Carnival Cruise Breaks Its Silence on Major Changes

Earlier this month, Carnival Cruises went viral on social media when the prominent cruise line shared several significant policy changes. After the changes caused quite a stir on social media, the cruise line has broken its silence on the matter.

In recent weeks, Carnival Cruises has shared messages reiterating what it describes as a renewed commitment to safety and “respectful behavior” onboard their ships. These policies include curfews for minors, marijuana restrictions, stricter adherence to drinking limits, and bans on Bluetooth speakers and handheld fans.

Additionally, as reported by The Root last week, several Black customers have noticed that rap and hip-hop music is no longer on board the ships, claiming that DJs have declined their requests for hip-hop songs.

Obviously, all of these changes have caused quite a stir on social media, with many customers expressing their displeasure. Now, a representative of the cruise line has officially addressed the matter.

In a statement to Parade this week, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruises claimed that the rules are intended to promote a more peaceful environment for all passengers and are not intended to be any form of cultural erasure.

In fact, the spokesperson pointed out that many of these rules that are now causing controversy have actually been in place for years.

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

"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 added.

As for the perceived ban on hip-hop and rap music, Carnival denied such a move. Issuing a statement to the Daily Dot that says their DJs "play a wide variety of music, including hip-hop.”

Regardless, it sounds like the cruise line is intending to move forward with these changes.