Why Carnival and Royal Caribbean skip a beloved holiday tradition
Both cruise lines opt to skip something that many passengers expect would be part of their holiday cruises.
Being on a cruise ship for a major holiday can be a special experience.
When you sail over Christmas, for example, ships will be decorated for the season, Santa Claus will make appearances, and a special menu will be served on the big night. A New Year's Eve sailing will be a giant party with every part of your ship offering special activities and the pool deck being packed with people for the countdown to the new year.
Even quasi-holidays like the Super Bowl offer a chance to celebrate on board. For last year's big game I was on Celebrity Equinox and the game aired on every available screen. The cruise line also set up multiple snack stations with wings, nachos and other Super Bowl-appropriate foods.
Related: Forget hurricanes, Royal Caribbean shares biggest cruise danger
The one oddity was that Celebrity offered only the international feed of the game, so instead of the commercials, which are part of the fun, we got the same four ESPN ads in endless rotation. Still, it was a celebratory event that felt special.
Celebrating the 4th of July on a cruise ship, however, means a big party but something that many people expect won't be there.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Image source: Daniel Kline/Come Cruise With Me
No fireworks on Carnival and Royal Caribbean
Cruise lines do sometimes offer fireworks, but they don't get launched from the ships.
On the 4th of July in 2021, for example, Royal Caribbean celebrated the return to sailing after the Covid pandemic by gathering its ships around Perfect Day at Coco Cay and launching fireworks from the island.
That was a magical event as the cruise line had just welcomed passengers back and Freedom of the Seas was the cruise line's first ship to sail from the U.S. after the 16-month shutdown.
Royal Caribbean also shot off fireworks to celebrate Icon of the Seas joining the fleet, but again they were launched from platforms in the ocean off Miami, not from the ship.
Neither Royal Caribbean nor Carnival Cruise Line will offer fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July this year. Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald addressed the matter on his Facebook page in response to a follower's question.
"We are thinking of booking another family cruise for next year and on July 4th. I was told that Carnival does not shoot off fireworks on the boat? Disney does and other cruise lines do. Can you tell me why Carnival refuses to do fireworks while other cruise lines have them? Perhaps because you are English. Perhaps you are not educated to understand or you do not appreciate how important this date is," wrote "W."
Heald explained:
"Thank you 'W' and while I have no idea what other cruise lines do regarding fireworks we will not be having them on any of our ships. I know it is a big tradition on Independence Day but the safety concerns are for us, just too high. We would also need United States Coastguard’s permission to do this and again, it’s just too risky. It is though a brilliant time to cruise and I promise that you and your family will have a fabulous time," he wrote.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Royal Caribbean passes on fireworks, too
While Royal Caribbean also does not offer a July 4 fireworks display, it does make a big deal of the holiday.
"All over the ship, you will find red, white, and blue decorations, complete with streamers, American flags and patriotic music. On top of it, expect special Fourth of July food and drinks to enjoy all day long," wrote Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog.
Heald echoed that sentiment by saying that Carnival may not offer fireworks, but it will be celebrating Independence Day in a big way.
"There will be a huge party and please do book now as so many cruises for 2025 are already either sold out or are close to being sold out, and I wish you and all your family a wonderful cruise," he added.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
What's Your Reaction?
