Alcohol and corkage policies change at Royal Caribbean International

RCI introduce new rules:

From 1 November 2012, Royal Caribbean decided to give their passengers greater flexibility in what alcoholic drinks they take onboard.

Now passengers are permitted to bring wine onboard with them as they arrive for their cruise. This is great news for you, if you have a bottle that you think will make your holiday even more complete!  This new allowance is limited to two bottles per stateroom.

However, if you wish to take your wine and drink in any of the ship’s restaurants or bars, there will be a corkage fee of $25.00.

The corkage fee doesn’t always apply, however, and there are a few important conditions. So read the following carefully: If you are a passenger and receive a wine as an amenity (such as Gifts and Gear (including TA Reduced Rate menu), GAP, etc.) you will be able to drink this in your stateroom or in any public area on the ship without having to pay a corkage fee. The public areas include the dining room, the speciality restaurants and the bars and lounges. However, a passenger who gets their bottle of wine from an external vendor or from a travel agent will have to pay the $25.00 corkage fee if they want to drink it on the ship. The important condition for the corkage fee not applying is if the bottle of wine was bought from Royal Caribbean’s Gifts and Gear selection. If not, a corkage fee is put on the guest’s account.

Other alcohol rules:

Only wine can be brought onto the ship before the cruise departs. Any other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be seized by security (who do conduct a thorough check and may inspect containers in your luggage). Remember, if you have drinks you shouldn’t have in your luggage, these won’t be returned. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call, or from Shops On Board, will be stored for you and you’ll receive these again on the last day of your trip. Consecutive cruise guests receive their purchased drinks during their last cruise. Lastly, remember that no open liquor bottles can be consumed in the dining areas or public areas.

As you can see, there are still quite strict rules about alcoholic drinks on Royal Caribbean, but these are still for a good reason. It’s better for the wider passenger experience and for the safety of all the guests that there are rules about exactly where alcohol can be consumed on the ship. But the changes that Royal Caribbean have introduced will give some flexibility to those who have particular wine tastes and want to enjoy their favourite tipple to make their holiday even more perfect.