Carnival Cruise Line is pushing back against recent rumors circulating online, which allege that the company has introduced new bans aboard its ships, ranging from music restrictions to the prohibition of popular dance accessories. Company representatives say that many of the claims currently circulating on social media are either outdated or completely false.
Some social posts have alleged that Carnival recently banned clacking fans—commonly used when dancing to songs like “Boots on the Ground”—and even barred line dances such as the “Wobble.” Others suggested the cruise line had eschewed the playing of rap and hip hop music, prompting accusations among certain users that the reported policies discriminate against Black guests.
However, Carnival says these reports are largely off base. “Unfortunately, various media outlets have misconstrued the matter and blown it out of proportion,” Matt Lupoli, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations, told Cruise Critic. “Carnival has always had a wide variety of entertainment options, and recent adjustments like expanding themed nights at the nightclub have already been popular with guests on board.”
A claim circulating on TikTok alleges that Carnival has reduced the amount of hip hop and rap music played in its onboard nightclubs. However, according to the cruise line, that’s not the case. Rather than cutting back, Carnival says it has extended themed nightclub nights so that specific music genres now play throughout the evening, not just during the first hour.
Cruise Critic noted that, during a typical weeklong voyage, it has seen nightclub themes such as Dance, House and Pop; Carnival 70s and 80s; 90s and 2000s; Latin Night; R&B and Soul; and Caribbean and Afrobeats. Carnival brand ambassador John Heald also told the outlet that DJs at sea face unique challenges compared to those on land, as they must cater to a much more diverse audience with varying musical tastes.
Carnival did implement a ban on Bluetooth speakers in late 2024 and enacted a curfew for unaccompanied guests under 18 that went into effect in 2023. But neither the handheld clack fans nor the “Wobble” dance is banned across the board, Lupoli explained. Fans are only prohibited in indoor nightclubs and dance venues for safety reasons, but are still allowed on outdoor decks like the Lido, where space is less limited.
“Enhancing the guest experience is an ongoing effort, and for the past three years we have communicated our expectations about guest behavior,” Lupoli added. “Our ships are shared spaces, and we create a friendly environment for all who sail with us.”
Still, some passengers and influencers have raised concerns. Jasmine Ramnarine, who co-runs the YouTube channel “A Rich and Jazzy Life”, expressed disappointment. “As someone who leads a community of Black cruisers on cruises, it’s kind of disappointing because there’s so many other things that are more important,” she told USA Today, opining that the fan-related restriction felt “pointed towards Black people” due to the cultural association with the dance.
Some critics, like Richard Ramnarine, believe the cruise line could do more to proactively communicate with the public. “This is the age of social media, where videos are going to go viral and people are going to believe and only hear what they’re hearing and seeing on social media when they’re not hearing (enough) from Carnival’s leadership,” he said.
Ultimately, Carnival maintains that its policies are rooted in guest comfort and safety—not cultural exclusion—and says it will continue working to provide fun, inclusive experiences for all passengers.
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