Bride’s Viral TikTok Gets Her Kicked Off Carnival Cruises Forever
A bride-to-be’s bachelorette celebration turned into a lifetime ban from Carnival Cruise Line after she was caught smuggling alcohol onboard — and documented the act on TikTok.
Maddie, known online as @madisonwest2000, shared a video showing how she disguised alcohol inside feminine hygiene product wrappers to sneak it onto her Carnival cruise.
The clip, posted mid-sailing, showed her pouring the hidden booze into her drink — a move that quickly caught the attention of fellow TikTok users and Carnival itself.
Caught by Social Media
Viewers tagged Carnival Cruise Line in Maddie’s post, and the video quickly went viral. Before long, ship security arrived at her cabin door. Maddie partially filmed the interaction, during which staff discovered more alcohol-filled wrappers stored in her stateroom mini fridge.
In a follow-up TikTok, Maddie admitted, “He made me change my written statement from ‘brought’ to ‘smuggled.’ Again, this was on me and I accept my punishment.” She added that she felt uncomfortable being told not to record, but chose to comply.
By the time she returned home, she received an email from Carnival informing her of a lifetime ban from sailing with the cruise line.
@madisonwest2000 How I got banned from carnival cruises
♬ original sound – Maddie | Gym Girlie💪🏼✨
Carnival’s Strict Alcohol Policy
Carnival’s alcohol policy clearly prohibits bringing any liquor or beer onboard, allowing only one 750ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne per adult in carry-on luggage. The company enforces this rule not only to maintain revenue from bar sales and drink packages, but also for passenger safety.
According to the policy, “All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Such items will be confiscated and discarded, and no compensation will be provided.”
Excessive or unmonitored drinking can lead to safety risks, and unauthorized alcohol could potentially be tampered with. Carnival and other major lines treat such violations seriously — especially when guests publicly share the rule-breaking online.
Public Backlash and Lessons Learned
Maddie’s attempt to appeal to Carnival in later videos, citing that she and her fiancé had met on a Carnival cruise, drew little sympathy. “I take it all back. Just let me back on, please,” she pleaded in a follow-up clip.
Commenters were unsparing. “Actions have consequences,” one wrote. Another added, “It’s so hard for some people to just follow the rules and enjoy the vacation!”
Many pointed out that she could have avoided the issue entirely by purchasing a drink package. Others used the viral moment as a reminder that, once at sea, guests are subject to maritime law and the captain’s authority — not the same rights as on land.
@madisonwest2000 Replying to @Queen Of The Hill ♬ original sound – Maddie | Gym Girlie💪🏼✨
A Growing Trend of TikTok Bans
Maddie isn’t the first TikToker to face Carnival’s zero-tolerance response. Earlier this year, creator Courtney Murley was also banned after sharing a video that appeared to show her sneaking alcohol aboard Carnival Conquest.
Even though Murley later claimed her video was satirical, the cruise line still enforced the ban, warning that any future bookings would be canceled with deposits forfeited.
Final Thoughts
While Maddie admitted fault and accepted her punishment, the incident serves as a cautionary tale: Carnival and other cruise lines closely monitor social media for rule violations. Smuggling alcohol onboard — and especially bragging about it online — can lead to lasting consequences.
As one commenter summed it up: “Carnival ain’t playing no more.”
