Carnival has responded after a viral video appeared to show a passenger using a dining fork to scratch her foot.
Anyone already uneasy about shared restaurant cutlery may find the clip especially unpleasant.
The footage, reportedly taken in a buffet dining area on one of the company’s ships, shows an unnamed guest first scratching her bare foot with her hand.
Viewers were then further put off when she appeared to continue eating with that same hand.
The moment that drew the strongest reaction came next, when the guest was seen picking up a fork from the table and using it to scratch her foot.
Rather than a brief motion, the scratching appeared to continue for several moments, which only added to the backlash online.
After the video spread across social media, many people expressed disgust at the possibility that another passenger could have later used the same utensil without knowing what it had been used for.
The clip eventually came to the attention of Carnival, which later shared a public response on Instagram to reassure passengers.
“Hi Carnival cruisers,” they began, “We can confirm that forks are intended for food, not foot care.”
The company said staff addressed the matter once they became aware of what had happened.
It also confirmed that the utensil seen in the clip was taken out of use.
“Once we became aware of the situation, our team quickly addressed it with the guest and removed the utensil from service,” the statement said.
Carnival added that it treats onboard sanitation as a serious issue.
“While the video may be generating laughs and gasps online, cleanliness and hygiene are no joke to us,” they wrote. “Our crew works hard every day to maintain high standards across our fleet and to ensure all guests enjoy a safe, clean, and comfortable vacation.”
The cruise line also publishes guidance on what passengers should wear while onboard.
Its recommendations include “comfortable rubber-sole flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes or non-slip boat shoes with traction”.
Carnival’s dress expectations also vary depending on the time of day and the event, with daytime clothing generally more relaxed, such as swimwear or summer outfits.
Some evening occasions, however, are more formal and can include attire such as gowns and tuxedos for guests who choose to dress up.
The company notes that although wardrobe rules may shift throughout the day, certain venues including shops, casinos, lounges, theaters and some dining spaces still follow “basic rules” that “apply no matter the time of day”.
In its guidance for dining areas, Carnival says “no swimsuits, wet clothes, or bare feet” are allowed, while the Lido Restaurant is described as more relaxed than the main dining rooms but still requiring shirts, cover-ups and footwear.
That means bare feet are not permitted in dining venues in the first place, regardless of whether the meal is breakfast, lunch or dinner.