Royal Caribbean’s New Beverage Policy: Opening Drinks at the Bar
Royal Caribbean recently implemented changes to their beverage policy, affecting how alcoholic drinks are served on their cruise ships. The main modification requires:
- Canned or bottled alcoholic beverages must be opened at the bar before guests leave with them
- Non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and bottled water have different rules:
- Passengers without the Deluxe Beverage Package can keep these sealed
- Those with the package must have them opened at the bar
This policy aims to prevent sharing of drinks with those who haven’t purchased beverage packages or earned them through casino perks.
Passenger reactions have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the loss of flexibility in consuming their drinks. The policy change particularly impacts loyal customers who previously enjoyed storing drinks in their cabins or taking them on shore excursions.
Royal Caribbean states that these changes are intended to maintain safety and enjoyment aboard their ships while also protecting their business interests.
Impact on Crown & Anchor Society Members
The new beverage policy significantly affects Crown & Anchor Society members, altering the value of their loyalty perks. The breakdown of free daily drinks for top-tier members is as follows:
| Membership Level | Free Drinks per Day |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 4 |
| Diamond Plus | 5 |
| Pinnacle Club | 6 |
However, the requirement to consume these drinks at the bar rather than in cabins or elsewhere has changed the experience for many loyal customers.
Some members find this change unsettling, as it limits their ability to enjoy drinks at their leisure or save them for later. The policy transforms what was once a flexible perk into a more structured benefit, potentially impacting how these loyal customers plan their cruise activities.
While the cruise line’s intention to prevent misuse of the perk is understood, some passengers argue that it diminishes their overall cruising experience. The change may require loyal customers to adjust their habits and expectations regarding their beverage benefits.
Balancing Safety, Revenue, and Customer Satisfaction
Royal Caribbean’s beverage policy changes are driven by considerations of passenger safety and loyalty program integrity. Opening drinks at the bar allows for better monitoring of alcohol consumption, potentially reducing safety risks and liability concerns.
Financially, the policy may help protect Royal Caribbean’s beverage package revenue by preventing the sharing of free drinks among passengers. This ensures that loyalty benefits remain exclusive to those who have earned or paid for them.
"Royal has a new policy that our Diamond plus drink vouchers can not be used to take unopened soft drinks or beer away to our rooms," wrote Don Watson in a Facebook group from his cruise on Utopia of the Seas.
Passenger opinions on the change vary, with some viewing it as a necessary step for fairness, while others see it as a limitation on their cruise experience. The policy reflects the cruise line’s efforts to balance guest satisfaction, revenue, and safety considerations.
Industry analysts suggest this change aligns with broader trends in the cruise industry, where companies are refining their offerings to optimize both customer experience and profitability. As passengers continue to provide feedback, Royal Caribbean may further adjust the policy to maintain customer satisfaction while meeting their operational goals.
- Watson D. Facebook post about Royal Caribbean’s new drink policy. Royal Caribbean Cruises Facebook Group. 2023.
- Brown D. Facebook post regarding loyalty beverage policy changes. Royal Caribbean Cruises Facebook Group. 2023.
- Bell-Floyd G. Email response on behalf of Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean Executive Office. 2023.