Royal Caribbean’s Beverage Policy Sparks Debate Among Cruisers
In recent days, Royal Caribbean International has found itself at the center of controversy as cruisers report changes to how beverages are served on its ships.
Social media platforms buzzed over the weekend with claims that the cruise line is now requiring bartenders to open canned drinks—whether soda or beer—before handing them to guests.
This shift has sparked widespread discussion among Royal Caribbean’s loyal cruisers.
Policy Details and Guest Reactions
At certain tiers of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, guests are entitled to daily drink vouchers. Diamond members receive four drinks, Diamond Plus members get five, and Pinnacle Club members enjoy six, redeemable for beverages valued up to $14 each.
Traditionally, these vouchers allowed guests to request unopened cans of soda or beer, which they could bring to their cabins or save for excursions. However, recent posts from cruisers indicate that this practice may no longer be permitted.
One guest, Don Watson, shared his experience on Utopia of the Seas: “Royal has a new policy that our Diamond Plus drink vouchers cannot be used to take unopened soft drinks or beer away to our rooms.”
Similar accounts emerged from other ships, including Freedom of the Seas, where cruisers reported being told that cans must now be opened at the bar.
Confusion and Clarification
Adding to the uncertainty, follow-up reports suggest the policy might only apply to alcoholic beverages, not sodas.
According to a post from a cruiser aboard Enchantment of the Seas, bar staff clarified that the rule was amended within a day of its implementation to focus solely on beer and wine.
Despite these clarifications, the lack of official communication has left many guests frustrated. Some speculate the policy is a response to perceived misuse of drink vouchers, with guests stockpiling cans to maximize their daily allowance.
However, not all cruisers agree with the change. “If it’s my voucher, what does it matter?” asked one frequent traveler.
Why the Change?
Opinions on the motivation behind the change vary. Some believe it aims to curb overconsumption or the sharing of drinks with non-eligible passengers.
Others argue that it might simply be a logistical adjustment. Whatever the reasoning, many longtime cruisers feel the change diminishes the value of a benefit they’ve enjoyed for years.
Fleetwide or Experimental?
It remains unclear whether this policy is being tested on select ships or rolled out across the fleet. As of now, Royal Caribbean has not issued a formal statement explaining the reasoning or scope of the policy.
What’s Next?
For many cruisers, the ability to bring unopened sodas or beers back to their cabin was a small but meaningful perk.
If the policy remains in place, it could influence how loyal guests perceive the value of their drink vouchers.
In the meantime, the debate underscores the importance of clear communication as Royal Caribbean navigates the balance between guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
