Cruise Line Faces Criticism for Altering Dining Dress Code
Norwegian Cruise Line has recently updated its dining dress code, generating considerable feedback from its clientele. The revised regulations prohibit the wearing of shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and ripped jeans in several upscale dining venues across its fleet.
Details of the Dress Code Changes
The new dress code applies to four specialty restaurants: Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta, and The Haven Restaurant. The guidelines specify that attire such as tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, and jeans with holes may be restricted, dependent on the restaurant.
- Upscale dining venues no longer permit:
- Shorts
- Tank tops
- Flip flops
- Ripped jeans
- Accepted attire in upscale restaurants includes:
- For women: Slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts, and tops
- For men: Jeans or slacks paired with collared shirts and closed-toed shoes
- Children under 12 are permitted to wear shorts in all dining areas.
A Shift from “Freestyle Cruising”
This adjustment has been interpreted as a significant departure from Norwegian Cruise Line’s renowned “Freestyle Cruising” philosophy. This concept was originally marketed as an offering of flexibility, allowing passengers the freedom to choose dining times and outfit styles at their discretion.
Previously, Norwegian promoted a “resort casual” style, enabling guests to dress as they pleased. In January 2023, the company relaunched its brand platform, emphasizing freedom and flexibility in its promotional materials.
Public Reactions
The feedback indicates that loyal cruisers may feel alienated by such changes, which they perceive as overly formal. This sentiment raises questions about how these alterations could impact customer loyalty and overall brand perception.
Conclusion
As Norwegian Cruise Line implements these new dining dress code rules, they have sparked debate among passengers. The reaction from guests will likely be closely monitored as the cruise line navigates the balance between upscale dining and the casual atmosphere that has long characterized its experiences.
