Royal Caribbean – the second largest cruise line in the world – carries millions of holidaymakers aboard its fleet of ships every year, which are capable of carrying thousands of passengers at any given time.
However, the company is said to have quietly made a major rule change that means passengers can no longer enjoy a perk that many would take advantage of.
Previous rule changes included banning a travel hack used by thousands of its customers to get around eyewatering Wi-Fi costs. However, the latest issue reportedly relates to drinks.
Like many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers the option of paying for a drinks package ahead of your holiday.
This drinks package is a flat fee, with unlimited drinks for every day that you pay.
There are three kinds of packages on offer – a classic soft drinks package, the “refreshment” package which adds the likes of coffee, tea, juices and non-alcoholic drinks, and the deluxe package, which will add in alcoholic drinks.
The cost varies, with Royal Caribbean currently advertising the alcohol package at $115 (£90) per guest per day. The refreshment package, meanwhile, costs around $29 (£23) a day.
Those who have reached a higher level in the Royal Caribbean’s membership – such as Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club level – will get four, five and six free drinks a day respectively, regardless of a drinks package.
This comes to a value of $14 (£11) per drink.
A popular option that many cruise passengers do, regardless of the drinks package, is take drinks back to their room
However, those that do this will now be in for a surprise, as instead of being handed an unopened drink, the bartenders have been seen serving them open, according to a few cruise-goers, LadBible reported. This has left many passengers annoyed at the prospect of sipping on cans of beer or sharing bottles of prosecco that have gone flat once back in your room.
“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,” one cruiser posted on Facebook.
“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 on December 1.”
Another traveller, however, wrote that this “obviously isn’t enforced much”, as not everyone is reporting it happening to them.
Several cruise passengers have reached out to Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, who received the following response from the company’s executive office of escalations.
“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,” said Geno Bell-Floyd.
“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.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Royal Caribbean for comment.
