Chris used his phone to film a Carnival employee who came to dismantle the device.
They said the company initially denied the device was a camera.
In a statement, a Carnival spokesman acknowledged that a "video transmitter" was found and a full investigation had been conducted.
But they said it "was not connected to an electrical source and not capable of working."
Chris disputes this, insisting the device was "working" and "warm to the touch."
Carnival told Inside Edition the device had been turned over to the FBI and that the Whites have been informed about this.
The cruise line said it also followed procedures and notified the US Customs and Border Protection.
"This is certainly a unique and unusual occurrence and it is unclear who or why this transmitter was placed in the guest's stateroom," the Carnival spokesman added.
"The safety and security of our guests and crew is of paramount importance and we have taken measures so that this sort of situation does not happen again."