Royal Caribbean quietly introduces new cruise ship drink rule that has annoyed a lot of passengers
The world's second largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has reportedly made a significant rule change that has annoyed some passengers.
Based out of Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean caters for millions of holiday-goers every single year, with each ship in its fleet capable of carrying thousands of passengers at any one time.
But the company has quietly changed one rule that means passengers can no longer enjoy a perk that many would take advantage of, The Street reports.
It comes after Royal Caribbean banned a travel hack used by thousands of its customers to get around 'crazy' costs relating to using ship Wi-Fi.
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This time, however, the issue supposedly relates to drinks.
Drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise
Like with many cruise lines out there, Royal Caribbean offers the option of paying for a drinks package before you holiday with them.
This is a daily flat fee that you pay, with drinks unlimited for every day that you pay this.
There are three kinds of packages you can pay for, the first being a classic soft drinks package.
This is followed by the 'refreshment' package, which adds in coffee, tea, juices, bottled water, non-alcoholic cocktails and milkshakes to the deal.
And the third option is the deluxe package, which will add in your alcoholic drinks.
The cost varies, with Royal Caribbean currently advertising the alcohol package at $115 per guest, per day. That's around £90.
For the refreshment package, you're looking at $29 a day, showing how much it varies as you add in the extra tipple or two.
Those who have reached Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club level with Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor membership will get four, five, and six free drinks a day, respectively regardless of a drinks package.
That's up to the value of $14 per drink.
Changes to the rules
One thing that many cruise passengers do, regardless of what drinks package they have or don't, is take drinks back to their room.
After all, some nights you just want a quiet one and going 'out' to the bar drinking when you've a busy port day the morning after isn't always the wisest decision.
Well, those who do this have been in for a surprise after a recent rule change by Royal Caribbean.
Instead of being handed an unopened drink, the bartenders have been seen serving them open, according to a few cruise-goers.
One cruiser posted to Facebook saying: "Currently on the Utopia of the Seas. Last night my wife and I went to the Trellis Bar to use up our D+ drink vouchers for the day and bring back a couple cans of beer and a couple cokes for our room.
"When we asked for the items we were told that Royal has made a new rule that all items must be opened at the bar. The beverage manager happened to be at the bar and explained that this was a new rule that Royal started Dec 1st."
It does seem that not everyone is reporting it happening to them, with one traveller writing in a forum thread that it 'obviously isn't enforced much', but a message has clearly been issued due to what some passengers are saying. And you can understand why you'd be annoyed, especially if you want to take three or four bottles of beer back to your room and they're all opened, going flat, in front of you - same with a bottle of prosecco or two.
LADbible contacted Royal Caribbean for comment but not get a response.
However, multiple cruise passengers reached out to Royal Caribbean International's CEO, Michael Bayley, and got the following response. In it, Geno Bell-Floyd, the company's executive office escalations, explained it was to do with the safety of guests.
"Thank you for contacting the Executive Office of Royal Caribbean International. Mr. Bayley has received your email and I am pleased to respond," Bell-Floyd said.
"Thank you for your loyalty to Royal. Please know that our beverage policies are in place to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy their drinks safely and responsibly. Recently, we have updated this policy to include the following: Any canned or bottled alcoholic beverages ordered at our bars must be opened before leaving the venue.
"Kindly note, this policy does not apply to non-alcoholic beverages, such as canned sodas and bottled water, unless ordered through a Deluxe Beverage Package. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes and appreciate your understanding and cooperation with helping us to maintain a safe and enjoyable time onboard.
"We value your patronage of Royal Caribbean International and hope to welcome you and your family back onboard in the near future."
Topics: Alcohol, Cruise Ship, Food And Drink, Holiday, Travel, US News, World News, Royal Caribbean
Tom Earnshaw