Hi my name is Bob Midyette, and I am the Director of Fleet Beverage Operations for Royal Caribbean International and our wonderful luxury line, Azamara Club Cruises. Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time to witness evolution leap forward, skipping what should be its next logical iteration. Here is an example of that.
Three years ago, I was invited to visit Coca-Cola’s corporate office to explore our future efforts together. My gracious hosts were escorting me to various behind the scenes and highly restricted areas, like the famous Coke boardroom (I did not sit in Warren Buffets chair, but I did think about it) and the time capsule-like persevered office of Robert Woodruff President from 1923-54, where all the items in his office, or on his desk, are exactly where he left them.
Up to this point it was a surreal experience and the tour continued to a few more unique areas. However the best was saved for last, and just after lunch I was escorted to the Coca-Cola Innovation Lab for the final series of meetings. This hidden and tightly secured laboratory is a combination of the design lab at Apple and Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, (minus the peculiarities of the movie host). I found myself immersed in a world of futuristic flavors, packaging, machines, and technology. I worked very hard to keep my hands in my pockets and not lick the wallpaper, ever mindful of those naughty children from the movies. Eventually I was led into a separate, purposely non-descript room, further sequestered from all of the other innovations. This was where I saw it, and for the remaining day and a half of my meetings with Coca-Cola, pretty much all I could think of. What was it that captured my attention so completely? It was not the fizzy lifting drinks, although cool, they are still not quite perfected.
It was a machine, designed by Ferrari, with the interface of an iPad (remember this was before the iPad even existed) and 125 flavors of various Coke products, all in a footprint smaller than the standard vending machine.
It was beyond sexy, it was über cool. Using medical micro dosing technology, 
flavor cartridges just slightly larger than those of the standard ink jet printer opened a world of flavors never available before (Orange Coke, anyone? or Peach Fanta Zero?). It was like going from an IBM series 700 mainframe to an iPhone 4, skipping everything in-between. After a series of conversations, Coca-Cola agreed to work with us on being the first cruise line to deploy the Freestyle machine.
From that point forward, Coca-Cola and Royal Caribbean began the effort to integrate the changes needed for the machines to work onboard our ships, which included a few health code modifications for a marine environment as well as the addition of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to use with our souvenir soda cups. The RFID cups allow guests to serve themselves for the period of their voyage and automatically expire after their voyage.
I am pleased to finally say that in early June, our multi-year efforts came to fruition. We completed the first installation of Coca-Cola Freestyle on Majesty of the Seas, with several other ships (all U.S. based) scheduled this year. We expect the deployment to continue well into 2013. As far as the Coca-Cola Innovation Lab, I have not been invited back since my initial visit, but if I do, I hope to find something else astounding to bring to the Fleet…and I’m not ruling out the fizzy lifting drinks either, by then they just might have it perfected.
We set sail on the Freedom October 21….will we have the pleasure of freestyle then!!!!
Hello, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas will be introduced to the machine in September. Please do note that due to possible unforeseen delays, this date may shift.
Do you know if on nov 11 Allure should be done with the freestyle coca-cola machines? Naturaly, understanding that unforsean events could delay them. I am a Diamond plus member and I have offered the Allure as a gift to my sister and her husband cruising with me on your fabulous vessel and would love to see and use it, I also hope these kids like style mugs will disapear or at least we will have a choice more starbucks like adult like or green like! Thank you!
Hello Ben, at this time the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines are scheduled to be introduced to Allure of the Seas this November. We look forward to having all three of you onboard.
How cool. We have these at some restaurants here in town. Do you know when you will implement this on the Oasis of The Sea ? How does this work with the Coke card??
Hi Renee, the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines are/will be part of the unlimited Fountain Soda Program that currently exists today.
Yay! Love the Freestyle! I hope it’s onboard the Freedom before their Oct 13, 2013 departure because I will be on that and looking for it!
Hello Mallory, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas will be introduced to the machine in September. Please do note that due to possible unforeseen delays, this date may shift.
has the coca cola freestyle machine been bulit on the jewel of the seas ??
Hello, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Starting in August, they will be introduced on Explorer of the Seas, then Freedom of the Seas in September, followed by Oasis of the Seas in October, Allure of the Seas in November, and Enchantment of the Seas in December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
Can you tell me when the Enchantment of the Seas is scheduled to be outfitted with the new coke freestyle machine?
Hi Dave, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Enchantment of the Seas will be introduced to the machine in December. Please do note that due to possible unforeseen delays, this date may shift. Thank you.
