Princess Cruises apologizes for ‘cultural insensitivity’ after workers dress in Maori garb

Princess Cruises has issued an apology for its “cultural insensitivity” after photos of non-native workers dressed in Maori garb surfaced on social media. 

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. 

A Facebook user identified as Steve the Maori called attention to the situation in a Sunday post featuring photos of people in what appeared to be an attempt to mimic Maori dress and makeup at a Princess Cruises tent at the Port of Tauranga. He noted that cruise lines often hire local Maori cultural groups to sing or perform dances to welcome cruisers to shore.

“In this situation Princess Cruises … are using their own non NZ staff, with careless scribbles on their faces wearing skirts which do not depict Maori culture which I personally find a disgrace.”

He called it a “deplorable” ploy and “a racist attempt to save money on local performers.”

Princess Cruises issued a swift apology. 

“We took immediate steps to address this sensitive situation,” Princess spokesperson Negin Kamali told USA TODAY in a statement. “After being made aware of the situation, the ship’s management team took action to withdraw the crew members from the area to prevent any further possibility of cultural insensitivity. We give a complete assurance that no offence was ever intended and we apologize unreservedly for what has happened.”