Key Aspects:
- A viral photo of a Carnival luggage mat being used as a flag has piqued interest across the internet.
- While the image appears to be photoshopped, it is a good reminder that luggage mats are not free gifts.
- This isn’t the first time a guest has appropriated a luggage mat for another purpose.
Cruise fans show off their favorite cruise line in different ways, from t-shirts and hats to jewelry, decorations, and even tattoos.
One Carnival Cruise Line fan has even raised a “flag” to their favorite FUN cruise line. (Hint – it’s not a flag.)
A photo of their enthusiasm has been circulating online and has even come to the attention of brand ambassador John Heald.
So what’s the flag? A luggage mat. That’s right, one of the “Unpack and Choose FUN” luggage mats that cabin attendants spread out on guests’ beds on embarkation day.
The mats’ real purpose is to protect bedding from the dirt and grease that luggage might smear on white comforters, helping reduce laundry needs.
Apparently, however, the mats can also make very recognizable and eye-catching flags.
The guest has mounted a Carnival luggage mat as a flag in their yard. Yes, indeed, they literally ran it up the flagpole.
To keep the heavy vinyl mat “flying,” they appear to have rigged clips, while other guests examining the photo believe it to be a Photoshopped or AI tweak. The lack of shadows and perfectly straight top edge does support the fake photo conclusion.
Either way, Heald noted that the makeshift flag did serve a purpose.
“Taking off my Brand Ambassador hat for a moment I have to say that this is also a brilliant piece of advertising for the Fun Ships,” he quipped.
He does go on to admonish guests who might consider similar pranks, however. The luggage mats do belong to Carnival Cruise Line and are not swag for guests to keep.
“Please STOP STEALING THE LUGGAGE MATS FFS,” he urged. “You will be charged and perhaps face other consequences.”
Heald did delete the post and photo he’d shared shortly thereafter, perhaps to be sure other guests wouldn’t consider it an endorsement of the illicit activity.
This is not the first time a guest has allegedly heisted a luggage mat for a purpose other than safeguarding bedding.
In August 2024, a guest was spotted at an airport using one of Carnival’s luggage mats as an impromptu blanket.
It is unclear whether or not that guest was eventually charged for removing the luggage mat from their stateroom. To be clear, luggage mats are not free gifts for guests to take home.
What Would Make a Good Carnival Flag?
Cruise ships use a variety of signal flags as well as fly flags to indicate their country of registry. But what would make a good, fun flag for the cruise line itself?
Vexillology is the study of flags, and according to the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), five key features make the most attractive flag.
- A simple design a child could draw from memory.
- Meaningful symbolism for what the flag is representing.
- Limited number of colors that contrast well.
- No writing or seals of any kind.
- Distinctive and easily recognized, or related to but not copying other flags.
So, would a luggage mat be a good flag for Carnival Cruise Line? The design is simple, but there is no symbolism other than the cruise line’s whale tail.
Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise (Bonus – Don’t Take the Luggage Mat!)
That whale tail is distinctive and easily recognized, and certainly isn’t copied from other flags. The red, white, and blue colors are also characteristic of Carnival and a good choice for a flag.
The luggage mat, however, is pretty much all writing, and therefore not a great flag design.
How would you design a fun flag for Carnival Cruise Line fans to fly? Share your creations on the Cruise Hive boards!
