Carnival Cruise lines is not allowing anyone to dress in drag on their soon to set sail “Drag Stars at Sea” because of the potential of terrorists attacks…LOL…No i have definitely heard it all. Carnival apparently notified passengers that only the drag performers would be allowed to camp it up. 

Carnival management for their part did admit no one other than the superstars are allowed to dress up however it had nothing to do with children being on the dingy or by no means discrimination, wink wink, it had to do with, wait for it; the war on terrorism.!

Yup, i have now heard it all…

But it gets better, Al Ferguson of gay owned Al & Chucks Travel, which is the organizer of the cruise, had this Auntie Tom excuse:

there is and UPDATE to this story below.

A post on the Facebook page for Al & Chuck’s Travel, which organized the gay cruise, explains:

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

 

Now here are the parts that i take issue with:

“When they say they are a “family friendly” cruise line they mean it in both the traditional and metaphorical sense of the phrase.’

Traditional way??? Sounds a bit conservative leaning  to me.

Carnival’s “no costumes rule” is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community. This rule goes for both GAY and STRAIGHT passengers that travel on all Carnival cruises.

No that is not and insult at all..wtf? And can you tell me how many STRAIGHT people would be dressing in drag? I mean do we need to do the statistics? 

It is meant to protect passengers and guests – NOT to marginalize a few.

Marginalize a few? Now that is pissing me off…How conservative/republican speak of them…

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.

This one sends me over the edge. Like we are bad little boys and girls being threatened by Mommy to behave when the priest comes for dinner…

Although i give Al props for trying, i mean really, he did not have much to work with, Terrorists? But i suggest a P.R. person would be money well spent. Because this Uncle Tom statement offensive…

UPDATE: Carnival has stepped up and retracted the ridiculous excuse about terrorism concerns and is now allowing everyone to dress in drag:

Today, Carnival Cruise Lines president and CEO Gerry Cahill sent out the following letter:

“Within the last 24 hours, we became aware of a miscommunication between Carnival Cruise Lines and AlandChuck.travel, who have booked a large special interest group on the upcoming Carnival Glory cruise departing December 2, 2012.

“The group, ‘Drag Stars at Sea,’ includes several performances by stars from Logo TV as part of a series of private events onboard. When the group was presented to us we were advised that only the performers would be dressed in drag during the private events. However, we are now aware that this was not clearly communicated to members of the group and therefore anyone who wishes to dress in drag may do so.  Please keep in mind that our safety and security procedures require guests to present government-issued ID, and to be recognizably that person.

“At Carnival, we are proud to carry more than 4.5 million guests every year and we welcome them all aboard. We do not practice any form of discrimination against the LGBT or any other community. We sincerely apologize for the miscommunication and for any unintended offense we have caused.

“Given this misunderstanding, anyone on this cruise who wishes to cancel for any reason may do so and will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, as well as reimbursement for any non-refundable travel related expenses.

“We constantly strive to provide our guests with a fun and memorable vacation.  We look forward to welcoming everyone onboard Carnival Glory and again want to apologize for the misunderstanding and for any offense we have caused.”

We like!

 

via Carnival ban on “drag” during “drag cruise” is cuz of 9/11, yeah right.