Many cruise lines host adults-only comedy shows, where material may prove offensive. But should it be banned?
John Heald, popular Carnival Cruise Line ambassador says by far one of the most prevalent cruise complaints is of inappropriate material at the comedy clubs.
This begs the question of whether cruise ships ‘ comedy shows should more vehemently vet the comedian’s material, or if cruise passengers simply need to accept that it might not be for them, rather than expecting new shows more catered to their sensibilities.
Carnival Cruise Line is an interesting example. While it is primarily a family cruise line, it does provide an adults-only comedy show, which is very often the subject of complaints and controversies.
Comedy shows – are we becoming too prudish?
For example, cruiser ‘M’ wrote to Heald.
“Some of your comedians think “adult” means all of the material has to be raunchy, vulgar, and constantly over, the limit. Most are completely unfunny when they are doing the “adult” show, although to be fair, the last comic I saw on the Dream was as terrible at the family show was just as terrible when she did the late night show.
“Why do there need to be adult shows? A Family cruise line should have family shows only. I had my 20-year-old daughter with us. It was embarrassing to the core. Please provide only family-positioned comedy shows”
Heald wrote back: “Thank you “ M “ and of course, this subject is one that will always divide opinion. Some prefer family shows and some adult shows. Many love both equally because, as I wrote in my first post today, everyone needs to laugh more these days and our brilliant and very funny comedians provide that laughter to thousands every week.
“And again, if you are at all unsure if adult comedy is your thing and may offend you, please don’t go.
While that was in response to a particular cruiser, due to complaints being so frequent recently, Heald put out a statement.
His primary message is, if you think you’re the kind of person who gets offended, don’t go, or if you go, sit by the door and quietly sneak out if you’re not happy.
Heald says: “Every week, every single week, in the hundreds of questions I answer, I always have somebody who writes and is not happy with the material the comedians use, doesn’t like the fact that an r-rated show is r-rated and all of that kind of thing I understand and respect.
“The one thing that does drive me crazy…that is, if you think you are going to be offended, if you are not 100% certain you’re going to enjoy the show, don’t sit in the front row. Sit in the back, near the door. And if you’re not happy, you can go off and find something that does make you happy.
“Doing stand-up comedy these days is harder than ever, but most importantly this video is to say if you’re not sure you’re not sure that you’re going to laugh and think you might be upset at what is said, do not sit in the front.”
What are people saying?
If you’re offended, too bad
Lara Schulz wrote: “There have been times that I didn’t enjoy the R-rated show and others that I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my seat. Did I get offended at the ones I didn’t enjoy? Nope…I just chose not to go to the next show. See how easy that is?”
Laura Bailes wrote: “One of my favorite things to do on the cruise. And please don’t ever get rid of the adults-only version.”
Karen Wisnowski wrote: ““If these people want to sit in the front row and get offended it’s their problem they are warned. It’s their fault and not the comedians, who are doing their job. These people should try the PG shows or not go to the comedy club. There are a lot of people who love the Comedy Shows.”
Barry Walker wrote: “We love the family shows but normally never go to the adult shows. The adult shows don’t offend me it’s just that they are just not my thing. I would never complain about them at all because I know many people love them.”
Melia Jones Warsnley wrote: “I really don’t understand why this is so complicated. If you are easily offended, don’t go to R-rated shows. Go to the PG shows! Problem solved. No one is dragging people into shows they don’t want to see! Believe me, it’s hard enough trying to get good seats.”
Get kids out of the adult shows
Karen Medin says: Do NOT bring your Children to an adult show. Yes, this happened on Mardi Gras in December last year. They sat a couple of rows back just to the right of the comedian. The two very young kids in a group with a large family kept fussing and crying and just ruining the entire flow of the comedian’s act. He tried tactfully to talk to them about being quiet.
“Then he tried to tactfully ask the large group to leave because of the kids. Eventually, he stuck his head behind the curtain and got someone in the back to come out and escort them out. Of course, the family started making more of a scene as they were escorted out. The comedian apologised and started over but his act was ruined for that show. When it says adults only it should be adults. Don’t be those people.”
Some cruisers don’t like political material
Lori Hunter wrote: “I enjoy most of the comics. When they start with politics, either side bashing, I leave. No other topics bother me as much. I don’t know why, I really enjoy it when they do bits about themselves, family, and more personal stuff. You never know if it’s true or not. When they try to find humor in current events, people in the audience believe some of what they are saying. They are not newscast or research analysts, just an entertainer.”
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