Royal Caribbean’s New Drink Policy Stirs Mixed Feelings Among Passengers

(KMDL-FM) - If you love cruising on Royal Caribbean out of New Orleans or Galveston and enjoy embibing in a few (or a lot of) alcoholic drinks, you should be aware that a big change has been made to its unlimited alcohol package.

Royal Caribbean Closes Drink Package Loophole

The cruise line has closed the loophole that let one person get the drink package and conveniently get drinks for others in their stateroom.

New Rule: Everyone in a Stateroom Must Buy the Package

Now, when a passenger purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it requires all others in the same stateroom to purchase it too.

Exceptions for Non-Drinkers No Longer Allowed

There used to be a caveat that allowed those unable or unwilling to drink alcohol to call in and get an exception. However, Royal Caribbean has quietly removed that option from its policy.

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Why the Cruise Line Made the Change

According to a Royal Caribbean spokesperson, "Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package."

Deluxe Package vs. Soda Package – What’s Different

This rule only applies to the Deluxe Beverage Package, which is the unlimited alcohol package. Nothing similar is required for the Royal Refreshment Package, aka, the Soda package.

Royal Caribbean says the change was made due to how the exception was being used.

"This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change," the company spokesperson said.

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Mixed Reactions From Cruise Passengers

The reviews for this rule change are about as you would expect. Many people understand that this is fair, and some, well, not so much.

One commenter on the popular news aggregation site Newsbreak said the following:

If people weren't running their mouths so much about sharing drinks, you guys would have this problem. Keep your mouth shut on things that you do. If you shout it out on social media, don't you think they're going to know about it? -Royston Wilkin

On the flip side, some understand that this just makes sense:

Royal, unlike Carnival, has no limit on the number of drinks in a package. Understand why they won't tolerate sharing. If you travel with non non-drinker. Just pay as you go. - Eyes Open

What Travelers Should Know Before Booking

Whatever your personal feelings on this subject are, the next time you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, make sure you understand the rules of the drink packages before you embark.