P&O Cruises Australia has apologized after its crew members went viral for wearing pointed white hoods resembling those worn by Ku Klux Klan members during a Christmas-themed parade aboard a recent sailing.
According to USA Today, the disturbing incident occurred aboard the cruise line's Pacific Explorer during a sailing from Melbourne to Tasmania that departed on December 19.
Video captured by guests aboard the sailing shows several crew members donning all-white outfits complete with gloves and pointed hoods eerily similar to those worn by the far-right white supremacist hate group while following Santa Claus on an outside deck.
The cruise line claims the crew members were supposed to be snow cones and that management acted quickly to have the costumes removed.
"P&O Cruises Australia acknowledges an incident of inappropriate dress onboard Pacific Explorer has caused distress and wish to be clear this was not the intention of crew," a spokesperson for the cruise line told USA Today in an emailed statement.
"They were only in public view for a short time before management acted quickly and had them remove the costumes," the spokesperson added.
"The crew members were horrified and extremely apologetic when they learned of the distress their outfits could cause. We sincerely apologize for any offense this caused passengers and the broader community."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
