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Carnival Cruises has banned customers who are due to set sail on one of its ships from going in drag to a private drag show.

The company’s Vice President of Guest Services Vicky Rey issued the request via an email to passengers who are due to holiday on the Carnival Glory on Sunday, 2 December for its “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise.

In the email dated 26 November, Ms Rey wrote: “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 realise this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognise that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas”.

She went on to say: “Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theatre featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theatre.

Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise”.

According to American Blog, in a Facebook post on Monday, the LGBT organisers of the cruise, AL and Chuck Travel, defended Carnival’s policy. They said: