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Royal Caribbean Axes Cabinmate Drink Package Exception Rule

by Dori Saltzman  August 04, 2025
Royal Caribbean ship docked in blue water during the day

Photo: Just dance / Shutterstock.com

Once again, a few bad apples have made cruising more expensive for everyone else. In order to stop the growing prevalence of cruisers sharing a single drink package, Royal Caribbean has dropped the ability for cruisers who can’t drink to be excused from purchasing an all-inclusive drink package when their cabinmate purchases one.

This means pregnant women, recovering alcoholics, and others who medically cannot drink alcohol will have to purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package if their cabinmate wants to purchase one. Previously, the guest who cannot drink alcohol could call to be switched to the Royal Refreshment package instead.

The change was confirmed and reported by Royal Caribbean Blog.

The new policy – or rather end of the policy exemption – went into effect on Aug. 1.

As reported by Royal Caribbean Blog, Royal Caribbean has been forced to make the change due to abuse of the exception.

“This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change,” a company spokesperson told Royal Caribbean Blog.

  
  
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