Norwegian Softens Dining Dress Code After Backlash, But Confusion Still Reigns
Key Aspects:
Norwegian Cruise Line appears to have backtracked on recent dining dress code restrictions.
An emphasis is made on “appropriate” attire, but no definition is offered for what is appropriate.
Guests don’t mind casual vibes but would like clear guidance about what is expected.
Norwegian Cruise Line may be lightening up on recent restrictions to the dress code for onboard restaurants, or maybe not. Guests onboard have noticed new, “laid back” signage at different restaurants that lacks the strict guidelines instituted in recent weeks.
The new sign, which was posted on Cruise Hive’s NCL group page, seems to clarify that the relaxed dress code remains, now with fewer overall restrictions.
“We simply ask that attire feels put-together and suited to the setting – shirts and footwear required, graphics respectful, and styles that offer appropriate coverage for a dining environment,” the signs read.
Guests are asked to keep swimwear by the pool and “extremely short shorts” for other activities.
Cruise Hive has already reported on previous signs that delineated more strict dress code requirements, specifically that “tank tops, hoodies, robes, jeans with holes or excessively revealing tears, and caps/hats” were not permitted in either the Main Dining Rooms or specialty restaurants for dinner.
Now, it appears that the negative guest feedback to that change has had an impact, and Norwegian Cruise Line may have rolled back to more relaxed options.
The cruise line’s FAQ still notes that “Depending on the restaurant or bar you are attending, certain items such as tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats may not be permitted,” but it does not state exactly which restaurants do not allow that attire.
Furthermore, shorts and flip-flops are still prohibited at select specialty restaurants for dinner, including Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro, and Haven Restaurant.
How Will Dress Code Be Interpreted?
The biggest difficulty with any dress code is that if exact guidelines are not spelled out in detail, interpretations of what is “appropriate” can vary widely.
For example, one guest may feel that the only appropriate dinner attire would be formalwear, including gowns or cocktail dresses, suits, or even tuxedos. Another guest on the same sailing might feel that nice jeans and a bold Hawaiian shirt would be suitable.
Read Also: 50 Cruise Outfit Ideas for Your Vacation at Sea
Similarly, buffet attire could vary widely. Some people feel that swimwear with the barest of coverups (believe me, you’re not covering anything with a fishnet “dress”) is suitable for lunch at Windjammer Marketplace, while others would prefer more conventional clothing.
Crew members may be reluctant to approach guests with requests to adjust their attire, which could lead to complaints or even more unpleasant incidents if guests feel they have been singled out.
Guests React, Wish for Clarity
While most cruise guests don’t mind relaxed dress codes, what is most desired is clarity and consistency, so everyone knows what to expect. Dress code concerns continue to be a hot topic on Reddit following this latest apparent change.
“I don’t care what the guidelines are – but they need to be clear,” one guest commented. “They changed some requirements at specialty [restaurants] a few weeks ago, yet I received an email that contained the previous guidelines. It now appears it is changed again. I would just like clear, consistent communication.”
“I don’t like how vague they manage to make it, all while still advertising ‘freestyle’ cruising!” another added.
Other guests note that they may prefer casual attire themselves, but don’t mind that certain dining venues have more strict requirements to preserve an elegant atmosphere.
Shortly after Norwegian Cruise Line tweaked the guidelines a bit more strictly, Virgin Voyages responded indirectly with a tongue-in-cheek announcement of their own that, despite internal discussion, they’d failed to ban different clothing items.
How do you prefer to dress on a cruise vacation? Share your style influences on the Cruise Hive boards!
Norwegian Softens Dining Dress Code After Backlash, But Confusion Still Reigns