Everyone wants a good night’s sleep on their cruise, or in my case, a wonderful nap. Both fans and white noise machines are popular accessories to achieve just that.

But can both types of sleep-inducing equipment be brought onboard a cruise ship? The answer isn’t always as easy as a straight yes or no.

There is much confusion on the whether or not fans can be brought onto a cruise ship, and if travelers don’t bring their own, can they request one once onboard?

Furthermore, what about a regular white noise machine rather than a fan? With Carnival Cruise Line’s recent ban on bluetooth speakers, some guests wonder about their favorite sleep aids.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, regularly fields such questions, and two guests recently reached out with these concerns.

“I use a fan to sleep, why is there not a sufficient amount of fans for every guest that wants one?” one guest asked. “I’m on a back-to-back on the Vista and was told NO FANS are available. Really? This is less than a joke.”

In response, Heald carefully outlined what fans guests can and can’t bring onboard, as well as whether or not fans are available if travelers don’t bring their own.

“Let’s just clarify all of this. Fans – we do have them to hand out, but only for unforeseen circumstances [or] for medical reasons,” he said. “If you just want a fan and you go up to Guest Services and say ‘Can I have a fan?’ nine times out of ten they’re going to say ‘No, I’m so sorry, we don’t have them to spare.'”

Heald notes that while there are a few fans onboard each ship, but they aren’t available just to help guests get to sleep.

What “unforeseen circumstances” could warrant the use of a fan? Perhaps problems with a stateroom’s air conditioner, excessive noise due to mechanical issues, or other unpredictable factors.

Guests are welcome to bring their own fan onboard as long as it is not bigger than 12 inches in diameter and the cord is in good working order. I always pack a travel fan, which has the added bonus of an extra USB charging port.

Larger fans or fans that might be seen as a fire hazard or safety risk – due to a frayed cord, exposed wires, missing covers, etc. – would likely be confiscated at embarkation.

What About White Noise Machines?

The second sleep-related accessory many guests bring along is a white noise machine – or sound machine, as they are sometimes called. These devices offer soothing cover noise such as a low rushing sound, rainfall, waves, or similar noises for easier sleep.

“I have always used a white noise machine, even if it takes up a lot of room in my suitcase,” another guest explained. “Why have sleep machines been banned?”

Heald quickly dispelled this misconception, noting what is and is not banned by Carnival Cruise Line.

“White noise machines have not been banned,” Heald confirmed. “It’s bluetooth speakers that will be collected if you try and bring one on board and returned to you at the end of the cruise. We do not allow those.”

Read Also: How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise

Heald notes that there’s been no ban on simple machines that create white noise as a sleep aid. Some travelers even use white noise smartphone apps or just play low music, which is another option – so long as they don’t use bluetooth speakers with it.

Other guests have chimed in that the stateroom television, turned down low, might be another option for background noise to help travelers sleep.

Of course, if one guest needs white noise while another prefers absolute silence, don’t forget to pack the earplugs!

Out with the old and in with the new!

Carnival Cruise Line just relaunched two rebranded ships in Australia, bringing a renewed energy and excitement to cruise lovers while doubling the cruise line’s offerings Down Under.

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter were reintroduced as the cruise line’s newest members of its fleet, complete with Carnival Cruise Line livery and pizzazz.

The celebration of the ships’ transitions from P&O Cruises Australia to Carnival Cruise Line began on the 108,685-gross-ton Carnival Adventure on March 28, 2025, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House serving as a backdrop.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy performed the ribbon cutting aboard the ship, welcoming the vessel’s return to Sydney.

She will do the same for the twin-in-size Carnival Encounter from Brisbane, Australia, on March 29.

“Our expansion in Australia demonstrates incredible enthusiasm for our brand, and we’re grateful to our loyal guests who continue to drive our ongoing growth,” said Duffy during the first ceremony.

“Doubling the fun in Australia homeports enables us to deliver more sailing options, offer more variety, and deepen our partnerships in the Sydney and Brisbane communities,” she added.

P&O Ships Rejoin Carnival

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, originally Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter as part of P&O Cruises Australia, remain in the Carnival Corporation fleet after completing final journeys with P&O on March 14 and March 11, respectively.

Following a two-week wet dock to get adorned with Carnival’s red, white, and blue theme and to add popular Carnival Cruise Line features, such as the Camp Ocean kids club and Build-A-Bear workshops, the vessels are now ready to set sail again from homeports in Sydney and Brisbane, respectively.

Beginning with Carnival Encounter on March 29, 2025, Australian passengers can board the 2,600-passenger ship for a 10-night Papua New Guinea voyage. 

The roundtrip itinerary from Brisbane includes stops in Alotau, Kiriwina Island, Rabaul, and the Conflict Islands of Papua New Guinea.

Its upcoming schedule – through June 23, 2027 – will host an array of options for its guests, from Pacific Hopper cruises to New Caledonia and Vanuatu to stretches near the Great Barrier Reef, and from Fiji and the South Pacific to themed voyages, including a 90s Getaway cruise in late June 2025.

Check Out the Cruise Boards: Cruising Australia

Meanwhile, Carnival Adventure will begin her new adventures on March 29, 2025, with its own 9-night Pacific Hopper voyage that sails to Noumea and Lifou Island, New Caledonia, and Mystery Island in Vanuatu.

Its also-varied schedule through 2027 mixes short and long voyages to Moreton Island, Australia, and a host of calls along the coast during its Great Barrier Reef explorations that visit Willis Island, Cairns, and Airlie Beach.

The two rebranded ships join Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa Down Under, with the cruise line expecting to sail with more than 500,000 passengers from its Australia homeports in 2025.

Carnival Splendor also sails from Sydney while Carnival Luminosa operates from Brisbane on similar itineraries that give passengers more flexibility in dates.

While the rebranded ships will feature Carnival Cruise Line touches like its Dr. Seuss-inspired Seuss at Sea and its friendly Fun Squad hosting activities and parties, the ships retain some of their original charm.

Former P&O Cruises Australia favorites like Luke’s Bar & Grill, for example, remain on board, integrating the two cruise lines into one.

With the absorption of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Explorer into Carnival Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises Australia ceases to exist.

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.