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.
just fly to Baltimore if you want to see this. Don’t even have to leave the airport.
The perpetually offended. It’s exhausting.
How much do these cruises cost?
Thank you. About two minutes.
Leonard Cohen talked about working on one of his songs and changing various lines off and on for about two years until the recorded version.
He asked Bob Dylan about one of Cohen’s favorite songs of Dylan’s, asking how long it took him to write it.
“Oh, I think it was about twenty minutes.”
Banning unjabbed people might have prevented serious outbreaks of COVID on ships. What I liked was nobody could grab their food in buffets. The gloved and masked server behind the glass placed food on a plate which you wanted.
I should've included "don't watch -- it was disgusting". Maybe a little funny (ridiculous) in some parts, but mostly not worth my or anyone's time.
Excellent, and thanks for the story about Cohen and Dylan. It's sharing little tidbits like that, that are why FR is so good.
Thanks. I try to lighten the place in between my grimly cynical posts.
I don't want to be confined on a ship that holds thousands, thank you. And it has nothing to do with germs.
That depends on the cruise and the type of cabin you select. The Panama Canal cruise was about $5,700 for two people, but there are other cruises that run $300 to $500 per person. An interior cabin without windows is the cheapest, then there are cabins with windows, cabins with balconies, and suites, all for progressively higher prices.
On our Panama Canal cruise, we had reserved a cabin with a window, but we got an upgrade to a room with a balcony. I hesitate to say that we got the upgrade for free, since giving free upgrades is NOT cruise company policy.
Well, I appreciate it, so please don't stop.
Wouldn’t that be Disney Cruise? It’s not a good idea to take kids on that one.
I’ve sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. No thank you...I’m good.
Thank GOD you don’t cruise!!~ You would be a total downer. Cruises are for people that like to meet other nice people and have fun!!
But aren't you glad I've been here the past 26 years instead of on one of your cruises?
Definitely.
It’s line dancing!
Trust me, if a bunch of good ol’ boys from Texas broke out their boots to do some line dancing, it would make a lot more noise than those fans. Electric slide? Boot skoot boogie? Clapping and stomping sounds like a marching band coming through.
When my triplet great niece turned 5 years old and their “older” sister 6 a month later, their parents rented out a fire station hall for their party and invited all their classmates and family. The movie Minions had just come out and that was the theme. A friend of theirs was a DJ and played music (family friendly).
It was hysterical watching a bunch of 5–8-year-olds and their parents and grandparents all doing the Cha Cha Slide which was popular at the time. Also the song Happy.
As you said, the Wobble and Boots on the Ground are line dances and pretty tame IMO.
I sort of enjoyed the Boots on the Ground video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQxQZV66Bl8
• Hygiene concerns: Some reports mention that a newer version of the Wobble dance involves participants putting their hands on the dance floor and then wiping them, which raises concerns about cleanliness and the spread of germs in crowded environments.
• Crowd control and safety: The dance is known to gather large groups on the dance floor, which can create congestion and potential safety hazards, especially in indoor spaces.
• Noise and disruption: Carnival has also banned handheld fans (often used in viral dance trends like the Wobble) because the loud “clack” sound can be disruptive and potentially cause injuries in crowded areas
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