The carnival provides further details on the latest prohibited item

Just a few days later it’s official adding Bluetooth speakers to the list of prohibited itemsCarnival Cruise Line continues to clarify this policy and notes that there are no exceptions to the ban, even if the exact prohibited products are available in onboard stores.

The speaker ban, which covers all Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers, was quietly introduced a few days ago and confirmed by the cruise line’s official Brand Ambassador, John Heald.

“Bluetooth speakers will be collected and returned at the end of the cruise as they cannot be used anywhere on the ship.” Heald said in response to initial inquiries from guests.

Over the past few days, Heald continued to raise comments and questions about the ban. His replies clarified that the ban was absolute and did not include any exceptions even for the harmless use of loudspeakers intended solely for use in the passenger compartment.

“I have a question about the sound systems used for sleeping in the cabin. I know (Bluetooth) speakers are banned (which I’m glad to hear), but I’ve seen sound devices grouped together for this purpose.” said one commentator. “My children use a white noise/sound machine to sleep. This is especially useful when traveling due to traffic and noise in the hall. Will we have any problems getting this on board?”

The commenter noted that the sound device they are using is unable to play music and only provides white noise. Many cruise travelers use similar devices more restful sleepespecially in an unfamiliar cruise ship cabin where the noise of passersby in the hall or ship operations can cause disturbances at night.

Unfortunately, Heald’s answer is not one the guest would be happy to hear, but it may not be the final answer.

“I’m looking into it now and see if we can do something. “Right now I think it will probably be taken away,” he added. Heald said.

Notes that white noise speakers can be difficult to distinguish from other portable speakers. Since security staff must handle guests’ luggage quickly and efficiently, it is best to err on the side of caution at this time and not take any sound devices with you.

Another option might be to bring a small fan – which is not allowed on the cruise line – to emit white noise, or to download a white noise app on your phone that you can use at night or while your children are napping.

Carnival-branded speakers are also banned

As an interesting twist on the speaker ban, what about speakers sold as souvenirs in retail stores on Carnival ships? This has caused confusion for some travelers.

“People have been discussing banning speakers, they are being confiscated and the visitors are taking them back to land. What do they do with the ones sold in the souvenir shops on the carnival ship? one commenter asked.

Speakers won’t be the only technically prohibited item sold in carnival shops. For example, guests can purchase large bottles of alcohol on board, but cannot bring these purchases into their cabins. Instead, alcohol is held until the last night of the cruise, when guests must pack before disembarking.

Heald confirmed that speakers sold in gift shops will be treated in the same way.

“They will still sell (the speakers), but they will keep them and return them to the cabin on the last day of the cruise.” he said.

Read also: What cannot be taken on a cruise?

It is unknown at this time whether the cruise line will phase out sales of the speakers completely. It would certainly be possible and would help eliminate any misunderstandings.

It’s not uncommon for cruise lines to adjust their souvenir offerings based on popularity, delivery options and other factors. Recently, for example, Carnival Cruise Line discontinued picture frames with portholes because they weren’t the most popular option for souvenir photos.

While the Bluetooth speaker ban is still new, the exact application of the ban will certainly continue to be refined in the coming weeks.

However, travelers should not expect the ban to be lifted as it has been widely adopted by many cruisers and makes it easier for crew members to maintain a safe and family atmosphere for everyone on board.