Cruise Lines Confirm: No Election Coverage in Public Spaces Ahead of November 5th Election
As Election Day draws near—just two days away—many cruise passengers are wondering how they’ll stay informed while at sea. With the U.S. presidential race dominating headlines and early voting already underway, those embarking on a cruise may be concerned about following the results while on vacation. However, major cruise lines have announced that they will not be broadcasting election coverage in public spaces such as bars, lounges, or on large screens by the pool. While this may be disappointing for some guests, the decision reflects a broader strategy to maintain a neutral and relaxing environment onboard. Guests will still have access to election news through in-room televisions and internet services, but public areas will focus on entertainment options such as movies, sports events, and scheduled activities.
Why Cruise Lines Are Steering Clear of Election Coverage in Public Areas
With the political climate more polarized than ever, cruise lines are prioritizing a relaxing and conflict-free atmosphere for all passengers. Many cruise lines—including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian—have confirmed that they will not air election results or political broadcasts in common spaces. This decision comes after numerous inquiries from guests asking whether election news would be available on public screens or in entertainment areas.
In a statement, a spokesperson for one major cruise line explained, “While we understand the interest in staying up-to-date with the election, we believe that public spaces on our ships should remain neutral zones for relaxation and fun. With diverse passengers from various backgrounds and countries, we want to avoid any potential tensions that could arise from political discussions.” The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, can enjoy their vacation without the distraction or stress of heated political debates.
What Election Coverage Will Be Available to Passengers?
While election coverage won’t be available in public spaces, cruise passengers can still access news from the comfort of their staterooms. Each cruise line offers a selection of news channels that will broadcast election results and updates leading up to and beyond Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 5th. These stations are available for guests who prefer to stay informed in private.
Additionally, cruise lines offer internet access, so passengers can stream election coverage via their own devices, whether they’re using the ship’s Wi-Fi or their personal mobile data (where available). For those wishing to avoid political coverage altogether, onboard entertainment will continue as usual, with scheduled movie showings, sports broadcasts, and live music performances filling the public spaces.
The decision to avoid airing political content in public spaces is part of a larger trend among cruise lines to create a positive, neutral environment for all passengers. Moreover, cruise lines have faced similar challenges with other types of broadcasts. For example, during major sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Cup finals, cruise lines often limit which games can be shown in public spaces due to licensing restrictions. As with sports, political broadcasts can also cause division and detract from the vacation experience.
