Racist or Common Sense? Cruise Line New Rules Spark Backlash

Carnival Cruise Line’s steep discounts have drawn diverse crowds, especially Black vacationers, to its 3-5 day cruises, with prices dropping from $168 per passenger per night in 2015 (adjusted for inflation) to $50 in 2025.

The price cuts, tied to pandemic-era financial losses, have packed ships but also fueled complaints about disruptive behavior.

In June 2025, Carnival introduced strict new rules: no marijuana smoking, minors must be with a parent in public areas after 1 a.m., and personal folding fans, the "Boots On The Ground" line dance, and Bluetooth speakers are banned due to noise.

Disruptive passengers face removal without refunds and possible fines.

Some claim Carnival’s DJs no longer play rap music, though the company denies this. The rules have sparked accusations of targeting Black passengers, with social media posts calling them discriminatory and designed to deter certain travelers.

Complaints about loud behavior, fighting, and poor hygiene, backed by a 2024 CDC report naming three Carnival ships among the top ten least sanitary, have long plagued the cruise line.

Yet, the new policies have ignited a firestorm, with many arguing they address universal issues of civility on a confined ship surrounded by ocean.

The backlash highlights a growing frustration: bad behavior is no longer excused as cultural differences, and expectations for respect are being enforced.