Some passengers are rejoicing, while others are upset by this change
Carnival Cruise Line Is the First to Ban This Controversial Item on All Sailings
Published on Jan. 22, 2025
I had just settled into my lounge chair on the pool deck of my latest cruise when it happened. The bright sun warmed my face, a salty breeze ruffled my hair and a live calypso band added the perfect background noise to my Caribbean vibe. I flipped open my Kindle to get back to my latest novel … and felt my serenity disappear as some really annoying music crashed my version of paradise. The culprit: another passenger’s Bluetooth speaker blaring a personal playlist—and subjecting everyone in the vicinity to it.
And that’s how quickly an afternoon at sea can be ruined by one selfish passenger who couldn’t be bothered to use headphones. I quickly packed up my stuff and moved to a different area where I could relax in peace.
My recent experience isn’t unique. Plenty of passengers hate this kind of audio intrusion, and if you count yourself among them, you may be happy about a new Carnival Cruise policy. Read on for everything you need to know about the latest change, including what happens if you don’t follow the rules and why some guests are miffed by the update.
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What item is Carnival banning, and why?
Carnival Cruise Line has become the first in the industry to ban Bluetooth speakers. According to the cruise line’s website, “all speakers (including Bluetooth, portable and wireless types) and radios are prohibited and will be held and returned at the end of the cruise. For safety reasons, public announcements must be heard by all guests and crew. Consequently, guests must use earphones when listening to music or watching shows/movies on personal devices in public spaces.”
Now, I do find it interesting that this ban is being enforced under the guise of “safety reasons” when headphones are more likely to block out important public announcements than portable speakers—most headphones these days have features that block outside noise. If I had to wager, I’d say Carnival was just sick of the complaints it received about these devices in public spaces.
Why are some guests upset about this change?
Chatter on Cruise Critic, Reddit and other forums point to some passengers’ frustration with this Bluetooth speaker ban. Some say they enjoy playing music or a movie via a portable speaker inside their cabin, where they aren’t disturbing anyone. Others worry that their white-noise machines are now off-limits too. I travel with one myself—and can’t sleep without it—leaving me to wonder if I’ll indeed be forced to find an alternative solution (such as an app on my phone) or skip Carnival altogether.
What happens if you pack a Bluetooth speaker?
How will Carnival know if you sneak a speaker onto the ship and keep it in your room? As the cruise line’s website points out, it checks for contraband: “Carnival conducts security scanning of all luggage and reserves the right to confiscate any item which, in Carnival’s sole discretion, is deemed dangerous or can pose a risk to the vessel or its guests. Items will be removed and disposed of, and no compensation will be provided.”
Unless you’re willing to risk losing your speaker permanently during a suitcase search, it’s best not to test the waters.
What other electronics are banned on cruises?
According to Carnival’s website, “electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, such as irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines, hot plates, toasters, heating pads and humidifiers” are all prohibited.
Thankfully, personal grooming devices, such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons and shavers, and other electrical devices, including fans smaller than 12 inches in diameter, power strips, multi-plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors), are allowed when used with proper caution. Still, if Carnival thinks these devices are hazardous to the ship or your fellow passengers, it will remove them and return them on debarkation morning.
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece, Jill Schildhouse tapped her experience as a longtime travel writer who has taken more than 25 cruises. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Carnival: “Important Information to Know Before You Go”
- Cruise Critic: “Carnival Cruise Line Decides to Completely Ban Bluetooth Speakers”
- Reddit: “Banned Bluetooth Speakers”
- Carnival: “What items am I not allowed to bring?”