Isn’t the “Freestyle” name being used by a competitive cruise line?
Couldn’t they think of another name?
Freestyle is a Coke trademark. If you would’ve tried to machine, you wouldn’t be complaining.
Freestyle was not only invented by Coca Cola for cruise lines. It is used in restaurants, offices, hospitals, etc. Coca Cola named it because of the unlimited options it gives the consumer. It’s a free style selection to have your drink your way. I love the machines! As a loyal Royal Caribbean customer and a proud employee of Coca Cola, I am so excited about this partnership. We always get the unlimited soda pass, so we feel this will really add value to our experience. Freestyle isnt named after another line. It’s name is very appropriate for it. Way to go RC for making this choice and way to go Coca Cola for coming up with the next generation of the beverage industry.
Hello, “Coca-Cola Freestyle” is a registered trademark of Coca-Cola® and we do not have any right to alter the name.
Dear Bob,
I have seen/used this machine and I am as sure as you are that your RCL customers will love it.
I have two (2) questions:
1) where and how many will be placed around the ship ?
2). have you considered offering a more contemporary / adult looking cup for adults that purchase the soda package ? Quite frankly, I hate (and don’t) carrying around that “childish” looking cup you receive standard with the program. I might even consider paying an additional $5 or so for a lager more adult looking receptacle.
I’d love to hear your feedback.
Tom Kilmartin (300169832)
tjk221@cox.net
Hi Tom, great questions. How many Freestyle machines will be placed around the ships? That will depend on the size of the ship. However, our initial deployment schedule will target high volume areas and select common areas inside. We may add more, or move locations once we see the realities of traffic flow and guest use. Your second question about a more adult / contemporary souvenir soda cup design. Yes, and maybe no. Yes, we are deploying a totally refreshed, updated, inspired, higher quality and cool cup design. Will you like it? We hope! We will see if they let us post the new cup online for you to see once it has been approved for production in a couple of weeks.
Adam,
I was just wondering if there is ny additional information you can pass along pertaining to my questions (see attached) in July? Will be sailing in December on the Oasis and am quite hopeful for an improved container.
Hello again Tom, as of now there are no new updates. Thank you.
I am going on a cruise this August and the ship that I will be on is the Explorer of the Seas. Will that new Coca-Cola machine be on board the ship ?
Hi Steven, Starting in August, the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines will be introduced on Explorer of the Seas. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, this date may shift. Thank you.
My travel group, Tripping Out With Women will be sailing on Majesty in October. I am excited to tell the ladies that we’ll get to experience this new technology!
Hi Heather, we are looking forward to having your group onboard. See you in October.
We are on Freedom 22 July…..wish we had it!!
Just one more reason to go on another cruise, Dennis. We hope to see you onboard soon.
OMG!!! This looks amazing. I can’t wait to board one of your ships soon to try this out myself!
We’re glad you’re excited, Jordan! We hope to have you onboard soon.
Will this be available on the Monarch of the Seas since it’s the same class as the Majesty of the Seas. I am sailing on August 5th. Thanks! I LOVE THE FREESTYLE machine!
Hi Stacy, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Starting in August, they will be introduced on Explorer of the Seas, then Freedom of the Seas in September, followed by Oasis of the Seas in October, Allure of the Seas in November, and Enchantment of the Seas in December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
RCI: Thanks for this enhancement. Now we’ll be able to get soft drinks without bothering the bartenders. With so many choices, it’ll take me two weeks to try everything. Will the price for the soda fountain package change in order to reflect the new self-service machines?
Hi Andy, we are happy to report that there will be no change to our current pricing of the Unlimited Fountain Soda Package due to the implementation of Coca-Cola® Freestyle Machines. As a side note, we would be happy to book you on a back to back two week cruise to ensure you are able to fully take advantage of the package ; – )
Used it, love it. Great machine to have. The machine is about the only place around to get a Coke mixed with Lime, among other flavors/
I just returned home on July 13th from a cruise on the Majesty. The Coke Machine was out of order for half the cruise. When they did come back on only diet flavors were available. The idea is great in concept but disappointing when you paid for it and it didn’t work.
I have used these machines in movie theaters in my area and they are GREAT! Kids love to mix flavors. I do hope however that there are some caffeine free selections. I cant have my 7 yr old wired on sodas all day! (that would not be appreciated by parents I can promise you that!)
Hi Lisa, the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines offer a wide selection of flavors, including many caffeine free selections.
