Ah, dress codes. We had them in school, and we still have them on cruises.

However, cruise dress codes are in place for a reason. You do not want to see someone’s feet (or worse!) when you are trying to enjoy a meal.

One cruiser unfortunately did experience some discomfort on their recent Carnival cruise when fellow passengers decided to disregard the dress code in dining areas.

This passenger took to Facebook to share their grievances about the poorly enforced dress codes while on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend.

“Our one complaint is the dress code in the main dining room! Too many men wearing hats – concert tee shirts – flip flops!” complained the poster. “We saw this even on elegant nights!”

Carnival’s dress code suggests dressing in ‘Cruise Casual’ — which is outlined thoroughly on their website.

For women, this means wearing casual or summer dresses, trousers or skirts with a blouse, jeans, and even elegant shorts. The men’s suggestions include dress pants, polo shirts, jeans, and of course elegant shorts.

What are elegant shorts and why are they casual? The world may never know.

This dress code also asks guests not to wear basketball shorts, flip-flops, cut-off jeans, swimsuits, or tracksuit trousers. While these clothing items might seem more casual, the cruise line wants to make sure all guests feel comfortable when dining.

The poster also added, “In the buffet area – people in bathing suits – no cover ups – bare feet!” No thank you.

Read Also: What You Should Never Do at the Cruise Ship Buffet

As for Elegant Nights, the dress code is a bit more strict — along with the cruise casual clothing restrictions, this version also does not allow for shorts, jeans, sportswear, and baseball caps.

However, this poster pointed out that neither dress code is being enforced as they should.

The post tagged Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador John Heald to ask for help in understanding why people are allowed to dress in such a way on a cruise that would be unacceptable elsewhere.

Heald quickly responded, initially hoping that the dress code violators did not spoil the cruise.

In an interesting twist, however, he then went on to express that the dress code might need to be revisited.

“I do think we need to take another look at the dining recommendation dress codes. We haven’t as it really is impossible to police this completely,” he said.

While it may be hard for the crew to enforce these guidelines fully, what is and isn’t suitable dining attire seems to be becoming a recurring issue for guests.

Denim Deja Vu

Just days ago a large debate was sparked after a passenger complained about men wearing jeans during an elegant dinner while on the 2,610-passenger Carnival Spirit.

Jeans are not recommended for elegant dining experiences with Carnival Cruise Line, but this passenger decided to let it affect them.

Unlike the poster from Carnival Legend who clarified they still had a great time, this cruiser was livid about their experience and thought the cruise line would lose guests due to the poorly enforced dress code.

Again, in comes Heald to save the day! After suggesting the passenger should not let other’s fashion choices bother their dining experience, he created a poll to see how fellow cruisers felt about others wearing jeans for formal occasions.

The results were that most would not care if they saw someone wearing jeans, though maybe a new one poll is now warranted about wearing shoes!

Carnival Cruise Line’s Elegant Nights were formerly known as Formal Nights — the ships even used to have a shop where passengers could rent formalwear.

Over time, the dress code has become significantly less strict, and Heald has heard it all when it comes to complaints.

Another recent issue on Carnival Legend was whether or not military uniforms were appropriate in dining areas.

The complaint came from a cruiser when he spotted three men wearing uniforms. These US military service members were celebrating their retirement from their careers, but apparently it was too much for this one guest.

After badgering Heald on why this was allowed, the poster added, “It brings back to a reality that [guests] are trying to get away from, so I’m not just speaking for myself. What does cruising have to do with war.”

Carnival Cruise Line does allow for military uniforms to be worn, and Heald suggested this one passenger simply should look away.

Bare feet and a full uniform are two very different instances, however. It may be worth it for the dress codes to be reconsidered and more strictly enforced moving forward — though many might appreciate the cruise line keeping it casual.

After all, cruisers just want to have fun!

In a recent flurry of online discussions, Carnival Cruise Line guests feared their beloved coffee to-go was being tossed by the cruise line.

A post circulating on social media suggested that Carnival is planning to eliminate to-go coffee cups in favor of mandatory sit-down consumption at its JavaBlue Café aboard its ships.

In a panicked message to John Heald, the company’s brand ambassador, a frequent Diamond-status passenger asked if the rumors were legit.

“A [moderator] said that baristas will no longer have to-go cups,” the guest wrote. “The Carnival story/rationale – sustainability and to save ships’ water.” 

