Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Upgrades Dress Code to Ban Offensive Messages

Image: Carnival Cruise Line ship docked in Long Beach, California. (photo via adibilio/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Carnival Cruise Line ship docked in Long Beach, California. (photo via adibilio/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:30 AM ET, Sat December 21, 2019

Travelers sailing with Carnival Cruise Line will be happy to learn about a new dress code banning "offensive, racist and obscene messages" on shirts and other clothing.

According to Cruise Critic, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald posted a message on Facebook saying the cruise line has updated its policies to ban clothing or apparel "considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions."

In addition, Heald said passengers would be asked to remove clothing or accessories that promote "negative ethnic or racial, commentary, or hatred or violence in any form."

When Heald opened the discussion by starting a poll, an astounding 97 percent of the over 23,000 voters agreed with the changes. The vast majority of travelers want to avoid negativity when on vacation.

In response to questions about the policy changes, which can now be found on Carnival's Frequently Asked Questions Page, cruise line spokesman Vance Gulliksen released a statement to Cruise Critic.

"We want to make sure that all of our guests feel comfortable when cruising with us, and that includes being around guests wearing clothing with inappropriate images or language," Gulliksen said. "We will evaluate situations on a case by case basis and take appropriate steps as necessary."

The changes to Carnival's dress code comes as the cruise line just announced the delivery of the new Mardi Gras ship would be delayed, forcing the cancellation of the first eight sailings scheduled to start August 31, 2020.

The first revenue sailing has been moved to November 14, 2020.


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

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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

Watch Now!
Understanding Expedition Cruising: What Sets It Apart and How to Sell ItWednesday, June 3, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions for an engaging webinar designed to help you better...
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...
Watch Now!
Understanding Expedition Cruising: What Sets It Apart and How to Sell ItWednesday, June 3, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions for an engaging webinar designed to help you better...
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...