Angry Passengers Lambast Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘Idiotic’ New Dress Code

Some Norwegian Cruise Line passengers are strongly criticising the company’s new dining dress code policy, calling it “idiotic.”

The company is changing comfy T-shirts and shorts for designer, high-end wear for dining at the cruise’s premium restaurants and bars.

Restaurants such as Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Haven will no longer permit shorts or flip-flops, according to reports on the cruise line’s website.

Wear like tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats “may not be permitted” at various dining locations as well, the company said.

Clothes with offensive language or images have been excluded per Norwegian Cruise Line’s “frequently asked questions” page.

In the “Cruise Casual” section of the website, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) explains that shorts are acceptable for both men and women during the day, at the buffet, and in most niche restaurants.

The FAQ also adds that swimwear is allowed at the buffet and outdoor restaurants; however, “a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required.” The company also notes that kids 12 and under are welcome to wear shorts in all its restaurants.

“Do not like the new rules for some of the restaurant venues. I am on VACATION, in a warm weather climate, wearing a collard shirt and nice SHORTS,” one of the travellers wrote in response to one of the company’s Facebook posts.

“Been on 15 cruises with Norwegian, loved the relaxed style,” the traveller went on to say. “Tell the fuddy daddies where to go,” the person added about the new policy, calling it “idiotic.”

In response to that particular poster on Facebook, Norwegian Cruise Line responded, “Hi, we appreciate your feedback as it is valuable to us. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to call us directly.”

The popular cruise line, which forecasted having three million passengers across 34 ships in 2025, is known for its easy-going atmosphere. As such, some travellers were caught off guard by the new dress code at some restaurants.