If you’ve ever taken a Carnival cruise, you know that it’s an exciting, fun-filled experience. From stunning views to endless activities, there’s something for everyone. But what happens when your favorite sports game or TV show airs during your cruise? This dilemma recently sparked some heated debates aboard Carnival Cruise Line, with passengers demanding more access to specific entertainment, such as sports events and TV shows. But before you pack your cowboy hat and Yellowstone fan gear for your next cruise, let’s dive into the reality of onboard entertainment and what Carnival can (and can’t) deliver.
Carnival and Sports: A Winning Combo…Almost
Carnival Cruise Line has long been the place to catch major sporting events while at sea. Whether you’re a football fanatic or a soccer aficionado, you’ll often find big games like the Super Bowl or other championship showdowns broadcast on massive outdoor screens, complete with themed parties. Let’s be honest, nothing beats watching your favorite team while floating on the open ocean, drink in hand!
But not every game makes it to the big screen, and Carnival can’t be blamed for that. It’s not because they want to keep you in suspense—it’s because broadcasting rights are trickier than trying to find an open deck chair on a sea day.
For example, if you’re an UF fan, you might be devastated to learn that every game isn’t aired on board. The reason? Carnival has contracts with specific networks, and sometimes those networks don’t cover the games you’re dying to see. Rights to broadcast sporting events are fragmented like a pizza fight at the buffet—there’s plenty to go around, but everyone’s got their slice.
Why Carnival Can’t Show Every Game
In the fractured world of sports broadcasting, even the NFL and NBA can be elusive. Carnival doesn’t have control over which games are aired; they rely on their agreements with sports networks. And let’s not forget the challenges that come with international waters—if you’re floating somewhere in the Mediterranean, catching a live NFL game is about as likely as finding a dolphin in your pool.
Not to mention, with all the fabulous things to do on a cruise, the idea of sitting in your cabin glued to the TV feels a bit like ordering room service in a five-star restaurant. Sure, it’s convenient, but are you really going to miss out on poolside concerts, comedy shows, and all-you-can-eat buffets just to catch a regular-season game?
The TV Dilemma: What Happens When Your Show Airs at Sea?
Sports are one thing, but TV shows? Oh, that’s where the real drama begins. Earlier this year, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald found himself in the middle of a storm—no, not a tropical one—when passengers complained about the cruise line’s decision not to air the U.S. presidential debates. While political debates are divisive enough to turn any buffet into a battleground, the complaints didn’t stop there.
Fast forward to November 2024, and a Carnival passenger had a bone to pick over, of all things, the season premiere of Yellowstone. This die-hard fan, who’ll soon be flaunting a Carnival Diamond status card, was more than a little miffed about missing the premiere while sailing on the Carnival Jubilee. The passenger ranted that they’d need to purchase the ship’s premium internet package just to stream the show, something they had never done before. Gasp! A $20 splurge for internet? The horror!
The passenger, channeling their inner Rip Wheeler, wrote, “I think it is stupid that Carnival does not cater to having this shown for the passengers. What is the guarantee that the premium plan will enable me and hundreds of others probably to watch this landmark show?”
Heald, never one to miss a chance for a witty reply, responded with a gem. “I didn’t even know there was a new season of this show, let alone a season finale. I hear there is a new character in the show who wears a cowboy hat, a black leather jacket with studs, cowboy boots, a big silver belt buckle, and black lipstick. He is called Goth Brooks.”
Why Not Just Stream It Later?
Let’s be real here: It’s 2024, and with streaming services galore, waiting a few days to catch a show doesn’t seem like the end of the world. After all, missing one episode of Yellowstone probably isn’t going to cause the Duttons to sell the ranch, right?
That’s exactly what many other Carnival passengers thought when they read the complaint. Over 1,200 responses flooded Heald’s post, with the majority of people (perhaps sipping fruity drinks from their private balconies) agreeing that the passenger was being, well, a little entitled.
To add a sprinkle of practicality, even if you fork out for the premium internet package, it doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. Some streaming services won’t work when you’re cruising beyond U.S. waters, leaving you more frustrated than when the ice cream machine runs out.
Priorities: TV or Travel?
Carnival’s main goal is to create unforgettable experiences for their guests, whether that’s through onboard activities, world-class dining, or endless entertainment. While sports and TV are a part of that equation, they can’t bend the rules of broadcast rights or tech limitations.
For the majority of passengers, this isn’t a big deal. If you miss Yellowstone or Monday Night Football, you’ll survive—because you’ll be too busy enjoying the endless adventures that Carnival has to offer. From karaoke nights to themed parties, from comedy shows to Broadway-style productions, you’re sure to be entertained from sunrise to sunset.
So, next time you’re packing your bags for a Carnival cruise, maybe leave the TV show FOMO at home. Because whether you’re team Dutton or team “I just want a vacation,” Carnival has plenty of thrills to fill your itinerary. And as for missing that big premiere? Don’t worry—you can always catch up from your couch, far away from the allure of the open ocean.
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