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.
You mean onboard brawls are banned?
Maybe after these policies are implemented Carnival will be safe for civilized society again.
They need to have passengers pay a preemptive fee...like a resort fee....they break rules they lose their fee plus get kicked out.
I’m told you can take cruises where you are less likely to run into these sorts of people but I agree...the interiors in photos look like a giant shopping mall. That alone qualifies as hell IMO. But my friends really like cruises because you stay in the same room instead of going from airport to airport, hotel to hotel.
There is no inherent right to “black cultural expressions”.
And I am pretty sure the fan dance was culturally appropriated, as those aren’t african fan designs.
“The Walmart of cruise lines” is pretty damn funny
You can take the African out of Africa but you will NEVER take Africa out of the African.
Mob riots and fighting is not “black cultural expression”, and certainly nothing anyone else must tolerate.
I get the other stuff, but the Wobble and Boots on the Ground?
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.
They should have a cruise for only black people and then film it. Serious entertainment. Make it cheap, free drinks, all you can eat and loud hip hop music. Like magic, the other cruises would be clean cut and boring….
LOL!!! Just tonight I watched “Poop Cruise” on Netflix, a documentary about that same Carnival cruise. I am surprised there were no murders on that one.
Baboon Boats. No thanks!
Back in 2007, an old work friend who was living in Arizona at the time told me she had booked a 5 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera, and invited me to come along. I'd never been on a cruise, and she said it would be a good opportunity for me to take one to see if it was anything I'd want to do in the future. I flew out there, and we drove to San Diego. To offset her cost for the cruise, I paid for the tours we took at the ports we stopped at. I wasn't impressed with the ship environment. I didn't like that you had to eat at a certain time, and was forced to sit around a big table with people you didn't know. The food was good, but I couldn't believe that at breakfast, they didn't even have warm toast that the butter could melt on.
We had no brawls back then, but I'm not a cruise person. It was the first and last one I took, and if I had wanted to take another one, Mexico was the last place I'd be going.
My cruise count is approaching 55. Most enjoyable 400+ days spent sailing the oceans. Never had a problem, never got sick on a ship. September 2021-through 2003 December was the best time to cruise. Every one was required to wear masks in public places, and required to be fully covid vaccinated. ships were only half full, and cruise prices were discounted 50%. My wife and I took advantage of the discounts and did several cruises during that period.
Exactly. And many are sick of the ratchet behavior.
“Every one was required to wear masks in public places”
Another reason to avoid.
Rule #1: You must act like you’re a civilized human. 😀
Carnival is the CHUCKIE CHEESE of the SEAS!! DISGUSTING BREHAVIOR!!
The NICE cruise lines are FABULOUS!! DON”T GO!! YOU HAVE TO WEAR PANTS!!
I am with you. As a former Navy line officer, my only interest would be spending hours on the bridge of the ship. That is not allowed.
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