Carnival Clarifies a New Type of Prohibited Fan in Certain Venues
As Carnival Cruise Line has begun placing “Have Fun. Be Safe” guideline letters in guest staterooms to remind guests about key points of the expected code of conduct, some guests have noted a confusing restriction.
The letter specifically notes that handheld fans are now prohibited in certain venues.
“For safety reasons, handheld fans are not permitted in the nightclub or on any indoor dance floor,” the restriction reads.
The exact type of handheld fan has not been clarified, which has led to significant confusion. Guests have reached out to John Heald, Carnival’s official brand ambassador, about which fans, precisely, are now restricted.
“I see the new rule about handheld fans… Are we talking little mini electric fans that people walk around with nowadays or like the ones you open and wave in front of your face to cool off?” one guest asked.
Other guests have asked similar questions. To be fair, “handheld” could be interpreted as a very broad term covering battery-operated fans, misting fans, collar fans, solar-powered fans, stroller fans, fans attached to caps or hats, or even waist clip fans. All of these types can be handheld very easily.
While Heald does simply quote the new restriction reminder letter, he later qualifies which type of fans are prohibited more carefully.
“These are the handheld fans, not the electric mini ones,” he noted.
Specifically, the “clack” fans or folded fans that are manually opened and closed are the ones now prohibited in onboard nightclubs or on indoor dance floors.
It is not clear whether or not these fans can still be used on the outdoor Lido Deck dance floor during deck parties. Because the restriction is intended to ensure all guests are safe while enjoying line dances, however, it is unlikely that Carnival would permit the fans for deck parties.
If guests are simply enjoying their own personal cool breeze, however, the fans are not prohibited. They can be a convenient accessory for summer cruises, especially on Caribbean or Mexico itineraries where temperatures may soar in the summer months.
Why the Sudden Fan Ban?
The new ban on handheld folding fans comes due to the popularity of the “Boots on the Ground” line dance that has skyrocketed in recent weeks.
The catchy tune has been featured in a TikTok dance challenge, which includes moves with popping or snapping fans in time with the beat at different points in the dance.
First released in 2024, the song gained much greater acclaim with the TikTok challenge in April 2025. Celebrities, political figures, news anchors, and more have joined in the craze, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Beyonce, police departments, graduating classes, work groups, and more.
While it can be amazing fun to participate in line dances – especially during Carnival Cruise Line’s epic parties – the close quarters of the crowds can make fan embellishments dangerous.
I’ve been elbowed, kicked, hip checked, and stepped on in various Carnival deck party line dances, even without fans. It’s all in good fun, and the more people who join in the dances, the more fun the parties can be.
A fan, however, could easily strike someone in the face, causing severe injuries with sharp edges or corners. That is not the way anyone wants to spend their cruise vacation.
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Will the ban on these foldable fans last? Undoubtedly it will be enforced as long as the dance craze continues, just to be sure everyone onboard can join in parties and dancing without risking injury.
In the meantime, guests will have to enjoy the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Wobble, Cha-Cha Slide, and other line dances – my favorite? The Macarena! – at the different deck parties, no fans permitted.
Carnival Clarifies a New Type of Prohibited Fan in Certain Venues