Cruise Reviewers Dan Wailing and Jay Cannon: A Carnival Cruise Line Saga
Dan Wailing and Jay Cannon, renowned cruise reviewers, recently found themselves in a whirlwind of confusion. Initially, they believed they were banned from all Carnival Corporation brands. However, Carnival Cruise Line clarified that the restriction only applied to three UK-managed brands: Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
The Misunderstanding Unveiled
The confusion began when a team leader from P&O’s guest-relations department sent a clarification. This came nearly two weeks after Dan and Jay publicly shared their belief of a blanket ban. The letter they received only referred to Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises, not the entire Carnival group.
Impact on Travel Plans
This late clarification left the founders of Sail Away Magazine frustrated and financially impacted. They had already cancelled a September holiday on Princess Cruises. Additionally, they withdrew from a mid-June charter on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, losing deposits and filming costs.
Seeking Answers
Dan and Jay are now demanding a public explanation from Carnival UK. They want to understand how this mix-up occurred and why the ban was imposed. They emphasised that the ban was not from Carnival Cruise Line but specifically from Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
Timeline of Events
On 9 June 2025, Carnival UK informed Wailing and Cannon that they could not travel with any Carnival group brands for five years. The letter stated that no further correspondence would be entertained. Between 10-14 June, the duo released a podcast and YouTube video discussing the ban. This story quickly spread among cruise fans and travel writers, who deemed it an extreme reaction to negative reviews.
Clarification from Holland America
Last week, Holland America’s PR team in Seattle informed the couple they were not on its no-sail list. This prompted Dan and Jay to contact other brands directly, leading to the fresh statement from P&O Cruises.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Dan and Jay are known for their candid reviews, reaching over 40,000 cruise enthusiasts through their magazine, podcast, and YouTube channel. Their recent critiques included cuts to room-service perks on Cunard ships and a last-minute cruise cancellation by P&O on Aurora. They also highlighted a reader poll suggesting declining cruise standards under Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow. After calling their first Carnival Cruise Line voyage on Carnival Miracle “the worst cruise we’ve done,” they received the June letter. They suspect P&O Cruises initiated the ban, despite not having sailed with them since November.
In conclusion, this saga highlights the importance of clear communication between cruise lines and their patrons. Dan and Jay continue to seek clarity and hope for a resolution soon.
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