RCI's New Alcohol Policy effective 7/28/06? (merged)

[navigator2006]

i cant see them changing the gambling age to 21. that would lose them so much business.

[Catnip]

Time will tell if or what changes RCI has made to their policy and how strict are they going to be in enforcing it. If they enforce it as hard as they do the chair saving and smoking issues then it will be business as usual.:)

 

 

AMEN!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[happy cruzer]

This is what Royal Caribbean's Official TA site currently has under quick reference pages. I also looked at the casino info because someone mentioned that as well. This is what it had to say just a minute ago. :)

 

Alcoholic Beverages

We apologize for any inconvenience but due to recent regulatory and licensing requirements guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty-free from the Shops On Board or at ports of call will be stored by Royal Caribbean and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of the voyage. A member of our staff will be at the gangway to assist with the storage of any purchases.

For guests who wish to bring "fine" wine aboard, and Royal Caribbean is unable to accommodate their selection, we will, with prior approval from Royal Caribbean, allow a maximum of two bottles of wine to be brought by the guest or group. A corkage fee in the amount of $12.00 per bottle will be charged. This policy may not apply to every ship or itinerary depending on local laws, customs, or license requirements but Royal Caribbean will try and accommodate requests. Royal Caribbean is not responsible for fines imposed or items confiscated by local authorities.

Alcohol Policy

While a ship is at sea, Royal Caribbean International will not serve alcoholic beverages to guests under 21 years of age.

Note: An individual's age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for the entire cruise vacation.

 

Quick Reference

Casino

Guests must be 21 years to play.

The minimum bets are: 5¢ slots; $5 tables; $2 roulette.

Roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, slot machines and poker machines are available.

The casino is normally closed while the ship is in port overnight. Exceptions include Nassau, CocoCay, Labadee and St. Croix on certain itineraries.

 

Thank you for taking the time to share this with us! Now we need to all take a deep breath and see how it is enforced and most likely modified in the coming sailings. If you don't like the policy, I think we need to start mailing letters to the CEO, President of RCI, the new security chief, etc.

I don't think the new policy makes me feel any more secure which seems to be a claim as well as meeting local regulations.

[Lightsluvr]

I thought the gambling age had been 21 for years...

 

LL

[Catnip]

I don't think the new policy makes me feel any more secure which seems to be a claim as well as meeting local regulations.

 

 

Me, either! :cool: It's a "CYA" move, pure & simple..........

[LONESTAR 101]

Amen cruisingator2,

did you find that post about their new security chief? He will probably start bearing down harder now on checked luggage and run it like a FBI Sting! Laughing! But serious things could get harsher now since hes a Retired Upper echelon FBI Executive in the Agency and more straight laced![/quote

 

 

I did find the press release and he was a long time FBI guy but it really did not say much else. I guess the best thing for everyone to do is play the wait and see game. Time will tell if or what changes RCI has made to their policy and how strict are they going to be in enforcing it. If they enforce it as hard as they do the chair saving and smoking issues then it will be business as usual.:)

Funny cruisingator2!

Geez who knows maybe we will have to start showing our ID to buy a Big One or Gamble!

[LONESTAR 101]

Me, either! :cool: It's a "CYA" move, pure & simple..........

This could be due to The George Smith Debacle! As well. OK whose first to test the system of smuggling Hooch! Who is the Guinea Pig?

[dateacher]

Why is it that TAs have different information than what is on the general company website? That says that gambling is 18 and the same beer/wine age as always. We know that could change at any point but where did this casino thing come from.

[Merion_Mom]

I thought the gambling age had been 21 for years...

 

LL

Nope, 18, until now.

[Merion_Mom]

I thought the gambling age had been 21 for years...

 

LL

Nope, 18, until now.

[Merion_Mom]

All,

I've seen a lot of chatter and speculation what happens, but no real stories.

Can we hear from 3 adult people that have been caught smuggling booze in water bottles or regular bottles and describe what RCCL did?

Thanks

Russ

#1, from this thread:

I just came back from AOS on July 16th and they are getting stricter with regards to alcohol. We sailed from San Juan and there is a duty-free liquor store after you pass through security. I bought 2 bottles of wine and placed them in my backpack. When we went to get on the ship, there was another x-ray machine and they tried to take my wine away from me. I asked to speak to a supervisor and they ended up letting me take my wine with me. Now my husband bought a bottle of Johnnie Walker and put that in his backpack, he did not get caught, but I did. Our bags were going through the x-ray machine at the same time. So I guess it depends on how much the Royal Caribbean employee is paying attention to the x-ray machine. I am going to assume that now their policy is to confiscate any liquor, but sometimes you can get lucky.

[caviargal]

Why is it that TAs have different information than what is on the general company website? That says that gambling is 18 and the same beer/wine age as always. We know that could change at any point but where did this casino thing come from.

