Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Issues Advisories About Guest Behavior

Image: Carnival Sunshine. (photo via Carnival Cruise Line) (Carnival Cruise LIne)
Image: Carnival Sunshine. (photo via Carnival Cruise Line) (Carnival Cruise LIne)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 8:05 PM ET, Wed February 1, 2023

Cruises are definitely a place to have fun. But you still need to behave yourself.

That's the edict from Carnival Cruise Line, which has begun issuing pre-cruise advisories outlining the do's and don'ts of appropriate cruise behavior.

The advisories, being dispatched via email to upcoming passengers, focus on safety and guest behavior guidelines, underscoring such things as the cruise line's smoking policies, as well as its rules surrounding disruptive behavior and bringing alcohol onboard.

To be clear, the policies are not new. They've been available on the cruise line's website for years. What is new is the added distribution of the rules via email.

The advance emails do however, offer some additional context and explanation regarding some of the cruise line's long standing guidelines. This includes rules regarding marijuana and the fact that: "cruise lines are required to follow U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of marijuana and other illegal substances."

The cruise line's beverage policies are also covered in the advisory, which may be helpful for those who haven't visited the Carnival website in order to brush up on the rules-and more specifically what's not allowed onboard. Even such topics as the use of radios and speakers onboard is addressed in the email advisory (For those who are not aware, these items are prohibited in public spaces unless used with earphones).

There’s fun for all ages on the new Carnival Horizon.( Photo by Andy Newman courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.)
There's fun for all ages on the new Carnival Horizon. (Carnival Cruise Line)


And for those not up to speed-the advisories also address the highly contentious practice of trying to save seats, such as sun loungers by the pool, by throwing your book, shoes, and towels on chairs at 6 a.m. in order secure your seat for the day. This type of behavoir is strictly not permitted at any time. Seating is first come, first serve.

Unruly and disruptive behavior meanwhile, will have financial consequences. You may face a fine of up to $500. And if your behavior warrants disembarking from the cruise, there may be additional costs incurred. And you may be banned from all future Carnival cruises.

Finally, the email missives emphasize that the ship's officers are the final arbiters of what constitutes an infraction of Carnival's rules.

"The captain and our officers have the authority to enforce our policies and make decisions in order to provide for a fun and safe environment for all," states the email.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...