Carnival’s New Rules Are Common Sense; Some Just Don’t Like Them

By Kristen Kniep  

Nevada News and Views

Carnival Cruise Line made headlines in June 2025 for tightening its shipboard rules.

Critics have called the changes restrictive, unfair, even discriminatory. That says more about the critics than the rules.

What Carnival did was simply set boundaries. Not arbitrary ones, but rules rooted in safety, respect, and common decency.

Why These Rules Matter

Let’s start with the basics. Cruise ships are floating cities. Thousands of strangers, all in close quarters, sharing cabins, buffets, pools, and dance floors. Add alcohol, and the disruption can quickly become everyone’s problem.

Carnival had a decision to make. Continue tolerating bad behavior, or raise the bar. They chose wisely.

One major incident in Galveston saw 24 passengers involved in a brawl. Federal agents now patrol cruise terminals regularly. This isn’t speculation — it’s happening.

Carnival’s response was to draw a clear line: conduct yourselves with respect, or don’t come aboard.

A Closer Look at the Rules

The new rules are direct and sensible:

—No marijuana, even if it’s legal back home. Federal law governs at sea.

—Teen curfew at 1:00 AM, unless accompanied by an adult. That’s called parenting.

—No folding fans in dance clubs. They’ve caused injuries in crowded spaces, partly due to a viral “Where Them Fans At?” line dance.

—Bluetooth speakers banned in public areas. If you want music, use headphones. Everyone else has a right to peace.

—Drink limits enforced. Carnival’s 15-drink package was never meant as a challenge. It will reportedly be more strictly enforced going forward. Staff now cut off clearly impaired guests, even if they’re under the limit.

—Smoking in non-smoking areas gets a $500 fine. Ships are vulnerable to fires, and not everyone wants to share in your cigarette or fruity vape-scented air space.

—No solo travel under 21, unless you’re married. That’s a move to reduce immature, unsupervised behavior.

—Disruptive behavior gets you fined or disembarked. That includes running, yelling, harassing crew, or making a scene.

—Mobility scooters must fit in cabins, not clutter hallways. Emergency exits matter.

These rules don’t stifle fun. They protect it. When everyone behaves, everyone can relax and have fun.

What About the Culture Argument?

Some passengers have accused Carnival of targeting black culture, pointing to fan bans and changes in club music playlists.

That argument doesn’t really hold water. There’s a difference between culture and chaos.

Blasting music from portable speakers in shared spaces isn’t heritage, it’s rude. Drinking until you’re stumbling and starting fights doesn’t honor your community, it disrespects it.

Nobody gets a pass on behavior just because they tie it to identity. That’s not how rules work on land, and it’s certainly not how they should work at sea.

Rules Make Space for Real Fun

Some say the “Fun Ship” is becoming too strict. I think it’s just becoming more civil.

Families can now book cruises without worrying about midnight noise, intoxicated guests, or hallway mayhem.

Couples can enjoy dinner without Bluetooth bass lines rattling their table.

Parents can trust that their teenagers will be in a supervised environment, not roaming the ship.

Carnival isn’t cracking down on fun. It’s restoring it — for everyone.

Personal Responsibility Still Matters

This isn’t about who’s cruising, it’s about how they behave. If you want a good time, act like a good guest. It’s not much to ask.

Carnival made a tough call. In a culture that often avoids accountability, they stood up and said, “No more.” That deserves praise, not protest.

If a few passengers cancel because they can’t bring their fan or outdrink their roommate before lunch? So be it. The rest of us will enjoy calmer seas.