 

I think that in general cruise lines do not do a great job of keeping their external websites up to date but RCI has a great agent site. The TA database has far more detailed info.

 

I had to cut and paste a policy from the TA site today and forward it to a senior staffer at RCI who was insistent about a specific issue that I took issue with; I heard back that she was unaware of the policy and was forwarding the information directly to the ship (who is also apparently aware).

 

Also, some of us have higher activity levels with certain cruise lines and talk to our reps often. There are lines I do no business with, like Disney, and therefore have no knowledge of their policies nor am I in regular contact with my Disney rep as there is no need.

[dateacher]

thanks. I guess I wll just have to follow the reports and hope by the time we get on a ship, at least those onboard will know the polcy (or hopefully, maybe not)

[caviargal]

thanks. I guess I wll just have to follow the reports and hope by the time we get on a ship, at least those onboard will know the polcy (or hopefully, maybe not)

 

:D:D

[Autumnrose]

i cant see them changing the gambling age to 21. that would lose them so much business.

 

The site doesn't even state that this is a change. It is just stated under Quick Reference exactly as I copied and pasted it.

[Dockman123]

This could be due to The George Smith Debacle! As well. OK whose first to test the system of smuggling Hooch! Who is the Guinea Pig?

 

If you all want to chip in on the cost of the cruise I would be happy to test the system.:D

[The Admiral]

ok for those of you who have posted ...who are concinced that I am objecting to the wine part of the policy (the rest of it I totally agree with) her's another reason why I think RCI is unreasonable.

 

OK you are absolutely right all couples etc... who try to bring on-board a bottle or two are 110% wrong (dont really beleive it just for argument sake)...

 

but shouldnt these no gooders be able to buy a bottle on board without paying an EXHORBITANT FEE (NOT A CORKAGE FEE) JUST AN EXHORBITANT FEE JUST TO TAKE IT BACK TO THEIR ROOM???

 

In my experience while on RCI I wanted to buy a bottle of Wine at the liquor shop onboard which was not cheap compared to the regular US prices (wine prices even if duty free are not as reduced as hard liquor in my past experience) and when I got to the register the "TO TAKE TO YOUR ROOM AND SERVE YOURSELF PRIVILEGE FEE" was as much as the bottle...AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THIS IS UNREASONABLE?????

 

Again not talking about corkage to consume in the dinning room .

 

RCI is out of line in charging this in my opinion...and as a shareholder who loves the bottom line and dividends i still think its bad policy.

 

NO, this is just another way to nickle and dime decent loyal passengers and piss them off! IMHO :-)

[Autumnrose]

Just found this. This should answer anyones questions about ships leaving from other countries. I didn't copy the whole policy because after this it when on to state exactly what the OP posted. So the OP is definately not making anything up.

 

Alcohol Policy

Effective as of all sailings commencing on or after July 28, 2006, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International ships is 21.

However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son (s) and/or daughter (s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages.

The 18- to 20 year-old must agree to comply with Royal Caribbean's policies, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. Restrictions apply, and this policy is subject to change without notice.

[Cruising89143]

ok for those of you who have posted ...who are concinced that I am objecting to the wine part of the policy (the rest of it I totally agree with) her's another reason why I think RCI is unreasonable.

 

OK you are absolutely right all couples etc... who try to bring on-board a bottle or two are 110% wrong (dont really beleive it just for argument sake)...

 

but shouldnt these no gooders be able to buy a bottle on board without paying an EXHORBITANT FEE (NOT A CORKAGE FEE) JUST AN EXHORBITANT FEE JUST TO TAKE IT BACK TO THEIR ROOM???

 

In my experience while on RCI I wanted to buy a bottle of Wine at the liquor shop onboard which was not cheap compared to the regular US prices (wine prices even if duty free are not as reduced as hard liquor in my past experience) and when I got to the register the "TO TAKE TO YOUR ROOM AND SERVE YOURSELF PRIVILEGE FEE" was as much as the bottle...AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THIS IS UNREASONABLE?????

 

Again not talking about corkage to consume in the dinning room .

 

RCI is out of line in charging this in my opinion...and as a shareholder who loves the bottom line and dividends i still think its bad policy.

 

NO, this is just another way to nickle and dime decent loyal passengers and piss them off! IMHO :-)

 

Maybe I'm a little different than others but when I am on vacation I do not worry about those things. If I want something I get it. Again I'm on vacation and those things do not matter to me. I guess to each his/her own.:)

[caviargal]

ok for those of you who have posted ...who are concinced that I am objecting to the wine part of the policy (the rest of it I totally agree with) her's another reason why I think RCI is unreasonable.

 

OK you are absolutely right all couples etc... who try to bring on-board a bottle or two are 110% wrong (dont really beleive it just for argument sake)...

 

but shouldnt these no gooders be able to buy a bottle on board without paying an EXHORBITANT FEE (NOT A CORKAGE FEE) JUST AN EXHORBITANT FEE JUST TO TAKE IT BACK TO THEIR ROOM???

