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

[Radio Head]

:confused:

respectfully disagree :-)

 

ok lets apply your reasoning to some on-board policies off the top of my head (I can come up with more in time):

 

first RCI needs to hire a lot more security guards because if there are no grey areas allowed then I expect to see the following enforced:

 

1.) Security stopping folks from reserving chairs at shows and in the pool area.

 

2.) zero tolerance (a la Carnival) of non-smoking policy in certain ship areas.

 

3.) patrols to make sure children are not in the solarium at any time

 

4.) Jeans patrol in the dinning room during dinner semi and full formal nights

 

5.) patrol to make sure passengers do not take the pool towels into their staterooms.

 

No one can tell me alls these policies above are stictly enforced with no grey areas... if seen them ignored repeadedly

 

The difference is that failure to follow any of the above rules has never resulted in the death of a passenger.

[caviargal]

Thanks to those who supported me on this one. I do have thick skin (or I would have left this board ages ago) and am used to getting trashed for my opinions.

 

If appreciating fine wines and not wanting to get ripped off for the privilege makes me Lady Astor, I consider that a compliment :).

 

Can't wait to trade in my Diamond perk bottle of La Terre Merlot for something drinkable on Soveiegn next month. :p

[Cruising89143]

Just my opinion, but I think that if they are going to ban us from bringing any onboard, they need to let us purchase bottles onboard and drink them in our stateroom. How about ordering bottle from room service to be brought to the room? Most of us only smuggle onboard cause we want a bottle or two in the room with us. We (or at least I) still spend a ton of money at bars onboard, but would like to have some in the room as well. I would gladly BUY bottles from RCI if they would let me have it in the room.

 

I would like to see RCI allow guests to order liquor and set ups for their cabins through the ship. I would be willing to pay for this and I know that some other cruise lines allow it from what I have read here on the other boards.

[obladi1]

I'm really unhappy about this new change from RCI and I am seriously thinking of cancelling my holiday cruise. There is not much for 18 - 20 year olds to do on a cruise if they can't get into the clubs or gamble. RCI does not provide anything for them and I think they will get into more trouble if these new rules are implemented. It's sad that a honeymoon couple that had to get so intoxicated every night to get through their cruise would ruin it for everyone else.

Is there anything written yet about the casino and club admittance policy for 18 - 20 year olds?

It doesn't seem fair to change the rules in the middle of the game - what is RCI thinking?

[spectatorsports]

I would of thought there would be a problem with the rules being changed after people have already booked with the understanding that 18-20 year olds could drink and gamble.

 

Surely they need to give enough notice so that people know exactly what the situation is BEFORE they book. How there are no legal issues with providing a service that is different to what has been promised and what has been paid for makes no sense to me.

[dateacher]

Most cruise bookings are through brick and mortar travel agencies, therefore it is imperative that they be notified immediately of any pertinent information.

 

The agency and cruise line have a professional working relationship and the TA receives updated information everyday. The TA has a sort of contractual relationship with the cruiseline and must follow the cruise line policy to a "T". It is the agents responsibility to inform their customers and clients of the latest information concerning their travel.

 

Strolling around online to a website is not a professional relationship. Eventually, information will be posted on the websites and the rest of internet travel will catch up. Meanwhile, one should only book with a website if they know what they are doing and are aware that the risk they may be taking sits square on their own shoulders. It is the responsibility of the website user to make him/herself aware of all the policies.

 

I wasn't at any internet site - I was talking to customer service at RCCL.

[caviargal]

Hi, Caviargal,

 

Did you miss my previous question? They ended up on the bottom of the page.

 

Did you get briefed on what ships/ports the policy was to be implemented on? US? a few US? Europe? What about Transatlantic? Any other international? What about the mention of being denied boarding for smuggling? I would assume smuggling covers carryons and checked?

Do you personally plan on bringing your wine as usual?

 

If you read the new policy as posted here, it's not just about youth security. One point that caught my attention is that if you "over consume" you can be disembarced. In Texas, that would be .o8, almost every one that has 2 drinks gets to .08. huuuummmm the devil is in the details.

 

No, I emailed my RCI rep and am waiting for a response from her; sometimes it takes a few days if the issue is not urgent (or if she has to get clarification).

 

The youth security is not just part of the alcohol policy but a new addition to the fleet. RCI has had some real problems with youth and teen behavior on board and they are very aware of it, resulting in the new team being hired. I am really happy about it personally because I get frustrated with what is happening on their ships.

