Royal Caribbean testing charge for RFID wristbands

Royal
Caribbean International has begun charging $4.99 on the Anthem of the Seas for radio-frequency identification (RFID)
wristbands.

Branded Wow bands by Royal Caribbean, the colored, rubberized wristbands are a substitute for SeaPass key
cards.

Royal said
the charge is a test of a new pricing strategy for the bands, which had been
distributed for free up to now on Quantum-class ships.

Using the
bands, passengers can access their cabins and pay for onboard purchases.

Royal had
discussed a $2 charge for the bands when they were introduced on Quantum of the
Seas, but it was never implemented.

Guests in
Junior Suites and above on Anthem will continue to get the bands free in their
staterooms upon boarding, Royal said.

The Anthem, newly arrived in the U.S., sails year-round from Bayonne, N.J.