Norwegian Cruise Line Updates a Policy for Crew Members

Depending on where it is and what it says, tattoos are now allowed for crew members on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

NCL has updated its grooming policy for crew members, including tattoos, facial hair and jewelry.

The guidelines went into effect on July 1 and pertain to all on board crew.

Tattoos, for instance, can now be visible but not on a conspicuous body part nor can they say anything vulgar. You can’t have tattoos on the face or neck, either.

The rules are explicit and detailed.

There will be no tattoos espousing extremist views or contain racial epithets. Gang colors or symbols are out. Norwegian will decide what is sexist, extremist or vulgar.

As for facial hair, crew members may now have a mustache or goatee or chin or lip hair, as long as it is grooms and kept nicely. All facial hair must be kept trimmed. Mustaches, for example, must be the length of the lip. That means no handlebars or Fu Manchu styles.

It is not known if European female crew members, who sometimes like to go au natural, will be allowed to grow their armpit hair.

As for jewelry, you can wear up to three bracelets on your wrist but food preps and bartenders cannot wear jewelry while working. The same is true for an engaged crew member. A wedding band and engagement ring will count as one piece.

NCL is simply falling in line with other cruise lines that have similar policies.