Carnival May Reconsider What Is Shown on the Big Screen
Our world is full of screens of all sizes – tiny screens on smart watches and cell phones, medium screens on computers, and huge screens on other televisions, movie theaters, and yes, cruise ships.
But what should be shown on the huge outdoor poolside screens on a cruise ship? Carnival Cruise Line has gotten some criticism for what it shows at its Carnival Seaside Theaters, but change may be coming.
One guest raised the issue to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, noting what is – and isn’t – shown.
“We have been on Carnival several times and this last week we took our grandchildren on Jubilee. I would like to see less Carnival advertising on the big screen. It is on all day long,” the guest explained. “Could we maybe have island scenes and port scenes. Even ocean scenes would be great.”
It is true that the big screens – typically located on the Lido deck near the main pool – show quite a bit of Carnival Cruise Line advertising. This might range from exclusive shows to advertisements for shore tours to highlights from new ships or new port destinations.
Sometimes there are ocean and beach scenes shown, but this has become less common in favor of more advertising, it seems.
Of course, Carnival Cruise Line does offer the Dive-In Movies – top-rated movies great for a fun night under the stars – but those are usually shown in the evening, with only the occasional afternoon matinee.
“Second, I would love to see anything they are doing special at poolside put up on screen,” the guest commented. “It was very hard to see for all the people crowded around.”
Being a bit shorter myself, I can certainly attest that when there are Lido Deck events – ice carving, games, pool competitions, etc. – it can be hard to see unless you’re at the front of the crowd.
Showing a live camera view on the big screen during the even would be very helpful. Sometimes this is arranged, but not always.
Heald is in firm agreement with the guest that more events should be broadcast via the Seaside Theater, and is going to take steps to see if this might be possible.
“I absolutely agree. I think we need to do more and I think we can, so please leave this with me,” he said. “For the fleet, not just this ship, I will share it with my colleagues.”
Heald often shares ideas and requests with “the beards” for consideration. While this is certainly no guarantee that there might be changes, it does show that Carnival Cruise Line is open to suggestions and delivering what guests want.
Not All TV Changes Are Possible
It should be noted, however, that the cruise line cannot do everything, screen-wise, that guests may want.
Read Also: No Video Games Possible via Carnival Cruise Ship TVs
Many times, guests have asked for specific sporting events – tournaments, certain teams, special events, etc. – to be broadcast, but that isn’t always an option.
Carnival Cruise Line has broadcast contracts with certain channels and companies, and can only offer showings in accordance with those contracts.
Some big events, such as the Super Bowl, are often broadcast onboard, but it does depend on which channels have the exact rights each year.
The cruise line will not, however, broadcast any televised events that might be considered too polarizing and controversial, as these could result in unpleasant situations onboard. This was the case with the recent presidential election, and is typically the same for any similar political events.
Guests can, however, tune in to such events on their stateroom televisions (even if the screens aren’t as large!) and can catch the news, different sports broadcasts, and more on a variety of channels.
If a guest’s preferred channels aren’t available, the Premium Wi-Fi Plan supports higher internet speeds that permit streaming movies and apps such as Netflix and Hulu, so guests can see what they wish on their own screens.