Carnival Cruise Line is facing criticism after Black passengers became aware of onboard policies that some say are unfair. The rules aren’t entirely new, as specific policies were put in place years ago, but they’ve led to cancellations and debates about how cruise culture is changing.
Earlier in 2025, the cruise line released an explanation of its updated “Have Fun. Be Safe.” rules. The guidelines ask cruisers to show care and respect for others by wearing headphones when using personal devices, following curfews, and not smoking in public areas. The policies include a zero-tolerance rule on marijuana even if it’s legal in a passenger’s home state, a 1:00 AM curfew for minors, bans on handheld non-battery-operated fans, and limits on personal Bluetooth speakers.
Carnival stated that “Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives…are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board.” Breaking this rule can lead to removal from the ship, a lifetime ban, fines, and criminal charges. The ban on handheld, non-battery-operated fans has caused the most controversy. Carnival says the fans create safety concerns because of the loud clacking sound they make. This practice comes from the viral “Boots on the Ground: Where Them Fans At?” line dance by 803Fresh, where dancers clack fans during specific parts of the song. Many critics say this dance and fan usage represent Black cultural expression.
Another issue involves tighter rules on personal Bluetooth speakers and, as some passengers describe, limits on hip-hop and rap music in onboard clubs. Since June 2025, several passengers have said that hip-hop and rap music have been largely absent from playlists in Carnival’s dance clubs. Carnival hasn’t officially announced a ban on hip-hop or rap music, but many Black passengers say they’ve noticed the genres are largely absent.
TikToker @kiarajaxn posted a video questioning why a cruise ship cannot play a specific type of music just because some people don’t listen to it. She pointed out that viral cruise fights never happen in clubs with music, but in hallways and pool decks where there’s excessive drinking. She said, “It is 100% the alcohol… not the music,” calling the connection between rap music and violence discriminatory. The same TikToker said she canceled her Carnival cruise to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday because of the controversial guidelines. She explained that “when people book Carnival, they know what they’re booking. They know they are booking a ‘turn up’ cruise.”
Another passenger who canceled an upcoming reservation for a friend’s birthday said, “We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore. Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”
Matt Lupoli, senior manager of public relations at Carnival Cruise Line, responded by saying, “Unfortunately, certain media outlets have blown this matter out of proportion.” He added that the company has always had many entertainment options and, for several years, has communicated expectations about guest behavior. A Carnival spokesperson told The Daily Dot that onboard DJs play many types of music, including hip-hop. Lupoli said the cruise line has added themed nights to its nightclub experiences that cover various music genres, including hip hop. He said the company is moving toward a themed-night entertainment model and that improving guest experience is an ongoing effort.
Recent viral videos showing crowded decks and unruly crowds haven’t helped Carnival’s reputation. Some notable incidents include a brawl aboard the Carnival Sunrise in June and a terminal fight in Galveston, Texas, that led to 24 passengers being banned for life. According to FBI data, Carnival has the most allegations of serious crimes committed at sea of any other cruise line sailing from North America. Travel expert Jheri Barber, who owns Mom’s Legacy Travel, said many of her clients, especially older travelers, start conversations saying they don’t want Carnival. The cruise line has built a reputation not just as a party ship or a budget-friendly option, but also as one where problems, including theft and fights, sometimes happen.
People have mixed reactions to the new policies. Some support Carnival’s changes, with one social media user saying they don’t blame Carnival and don’t support ignorance, asking if people can just act right. Others said it’s not about race but about people’s behavior, suggesting not to blame Carnival but to blame people who don’t know how to act. However, many Black passengers strongly disagree with the restrictions. One person said banning a whole genre of music is crazy, while another commented that Carnival has “black fatigue.” Several social media users believe the changes show the company’s attempt to distance itself from Black passengers.
An unofficial document titled “Carnival Cruise New Rules” spread on social media, leading many to think it was an official breakdown of the updated rules. The wording somewhat matched Carnival’s official statement about the teen curfew and behavior expectations, but it went further by mentioning a supposed fan ban. The image was never confirmed to be an official Carnival document. Someone who wanted to remain anonymous said a family member was scolded on a recent cruise for using a clack fan in a club even though she wasn’t on the dance floor. Security approached her aggressively and told her she couldn’t use the fan, saying it was in the instructions. The family member left the club after the encounter.
Carnival says the changes are intended to ensure everyone has a safer, more comfortable experience. The company said it’s expanding themed music nights to include genres such as 1980s and 1990s hits, Latin music, and R&B. Carnival maintains that its ships are shared spaces and the rules help create a sense of community onboard.