“Who decides this crazy stuff? Does anyone even think it through?” she continued. “I will miss the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Starbucks when I am on the Vista. Totally disgusted.”

Heald was quick to calm the passenger, saying he’s been receiving a number of “Is it true?” messages.

“The answer is ‘no, of course it isn’t,’” he replied.

He then went on to address the Starbucks comment, adding that he personally thinks Carnival Cruise Line baristas are brilliant.

“How they smile, how they remember your coffee order after only a few days, and how they put up with Mr and Mrs Glitterknickers and their morning grumpy moods is quite amazing to me,” he said.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Dining Options Worth Paying For

Hundreds responded to the share post on Heald’s Facebook page, agreeing that JavaBlue’s baristas are above par.

“I had a barista recognize my wife and I from a different ship a year prior,” said one guest. “As I started to order my coffee halfway through, she took over and finished saying what was in my coffee. I am still completely blown away.”

Another went on to say the baristas are wonderful, “Just as good, if not better, than my local coffee spot. Even Starbucks.”

However, one guest pointed out that on a recent sailing, the coffee cups were recycled and expected to be returned for reuse.

“They had run out a few days into our cruise, and we had to wait for cups to be returned before we could order our coffees,” the passenger revealed.

“I do not think it is made clear that these blue cups are to be recycled, as I saw many thrown away.”

Carnival’s Coffee

The cruise line’s ships do serve free coffee in its buffet restaurants, but its specialty coffees require purchase from JavaBlue Café, available on 17 ships, or the Coffee Bar, available on 12.

These premium-branded caffeine hubs offer baked goods and hot and cold drinks, with Lavazza coffee serving as the star. The Italian-based coffee maker has been serving up its artisanal brews since 1895 and can be found worldwide, including on Carnival’s sister line, Princess Cruises.

In order to enjoy the coffeeshop-style coffee without racking up extra fees requires a drink package, such as the Cheers Package. (Carnival doesn’t offer a coffee-only drink package.)

This all-inclusive drink package provides coffee and tea specialties in cafes and main or specialty restaurants, as well as sodas and non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine by the glass, water bottles, some spirits, and premium beverages like Powerade, Honest Tea, and Rocky Star Energy Drinks.

It’s priced at $82.54 per person, per day, and includes 18 percent gratuities. Anyone purchasing the premium coffees is welcome to take them to-go, despite the rumors.

Guests can also pack their own coffee and, with a little creativity, brew their own in their rooms.

Have you ever felt a chill down your spine while cruising the open seas or thought you glimpsed a shadow flitting through your stateroom? You’re not alone.

Recently, a Carnival Cruise Line guest reached out to its Brand Ambassador, John Heald, asking if he or the cruise line have any stories to share about onboard hauntings.

In a message to Heald, the passenger said she and her husband sailed on a P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure in February 2025, just before it was absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line’s operations.

The couple, revealing a cabin number that was hidden by Heald so it didn’t scare others away from booking it, said they “absolutely believe this room to be haunted” and wanted to know if others had any experiences.

In typical Heald style, his response was filled with ghastly puns.

“I remember when I was on the Carnival Breeze that myself and a few of the department heads were conducting a séance. We made contact with the founder of a bottled water company. That was probably because we were using a Fiji Board,” he joked.

“Then, later that night, we contacted the long-lost spirit of the first plumber on Carnival Cruise Line’s ship, Mardi Gras,” he added. “That was probably because we were using a Luigi Board.”

But Heald got serious and asked other former passengers to share their stories if they had them. 

And they did.

Ghost Stories

“Every Carnival cruise I’ve been on, my room has been haunted,” shared a passenger. “You would leave the room, and the towels would magically contort themselves into animals. It was crazy.”

While generating a lot of laughs, many respondents actually experienced real moments that caused the hairs on their arms to stand.

One guest said her adjoining cabins on Deck 7 of Carnival Magic were definitely haunted. She said lights flashed, room phones rang, and there was a lot of banging. Even maintenance couldn’t pinpoint what was happening.

Then the real terror happened.

“I was getting dressed and was sitting on the bed. My hubs was on the couch. From behind me, I heard a groan. I looked at my hubs and said, ‘Was that you?’ He said, ‘Nope, that noise came from right behind you,’” she said.

