Photo: AFP
Carnival Cruise Line is catching heat over its new onboard policies that several social media users believe are targeting Black passengers.
Carnival said the new rules, which were introduced last month, are meant to enhance safety and improve overall guest experience. However, some Black customers believe the changes are exclusionary and racist.
“We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore,” one TikToker said after canceling an upcoming reservation for a friend's birthday celebration. “Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”
The cruise line has implemented a zero-tolerance stance on marijuana, even if it's legal in the passenger's home state. Violations of the policy can lead to removal from the ship, a lifetime ban, possible fines, and even criminal charges.
“Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives…are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board,” Carnival stated.
The company also introduced a curfew for minors. Passengers under the age of 18 cannot be on public decks past 1:00 a.m. unless they are participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.
Carnival allegedly banned the "Wobble" line dance and handheld non-battery-operated fans. The company cited safety concerns over the loud "clacking" sound produced by the fans, which are used in the viral “Boots on the Ground: Where Them Fans At?” line dance by 803Fresh.
According to the passengers, the cruise tightened regulations on personal Bluetooth speakers and has started limiting hip-hop and rap music in onboard clubs.
Several social media users believe that the changes symbolize the company's attempt to distance itself from its Black passengers.
"Banning a whole genre of music is crazy," one TikToker said.
"Carnival has black fatigue," another person commented.
Others disagreed.
"It's not a crackdown on a color its a crackdown on peoples behavior. Lets all have fun together," one TikToker chimed in.
"Don’t blame carnival, blame the people that don’t know how to act. There’s been too many incidents that happened on that cruise line this year alone," another person wrote.
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