Carnival Cruise Line generally has all the big sports events that passengers would expect. Major games like the Super Bowl and other championship games are often shown on big screens with the ships throwing special parties.
The cruise line also tries to get as many big games as possible, but rights issues make that a challenge. If you're an LSU fan, for example, every Tigers' football game matters to you, but there might be some that aren't covered by Carnival's deals with various sports networks.
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In addition, when it comes to regular season games leagues like the NFL, NBA, and even Premier League football, ships won't have every game. That's not the cruise line insulting its passengers. It's just a byproduct of how fractured the rights picture has become in the sports world.
Carnival also only has very limited rights when it comes to broadcast and cable shows. That's because most people don't watch a lot of television when they are on cruise ships.
That has led to some people being angry when major events aren't televised onboard.
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Carnival will not air a popular show
Earlier this year, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald had to deal with angry passenger feedback over the cruise line's decision to not show the US presidential debates. A debate, of course, is more polarizing in a negative way than sporting events, but Heald was still put in the position where he had to tell a passenger no.
Now, the Brand Ambassador has to answer another angry passenger who wants to see a television show while onboard.
"The season finale of 'Yellowstone' will air on Sunday, November 10, 2024. I will be on the Jubilee. I am platinum almost diamond. I think it is stupid that Carnival does not cater to having this shown for the passengers. So now we have to pay for the internet. I have never paid for the premium internet on a cruise. Never had to. Usually buy social plan for iMessage family and work. What is the guarantee that the premium plan will enable me and hundreds of others probably to watch this landmark show and America’s show," wrote an unnamed passenger.
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Heald was both polite and a little silly in his response.
"Thank you and 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," wrote Heald. "Anyway, it should enable you to see the show if you purchase the premium plan."
Carnival passengers agree with Heald
Over 1,200 people responded to Heald's post and the vast majority thought the passenger was being entitled and ridiculous.
"Seriously? Record it and watch it when you get home. Why do we live in a world where people feel so entitled? There is way too much to do on a cruise for fun and entertainment to sit and watch TV in your cabin," America Duckworth Goff shared.
Bill Brown also jumped in with some clarifying information.
"First, it's the season premiere, not the finale. Second, it streams so they can watch it when they get home. Third, who cares if they are platinum, aluminum, or zirconium? Like that matters," he wrote.
It's also worth noting that even if you buy the internet, it's important to check with your cable or streaming service to make sure it will work while at sea. Some services do not fully work when a person is not in the United States.
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The overwhelming sentiment, however, was that the passenger should record the show and watch it when they get home.
"There is not a single show I care about that much! This has to be a joke you were on vacation enjoying your life. Record the darn show and watch it when you get home," posted Gina Warinner.
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