry about germs. I’m pretty healthy, despite having health problems. I’m an old lady and pee 20 times a day, so my hands are always clean, and I wash my hands every time I handle food, and when I come in from doing grocery shopping or being at a doctor’s appointment. I’m just not a cruise person, and at my age, traveling anywhere these days is out of the question unless I can drive there within a short while. Even driving a half hour to a doctor’s appointment, I have to go upon arrival, and again before I leave. Up until 4 years ago, I used to drive from the middle of NY State to visit my youngest son in Indiana. I had to stop at every rest stop on the way out and the way back. What a pain. It takes the fun out of traveling. Thankfully, I got all my traveling done in my younger days, so at least I do have great memories of those trips.
Their algorithm at the Carnavil cruise line business office must tell them they are losing money with the current formula. It’s all about the money.
Their algorithm at the Carnavil cruise line business office must tell them they are losing money with the current formula. It’s all about the money.
Thanks for the tip. Hopefully I'll never have to use it.
if norovirus starts spreading in your area, its good to take as a preventative...
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