This looks really awesome!! I want to know what ships you have the freestyle coke machines on. We are sailing on the Enchantment of the Seas on 07/26/2012. Does our ship offer this machine?
Hello Angela, Enchantment of the Seas will be receiving the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines this coming December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
Bob.
These machines are cool……
I have a related question. Has RCCL ever considered allowing people who purchase a soda packagae on board be able to use it for future cruises (without charge) as an incentive to return to RCCL? I know that this seems like revenue lost but maybe not – seems like you would snag passengers back that otherwise would stray to other cruiselines.
I would love to know if that has been considered…
Hi Jack, thanks for your question. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate your request. As you probably suspect, we have a high number of repeat guests on all of our ships and it would be nearly impossible for us to manage this process (if you no longer had your cup for instance, we would not readily be able to determine if you had the package on a previous voyage), establishing a cut-off date too would pose questions, (is it good for 1 year, or 2 etc.), of course there is also the dynamic value of the package (you bought the package for a 4 day cruise but now are sailing on a 10 day voyage or vice versa, there is a price difference for that). Financial impact aside it would lead to a less than ideal guest experience which of course is our primary focus for someone’s vacation and the main driver for us adding the Freestyle experience to begin with.
This sounds awesome. I’ll finally be able to have some Fanta orange soda or Barq’s root beer. Sadly, I won’t get to use this till next year some time. (I haven’t decided what U.S. cruises i’ll do.) My next cruises (I’m doing back-to-back) will be out of Venice on Splendour of the Seas.
We look forward to having you back onboard in the future, Ronald. Until then.
Thanks Adam. I ended up having a great time on your Splendour of the Seas. I really enjoyed the All Access Tour I got to take on the 2nd of my 2 cruises. It was fascinating to learn how your cruise line does its magic. The briefing by the ship’s Executive Chef Michael (Something) was particularly good. Also, the ship’s captain was great too. It was great getting my picture taken with him.
The reason I’m replying to this post is to see if you have an update on Grandeur of the Seas and the Coke Freestyle machines. I’ll be doing my 3rd consecutive back-to-back cruises with you in April/May on Grandeur of the Seas. Grandeur is replacing Enchantment of the Seas which I know was scheduled to get the machines in December 2012. Could you let me know if Grandeur has or will get the machines please. With kindest regards, Ron Wilkes
We’re happy to hear that, Ronald. Unfortunately, Grandeur of the Seas will not be receiving the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines at this time. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.
Will be on the Majesty in September, can’t wait to try the machine
Hello Doreen, you’ll have to let us know how you like the new Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines onboard Majesty of the Seas once you return. See you this September.
It would be great if you would release a schedule of their installation. We aer going on Vision in Januaty.
Hello Sheika, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Starting in August, they will be introduced on Explorer of the Seas, then Freedom of the Seas in September, followed by Oasis of the Seas in October, Allure of the Seas in November, and Enchantment of the Seas in December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
I love these machines because it is hard to find interesting diet caffeine free sodas. They have these machines in Pei Wei and in some Burger Kings already and they are COOL. I don’t usually purchase the soda package but I will if it makes it to Allure on my next sailing.
Has the Allure been outfitted Yet? We set sail on 8/12/12 and would buy a soda package immediately if I knew there was one on board. I second the reader’s comment about an adult sized / adult styled beverage container for our week in paradise.
Hello Paula, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Allure of the Seas will be introduced to the machine in November. Please do note that due to possible unforeseen delays, this date may shift. Thank you.
Myself,my brother and my sister-in-law are cruising on Adventure of the sea Dec.2012, will the new coke machine be onboard and available for us ?
Hello Sadie, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines are only on Majesty of the Seas. Starting in August, they will be introduced on Explorer of the Seas, then Freedom of the Seas in September, followed by Oasis of the Seas in October, Allure of the Seas in November, and Enchantment of the Seas in December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
How fantastic. Hubby and I had mentioned to each other several months ago that this would be a great opportunity for the ships. Very glad to see it come to fruition. Now if we could just get RCI to stop printing all the darn photos and upgrade to a digital kiosk style program I’d be super happy!
Diet Pepsi please!!!
what is the cost of this to the passager?
Hi Jennifer, the cost of the package varies depending on the number of days you sail and whether the ship is in North America or abroad. However, here is a bit of inside info most people do not know. If anyone books their soda package in advance on-line via our website it is less expensive than if you buy it the day you board the ship. So definitely book online, and check our website for current pricing for the itinerary you are looking for. Follow this link to book your soda package but only after you have logged in. Thank you.
