One angry parent expressed frustration over Carnival Cruise Line's prohibited items policy when a Christmas present was confiscated during their boarding process.
The anonymous parent wrote to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, explaining the port's security team took the special toy. They also expressed dissatisfaction with Carnival's policies as they believed the toy posed no threat.
"We were on [a Carnival cruise] for Christmas. We were at Disney before we embarked on the cruise. We had bought my son a Star Wars nerf gun for a Christmas surprise at Disney and they confiscated it from us at Security at the port," the post reads.
"We had to go over to a special table where they took it, gave us a claim slip and at the end of the cruise, when back at port we claimed it back. Christmas ruined. How can anyone at Carnival Cruises think this is real. How would you like to see your children have no gift to open from Santa on Christmas morning. Who makes these ----- stupid rules?"
Heald responded by acknowledging the parent's frustration and disappointment. However, he reminded them about Carnival's prohibited items policy, which is agreed upon in the Cruise Contract when booking: "But it is listed in the prohibited items and this is a great reminder for anyone thinking of [bringing] on a replica toy, sword, light saber, or a replica weapon of any kind that it will be confiscated."
Weapons are banned on all cruise lines, and Carnival's website clearly outlines their policy: "All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; sharp pointed weapons, including throwing stars; air, BB, pellet pistols or rifles, stun devices and tasers, any projectile-weapon, including paintball guns, etc."
Safety is Carnival's top priority, and items that resemble weapons are prohibited for the comfort and security of everyone onboard. Though Carnival's motto is "Choose Fun," it's all about responsible and safe fun.
While Nerf guns are typically harmless toys, they fall under the same category as replica weapons. Nobody wants to relax on the lido deck and suddenly see foam pellets being shot around by young kids! Plus, what may be seen as a toy to others could cause alarm to others in crowded environments.
Read more: 20 things cruise lines really don't want you to bring on ships
Did Carnival ruin Christmas?
While the frustrated parent blamed Carnival Cruise Line for ruining their holiday vacation, most cruise enthusiasts said it was the parent's fault.
"Where exactly was he planning on using the gun on the cruise ship? It's not like he could go walking around randomly shooting it at people or things on board," commented Denisé P. Briand.
"And if it truly ruined his Christmas, it's not on Carnival, it's on YOU for giving it to him somewhere he was not allowed to play with it. Good job Mom/Dad! This could be a good learning opportunity for your child, learn and obey the rules. Or don't obey the rules and deal with the consequences."
Mandy Forbes added, "Maybe the parents should have purchased a better gift for their kid to open on Christmas morning and saved the nerf gun for home. Blame yourselves. Make taking responsibility for your own actions a New Year’s resolution maybe."
"Christmas ruined because [of] one 25 dollar nerf gun that will be broken by [M]ay wasn't given on Christmas. Try not cruising and buy more presents for your kids," said Patrick Cole.
Misty Milstead McMinn stated, "If not having a nerf gun on Christmas morning (after a trip to Disney AND a cruise) ruined your Christmas, you are really not understanding the meaning of Christmas! I also imagine it probably SAVED Christmas for the other 3000+ passengers on the ship to not have nerf bullets pelted at them while they were relaxing with loved ones on Christmas morning!"
Read more: 8 Things you can bring on a plane, but not a cruise ship
Carnival recently added to its prohibited items list
Carnival banned Bluetooth speakers from its ships in November to ensure all passengers could hear important announcements made via the public address system.
“All speakers (including Bluetooth, portable, and wireless types) and radios are prohibited and will be held and returned at the end of the cruise. For safety reasons, public announcements must be heard by all guests and crew," reads Carnival's website.
The ban came after Heald posted a Facebook poll asking whether speakers should be banned on ships. 88% of respondents agreed that speakers should be banned on Carnival vessels, while 22% believed otherwise.
Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time
What else should you leave at home?
When packing for a Carnival cruise, leaving certain items at home will ensure a smooth boarding process. First, don't try and smuggle alcohol or drugs onboard. Carry-on bags are subject to be sniffed by a K9 narcotics dog. If you're caught with illegal substances, including medical marijuana, you could be denied boarding.
Moreover, while saving money on alcohol sounds like a good idea, if you're caught trying to sneak booze onboard, you won't be given any compensation for the confiscated alcohol. That said, Carnival does allow each passenger over the legal drinking age to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard with them on embarkation day.
Steamers and irons are also banned from Carnival ships because of the fire hazards they pose. I fight creases with wrinkle-release spray. I'll also leave my clothing hanging in the bathroom while I shower! Additionally, heating pads, hot plates, coffee makers, and other cooking equipment are prohibited for safety reasons. There are plenty of dining options onboard, even if you're craving a midnight snack.
Read more: Cruise ship prohibited items: 23 things you can't bring on a cruise
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.
