In a move that has sparked widespread backlash across the cruising community, a major cruise line has quietly removed a key feature from its popular drink packages—leaving many passengers furious and accusing the company of deceptive practices. The sudden exclusion, made without a formal announcement or prior notice, has blindsided loyal cruisers and raised concerns about transparency in cruise pricing policies.
The uproar began surfacing on travel forums and social media platforms over the past few days, as guests discovered that bottled water—once included in the line’s Premium Beverage Package—was no longer covered. Previously a staple benefit for health-conscious travelers and families, bottled water now incurs an additional charge, catching guests by surprise when reviewing their onboard statements.
“This is a betrayal,” said Monica Delgado, a frequent cruiser and loyalty program member. “I’ve sailed with this company for over a decade, and bottled water has always been included. To remove it without informing us feels like a slap in the face.”
Cruise watchdogs and consumer rights advocates are warning that the move could set a troubling precedent in the industry. By subtly adjusting what is included in packages post-booking, cruise lines may be circumventing the expectations set when travelers initially make their purchases—potentially leading to legal challenges.
“The issue isn’t just about water,” said travel attorney Janelle Roberts. “It’s about transparency and contract fairness. If a company changes terms after a sale, that could fall under deceptive business practices, especially if passengers booked based on those original terms.”
Many affected guests reported that onboard staff were unaware of the change, leading to inconsistencies in charges across ships and even within the same voyage. “One bartender told me bottled water was included; another charged me $3,” said cruiser Brian Thompson. “It’s chaos.”
To make matters worse, the cruise line has not issued an official statement addressing the change, instead quietly updating its online FAQ and package terms in fine print. Critics argue that such tactics erode trust, particularly among frequent cruisers who invest thousands of dollars in loyalty and premium experiences.
Calls for accountability are growing louder, with some passengers vowing to boycott the cruise line unless it reinstates bottled water as part of its beverage package. Several Facebook groups and Reddit threads have already attracted thousands of comments from outraged customers demanding clarity and compensation.
As pressure mounts, the cruise line’s silence continues to fuel outrage. Whether this strategy reflects a broader cost-cutting initiative or an isolated misstep, one thing is clear: a bottle of water has never been so controversial—and the cruising public is anything but thirsty for corporate spin.