MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line’s new dress code is making waves with passengers – and not in a good way.
The cruise line has reportedly updated its guidance on its FAQ, for what not to wear: “Depending on the restaurant or bar you are attending, certain items such as tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats may not be permitted,” says NCL, in answer to the question ‘Are there any dress codes onboard restaurants or bars?’
The cruise line adds: “Shorts and flip-flops? Totally fine in most places – just not in the following restaurants: Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Haven Restaurant for dinner.”
Consumer news sites report that some passengers are pushing back with angry posts on social media, particularly about the shorts rule.
NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept, introduced back in 2000, was a sea change for the industry, promoting an easygoing approach to dining especially. Gone were the days of designated seating times and formal dress. It was a revolutionary move that many cruise lines emulated, changing the course of cruise vacations and no doubt contributing to the boom times that followed. The cruise line recently resuscitated its popular ad tagline from the 1990s, with a new campaign: ‘It’s Different Out Here.’
“WHAT’S GOING ON AT NORWEGIAN?”
Meanwhile at NCL’s parent company, NCLH, cruise industry veteran Adam Goldstein is pushing for changes at the very top.
Goldstein, who worked at Royal Caribbean for more than 30 years (including a seven-year stint as President and CEO), penned an opinion piece this week for Fortune magazine, headlined ‘I’m partnering with Elliott to make sure Norwegian Cruise Line’s best days are ahead.’
Goldstein says he’s onside with Elliott Investment Management, which holds a 10% stake in NCLH, to bring new directors to the NCLH board, “to help restore Norwegian to its rightful place as an industry leader.” Elliott Investment Management has put Goldstein’s name forward as a potential director.
As Goldstein notes in his opening paragraph: “As someone who spent more than three decades in the cruise industry, I still regularly get asked about the state of the business. And the question I hear most often lately – from travel agents, fellow industry veterans and loyal cruisers – is some version of: What is going on at Norwegian?”
He says Norwegian’s financial performance “has fallen behind that of its peers,” even as the cruise industry and other cruise lines have powered ahead. NCLH’s three cruise line brands are NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Goldstein adds: “Norwegian has the fleet, the people and the assets to fully seize the opportunity during this remarkable era of industry growth. When people ask me what is going on at Norwegian, I want to give them an even better answer: I want to tell them that Norwegian’s best days are still ahead.”
Last week NCLH appointed John W. Chidsey as President and CEO, effectively immediately, replacing Harry Sommer. Chidsey has served on the company’s board since February 2025 and previously from 2013 to 2022.