 

In my experience while on RCI I wanted to buy a bottle of Wine at the liquor shop onboard which was not cheap compared to the regular US prices (wine prices even if duty free are not as reduced as hard liquor in my past experience) and when I got to the register the "TO TAKE TO YOUR ROOM AND SERVE YOURSELF PRIVILEGE FEE" was as much as the bottle...AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THIS IS UNREASONABLE?????

 

Again not talking about corkage to consume in the dinning room .

 

RCI is out of line in charging this in my opinion...and as a shareholder who loves the bottom line and dividends i still think its bad policy.

 

NO, this is just another way to nickle and dime decent loyal passengers and piss them off! IMHO :-)

 

I totally agree. Their wine list is pedestrian, the waitstaff are untrained in how to properly serve wines and the mark ups are ludicrous.

 

And to charge for what is consumed in one's cabin is laughable. Alas, I do not make the rules.

 

I have no problem in paying a corkage fee and much prefer to bring wines of my own choosing. I will buy a few bottles aboard as well over the course of a week but I do like to bring a few special bottles to enjoy.

 

In the old days of cruising RCI, the markups were fair but this has changed radically over the years.

 

I think it is pure BS that it has anything to do with safety and that the one and only reason for these changes is profit.

 

A wine policy actually does influence my decision in which lines I cruise personally as $50-60 per bottle adds up quickly and that is what it costs on RCI for what I consider to be a wine worth drinking with a nice meal.

[Nancyquilts]

But wine is a food. That's what we all believe here in wine country.

[critterchick]

In my experience while on RCI I wanted to buy a bottle of Wine at the liquor shop onboard which was not cheap compared to the regular US prices (wine prices even if duty free are not as reduced as hard liquor in my past experience) and when I got to the register the "TO TAKE TO YOUR ROOM AND SERVE YOURSELF PRIVILEGE FEE" was as much as the bottle...AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THIS IS UNREASONABLE?????

 

It wouldn't be unreasonable of you at all if that were the case, but you can't buy wine in the onboard liquor store of any of the RCI ships I've been on. You can order a bottle from room service and, on Radiance at least, once the dining room was open for dinner you could buy any bottle on the wine list without paying an additional fee. What's unreasonable is paying 4-5x retail for each bottle, whether in the dining room or in your cabin or at any bar on the ship. And, as Caviargal said, you're buying mediocre stuff until you get into the $40 range.

 

Even Celebrity, RCI's sister line, doesn't rape & pillage on the wine list the way RCI does. A bottle of La Crema Chardonnay goes for $34, which is about 2.5-3x retail here in California. RCI sells Rosemount Shiraz, an $8.99 purchase here, for $38. That is nothing but highway robbery.

[navigator2006]

Listen, I'll make a deal with yall. I am going to be on the Navigator on Saturday. I am 19, so when I get on-board I will post on here whether or not they are letting me buy beer and wine. I don't think anyone is going to come to an agreement on this thread until a personal experience is told after 7/28.

[FPP777]

I totally agree. Their wine list is pedestrian, the waitstaff are untrained in how to properly serve wines and the mark ups are ludicrous.

 

A wine policy actually does influence my decision in which lines I cruise personally as $50-60 per bottle adds up quickly and that is what it costs on RCI for what I consider to be a wine worth drinking with a nice meal.

 

No offense to the poster, but once again wine drinkers complain about the mark up on wine to justify why they should be able to bring their own on board.

 

I would like to point something out. A bottle of Kendall Jackson VR Chard in stores around me avg 10 dollars a bottle. I believe RCL charges 28 dollars. Agree, big mark up. Now I like Jack Daniels. Jack in my area is about 18 dollars a liter. A liter is 33 onces. When I order a Jack and water on RCL it costs me about 5 dollars. So over the course of the week, that bottle of Jack, by the drink, would cost me 165 dollars. Now there is a huge markup.

[The Admiral]

It wouldn't be unreasonable of you at all if that were the case, but you can't buy wine in the onboard liquor store of any of the RCI ships I've been on. You can order a bottle from room service and, on Radiance at least, once the dining room was open for dinner you could buy any bottle on the wine list without paying an additional fee. What's unreasonable is paying 4-5x retail for each bottle, whether in the dining room or in your cabin or at any bar on the ship. And, as Caviargal said, you're buying mediocre stuff until you get into the $40 range.

 

Even Celebrity, RCI's sister line, doesn't rape & pillage on the wine list the way RCI does. A bottle of La Crema Chardonnay goes for $34, which is about 2.5-3x retail here in California. RCI sells Rosemount Shiraz, an $8.99 purchase here, for $38. That is nothing but highway robbery.

 

actually been three time on Brilliance and they did have wine in the liquor shop...mind you not a huge selection just 1 or 2 brands but anyways...