Avid cruisers are devastated by recent rule changes at several cruise lines that could forever change the way people cruise.
The costly ban was so poorly publicized that one passenger who unknowingly broke the new rules was permanently deported.
Many cruisers are angry that Royal Caribbean has banned multi-plug outlets that allow multiple devices to be connected at once.
This comes after the line had already banned surge protector extension cords and power strips.
Royal Caribbean revealed that passengers can still bring multiport plugs or expansions that use only USB or USB-C cords. However, if there is a socket for a regular electrical plug, this will no longer be allowed.
Bans on airlines such as UK-based P&O and Fred Olsen currently prevent passengers from bringing wheelchairs on board unless they have booked an accessible cabin, with some Cruise ability may be affected.
The ban is said to have been introduced to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) rules, which limit the number of passengers who use wheelchairs and require assistance to get to the master station in an emergency. .
Cruise lines are required to have crew members on hand to assist people with mobility issues, and say too many passengers have not declared their travel restrictions, meaning they do not have enough crew on board in case of an emergency. Passengers who arrive without declaring or using a wheelchair and who have not reserved an accessible room may be denied boarding at their own expense.
Recently, products containing CBD (cannabidiol) were also added to the prohibited list. All cruise lines prohibit illegal and recreational drugs, and have recently added CBD gummies and other products that are often used for medical and therapeutic purposes.
“While certain CBD products used for medical purposes may be legal in the United States, they are also prohibited items because they are not legal in all ports visited,” Carnival wrote on its website. There is.
This little-known rule change came at a huge cost to Melinda Erin Van Veldhuizen, a mother of two. She was stopped at security in Port Miami for possessing CBD sleep gummies and was denied boarding without a refund, leaving her with an out-of-pocket cost of $10,000 (£8,120). She was also permanently banned from the cruise line.
Personal Starlink tableware and devices that allow you to maintain a strong WiFi connection without purchasing an expensive in-flight WiFi package are also on the rise after a recent guest and YouTuber posted a video showing other passengers how to use them on-board. was recently banned by Carnival.
Richard Shillington of the No Pants Profit channel took his Starlink mini-dish on a cruise ship and shared his tips online. However, as soon as Line saw the video, they confiscated the device and added it to their list of prohibited items. Several other cruise lines have since followed suit.
A particularly frustrating ban is Carnival's recent ban on Bluetooth speakers (often used by rough sleepers and young children) and other audio devices, including white noise machines.
The line said passengers who attempt to bring their devices on board during boarding or in port will have their devices confiscated. Items purchased from the onboard shop will be stored until the end of your cruise. The shop continues to sell such items.
Carnival says the ban is for safety reasons, to ensure announcements can be heard in public areas, and that from now on guests will be required to wear headphones when listening to music or watching shows in public. He insists that it must be used.
In an even more interesting development, Carnival Cruises brand ambassador John Heald responded to a comment on Facebook, stating that the infamous upside-down pineapple door decoration will no longer be allowed on the line's ships, and will be installed on cabin doors. It was said that it would be removed.
“For those who don't know, the upside-down pineapple has become a bit of cruise folklore, reportedly advertising that you're into the 'swinger' lifestyle and attracting interested It is said that it is used to invite people to connect with others.” YouTube channel “Travel for travelers”.
Heald later deleted the post, but it appears Carnival is still cracking down on its infamous door decorations.