Adam,
Went to my reservation on line to pre-purchase my soda package and it is the same price if I purchased on board, $6.50 per day. Did the price of the soda package on-board go up since June?
Thank you.
Hello Kate, the price is now the same whether you book onboard or online before. Thank you.
Adam,
Are you aware that many people received an email from Royal Caribbean stating that the beverage package was on sale for $6.00 per day when purchased on-line through Aug 31? This was not just us, it is also posted by several on a thread about Royal Caribbean beverage packages on Cruise Critic.
In addition, when you go to the pre-cruise planner, the following is written:
“Beverage Packages
Make your cruise vacation even better by pre-reserving one of our beverage packages online before you board! Choose from fountain soda, juice and bottled water packages.
Enjoy savings off the onboard fountain soda price by pre-purchasing online.”
This is misleading if the price indeed is now the same whether or not the beverage package is purchased in advance on-line or after boarding on the ship.
The sales dept doesn’t seem to know anything about any of this or what to do. While it is true that these are only small savings, it makes people upset about what they perceive as untrue email advertisements/misleading info on web site about it being a savings to prepurchase plus it makes the company look bad.
You might want to consider putting the package on sale again through Aug 31 and changing the website language I quoted re prepurchase savings.
Hi Aleta, we apologize for the inconvenience. There was an error on our site and we’re making the appropriate corrections.
We had Freestyle Machines on the Majesty of the Seas over the 4th of July. They only worked with the special cup sold for soda packages. You could only fill the cup once every 5 minutes. The cup must have had some kind of ID chip in it. They only had two on the ship and they were right next to each other on deck 12. They worked OK but were out of order a bit towards the end of the trip. They also had a tough time keeping both supplied, not sure what is so tough about that. Both machines were out of order the last day of the cruise. It is nice for the bartenders that they don’t have to mess with the soda folks, but they seemed a bit peeved when we did have to mess with them because the machines were not working.
Overall I give the Freestyle Machines about a 7. They still have some bugs to work out
When the bugs do get worked out and they put them in a few more places, I’ll like them much better. It was amazing with all the flavor variations available.
Hi Phil, you are correct, inside each cup is an RFID Tag and that chip, by design, manages the refill time/repeat rate. We are still working out some issues with these machines as well as some adjustments that must be made since the demand for these machines was higher than planned. We anticipate such issues to disappear as we further deploy the machines. Thank you.
I will setsail on the Adventure of the Seas, this new coke maachine would be set for march 24, 2013 in there?
Will this be available to those without purchasing the soda plan? Would be good if the selection of beverages included the decaffeinated version of diet coke and diet sprite. i would have purchased more during last week’s cruise if those choices were available. thanks.
How Cool!
I would like to know if this feature will be available for purchase by the glass, without having to buy the soda package. I’ve purchased the package in the past and never drink enough soda to say it has saved me money. I usually buy a can from time to time. Aside from that I have a collection of souvenier cups that have collected in my cabinet and I don’t need another one. We are sailing on the Allure of the Seas in October.
My wife and I will be taking our first ever vacation/honeymoon/24th anniversary cruise on Liberty of the Seas in February 2013. When will the Freedom class ships have this wonderful addition? And I must add, we haven’t even been on the cruise yet and already the staff at RCI has made us feel like royalty! Amazing people at RCI.
Mike and Teresa Fowler
Will you have a CAFFEINE FREE COKE in this machine ( NOT DIET CAFFEINE FREE ) Just plane Caffeine Free Coke. I anm Taking a group of 54 people on the Explorer of the sea Jan 13th,2013
Hi Joe, we look forward to having your large group onboard. Unfortunately, Coca-Cola® Freestyle drink machines do not carry regular Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola. We will see you in January.
I have never complained beforebut I have an issue and I just can’t get anyone at RCCL to respond to it. I know this is not the correct forum for this complaint but I did not know where else to turn. For several weeks now I have been trying to get assistance in entering the contest Rccl is running on the d campaign with Greg Louganis and Michele Kwan. When I went to the sites to vote I couldn’t (and I went multiple times and to two different sites). I sent emails to Crown and Anchor (whichwe are members) and to the contact us site. I received that it was received and a response would be forthcoming. As of today I have heard nothing. This is very frustrating and annoying. I LOVE Royal and cruise with no other. I have a cruise booked for this February 2013 and we are looking into booking one for the fall of 2013. I love the excellent customer service and brag to others all the time. When your new campaign came out I thought it was brillant, the olympics were approaching and to use 2 wonderful examples of champions was exciting. I want to vote and have the opportunity as others are doing to win the free cruise. I am not able to do that as I need help. I want to place my vote each day for Greg and I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity. Can you help. Desperate now before the campaign is over. Please don’t disappoint! I’ve always considered Royal a class act. Kuddos to a great campaign. Looking forward to hearing from someone at Royal.
