After being asked whether they'd consider banning cell phones in the dining room, Carnival's Brand Ambassador responded that it isn't the cruise line's place to enforce a no-electronics rule.
The anonymous passenger expressed their frustration to John Heald, saying they don't allow their three children—ages 7, 11, and 15—to use phones or tablets during dinner and felt that other families should adhere to similar standards.
"We are a good Christian family, We do not allow them to take their phones or tablets to the dining room for any meal. We have the same rule at home. We do not buy the internet package so no one uses them to call or text," the message reads.
"There is a [no-technology] rule when we cruise together. I am horrified that we seem to be the only family on the Carnival Dream who have this rule. We are there to spend time together. In my eye Carnival should enforce a no phones and no tablets at the dinner table at least," they continue.
Carnival should set a precedent that would set Carnival apart from other cruise lines. Seeing families all on their phones at dinner is appalling. My children have been raised correctly."
Their reasoning is that having technology-free times helps children learn how to communicate verbally and increases eye contact.
Heald acknowledges that parenting isn't easy but says it isn't Carnival's place to decide whether children should be allowed to use electronics during dinner.
As a parent himself, he's experienced the frustration of trying to pry devices away from his kids once they've gotten used to having it on their person.
"I know that personally and having tried to shove that genie back in its bottle and slammed the barn door behind that bolting horse. For some parents it is easier to get a child to eat a plate full of kale," he adds.
"Unrealistic and unreasonable"
As expected, many Facebook users shared their thoughts about the parents's request, with many saying enforcing a no-electronics rule is unrealistic for guests.
Karen Moore said, "Since we use the Hub [app] for menus and may enjoy taking a photo or two, it's a bit unrealistic and unreasonable for one family to dictate company policy. To the family involved--continue to do as you deem best for your unit. That is within your purview. Please don't try to change the entire world to suit your purpose."
"Everybody’s family is different. We share pictures off of our phones from the day, we are looking at the hub for planning out what to do next. We are having our own family time together," added Jennifer Simons Daviduke.
"Carnival doesn't even enforce dress code in MDR and you think they can take phones away?! Anyway, you need a phone to see the menu (yes they still have paper ones). People use phones to take pictures... It's a family thing, when mom/dad say no then no," commented Kim Rovder Kesner.
Even those who agreed that electronic use during dinner should be limited didn't support a fleetwide ban.
Melanie D Williams said, "I myself hate to see teens, preteens, and adults using their phones at dinner but it sure does help to keep the little ones quiet. They are at the very least, being entertained and quiet. We all know how quickly their little minds and bodies become active!"
"Wonderful values you are teaching your children about those phones. [The only] person who should be teaching values to our children are us, not carnival," Tokei Huggins remarked.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line brings back a beloved free menu item
Discussion sparked after Carnival increased Wi-Fi prices
Earlier this month, Carnival quietly increased the cost of all three internet plans by as much as 22%. Now, the cheapest plan starts at $18.70 per day when purchased in advance, whereas the daily onboard price of the Social Wi-Fi Plan was increased to $22.
The cost of the Value Plan was raised by 13%, from $19.55 to $22.10 for pre-cruise purchases. Similarly, the new onboard rate went from $23 to $26.
Finally, the pre-cruise price of the Premium Plan, Carnival's most inclusive package, went from $21.25 to $23.80 per day. The onboard price jumped to $28.
There's no cost to use the ship's Wi-Fi to access the HUB app and check out the daily schedule or check in for SeaDay Brunch. However, passengers who wish to utilize the chat feature must pay a nominal fee of $5.
Passengers can also opt to share Wi-Fi packages. That said, only one device can be logged in at a time. If you wish to switch between an iPhone and a tablet, you'll need to log out of one device before logging into the other.
The popular cruise line also increased the price of its CHEERS! drink package for sailings for 6+ nights around the same time.
The onboard price is now $88.44 per person, per day, regardless of the cruise's length. However, guests may pre-purchase the CHEERS! package to save 10%, bringing the daily price down to $82.54. No changes were made to the Bottomless Bubbles soda package.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
