Carnival Cruise Updates Rules, Critics Cry Racism

Carnival Cruise Line is responding to backlash over their recent policy changes, specifically addressing new rules regarding music and behavior which many social media users have dubbed “racist.”

“Unfortunately, certain media outlets have blown this matter out of proportion,” Matt Lupoli, Senior Manager of Public Relations at Carnival Cruise Line, told Parade in a statement.

“We have always had a wide variety of entertainment options and for the last several years we have communicated our expectations about guest behavior,” he continued.

📌New Rules on Carnival Cruises targeting Loud Music, People, Hazardous Fans, Children on the Loose and More😅 @KABBFOX29 @News4SA pic.twitter.com/0DhfpBhOrx

— Darian Trotter-Thomas (@DarianTrotter) June 7, 2025

The rules included a stricter drug policy. “Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives, and other illegal substances, are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board,” a letter noting all the rules says. “Smoking of any kind in undesignated areas such as staterooms and balconies is strictly prohibited.”

Guests under the age of 17 must stay out of public areas after 1 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult. The new rules also say that certain handheld fans are also prohibited due to the loud “clack” sound. These fans are used as part of a viral dance trend, but now Carnival says for the safety and comfort of other guests, they’re no longer allowed.

The letter also prohibits portable speakers from being used without headphones. There is also a 15-drink maximum in a 24-hour period.

Several social media users have reacted with accusations of racism, saying that Carnival is trying to discourage black vacationers from their cruise ships by coming up with rules specifically targeting their actions, per The Root. 

One person on TikTok replied by saying, “Carnival does not have to worry about me,” noting how she cancelled her reservation following the new rules being posted. “We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore… Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”

“Why would you not want people to be able to bring speakers to listen to their own music?” another woman said in a TikTok which included the caption, “Carnival Cruise Line does not like colored people.”

“Y’all got some nerve,” she added. “Because y’all are mad dirty, y’all are mad cheap, y’all mad ghetto. Every time I see a video of Carnival, the stairways is all rusty, y’all got a whole documentary about how y’all ships be catching on fire and sh** mixed with piss all on the walls, all on the floors, and y’all got beef with rap music.”

Other commenters defended the changes, however. 

“Y’all have to learn how to act… I’m not gone lie.. y’all really made the value go down. I’m not mad at it.” 

“I’ve never seen a carnival cruise video on social media that makes me want to go. It’s like the Walmart of cruise lines,” another person said. 

“It’s not racism but certain stuff becomes a liability after a while,” another commenter agreed.

“Carnival got tired of being the Section 8 of the Sea,” echoed another.

There are also unconfirmed claims that Carnival has banned rap music from the clubs on their ships, which a rep for the company declined. 

“Our DJs play a wide variety of music, including hip-hop,” a rep told The Daily Dot.