Angie Banks Travel, spends a lot of time helping people plan cruises that are fun, relaxing, and easy. But every once in a while, a headline hits that deserves a real conversation especially when it involves safety.
You may have heard about a Royal Caribbean passenger case where a lawsuit alleges the guest was served (or consumed) 33 alcoholic drinks and later died. It is devastating and it is also a reminder that vacation decisions can stack up fast when alcohol, heat, excitement, and exhaustion all collide.
This situation raises practical questions that travelers ask us all the time: Are drink packages safe? How do you keep track onboard? What should you do if someone in your group is “too far gone”?
Why cruise alcohol can hit harder than it does at home
Cruises are basically floating resorts, and that is part of the appeal. But alcohol can affect you differently at sea because you are often dehydrated, in the sun, walking more, sleeping less, and snacking instead of eating full meals.
Add embarkation-day excitement (and sometimes long waits before cabins are ready), and it can be surprisingly easy for someone to lose track of how much they have had especially if they are hopping between venues, celebrations, or “one more round” moments.
Drink packages are not the problem — the mindset can be
Angie Banks Travel is not anti–drink package. For many travelers, a beverage package is convenient, predictable for budgeting, and enjoyable. The issue is when it turns into a game of “getting your money’s worth,” which can encourage pacing that your body can not safely handle.
Instead, we tell clients to think of a drink package like a convenience tool and not a challenge. You are allowed to have it and still set boundaries that protect your health and your trip.
Angie Banks Travel “guardrail” tips for drinking on a cruise
If you plan to drink onboard, set your rules before you sail. Do this when you are clear-headed and not caught up in the vibe. Angie Banks Travel recommends deciding your personal daily max, alternating alcohol with water, and committing to real meals (breakfast counts!).
- Set a personal limit (write it in your phone notes)
- Alternate each drink with water
- Eat a full meal before heavy drinking
- Avoid mixing alcohol with exhaustion or overheating
- Slow down on Day 1 (it is the easiest day to overdo it)
The buddy system is underrated (and it works)
If you are traveling with friends or family, do not let someone wander the ship alone if they are visibly impaired or confused. Ships are big, corridors can look identical, and being disoriented can escalate quickly when someone is already overstimulated.
A simple plan helps: share cabin numbers, pick a meetup spot, keep a charged phone, and agree that anyone who is “not okay” gets support without any embarrassment, jokes, just care.
Warning signs that mean it is time to get help
If someone is severely intoxicated, don’t wait for the situation to become dramatic. Ask for help early. When in doubt, treat it seriously—because onboard medical help is there for a reason.
- Can not stay awake or is hard to wake
- Confusion, panic, or extreme agitation
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Breathing looks slow, shallow, or irregular
- Skin looks pale/clammy or the person seems overheated
What to do onboard if someone is in trouble
Move the person to a safe seated position, get water if they can sip safely, cool them down, and contact Guest Services or medical right away. If you believe it is an emergency, say so clearly. The goal is to get professional help involved before things spiral.
My bottom-line takeaway as your travel advisor
Cruising can be an amazing vacation at sea so this is not about fear. It is about cruising smarter, pacing yourself, staying hydrated, eating well, and looking out for your people. The best trips are the ones where everyone gets home safely with memories they actually want to replay for years to come.
Freebie
If you would like, Angie BanksTravel will send you our free Cruise Drink Package & Safety Checklist (quick rules, pacing tips, and what-to-do steps you can keep on your phone). It is perfect for first-time cruisers and group trips.
Want it? Drop us an email to cruises@angiebankstravel.com with Subject 33 drinks. And if you’re trying to choose the right cruise—Royal Caribbean or otherwise—we will help you pick the ship, vibe, and budget that fits you.
FAQ
Q: Is the “33 drinks” story confirmed?
- It has been widely reported in connection with a lawsuit, but legal cases include allegations that still have to be fully evaluated. I recommend focusing on practical safety takeaways rather than assumptions.
Q: Are cruise drink packages safe?
- They can be, especially if you pace yourself. Drink packages are best used as a convenience for budgeting—not as a reason to drink more than you normally would.
Q: What should I do if someone in my group is dangerously intoxicated?
- Get help early. Contact Guest Services or onboard medical. If the person can’t stay awake, has abnormal breathing, or is extremely confused, treat it as an emergency.