Backlash Over Ridiculous Rental Prices Causes Carnival Backtrack – But Not Far Enough

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Just days after cruise fans erupted in disbelief over the cost of a basic pool noodle rental at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly reduced the price by 45%.

Carnival Pool Noodles

The news comes after Carnival revealed the prices for activities at the brand-new Celebration Key private resort. While most were relatively uncontroversial, the pool noodle rental caused huge uproar, which seems to have caused a change of plan from Carnival.

Now, instead of the original $19.99 (USD) daily fee, guests can rent a single foam noodle for $10.99 while enjoying the new Bahamian beach destination.

The listing – still described by the cruise line as “the ideal way to float your worries away while soaking up the sun” – has still generated plenty of scepticism, even at the new lower rate.

The noodle rental page now carries a single review, a one-star comment from user dragonflyblue, who wrote: “They’ve lost their minds. These are $1 pool toys for rent for a day for $20??”

The reviewer did note the noodle’s “reliability” and “fun” with four stars in each category, but slammed the value.

Still Not a Bargain?

Even after the discount, many guests remain unconvinced. Pool noodles can be found for a fraction of the price at US retailers such as Walmart and Target, often priced between $1 and $5 depending on size and quality.

Discount chains like Dollar Tree regularly stock them for as little as $1.25, and Amazon offers multipacks that can reduce the per-noodle cost to under $2.

Some cruisers have joked online about packing their own noodles or even reselling them at a discount to fellow travellers.

Policy Could Change

Interestingly, Carnival does not currently list pool noodles as prohibited items.

While the cruise line does restrict guests from bringing rafts, inflatable pools, and other floatation devices for onboard pool use, items like noodles are still permitted for use during shore days – such as at Celebration Key.

That may not always be the case. Carnival has recently updated its prohibited items policy in response to unexpected guest behaviour – such as banning foldable “clack” fans from certain crowded events due to safety concerns.

Other recent changes include banning pineapple door décor, paper fans and Bluetooth speakers.

It’s not unimaginable that pool noodles could one day be added to the list if they’re misused or become a safety issue.

After all, most kids – and a fair few adults – know that a noodle can just as easily become a soft baton during water fights as it can a relaxing float.

Carnival’s current policy bans all weapons or items that could be “adapted” for use as one – a broad description that could theoretically include an overenthusiastically swung pool toy.

For now, however, bringing your own noodle to use at Celebration Key remains both allowed and arguably the more budget-friendly option – especially for families or anyone not eager to spend $10.99 for a piece of foam they don’t get to keep.

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