July 5, 2025
Black Passengers Say They Feel Targeted By Cruise Line After Discovering Its Policy
The new Carnival Cruise rules are under fire for allegedly targeting Black culture and music.
Updated: July 10, 2025
Carnival Cruise Line is under fire after Black passengers became aware of a series of onboard policies that some say are restrictive at best and racist at worst.
The rules are not new as some people believed; certain policies were introduced some years ago. However, they have triggered a wave of cancellations and a broader debate about how cruise culture is evolving.
According to Carnival, the policy is meant to enhance safety and improve the overall guest experience. But for some travelers, the message feels exclusionary.
“We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore,” said one TikToker who shared that she canceled her reservation for a friend’s birthday celebration. “Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”
Among the policies is a zero-tolerance stance on marijuana, even if it’s legal in a passenger’s home state.
Because cruise ships fall under U.S. federal maritime law, all cannabis products are banned.
“Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives…are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board,” Carnival stated.
Violations can lead to removal from the ship, a lifetime ban, law enforcement involvement, and possible fines.
There’s also a Carnival curfew now in place for minors. Passengers 17 and under must be off public decks by 1:00 a.m. unless participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.
The cruise line has tightened its regulations on personal Bluetooth speakers and appears to be limiting the playing of hip-hop and rap music in onboard clubs, although no formal ban exists.
According to Carnival’s Sr. Manager of Public Relations, Matt Lupoli, the cruise line has “implemented themed nights in their nightclub experiences that cover a variety of music genres, hip hop included.”
The perception that the company is distancing itself from its Black passengers has spread online.
“I’ve never seen a Carnival cruise video that made me want to go,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “It’s like the Walmart of cruise lines.”
Still, not all reactions were critical.
“I do not blame Carnival Cruise. I do not support ignorance. Can’t we just act right?” one user posted.
Others disagreed completely with the new rules.
“I honestly thought that’s what cruises were for…….was to relax, get away from home, work & stress,” a user pondered.
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