Norwegian dinner dress rules draw passenger debate

A travel agent claimed Norwegian Cruise Line had quietly expanded the number of onboard dinner restaurants where passengers may not wear shorts or flip-flops. Passengers disputed that characterization, with some saying the dress rules have been in place for years and may only now be receiving greater attention or enforcement.

Norwegian’s published guidance allows casual clothing during the day and in many venues. Acceptable options include shorts, jeans and casual tops or shirts, as well as summer dresses, skirts and khakis.

For main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, the cruise line’s guidance prohibits men’s tank tops, flip-flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans with holes or tears. Several upscale dinner venues reportedly apply a smart-casual standard, described as jeans or slacks paired with a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes.

The differing passenger accounts leave the timing of any change disputed, while the company’s guidance sets varying expectations depending on the venue and time of day.