Dear all cruise line companies,

I am using this opportunity to ask of you, most sincerely,  to take this letter in regard and implement positive work policies in regard to the subject in question, not in some far away future, but as soon as possible, as it is truly a high time for the change  to happen, for so many reasons.

Tattoo discrimination is a prejudice and it is unacceptable in this day and age. It is important to recognize that tattoos are a form of self-expression and are a personal choice. People with tattoos should not be discriminated against in the workplace or in any other aspect of their lives.

Unfortunately, tattoo discrimination still exists everywhere, but above all in the cruise line industry. Many cruise line companies have policies that prohibit visible tattoos in the workplace or refuse to hire individuals with tattoos, even if they are qualified for the job, even though they love what they do and can tremendously contribute to a company and a workplace.

During my employment at Virgin Voyages, I had an amazing opportunity to talk freely to  the passengers and one of the topics which had kept being brought up continuously was the discrimination of other cruise lines over the people who look different and above all who have tattoos and very visible tattoos. During our conversations I  kept getting the same answer from all of them , namely that they are happy to actually see people with tattoos being employed, that they are not close minded and that they have nothing against tattooed people or rather against being served and serviced by tattooed staff on any ship.

I am not using this opportunity to accuse the industry of anything, as I do understand that in the past you might have had very good reasons to judge people by their looks and determine if they are a workforce you need. I am just asking for your kindness and understanding in return now, realization that having ink on your body, or piercings, is not bad and unprofessional. But you might consider that you might be at a loss  turning down an employee due to such superficial reasons, and not their skill level, experience, education, love for the job they are doing. Things such as qualifications, skills, merit, character, work drive, work ethic and values should be the focus of employment, and not how a person looks.

You, namely all of the cruise lines can only gain by opening up to a diverse workforce, I strongly believe, as greater diversity can help you create  very successful working environments. I can start endlessly listing how you can benefit from stopping the bias toward work force that looks differently, but which can only positively contribute to their work place in the cruising industry, but I think you are aware more than me of all the benefits you can have. From supporting innovation, building understanding, trust, which of course leads to accomplishment and success and so on.

Let us  raise awareness about this issue together, let us build the industry which is full of empathy, compassion, understanding so we can together bring more overall success and even more attractive environment  for the passengers, where employees burst with motivation to work and create such an environment on daily bases.

Kindest  regards,

Jelena