Carnival Cruise Line doubles down on unpopular ban
The cruise line has denied a request to change its rules when it comes to one popular item.
Cruise line passengers always try to get around item bans they think make no sense or, in some cases, don't even know exist.
That's why when you finish your cruise, every terminal has a table of confiscated items. These are products like irons, coffee makers, toasters, surge protectors, and other things that are not allowed on ships.
Related: Carnival, Royal Caribbean crackdown leaves cruisers surprised
Many of these items seem innocuous so cruisers get the benefit of the doubt that bringing them onboard was an accident.
If you try to smuggle alcohol or bring a weapon onboard, the consequences could be a lot higher. You most certainly won't get the item back at the end of the cruise and you could be removed from the ship as well.
There are, however, some items that many passengers think should be allowed.
One recently made a plea to Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald and he was very clear in his answer.
Doug Parker has all that and more in today's edition of Cruise News Today.
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Carnival Cruise Line won't budge on ban
Transcript
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Friday, February 28.
Carnival Cruise Line is doubling down on its no-coffee-maker-on-board ban.
Now the policy was reinforced after a diamond-level cruiser complained that their Mr. Coffee machine was being confiscated by security.
Carnival's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, confirmed that both coffee makers and French presses are prohibited due to fire safety concerns.
Now he encouraged guests to use the on-board options like the Lido Buffet or the Main Dining Room, as well as their for-fee options at Java Blue Cafe.
The incident has also sparked debate over enforcement, but Carnival says to check the prohibited items lists before packing. Just to be clear, Carnival isn't banning coffee, just the freedom to brew it yourself.
Alaska port adds new sales tax; Ship heads on final journey
And cruise ships visiting Ketchikan, Alaska will soon be required to charge sales tax on on-board purchases while docked, including drinks from the ship's bars and restaurants.
The Ketchikan Bureau Assembly voted 6-1 to end a long-standing exemption with the cruise lines following a similar decision by the City Council.
Officials say that a 2.5% tax will help level the playing field for local businesses and could generate up to $300,000 annually. While most ships close their retail shops in port, onboard bars and dining do remain open, meaning passengers will see taxes added to their tabs.
Supporters say the change is overdue, but critics worry it could lead to pushback from the cruise lines.
And an update on the SS United States' final journey. The ship left Philadelphia last week, of course, for the first time since 1996.
Destination Mobile, Alabama, where it will be stripped of all of its hazardous materials before being sunk off Florida's Gulf Coast and made into an artificial reef.
Along the way, the vessel has drawn attention from onlookers and passing cruise ships in South Florida, including this photo here from Tim. He captured Utopia of the Seas overtaking the historic liner.
The SS United States is ahead of schedule and is expected to reach Mobile, Alabama next week, marking the final chapter for this legendary ship.
And the photo of the week, or video of the week, comes from Doug, the Queen Anne, sailing in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand here. Doug, thanks for sending this in.
Send yours in. Photos@cruiseradio.net. All are subject to broadcast. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@cruiseradio.net.
Here in Doha, in Qatar, about to board a Middle East cruise tomorrow, so Saturday. It's nighttime here right now.
I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
Have yourself a great weekend.
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