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Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Dress Code

Daytime Attire on a Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Ship

NCL_poolCasual attire is part of the Freestyle experience on a Norwegian Cruise Line. During the day, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. Rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes are recommended while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels is prohibited onboard all NCL ships – leave the Heelys© shoes and rollerblades at home!

Evening Attire on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Ship

Norwegian Caribbean features relaxed dress codes in the evening. Leave the tuxes and formal ware at home when you cruise on NCL. Cruise Casual is suggested for all except one dining venue per night (which will have a dress code that requires a sports coat or jacket). Gentlemen will feel most comfortable in casual slacks (Dockers, khaki's) Yes, jeans are fine on NCL. Wearing a pair of nice shorts (pressed, longer in length) is not entirely inappropriate with proper footwear; however, you are likely to be in the minority. A polo / sports shirt or a button-down shirt is appropriate. For the ladies, casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, and tasteful jeans (no rips, cut-offs, acid washed, etc.) are all appropriate. The only item that NCL does not recommend in the main dining areas is shorts.

Norwegian Cruise Line Formal Venues

Every evening, one Norwegian Cruise Lines dining venue is designated “optional formal”. While you will see the occasional tuxedo, you will more likely see a sport coat, dress shirt and dress slacks, or, a business suit (with and without neckties) on the gentlemen. For the ladies, appropriate cocktail attire, elegant skirts, pantsuits and blouses will typically be favored over evening gowns.


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Don't Feel Like "Dressing-Up" For Evening Dining?

If not being able to wear shorts in the main dining venues is beyond comprehension, head to the Lido Restaurant (the buffet on the Lido Deck – typically near the pool towards the rear of the ship) on Cruise Elegant nights on Royal Caribbean. The dress code in the Lido Restaurant is always relaxed – shorts and t-shirts are acceptable at any time. Shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops are OK) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant, however.

Attire For Dining at the NCL "Optional Formal" Venue

NCL_dancingThe reservations optional premium supper club dining restaurants / steakhouses onboard Norwegian ships follows the same “Cruise Casual “dress code as the main dining rooms. All main dining venues are “Cruise Casual” save for the one that is designated “Optional Formal” that evening. However, people will normally treat “Optional Formal” venue as a special night and you are more likely to see more sport coats and business suits on the men, and, cocktail dresses on the ladies dining in this venue.

Attire for Cruises to Cooler Climates: Canada/New England and Alaska Cruises

Cruises to cooler climates on Norwegian Cruise Lines suggest sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and comfortable shoes. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.

Attire for South America and Europe Cruises

Norwegian Caribbean suggests comfortable shoes and a raincoat just in case the weather is questionable on South America and European cruises. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas. Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).

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