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With the United States presidential election approaching and two highly polarizing candidates—former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris—scheduled for a debate on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, many are eager to see how these candidates will engage with one another. This event has caught the attention of cruise travelers as well.
For those who happen to be cruising during the debate, which will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and is expected to last around 90 minutes, the question arises: Will they be able to watch it?
A customer with Carnival Cruise Line contacted Brand Ambassador John Heald to inquire whether the debate would be available for viewing aboard their cruise. However, the response might not have been what they were hoping for.
“I will be on the Breeze from Galveston on [9/9],” the guest stated. “John, please consider the wishes of many [on social media] for the 9/10 Presidential Debate to be shown on the jumbotron. If not in a bar, then at least in the cabins.”
Heald, who usually avoids engaging in political discussions, did address the inquiry and provided space for other guests to share their opinions about the potential airing of the debate.
“Respectfully, we will not be showing it,” Heald replied. “Regardless of political preference, is this really how you want to spend your cruise time, or am I mistaken?”
Those familiar with cruising know that ship operators require contracts with various networks to air specific content, which explains why the debate may not be available due to exclusive broadcasting rights.
Nonetheless, many news outlets around the globe will provide highlights, clips, and analyses shortly after the debate concludes, as well as throughout the following days.
The original guest aboard the Carnival Breeze, which is on a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, will have the chance to watch those highlights on the onboard news stations or record the debate for viewing after the ship returns to Galveston on Saturday, September 14.
Heald also conducted a poll to determine if other travelers are interested in watching the debate. With over 24,000 votes cast, a significant majority of 78% indicated that “It is not something that I would need to see on my cruise.” Meanwhile, 21% felt that “It should be shown, but only in the cabin because if I was on board, I would want to watch it,” whereas just 1% believed it should be aired on the big screen.
A diverse range of cruise guests expressed their thoughts on Heald’s poll and the overall topic. While some prefer to disconnect from the heated election atmosphere during their vacation, others want to stay informed but are wary of potential disagreements that could arise due to differing opinions among passengers.
“Showing it on the big screen would be a huge mistake. People get very passionate, and it could lead to a tense, if not violent, atmosphere.”
“I would appreciate the option to watch it in my cabin. I have no desire to debate with anyone about my views, but I would like to have the opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say before Election Day.”
“I follow politics closely, but even so, I wouldn’t take an hour out of my cruise to watch the debate if it were available. I can catch up on everything when I get home!”
Why Carnival Shouldn’t Show the Debate
Although Carnival Cruise Line labels itself as “America’s Cruise Line,” many guests sailing each week come from outside the United States and might not share the same interest in the American presidential election or its debates.
Choosing to broadcast one nation’s political proceedings while neglecting others could lead to contention, creating a tricky situation regarding which topics are deemed important enough to keep cruisers informed while on board.
Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Advises Guests About Sports Broadcasts
If politics are addressed, why not extend that to sports events? Award ceremonies? Celebrity news? Anticipated television premieres or finales? There are countless broadcasting decisions that could stir their own controversies over whether they should be shown on a cruise ship.
It’s also essential to recognize that any guest aboard a Carnival ship has the choice to purchase Wi-Fi plans, enabling them to stay updated via their preferred news outlets, either with a full cruise package or daily rates.
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