Carnival Cruises Says 'New' Rules Don't Target Black Passengers

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Calm down, people. Carnival Cruise Lines are not targeting Black customers – well, at least the ones that know how to act. In viral TikTok videos and elsewhere online, it was said that the popular cruise line was targeting Black cruisers with a set of new rules. This comes as the cruise line has earned its reputation as the ‘Wal-Mart of cruise lines’ due to its cheap prices, liberal alcohol packages and viral fights that inevitably made their way online.

Turns out, none of the rules are new. According to CruiseCritic, which has been covering the cruise industry for three decades, Carnival is simply providing clarity and enforcing rules already in place.

The fans, for example. 803 Fresh’s viral line-dancing hit, “Boots on the Ground,” is accompanied by clack fans, which highlight the call-and-response nature of the song. What cruisers don’t know is that those fans were banned by the cruise line in 2023. The policy predates 803 Fresh, who released his song in 2024.

In fact, the rule is in the terms and conditions for a Carnival Cruise. It reads, “Handheld clack (or clap) fans are not permitted in the nightclub or any indoor dance floor.” However, they can still be used on the outside decks, so they’re not banned entirely. Carnival says that’s for safety reasons.

As for the Wobble, although it’s been removed from the cruise’s Sail Away playlist, it’s not banned from the ship. Nor has Hip-Hop music been banned from Carnival Cruises. It’s still part of the rotating genres the DJs play on ships to entertain multiple demographics.

“There were lots of rumors, and we continue to play all genres of music,” Carnival brand ambassador John Heald said in a video last month.

As for taking over speakers in various areas with your personal Bluetooth playlist, that has been banned on Carnival since 2024. Once again, it is explained in Carnival’s terms and conditions that this is for safety reasons, so people can hear onboard announcements.

As for teen curfews, they’ve been in place since 2022. Teens under 17, unaccompanied by an adult, can’t be in public areas of the ship past 1 a.m.

When it comes to marijuana, which includes anything with THC or even CBD that can be ingested or smoked, it has always been illegal on Carnival Cruises and all other cruises that fall under United States federal jurisdiction. It doesn’t matter if it’s legal in your home state; it doesn’t matter if you have a medical marijuana license. Don’t bring weed on a cruise ship, period. Remember Britney Griner’s ordeal? While bringing it aboard may not land you in a Russian prison, it may land you in a U.S. prison, so act accordingly.

Yes, there have been issues with some people on Carnival Cruises, given that it’s the best economic deal out of the major cruise lines. Those issues usually occur on the so-called 2 and 3-day “cruises to nowhere” that go to the Bahamas and back. They can also be fueled by alcohol, so Carnival will enforce the 15 alcoholic drinks per day, per person limit. (Editor’s note: We can see how 15 drinks!!!! could generate problems, can’t you?) The behavioral issues are generally not as prevalent, according to cruisers and cruise experts, on longer cruises. You can opt for Carnival cruises from 2-11 days, so if you’re planning on traveling with them, keep that in mind. And read the terms and conditions before you go.

“Unfortunately, various media outlets have misconstrued the matter and blown it out of proportion,” Matt Lupoli, senior vice president of public relations for Carnival, said. He added, “Enhancing the guest experience is an ongoing effort, and for the past three years, we have communicated our expectations about guest behavior. Our ships are shared spaces, and we create a friendly environment for all who sail with us.”