After hightailing it out of there and telling guest services they thought the cabin was haunted, the couple was moved to Deck 9 and didn’t have any further experiences.

Another passenger on the same ship also said his wife had a frightening occurrence. She saw a recently departed person she knew sitting on the bed. 

“She first thought it was me. I was asleep next to her,” he wrote.

Plenty more passengers said they’ve had some haunting encounters aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary.

The ship, built in 1930 by Carnival Corporation’s Cunard Line and the inspiration for the Queen Mary 2, has long been retired and serves as a hotel in Long Beach, California.

It is also where many Carnival Cruise Line guests book a stay before or after a voyage on Carnival Firenze, which is homeported there.

“That ship definitely has a creepy vibe,” said one about Queen Mary, as another added her two sisters both had ghostly run-ins.

“The one heard screaming that no one else did, and the other saw a person that seemed otherworldly,” she said. “Very eerie!”

It seems most passengers would, surprisingly, welcome a visit from a ghost while sailing with Carnival Cruise Line.

In fact, many people suggested the cruise line host haunted cruises, particularly around Halloween. Sadly, the cruise line doesn’t offer themed voyages, just themed nights.

Already known for featuring an array of live entertainment to keep the fun in its Fun Ships, Carnival Cruise Line has announced it will feature even more shows in 2025.

The Carnival LIVE Spotlight Series is getting expanded to showcase even more singers, including many recognizable faces and voices from popular reality TV shows like NBC’s “The Voice.”

“We’re building on the success of the program thanks to positive guest feedback since its launch,” said the cruise line’s vice president of entertainment, Chris Nelson.

He added, “The best way to exceed our guests’ expectations is to deliver something unexpected.”

Carnival will do so by bringing live, concert-like performances onboard during an extensive entertainment schedule that includes 30 production shows, live music performances, nightly comedy shows, and other activities that will enthrall guests throughout the year.

“Each Carnival LIVE Spotlight Series performance is a great value-add to our industry-leading entertainment,” said Nelson.

Carnival’s announcement is a bit elusive, however. It did not reveal the official lineup that will be featured on select sailings across Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet of 27 ships or even which ships will have the special concerts.

It did tease the new series with an image of “The Voice’s” Omar Cardona, who finished fourth on season 22 under Grammy-winning Coach John Legend’s tutelage.

Cardona, who got his start performing at Disney theme parks in Orlando and aboard a number of cruise vessels sailing from Port Canaveral, has been serenading fans onboard as of late. Most recently he appeared on a 3,646-guest Carnival Dream voyage from Galveston to the Bahamas in November 2024.

Last week, Deejay Young, who appeared on “The Voice” Season 24, posted on his social media that he had spent a week headlining the Carnival LIVE concert series in the Bahamas while aboard the 2,754-passenger Carnival Sunrise, which homeports in Miami.

In the past, even bigger names have popped in for the Carnival LIVE series, including country legends Tim McGraw and Little Big Town and rock-band icons like Foreigner and Styx.

Entertainment Options on Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival LIVE series brings concerts onboard its vessels, meaning passengers need to book tickets just as they would a live show on land. 

Guests can select from general admission to VIP tickets, ranging in price from $35 to $250, depending on the artist, for a more intimate performance for just over 1,000 guests.

Its VIP offerings often include front-row seats in a ship’s theater, an artist meet-and-greet, and a chance to take a photo with the artist.

But even guests not choosing to book one of these shows can find live music all around Carnival ships – mostly for free.

Read Also: What is the Carnival CHEERS! Package?

Performers can be found nightly at the laidback RedFrog Pub, during Lido deck parties, and at the Piano Bar, although the latter is so popular that it requires an additional fee to enjoy.

Additionally, the cruise line features its Playlist Productions for Broadway-style entertainment.

These shows also vary by ship but include “America Rocks” for rock music, “Broadway Beats” for show tunes, and a risqué burlesque show, “Blanc de Blanc.” (Again, the latter comes with an additional cost.)

Carnival cruises also feature comedy shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club, a chance to sing along with other guests at the karaoke club, and music to dance by at the nightclub.

There are also complimentary dive-in movies, a mix of free and ticket-needed game shows like “Family Feud Live” and “Deal or No Deal,” and IMAX films (extra), along with plenty of sports to watch at the SkyBox Sports Bar.

Of course, trivia, Bingo, and games like cornhole and mini-golf round out the fun.