Norwegian Cruise Line faces backlash after 'idiotic' dress code change
· Toronto Sun
Norwegian Cruise Line is facing a wave of backlash after tightening its once ultra-relaxed dinner dress code – and some angry travellers are calling the move “idiotic,” reports the New York Post .
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The cruise giant has long sold passengers on its breezy “freestyle cruising” vibe.
“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,” the company says on its website, per the Independent .
It even promotes a “Dress-Up or Not Night,” encouraging guests to snap portraits with family, a special someone or the ship’s captain.
New dress code
But, under the updated policy, guests dining at six of the ship’s upscale restaurants – Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda by Scarpetta, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro and The Haven Restaurant – can no longer wear shorts or flip-flops.
According to Norwegian’s FAQ page , “Tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats may not be permitted,” depending on the restaurant, per People . Shorts and flip-flops are still allowed at most restaurants and bars – just not at the higher-end spots listed above.
Instead, the cruise line advises guests to “dress smart” in its more upscale specialty restaurants. For women, that means “slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts (or) tops.” For men, “jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes.” Kids 12 and under can still wear shorts everywhere, per People .
“Everywhere else, you’re good to go,” the cruise line says. “Come comfy, dine happy.”
Travellers rage online
That message hasn’t calmed longtime fans. Norwegian has built its brand on relaxed dining rules, reports the New York Post .
“Been on 15 cruises with Norwegian, loved the relaxed style … You will lose (sic) me as a customer going to this NEW IDIOTIC RULE. I can see no tank tops, cut off jeans, but no shorts is ridiculous,” one Facebook user fumed, per People .
On Reddit, the debate got heated.
“How does someone else wearing flip flops have any impact on you?” one user asked, per the New York Post .
Another pointed to the company’s recent ad campaign – “It’s Different Out Here” – which celebrated doing away with dinner dress codes.
“Now this. I guess flippy floppy aren’t so accepted,” the user wrote, per Independent .
One traveller called the policy change “seriously dumb,” adding, “Casual dining was big plus for me with NCL. Dressing up on vacation for dinner in 90 degrees heat locations is stupid,” per the New York Post .
The cruise line also bans clothing with offensive material and warns guests they may be turned away for wearing tank tops, hoodies, baseball caps or ripped jeans.