Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines is in hot water tonight over a letter received by passengers scheduled to take a Drag Stars at Sea Caribbean cruise beginning Dec. 2.
One passenger reported receiving this email from Carnival:
Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise. Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas.
Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theater featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theater. Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise.
Carnival said any passenger who breaks the rules will be forced off the ship, no refunds given.
Here's the full letter:
November 26, 2012
Greetings Fun Seekers!
We know you are looking forward to your cruise next month. We're certainly looking forward to welcoming you and your group aboard the beautiful Carnival Glory.
There are lots of special activities planned for your group so we are confident you are going to have a great cruise. However, in order to ensure a fun and memorable time for everyone, we want to take a few moments to make you aware of certain policies and conduct expectations so as to avoid any potential disappointment during your cruise.
Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise. Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas.
Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theater featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theater. Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise.
We're sorry to say that any guest who violates our policies and/or whose behavior affects the comfort and enjoyment of other guests, will be disembarked at their own expense and no refund will be given.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Now that we've taken care of business...let the FUN begin!
See you soon!
Sincerely,
Vicky Rey, CTC
Vice President - Guest Services
I'm awaiting comment from Carnival. I'll update as soon as I receive it.
With some of the inappropriate attire and behavior I have seen on my Carnival cruises give them a break. How do you think families handle anything out of the norm? It's part of life nudity in front of all families on my cruise did they get letters telling them to behave?
Posted by: Mommas zoo | November 27, 2012 at 12:29 AM
I hope everyone sees the bigger picture here. This is not only about when we were told that DRAG would not be allowed on the cruise... It has much more to do with Carnival Cruise Lines singling out a targeted group of people and sending them and only them an email with the sole purpose "to make you aware of certain policies and conduct expectations." The email also states they "nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas." Lastly, "any guest who violates our policies and/or whose behavior affects the comfort and enjoyment of other guests, will be disembarked at their own expense and no refund will be given." This highly offensive and discriminating email is so much more than a late notice telling me I can't do DRAG. It is an attack to my moral character and integrity simply because I am gay. This email is not sent to all passengers and was only sent to me because I am a gay man. With that single fact...this becomes a huge problem!
Posted by: Robb | November 27, 2012 at 04:35 AM
Once again, the "T" gets left behind on the dock when the big LGB boat sets sail.
Posted by: Jamie | November 27, 2012 at 08:28 AM