Popular Cruise Line Faces Backlash After Reportedly Changing Its Dining Dress Code

NEED TO KNOW

• Norwegian Cruise Line has reportedly updated its dress code, banning shorts, tank tops, flip flops and ripped jeans in upscale restaurants

• The changes mark a shift from the company’s relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which emphasized flexibility and casual attire

• A longtime customer criticized the new rules on social media, calling them restrictive and unsuitable for vacation

A popular cruise line has reportedly begun rolling out a new dress code for its dining experiences offered on board its fleet of ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its dress code to clarify what guests can wear in its main dining rooms and specialty dinner restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta. Palomar and The Haven Restaurant, according to AL.com.

According to Norwegian’s FAQ page about what to pack, “tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats may not be permitted,” depending on the restaurant where the guest is dining. Shorts and flip flops are allowed at restaurants and bars, except the eateries listed above, as well as Ocean Blue.

A post from travel agent Michele Bridges on Facebook, shared on Friday, Feb. 13, confirms shorts are also not permitted while dining at the listed restaurants.

Instead, Norwegian’s website recommends guests “dress smart cause in our more upscale specialty restaurants.” Women should wear “slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts [or] tops.” For men, the cruise line suggests “jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes.” It notes that kids ages 12 and under are welcome to wear shorts in all restaurants.

The move seems to be a departure from the company’s notable “Freestyle Cruising” concept. When first introduced, it was promoted as an initiative to give cruises more freedom, eliminating the traditional dining and entertainment schedule, allowing cruisers to find where, when and with whom they wish.

“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,” Norwegian’s FAQ page said.

On Jan. 16, the company launched a new brand platform inspired by its 90s tagline: “It’s Different Out Here,” alongside a new national TV campaign.

“This is a pivotal moment for Norwegian Cruise Line. We’re not just launching a campaign – we’re re-anchoring our brand in the values that have always set us apart: freedom and flexibility,” said Kiran Smith, chief marketing officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, in a press release.

The new ad, “For All Maritime,” is a “cinematic narrative celebrating travelers who reject outdated norms,” according to the press release. The commercial features a group of British sailors requesting approval to wear “flippy floppies” from their naval officer.

The ad spot ends with a father and his family walking up to a hostess stand at a Norwegian Cruise Line restaurant asking, “flip flops cool?” before she responds, “very cool.”

The recent changes have sparked some criticism on social media.

“Do not like the new rules for some of the restaurant venues,” Facebook user Abe Strashnick wrote on Norwegian’s Feb. 19 post unrelated to the dress code. “I am on VACATION, in a warm weather climate, wearing a collared shirt and nice SHORTS. Been on 15 cruises with Norwegian, loved the relaxed style.”

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He added: “You will loose [sic] me as a customer going to the NEW IDOTIC RULE. I can see no tank tops, cut off jeans, but no shorts is ridiculous.”

PEOPLE has reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for comment.

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