Carnival cruise line is known for its casual brand of entertainment, with a variety of games and activities that encourage passengers to simply let loose and enjoy their cruise vacation.
However, an iconic game that has been a poolside mainstay for years will no longer be played – the Hairy Chest Race has been retired.
Hairy chest contest ends
The Hairy Chest Contest was a popular poolside game usually held amidships on the Lido Deck, often in a sea day when the deck would be packed with onlookers and potential participants.
When sailing resumed in July 2021 after an industry-wide shutdown, the Fur Chest Race did not resume and it was initially thought to be due to safety concerns.
Because the contest involves some close contact between participating guests — such as the contenders for the “wooliest chest” as well as the game’s judges — it was likely removed from day-to-day activities to better promote social distancing.
Carnival Cruise Line has now confirmed, however, that the event will not return and that it is being withdrawn “To provide a more family-friendly pool atmosphere,” according to the cruise line, which responded to Cruise Hive.
It’s true that the hairy chest contest can get loud, even rowdy, depending on the contestants who take part. Not only were contestants judged based on their natural fur, but various rounds of the competition often included Tarzan-like shouts for “Jane” to prove their manhood, as well as highlighting dance moves that could be provocative and not suitable for younger guests.
The exact rounds of competition and how they were encouraged often depended on individual cruise director or member of the Entertainment Squad running the competition. Crowd approval often escalated for more risqué displays, encouraging even more potentially offensive behavior.
Fan reactions
During the pandemic shutdown, Carnival Cruise Line may have been testing the popularity of the Fur Chest Race with loyal cruisers.
In September 2020, Brand ambassador John Heald asked about the hairy chest contest on his Facebook page, specifically: “Do you still think the Fur Chest Race has a part to play in our fun time on board?”
In simple polls as indicated by emojis (a popular way to gauge reactions on social media), 82% of respondents favored holding the event, while only 18% agreed it should end.
The sentiment in the comments at the time indicated that many people agreed that the contest could become inappropriate, even vulgar. However, if others like it, many people commented that it should be kept and no one is forced to attend or watch the game.
Many people also shared fond memories of the game, such as loved ones who have passed on after winning or attending, or otherwise it’s a great time to get involved in a silly and memorable way.
Alternative Activities
Instead of the fur chest race, Carnival Cruise Line will likely try a number of more family-friendly activities. “Our cruise directors and entertainment teams have new and existing lido activities to offer,” the spokesperson confirmed. New lido activities include:
- The Red Challenge: Red’s Challenge is a RedFrog Bar themed Lido event in which four teams compete against each other.
- Guess That Groove: A competitive team game that combines music from all genres and decades into one interactive party.
- Pool and deck games: There are many pool games, including S-pool-ing Bee, Dolphone Race, Alphabet Suup, Synchronized Swimming and Perfect Partners.
Other poolside activities already featured on Carnival cruise ships include ice carving demonstrations, towel animal invasions featuring dozens of creations, and the cruise line charity fundraiser, Groove for St. Jewishan afternoon deck party raising money for the line’s long-term partner, St. Mary’s Children’s Research Hospital. Jew.
It is likely that a number of different activities will be tested on different ships, with cruise directors sharing their experiences of which options are most popular. This could bring even more variety to the Lido deck aboard Carnival ships, with even more fun activities for all passengers to enjoy.
