Royal Caribbean cracks down on sharing of drink packages

Royal Caribbean International is testing a change in two beverage packages on the Harmony of the Seas. Starting with the July 7 sailing, if the Deluxe Beverage or Sip & Stream packages are purchased, they must be purchased by all passengers 21 or older in a stateroom. Previously, Royal Caribbean had permitted just one stateroom guest to buy the package, but its policy has been that beverage packages cannot be shared or transferred. However, Royal Caribbean said in a memo to travel sellers that it has noticed an increase in guests sharing beverages with those who haven't purchased the package. Most other cruise lines that have beverage packages, including Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, make each adult in the cabin buy the package to prevent drink sharing. Royal Caribbean's deluxe package is $55 per passenger, per day and offers unlimited beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages, premium coffee, tea, fountain soda, fresh-squeezed juices, sparking and bottled still water. The Sip & Stream is a beverage package with Voom internet service included that costs $56 a day.

For more information and to make reservations on a Royal Caribbean SHIP, contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com .