Royal Caribbean reviews group booking policy after 1,300 men ‘run amok’
Royal Caribbean is reviewing its group booking policy after passengers complained that a three-day cruise on the Voyager of the Seas had been ruined by a party of 1,300 workers.
They claimed that the men from a tobacco company in India ‘ran amok’ on the ship, held wild parties with women dress as Playboy bunnies, and even brought their own burlesque dancers onboard.
The workers from Kamla Pasand boarded the ship for a conference at Sydney, and proceeded to take over the pool decks, bars and restaurants, according to other passengers.
Some complained that the men even filmed young girls on their mobile phones.
A Royal Caribbean spokesman said the company was investigating the incident.
"During Voyager of the Seas’ three-night sailing from Singapore on September 6th, a group onboard caused complaints from some of our guests who raised their concerns with us after they returned to Australia," said a spokesman.
"We were able to quickly provide them with a satisfactory solution. Royal Caribbean operates with the safety of our guests and crew as our highest priority. While we have had a long history of successful group bookings in which all guests have enjoyed their cruise, we are looking into this incident, including all guest feedback to ensure our group booking policies are suitable and that our guest conduct policy is applied appropriately."
It has been reported that guests who complained that their cruises were ruined have received a full refund, but this has not been confirmed by Royal Caribbean.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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