Virgin Voyages Pokes Fun at Dress Code Rules as Other Lines Crack Down
Key Aspects:
Virgin Voyages has cheekily noted it’s not banning certain articles of clothing from their restaurants.
The discussion comes after Norwegian Cruise Line recently tightened the dress code at certain specialty venues.
Clothing should be “considerate” of others for the adults-only cruise line, but there are a few strict guidelines.
Amid a flurry of criticism following Norwegian Cruise Line’s recent tightening of dress code for specialty restaurants, Virgin Voyages has confirmed it welcomes guests no matter how they may be dressed.
In a tongue-in-cheek email, Virgin Voyages notes how changing the dress code just isn’t part of their relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe.
“Despite extensive internal discussion, we have been unable to ban open-toed footwear from our restaurants. We have also failed on Hoodies – so they remain,” the cruise line explained. “Attempts to prohibit baseball caps have also failed.”
While there’s no actual confirmation that such “internal discussion” actually took place, the adults-only Virgin Voyages has never been afraid to distinguish itself as a carefree atmosphere.
Virgin Voyages’ official dress code certainly is relaxed and clearcut. The website describes it as:
“We always want all of our Sailors to feel comfortable. We encourage you to wear more than a bathing suit if you go to a restaurant, and to kindly wear footwear when you’re inside the ship. Your style is your style. Dress Up. Dress Down. Just Dress.”
Personal style is important for guests to express themselves, but the cruise line does not have a lengthy list of dos and don’ts for what to wear. The only request is that “attire remains considerate of those around you” and that, for specific themed events with more daring attire, “those bold looks stay within those specific spaces.”
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For example, Virgin Voyages often hosts a PJ Party on its sailings, which can lead to more risque clothing selections. Those selections, while welcome at the party, may not be the best choice elsewhere on the ship.
As for the infamous Scarlet Night party, that’s definitely a night when guests will be seeing red – lots of it. Just like other cruise lines’ White Night or similar parties, however, no one should feel pressured to wear red if they prefer not to.
During Scarlet Night, some guests will be decked out in formal wear in every shade of rouge, while others will don a simple red t-shirt or their favorite red socks and still fit right in.
“There are no dress code rules here!” the cruise line confirms.
Other Cruise Lines Tightening Dress Code
Virgin Voyages’ joking messages about dress code have followed quickly on the Norwegian Cruise Line dress code changes, Cruise Hive has reported on.
For select specialty dining restaurants, Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer permit clothing such as hoodies, flip-flops, and shorts. These garments are very popular cruise wear, and many guests are upset at the change.
Norwegian Cruise Line has long considered itself the “freestyle” cruise line with fewer restraints on how guests enjoy their vacations. The addition of more restrictions is upsetting longtime guests who are accustomed to wearing what they wish.
Tighter dress codes can also be more of a problem for guests flying to cruise homeports, as adding specific dinner attire that may only be worn once can quickly fill up luggage when that space is already at a premium.
Add in swimwear, casual resort wear, proper clothing for certain shore tours, pajamas, outfits for theme nights, and shoes and accessories to match it all, and guests may find themselves packing far too many bags for the length of their cruise.
It isn’t just Norwegian Cruise Line that has trouble with dress codes. Cruise Hive has frequently reported on Carnival Cruise Line guests questioning attire for the main dining restaurants, particularly on elegant evenings.
While every cruise line has its own guidelines for what is and isn’t acceptable to wear onboard and in different restaurants, it is clear that onboard Virgin Voyages’ fleet of ladyships, guests really can come as they are and they will be welcomed with the same spectacular service and casual vibe the line prides itself on.
Virgin Voyages Pokes Fun at Dress Code Rules as Other Lines Crack Down