Carnival Cruises, the best place on the ocean to get the norovirus, recently announced that because turrism and 9/11, no passengers may dress in drag or “costume” on its upcoming “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise.
Carnival sent an email to passengers booked on their upcoming “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise, informing them that passengers will be banned from dressing in drag on the drag cruise, under penalty of being kicked off the ship.
“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.”
The organizer of the cruise, Al & Chuck’s Travel, also sent a missive to cruisers, explaining the situation:
Dear Valued Guests and Friends,
We hope that this brief note finds you well. By now, we are sure that most of you traveling with us on the upcoming Drag Stars At Sea: Caribbean Adventure – Revenge of the Wench have received Carnival’s letter regarding their regulations concerning costumes and masks (under which traditional “DRAG” falls under).
We are sympathetic to your sentiments that you have expressed via email and social media. As a gay man who has been partnered for 25 years, I have suffered many forms of discrimination because I am part of the GLBT community. But please take note, Carnival’s regulation is NOT an example of discrimination. Carnival is an ally of the GLBT community. Please understand that this cruise could not even be happening on the GLORY if Carnival was not an ally of our segment of society. When they say they are a “family friendly” cruise line they mean it in both the traditional and metaphorical sense of the phrase.
Carnival’s “no costumes rule” is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community. As a gay business, we would not have organized this cruise if they were prejudiced against gay people. This rule goes for both GAY and STRAIGHT passengers that travel on all Carnival cruises. It is in response to the post-911 world we live in. It is meant to protect passengers and guests – NOT to marginalize a few.Additionally, we know that transgendered members of our community will be aboard with us during this event. Please do not worry, Carnivals rule is not meant towards you. Your right to live your identity is always supported. Finally, Drag Stars At Sea is a cruise venue for you to meet the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Just as you would not go in costume (other than on Halloween) to a club to see them perform, neither should you on the GLORY. Again, our desire was always to bring this incredible talent together in one place for you to enjoy along with all the other benefits of the VALUE of a mixed guest cruise. We pointed out to you that a private charter (and they are excellent cruises) can be DOUBLE what you are paying for this experience. This is an opportunity for your favorite entertainers to shine for YOU! We will of course, still have our parties and events aboard (the rules of which are outlined in your travel package) for you to join in on the fun.
Ultimately, let’s use this opportunity to set an example so that all the world can see that the GLBT community can follow rules and regulations just like everyone else. Finally, I want to say from the bottom of my heart, we have done our absolute best in creating this event. We have tried to communicate effectively and bring you the best possible experience, which we believe would not be available to you any other way. At the end of the cruise, I hope you will agree with my sentiment humbly expressed here.
Chuck and I look forward to meeting you on board…we promise you the best time of your lives!
Sincerely,
Al Ferguson
This is the wrong tone and the wrong tack to take with this customer base. Al And Chuck Gay Travel should not be scolding its customers for being cheapskates, since it organized the cruise. And Carnival Cruises certainly should not tell its customers, who anticipated wearing pirate costumes on the cruise, that they cannot wear any type of costume because of “terrorism and 9/11.” This is obviously a weak cover for a ploy to create a completely non-challenging environment for the Red State families, who are not involved in “Drag Stars At Sea” and yet on the same ship.
Image via Wikimedia Commons. Hat tip to Captain Snarky for the text of the message from Al and Chuck Gay Travel. Also, hat tip to Rhino for the information that this was billed as a “pirate themed” cruise.
