Key Aspects:
- A Carnival guest has complained that profanity and sexual innuendos don’t belong on the family-friendly cruise line even at adults-only comedy.
- John Heald has noted that jokes often come at the expense of a victim, no matter what the type of gag.
- Carnival Cruise Line offers plenty of alternative activities suitable for all ages, even later in the evening.
Some complaints just don’t go away, and it is no laughing matter. Or is that the problem?
One upset guest has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line about what they feel just isn’t funny for the comedy shows. They brought their concerns to John Heald, and they weren’t joking.
“The entertainment was great, with the exception of the 18+ comedy,” the guest said about their recent cruise. “We couldn’t believe what both comedian entertainers brought up. Incredibly inappropriate for any age.”
Despite being the adults-only performance, the commenter believed that some material should always be off limits.
“The first [comedian] opened up with the F-word and within the next five mins dropped it at least three times,” they described. “It was racist and it was cruel. I could not believe that everyone stayed and listened to this filth.”
The guest was startled to learn that the performer, whom Heald has not identified, is one of Carnival’s “star performers.”
“In my opinion he should be fired! Politics, sexual connotations, and the use of the F-bomb has no place on a so-called family cruise line,” the guest concluded.
First of all, this was the adults-only, R-rated comedy. Carnival Cruise Line is very clear that such performances may contain profanity and controversial topics, a point Heald confirmed.
“Being a comedian in 2025 is one heck of difficult profession,” he admitted.
“In comedy most jokes are at someone’s expense. Whether it’s Hardy bullying Laurel, Jerry dropping a bowling ball on Tom’s head, or me making a jibe about something in the news or indeed my weight and my ugliness, the laugh comes at a cost to a victim.”
True enough. It’s also true that not every type of comedy will appeal to every guest.
“The nitty gritty of all of this is simple though. Our adult comedy shows are uncensored – if you are in any doubt please simply don’t go,” Heald suggested.
Multiple announcements before each R-rated comedy show note that the content may not appeal to all guests. Furthermore, signage is posted at the entrance to the Punchliner Comedy Club stating that the show is adults-only.
This is not the first time Heald has dealt with complaints about the comedy shows, and it undoubtedly won’t be the last.
Most comedians onboard do offer family-friendly shows without profanity and stick to more neutral material suitable for all ages.
Still, it can be difficult today to find a topic that won’t offend someone. Want to make jokes about education? Teachers in the audience might take offense. What about parenting styles? Different parents might get upset. How about pets? That could trigger animal lovers.
Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Line offers a busy schedule even into the late evening hours. Guests have a lot more to choose from other than just a comedy show.
There are also game shows, trivia contests, live music, production shows, deck parties, and more, all of which can be great options for everyone.
Is Leaving That Hard?
The guest does admit they left the show, and Heald agrees that is often the best decision.
“If you don’t like a joke a comedian says on one of our stages, please don’t demand don’t write to the beards telling them that Mr. or Mrs. Funnybone be fired,” he requested. “Go do something that brings you happiness and joy and a sense of Fun.”
It might seem intimidating or rude to walk out of a comedy show, but believe me, it happens frequently. I’ve personally left R-rated comedy performances because they just weren’t to my liking.
Read Also: What to Expect When You Go on a Carnival Cruise
Sitting closer to the back of the lounge, preferably near the exit, can make it easier to discreetly exit without disrupting the show for others.
And what to do after leaving? The night is young, and there is plenty to enjoy! My favorite? An extra ice cream cone, a stroll around the deck, and maybe an early night to rest up for the next day’s fun.
