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.
DECENT BLACKS NEED TO SPEAK UP!
The only thing I think strange is banning the fans. Looks like a harmless line dance, and much better than lots of music these days.
They don't want to end up like Bud Light.
The difference here is that it's not Carnival's fault and they are actively taking steps to "clean up" their cruise line.
Unless you are a Hillbilly, DON’T GO ON CARNIVAL!
You have no idea what a NICE cruise is like. I’ve been on 125 plus and have NEVER seen a fight!!
Carnival Cruises are now idiot free? Line forms to the right! ;)
Some entrepreneurial group needs to pony up the cash, start their OWN company and let all manner of H#ll ensue on their cruises!
Note: Pay for a LOT of insurance. A LOT.
It’s only FAIR! *SMIRK*
Cruising today is NOTHING like that!!
Carnival Cruise Line: The Section 8 of the Sea
Argh, thats Denie’s. Waffle House is for white rednecks :D
Yeah we always avoided Carnival and spirit airlines
They are
You can go on Celebrity and be treated like ROYALTY!!
LOL! :)
If affects the human being black population too. Again, these barn Pygmies are a very small part of the population
There will be a lawsuit and the cruise line will lose, because banning the fans IS targeting a racial group. The fans are not dangerous and I’ve only seen Black Women use them. The rest is fine, no case there.
No, today you have to worry about the whole ship getting infected with Norovirus.
Good GOD!! That does NOT HAPPEN to the whole ship!! Idiocy!
Make it $5000. A security deposit, basically.
We always go RC or Celebrity
Some people really give you an appreciation for the company of a horse or dog.
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