Carnival Cruise Line Warns Passengers About Havana Wristband Scam, Adult-Only November Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line is addressing multiple passenger-related issues affecting onboard experiences. The cruise line has warned about a scam involving the resale of Havana Retreat wristbands, which provide access to exclusive ship-within-a-ship areas; these wristbands have color variations checked by staff to prevent unauthorized entry, and counterfeit bands do not grant access, resulting in embarrassment for those trying to sneak in. Additionally, Carnival announced an operational change for a November 2025 sailing on Carnival Magic, converting it into an adult-only casino event cruise, raising speculation about potential future adult-only cruises. Separately, widespread frustration exists among cruise passengers, including those on Celebrity Cruises, regarding poor usability of cruise line mobile apps, which fail to provide comprehensive itinerary and activity information, complicating vacation planning. Carnival also cautions passengers against flushing inappropriate items, especially wet wipes, which can cause major plumbing blockages on ships, emphasizing the use of provided thin toilet paper to avoid such issues. These challenges highlight ongoing efforts by cruise lines to balance exclusivity, operational changes, passenger convenience, and onboard maintenance.