 

I will post as soon as I hear back from RCI.

[Need2Cruze]

Again, you can order bottles to be delivered to your cabin. Your best bet is to go to their wine list on the website, pick what you want, call them up and order it through a customer service rep, at which point you can choose which night you would like the wine delivered. This I was told yesterday, when I told the rep that we were traveling with 2 small kids and would like a bottle to enjoy on the balcony after they went to bed. No corkage fee if done this way.

[Borat]

still...the gambling age being raised does not make any sense to me...or getting into the club for that matter. What does alcohol consumption have to do with blackjack?? i havent heard personal stories of this being true, so until i do...i cant believe all of this. i dont care what a piece of paper says, but hey thats just me.

[UCF_Cruiser]

I am cruising on the Mariner Aug 6, I'll let you all know how it is when I get back

[pcur]

Must you ALWAYS be right ;) ;) :D It's a GOOD thing that she has THICK skin!

 

Even if we don't always agree with the "dress code" which is why we haven't set foot in the MDR during our last two cruises <<<big grin>>>

 

Thanks Peggy!

 

###

 

LOL!!! HA!!

 

As my DH would say, if I wasn't always right what would the rest of the world have as a standard to live up to?!!! :D

 

Thanks for backing me up, guys.

 

Back on topic: having worked in info technology for years, I know that public web sites are notoriously behind on their information. Policy changes frequently are in effect for weeks before the web gets updated.

 

I am worried about the folks that are going on cruises in the next month or so that AREN'T aware of this policy. People that have been taking their beer, wine and hard liquor on board with them for years. They are going to be royally p.o.'d, and if the TAs aren't getting the info themselves to get out to their clients........well, it's gonna be a mess.

 

My TA has warned me for years about RCCL's crappy customer service. Her reps drive her nuts.

[Catnip]

 

 

 

I am worried about the folks that are going on cruises in the next month or so that AREN'T aware of this policy. People that have been taking their beer, wine and hard liquor on board with them for years. They are going to be royally p.o.'d, and if the TAs aren't getting the info themselves to get out to their clients........well, it's gonna be a mess.

 

Yeah, I agree it WILL be a major mess.

[Hey! Jude]

as per quote below..........

 

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.

 

 

What about the ships sailing out of Vancouver? Serenade, Vision and Radiance - does the European policy apply since in Canada the legal drinking age is (18 or 19 depending on your province).

Is the new policy designed for the cruisers depending on their legal status of where they live or where they are sailing from? Is this just another gray area? So if you are (for example) an American age 18 to 20 sailing out of Vancouver you will be able to consume but if you are a Canadian sailing out of Tampa you cannot? Or does this only apply to European & SA. Hmmm.....

[Autumnrose]

Just got an answer on the casino issue. The minimum age is 18 except for Alaska sailings then it is 21. I told them that they need to update the agent site. Still waiting to get an answer on the alcohol policy. I feel sorry for the agents. It seems as thought they are not very well informed. It must be very frustrating for them. When I first asked about 18-20 year olds not being able to drink beer and wine the res agent said that yes it is true but they haven't been told when it would go into effect just that it hadn't yet gone into effect. When I read what the agent site said she put me on hold. Still holding.....I will post again when I get an answer. :rolleyes:

[Autumnrose]

Okay I got an answer. First I spoke to a res agent and she had never heard of the date. She called customer service who asked to talk to me because she could not find the information and wanted to know where I had found the date because they had not released the date yet. I told her where to find it and she said that the agent site would be the best and most up to date information because it is "on purpose communication". She then thanked me for calling and letting them know. See just one more reason to go to a good TA instead of direct. :D Since RCI seems to inform us of info before even there own employees. Which I think is pretty sad.

[sas80]

Just so you know, all luggage that is dropped off in the luggage bins does go through a screening process. By screening, I mean that they are x-rayed by the port security. Those pieces of luggage that are suspect are segregated and turned over the the ship's security for further scrutiny.

 

Just an FYI!

 

LOL, they're not looking for booze, I can garantee that!

If they were I would have gotten busted many, many times!

