Popular cruise line sparks backlash as 'strict' new dress code is introduced
A popular cruise liner has faced some criticism online after introducing a new dress code aboard it ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line have tightened their dress-code for those dining of an evening after previously encouraging guests to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.
In a now-deleted section of their website, Norwegian Cruise Line stated: "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.
"We even have special ‘Dress-Up or Not Night.’ It’s the perfect opportunity to get your portrait taken with your family, that special someone or even with the ship’s Captain."
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These rules have since been changed, with a number of items not permitted in a number of restaurants on the cruise liner.
As per a report by AL.com, a stricter dress sense will be enforced in Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta, Palomar, The Haven Restaurant and the popular Cagney’s Steakhouse.
In these restaurants, the likes of tank tops, hoodies, robes, ripped jeans, plus caps and hats are all banned.
Norwegian note that most areas of the ship are accessible with your typical beach attire should you wish, just check before going to the dinner the dress code of said eating destination.
"Everywhere else, you’re good to go," the cruse liner stated. "Come comfy, dine happy."
The move has sparked a debate over on Reddit, and it's safe to say it's pretty mixed.
"They just did a whole ad campaign about they were the first with to do away with dress codes for dinner. It was called ‘Its Different Out Here.’ Now this. I guess flippy floppy aren’t so accepted," one person penned on Reddit.
"I can understand saying no robes but a hoodie seems crazy, it's a perfectly acceptable thing to wear to a casual dining experience, which is what [the cruises main dining room] is," a second added.
Meanwhile, a third remarked: "Casual dining was a big plus for me with NCL. Dressing up on vacation for dinner in 90 degrees heat locations is stupid."
On the other hand, other Reddit users praised the move as one person penned: "Save the bathrobes for the walk of shame, folks. Not the dining room."
And a second described their own personal experience on a ship, meaning they are probably welcoming the move.
"I have actually seen this, people eating dinner in pyjamas and bathrobes. Totally inappropriate," the Redditor quipped.
In a statement provided to UNILAD, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said: "We aim to provide exceptional vacation experiences for guests all around the world. We have always provided our guests with the freedom and flexibility to dress in casual attire in most areas of the ship, with the exception of select restaurants on board.
"These dress guidelines provide our guests with the flexibility to enjoy a more elevated dining experience in the venues where it is appropriate and a casual dining experience in others. While our guidelines remain largely unchanged, we recently made slight modifications to guidance for the Haven restaurant and select specialty restaurants to help clarify expectations for our guests.
"These adjustments allow our guests to better understand the dining experience they can expect in advance of their dining reservations, making for a smoother experience for all on board."
Callum Jones