Regarding the soda package, will I only be able to use the machines if I purchase the package? There will be times I do not want to carry the cup around, and would like to know if I can go to a bar (as before) and get a soda instead of having to always return to a certain deck to get one.
Hello Sandra, depending on when it’s bought, each guest that purchases the soda package will have the word “Coke” printed on their seapass card, or they will have a sticker that says “Coke” on their seapass card. This is all that is needed to get a fountain drink at the bar, the cup is not required. Thank you.
My wife and I will be on the Jewel of the Seas 6/1/13 for our very first cruise. I’m curious if the coke machines will be installed by this date. Also, your blogs and read responses have been a world of knowledge in planing our trip.
Thank you and only 271 days till we board.
Hello Tom, thanks for reading. Unfortunately, the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machine will not be available onboard Jewel of the Seas next June. We look forward to seeing you and your wife onboard.
We will be sailing the Independence of the Seas December of 2013. Will the machines be on the Indy when we sail?
Hello Donna, unfortunately the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machine will not be available onboard Independence of the Seas in December of 2013.
Hi, My wife and I are on the Nov. 3rd sailing of the Oasis of the Seas. It was my understanding that the Oasis would be getting the freestyle soda machines in October. Can you tell me if they are on schedule and if they will be on board and operational for our cruise. Very excited, this is our first cruise, and we are celebrating by 40th birthday! Have these new machines installed will make our first cruise all that much more enjoyable. Thank You.
Hello Rich, the Coca-Cola® Freestyle Machines are scheduled to be onboard Oasis of the Seas during the month of October. Thank you for your comment.
Is there a schedule for all the Royal Caribbean ships?
Hello George, currently the Coca-Cola ® Freestyle machines have only been introduced onboard; Majesty of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. Allure of the Seas is then scheduled to receive it in November followed by Enchantment of the Seas in December. Please note that due to possible unforeseen delays, these dates may shift. Thank you.
Can you please tell me when the freestyle machine is due to be installed in the Adventure of the Seas. We sail August 2013??
Hi Jules, at this time we have no plans to incorporate the Coca-Cola © Freestyle machines onbard Adventure of the Seas. Thank you.
Hi
Could you please settle various rumours that IOS will be getting freestyle machines as part of its drydock upgrades in April?
thanks
Hi Anna, at this time we have no plans to include a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine onboard Independence of the Seas.
Can you tell if and when Liberty of the Seas will be getting the freestyle machines. If they are not, can you tell me why? We are planning a cruise in Novemer and my children (and me) were really looking forward to them. Thank you.
Hi Laura, at this time we have no plans to add the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard Liberty of the Seas.
Hi! My hubby and I are scheduled for our first Europe trip in May 2013 on Serenade of the Seas. We’re so very excited! Will the Freestlye machines be available on the ship?
Hi Jamie, at this time we have no plans to feature the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard Serenade of the Seas.
My wife and I sail on Jewel of the Seas this Saturday. Are there Freestyle machines on board Jewel?
Hello, Peter. Our Coca-Cola Freestyle machines will not be available onboard your Jewel of the Seas sailing. Thank you.
Is there any plans to add the freestyle machine to the Radiance of the seas?or any other ships this year.
Thank you!
Hello Brittany, we currently have no plans to add the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines to Radiance of the Seas. Thank you.
I am new to Royal Caribbean and am wondering why you would not put this machine on ALL of your ships? I would love to see it on the Navigator of the Seas by the time I sail in December!
Very much looking to our New England / Canada cruise in October 2013 on the Brilliance of the Seas. Any plans to have the new machines onboard that ship by then? Thanks in advance for your reply.
We look forward to having you onboard this October, Peter. However, at this time we have no plans to feature our Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines onboard Brilliance of the Seas.
I would just like to comment on how the the machines added to our enjoyment of our cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. Although the benefit to RCI may be more intangible than say the great entainment options in bringing folks back, little things like this do add up. I too was disappointed to learn my next RCI cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas will not see a Freestyle machine.
We appreciate your comment, Terry. Thank you and we’re sure you will still have a great time onboard Brilliance of the Seas.