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.
A spokeswoman said Royal Caribbean doesn’t have plans at
this time to roll out the change on other ships.