For those who haven’t taken a cruise with Carnival for some time, you would possibly must stand up to hurry with a few of the latest bans which have been introduced. This 12 months has already seen a number of new guidelines implement.
Let’s have a look at 7 bans the cruise line has both introduced or clarified in simply the previous couple of months.
Every time it’s introduced {that a} cruise line has banned a sure merchandise or observe, it makes headlines instantly. Usually, it’s only a clarification or extra particular roll out of an current rule.
However within the final a number of months, a greater than traditional variety of “bans” have been introduced by Carnival Cruise Line.
1. Bluetooth Audio system
I believe any avid cruiser noticed this one coming. With Bluetooth audio system solely getting larger and louder lately, it didn’t take lengthy for these transportable gadgets to develop into an issue.
Not solely was the music competing with the ship’s personal music. Carnival additionally said that it was a security problem as passengers want to listen to any emergency data over the ship’s PA system.
On high of this, it was a common annoyance to passengers in public areas and even balconies the place the music would naturally spill over into different cabins.
The purpose right here was the hold the adult-only Serenity space, really serene.
The Bluetooth speaker ban was introduced in November of 2024.
2. Pleasant Playing Exterior the On line casino
To be clear, Carnival has by no means allowed playing outdoors of the on line casino. So, this one was extra of a clarification.
One of many video games identified by the cruise line was Left-Middle-Proper or LCR. The cube recreation was rising in reputation on cruise ships and winners of the sport received a money pot.
In January of 2025, John Heald, Carnival’s Model Ambassador, was requested concerning the recreation and he took to Fb to make the cruise line’s place clear.
“You may play for no cash, however I’m afraid that due to crucial guidelines and laws, we don’t permit visitors to gamble outdoors of the on line casino,” Heald said.
The sport, and others prefer it, can nonetheless be performed. However no trade of cash will be made.
3. Upside-Down Pineapple Door Decorations
Carnival Cruise Line introduced the ban on upside-down pineapple door decorations in late November 2024. This choice was highlighted by Carnival’s Model Ambassador, John Heald, in response to a query on Fb relating to meetups for singles.
He confirmed that upside-down pineapples, usually used as an emblem by the swinging neighborhood, would not be allowed on stateroom doorways and could be eliminated if seen by the crew.
Heald said that the decorations are “undoubtedly not allowed on the ships”.
The transfer was made probably in response to a rising consciousness of the image and the cruise line’s deal with a family-friendly ambiance.
4. Satellite tv for pc Dishes, Routers
In September 2024, a YouTuber discovered himself in sizzling water with Carnival when his Starlink Mini satellite tv for pc dish was confiscated, and he was requested to talk with the ship’s lodge director.
Regardless of the gadget being technically allowed on board, the cruise line argued that it was a “satellite tv for pc disk” slightly than a “satellite tv for pc dish,” a declare the YouTuber disputed when referring to the wording of the coverage.
Carnival’s Prohibited Merchandise record consists of the next:
- Emergency Place Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), communication scanners, wideband receivers, satellite tv for pc telephones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers.
- Satellite tv for pc dish, routers and different web associated tools
However with Starlink now being built-in and obtainable on T-Cellular cell telephones, this will probably be a harder state of affairs for cruise line’s to navigate.
5. Asking for Ingesting Cash
Simply this month, Carnival started to crack down on a “purchase me a drink” observe that began as a joke.
The rising pattern of placing indicators on cabin doorways with a request for consuming cash has additionally fallen underneath the cruise line’s ban hammer.
An individual requested the Model Ambassador concerning the observe:
“John Heald, what are your ideas about cruisers who put up an indication on their cabin door or hand out flyers with a Venmo asking for individuals to ship cash for drinks? Does Carnival have a rule about that?”
However Heald was straight to the purpose in saying that this observe was easy not permitted on Carnival cruise ships.
“Completely, we do. It’s strictly forbidden,” he wrote. “You probably have particulars of anyone doing this, would you please let me know these particulars now, and I’ll deal with it instantly. The solicitation of visitors by visitors is strictly forbidden. Thanks a lot and I will probably be right here to assist so please ship me the small print,” Heald responded.
6. CBD Merchandise
This one isn’t new precisely. But it surely has fallen underneath the highlight in the previous couple of months.
Simply final 12 months a pair was banned from the cruise line after a container of CBD mints had been present in a backpack.
Earlier than they may even board Carnival Conquest, the husband’s boarding cross was taken away and the couple was banned from all future cruises with the corporate.
State legal guidelines would possibly permit CBD, however cruise ships comply with stricter federal and worldwide guidelines, plus they have to adjust to legal guidelines at their locations just like the Bahamas or Caribbean.
This has led to some confusion for passengers who assume, “If CBD gummies are authorized in my state, why not on a cruise?” However don’t do it, otherwise you’ll be in for a change in trip plans.
7. Deck Chair Hogging
Reserving deck chairs and loungers for hours on finish has all the time been towards Carnival’s coverage. But it surely nonetheless occurred.
Now Carnival is attempting to resolve this downside that has aggravated passengers for years.
If crew members discover {that a} lounger has been unoccupied for 40 minutes, a “40-Minute Rule” is put into place that enables them to take away that passenger’s gadgets.
Crew will place notecards on chairs with the present time to allow them to hold monitor of how lengthy a chair has been “hogged” and take the suitable motion.
Heald acknowledged the issue of deck chair hogging and said the next concerning the new answer.
“If they aren’t again by that point, we’ll take away it. It’s solely honest to make it that means. Ever since I’ve labored on cruise ships, there’ve been individuals determined to get the chairs. We’re doing our easiest. It’s not an ideal system, it could be foolish of me to counsel in any other case. However it’s one thing we have to do,” Heald said.
To date, passengers have overwhelmingly praised the cruise line’s efforts because it’s undoubtedly a step in the fitting course.
Royal Caribbean has additionally carried out an identical system that entails putting a slip cowl over “reserved” loungers.
Backside Line
So, for those who’re hopping on a Carnival cruise, ensure you’re up to the mark with these new bans. And be mindful, these are put into place to make everybody on the ship can have a fantastic trip.
The very last thing you need is anarchy and a rule-less society whereas a whole bunch of miles from land, proper? In any case, you’re sharing your trip with 1000’s of different individuals, and just a little kindness and politeness can go a great distance.
