A cruise line found itself in hot water when staff members were spotted in costumes that some passengers likened to the infamous Ku Klux Klan attire. However, the company insists that the intent behind the outfits was far from sinister, labeling them as ‘upside-down snow cones’.

Passengers reportedly dubbed it the ‘KKK cruise’

Amidst the festive cheer onboard, only the eyes of the staff were visible, sparking unfortunate comparisons to the hoods and robes of the KKK, a notorious white supremacist group. The reaction from the guests was swift, with some even referring to their holiday as the ‘KKK cruise’.

The incident occurred on the Pacific Explorer, which was journeying back to Melbourne following a delightful eight-day trip to Hobart and the idyllic Bass Strait islands, commencing December 19th. The themed ‘sports battle day’ was highly anticipated by passengers until the sight of the unsettling costumes put a damper on the festive atmosphere.

A passenger, Terri, recounted the moment when excitement turned into shock: “The crowd was buzzing until the staff walked out, and suddenly, silence fell over everyone. People were in disbelief, whispering that it was like the ‘KKK cruise’.” When questioned, a staff member candidly replied, unaware of any wrongdoing.

Though some believed the costumes were an unfortunate misunderstanding, Terri mused, “It seemed purely innocent. These young staff members just didn’t realize the connotation. They seemed genuinely nice and horrified at the implications.”

A cruise spokesperson reached out to ensure that the intent was not malicious and explained the nature of the costumes, attributing it to a lack of awareness. “The crew, donned in snow cone costumes for a Christmas family event, truly didn’t foresee the misinterpretation,” they stated. Quick actions by the management led to their removal from public view.

The statement continued, clarifying their stance: “Our crew was stunned to learn the distress caused. We extend our deepest apologies to passengers and the wider community. We’ve taken steps to counsel our team to prevent any future misunderstandings.”

It’s a reminder that even innocent intentions can be misconstrued due to historical and cultural sensitivities. The cruise line has vowed to ensure staff are better informed, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness on their journeys through diverse regions.