A well-known cruise line has come under scrutiny after implementing a new dress code policy for its evening dining experiences.
Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to enforce stricter attire guidelines for evening meals, moving away from their previous encouragement for guests to dress in whatever made them feel at ease.
Their website previously had a section, now removed, which stated: “When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best — it’s your call. That’s the freedom of Freestyle Cruising.
“We even have special ‘Dress-Up or Not Night.’ It’s the perfect opportunity to get your portrait taken with your family, that special someone or even with the ship’s Captain.”
These guidelines have been updated, leading to a ban on certain clothing items in various restaurants onboard the ship.
According to a report by AL.com, a more formal dress code will now be in effect at Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta, Palomar, The Haven Restaurant, and the widely favored Cagney’s Steakhouse.
The dress code at these eateries prohibits items such as tank tops, hoodies, robes, ripped jeans, as well as caps and hats.
Norwegian emphasizes that most ship areas remain accessible to guests in typical beach attire, reminding passengers to review each dining venue’s dress requirements before dining.
“Everywhere else, you’re good to go,” the cruise line mentioned. “Come comfy, dine happy.”
The change has stirred a conversation on Reddit, showing a wide range of opinions.
“They just did a whole ad campaign about they were the first with to do away with dress codes for dinner. It was called ‘Its Different Out Here.’ Now this. I guess flippy floppy aren’t so accepted,” one Reddit user commented.
“I can understand saying no robes but a hoodie seems crazy, it’s a perfectly acceptable thing to wear to a casual dining experience, which is what [the cruises main dining room] is,” another user remarked.
Another contributor noted: “Casual dining was a big plus for me with NCL. Dressing up on vacation for dinner in 90 degrees heat locations is stupid.”
Conversely, some Reddit participants supported the policy, with one stating: “Save the bathrobes for the walk of shame, folks. Not the dining room.”
Another shared their own experience on a cruise, suggesting they favor the new rules.
“I have actually seen this, people eating dinner in pyjamas and bathrobes. Totally inappropriate,” the user shared.
UNILAD has reached out to Norwegian for comment.