[tiger70]

Hats off to you and the other cruisers that voiced their objection to underage drinking on the cruise ship, in or out of their parents' presence. Some wine with dinner I could understand, but pina coladas, beer, etc. for teens on a cruise? I hoped my twins (now 23) were responsible enough to abide by the law when they were 18 and drink responsibly when they were 21, and I made it darn clear to them that's how I felt. NO DRINKING (wine tasting excluded, but they didn't seem interested in wine with meals) UNTIL YOU'RE OF LEGAL AGE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

Sign me -- a Dad that cares more about his kids growing up responsibly than about them having maximum 'fun' on their vacation. Flamers -- have at it!!

[Borat]

Okay I got an answer. First I spoke to a res agent and she had never heard of the date. She called customer service who asked to talk to me because she could not find the information and wanted to know where I had found the date because they had not released the date yet. I told her where to find it and she said that the agent site would be the best and most up to date information because it is "on purpose communication". She then thanked me for calling and letting them know. See just one more reason to go to a good TA instead of direct. :D Since RCI seems to inform us of info before even there own employees. Which I think is pretty sad.

 

sooooooo what is the answer??

[Lpetchen]

Yes.... what IS the final answer? Thanks!

[FitzLA]

But, Fitz, I agree with caviargal...........there is almost nothing on RC's wine list that's worth buying! (and certainly not at the 4x + markup that some of them carry!)

 

I agree with you on the wine. There is really nothing on their wine list that I think is worth it. I don't mind paying higher prices for a wine, but at least give us some better options. I was speaking more specifically to the hard liquor. I would love to be able to order a bottle of Vodka or Whisky and enjoy it in the room, much like you can do in a hotel. I don't mind paying the price for it, but just give us the option.

[caviargal]

The new policy applies to any sailing that leaves from N. America - Transatlantics are included if they leave from here. Alaska is included, because it is N. America. All of RCI's Caribbean sailings leave from N. America unless it is some special sailing, or repositioning, so they are included too.

 

Europe is the only one that will probably remain under the old policy but nothing has yet been published.

 

Hope this helps and I have asked my rep to let RCI that there is a lot of misinformation online and also being given by their CSRs.

 

I am SOS in 3 weeks and will post about personal experiences then. I am bringing along my 19YO nephew and his best friend so it will be interesting to see about the waiver.

 

I agree that there are folks who will not have a clue until they board and some are sure to be angry but how can RCI delay implementation until everyone booked now has sailed? Seems like an impossible task and impractical challenge.

 

CG

[Heckah]

Hats off to you and the other cruisers that voiced their objection to underage drinking on the cruise ship, in or out of their parents' presence. Some wine with dinner I could understand, but pina coladas, beer, etc. for teens on a cruise? I hoped my twins (now 23) were responsible enough to abide by the law when they were 18 and drink responsibly when they were 21, and I made it darn clear to them that's how I felt. NO DRINKING (wine tasting excluded, but they didn't seem interested in wine with meals) UNTIL YOU'RE OF LEGAL AGE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

Sign me -- a Dad that cares more about his kids growing up responsibly than about them having maximum 'fun' on their vacation. Flamers -- have at it!!

 

I'm confused...are you saying that when you turn the legal age, you suddenly understand your responsibilities? If you're 19, do you suddenly understand your responsibilities once you cross the border into Canada? Do teens understand their responsibilities at the dinner table with a few glasses of wine, or at a wine tasting? I'm betting you're a wine drinker...=)

 

I'll take a boatful of 18-20's with the parents keeping an eye on them then 21-23's any day of the week. Besides...telling an 18 y/o they can drink isn't a rule....it's a challenge.

[Catnip]

 

Sign me -- a Dad that cares more about his kids growing up responsibly than about them having maximum 'fun' on their vacation.

 

 

Kudos to you!!!!!!! Wish more parents thought like you do!!! :) :)

[Autumnrose]

Yes.... what IS the final answer? Thanks!

 

Sorry, I wasn't as clear as I thought I was. The final answer is that what I posted before is correct. The July 28th date is correct. Customer Service said that the agent site is updated before they even get the info. Customer service was not told there was a date until they read it on the agent site.

[LadeeBug100]

(I agree that there are folks who will not have a clue until they board and some are sure to be angry but how can RCI delay implementation until everyone booked now has sailed? Seems like an impossible task and impractical challenge.)

 

I think they should at least make an announcemet ,post it on the website, reservation site, etc of the upcoming change, and not change the date until about 90 days out from that announcement .Anyone already booked and within final payment would be okay, others outside of final payment would have the option to cancel if they so choose.

Just my opinion of how it should be handled, but then again, I am not in charge, LOL.