Association congratulates Royal Caribbean on safe alcohol training award

Chicago -- The National Restaurant Association today congratulated Royal Caribbean International on receiving the 2016 VIBE VISTA Award for Best Responsible Alcohol Service Program. Royal Caribbean received the award at the VIBE (Very Important Beverage Executives) conference in San Diego, Calif. The award is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association.

“Since adopting the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Alcohol training program, Royal Caribbean International has become a leader in promoting a safe and responsible environment for their guests,” said Sherman Brown, Senior Vice President of Business and Financial Strategy for the National Restaurant Association. “We congratulate Royal Caribbean on their continued hard work and dedication to training their staff to sell and serve alcohol responsibly on land and at sea.”

“Royal Caribbean was honored to be a recipient of the VIBE Vista Award for Best Responsible Alcohol Service Program,” said Kornel Toth, Director, Food & Beverage Operations for Royal Caribbean International. “It is great to get recognition from the industry on our commitment to responsible service that contributes to a great guest experience.”

Royal Caribbean International has implemented the ServSafe Alcohol program into its daily operations throughout their fleet of 23 cruise liners. The Royal Caribbean fleet has more than 400 bars and well over 200 restaurant locations serving alcoholic beverages to over four million customers year round.

All Royal Caribbean International employees who are engaged in alcohol service are required to complete this program. The certificate is valid for three years. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association as a third party to validate effectiveness and compliance. Royal Caribbean International has adopted the program in order to provide their guests with a safe and comfortable vacation experience.

Operators were asked to submit materials and supporting details used in their beverage promotions to the faculty at Johnson & Wales University. Awards were given for both Multi-Unit Chain Restaurants and for Hotels, Casinos & Cruise Lines.

Nominations were judged on creating positive initiatives that spark beverage sales, innovations that contribute to operational efficiencies, and training and service programs that lead to the highest quality standards and operational practices. The award for responsible beverage alcohol service highlights effective server training programs that emphasize ongoing reinforcement of training and a culture of responsible alcohol sales.

ServSafe Alcohol offers training solutions to restaurant employees in responsible alcohol service. The training program teaches employees about their personal responsibility, and how to recognize signs of intoxication in guests and manage service accordingly.

To learn more about the NRA’s ServSafe program, visit ServSafe.com.

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line's world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 12 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 23 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.