How to Pay for Drinks on a Cunard Line Cruise?

Planning a cruise with Cunard Line is an exciting experience, especially if you enjoy relaxing with a drink while watching the ocean pass by. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an afternoon cocktail, or a glass of wine with dinner, understanding how to pay for drinks onboard is essential to managing your budget and avoiding surprises.

Unlike some cruise lines that include unlimited beverages in their fares, Cunard operates slightly differently. Drinks are generally not included in the base fare, but passengers have several convenient ways to pay for them. This guide will walk you through every detail—from onboard accounts to beverage packages—so you can make informed decisions and enjoy your cruise stress-free.

1. The Cunard Payment System Explained

When you board a Cunard ship, you won’t be using cash to pay for drinks or most onboard purchases. Instead, Cunard uses a cashless system tied to your cruise card.

Your Cruise Card

Each passenger receives a cruise card, which acts as:

• Your room key
• Your identification
• Your onboard payment method

Every time you order a drink, the charge is added to your onboard account via this card.

Setting Up Your Onboard Account

At the start of your cruise, you’ll link your account to:

• A credit card (most common option)
• A debit card
• Cash deposit (less common but possible)

All drink purchases will be charged automatically, and you’ll receive a detailed bill at the end of your trip.

2. Pay-As-You-Go: The Default Option

The simplest way to pay for drinks is the pay-as-you-go method.

How It Works

• Order your drink at a bar, restaurant, or lounge
• Present your cruise card
• Sign the receipt (or confirm digitally)
• Charge is added to your onboard account

Typical Drink Prices

Prices vary slightly depending on the ship and location, but here’s a general idea:

• Soft drinks: $2–$4
• Coffee & tea (specialty): $3–$6
• Beer: $6–$8
• Wine by the glass: $8–$15
• Cocktails: $10–$14
• Premium spirits: $12–$20+

A service charge (usually around 15%) is automatically added.

Pros of Pay-As-You-Go

• No upfront commitment
• Pay only for what you consume
• Ideal for light drinkers

Cons

• Costs can add up quickly
• Harder to track spending in real time

3. Cunard Beverage Packages

For those who enjoy drinks regularly, Cunard offers several beverage packages that can simplify budgeting.

Types of Beverage Packages

1. Soft Drinks Package

Includes:

• Unlimited sodas
• Juices
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Best for:

• Non-drinkers
• Families

2. Hot Drinks Package

Includes:

• Specialty coffees
• Premium teas

Perfect for:

• Coffee lovers

3. Alcoholic Drinks Package

Often referred to as the Premium Drinks Package, this includes:

• Cocktails
• Wine by the glass
• Beer
• Spirits up to a certain price limit

How Packages Work

• You pay a daily rate per person
• Drinks within the package limit are included
• Anything above the limit is charged separately

4. Are Drink Packages Worth It?

This is one of the most common questions—and the answer depends on your drinking habits.

When It IS Worth It

A package may be worth it if you:

• Drink 4–6 alcoholic beverages per day
• Enjoy premium coffee regularly
• Like trying different drinks without worrying about cost

When It’s NOT Worth It

Skip the package if you:

• Drink occasionally
• Prefer water or basic beverages
• Spend most of your time off the ship

Simple Calculation

If a package costs around $70/day:

• 5 cocktails at $12 each = $60
• Add coffee or water = $70+

In this case, the package breaks even.

5. Complimentary Drinks on Cunard

While most drinks cost extra, some are included:

Free Options

• Tea and coffee (basic, not specialty)
• Water (in restaurants)
• Juices at breakfast

Special Occasions

Sometimes Cunard offers:

• Welcome drinks at events
• Captain’s cocktail parties (depending on your cabin class)

These small inclusions can add value to your cruise experience.

6. Wine and Alcohol Policies

Cunard has relatively flexible alcohol policies compared to other cruise lines.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol

Passengers are usually allowed to bring:

• One bottle of wine or champagne per person

Corkage Fee

If you drink your own wine in a restaurant:

• A corkage fee applies (around $20–$25)

Buying Bottles Onboard

You can purchase:

• Full bottles of wine
• Spirits

These are charged to your onboard account like any other purchase.

7. Tipping and Service Charges

Every drink you purchase includes a service charge.

Key Points

• Typically around 15% added automatically
• No need to tip extra unless you want to

This makes the process simple and hassle-free.

8. Tracking Your Spending

One of the biggest concerns for cruise passengers is losing track of spending.

How to Monitor Expenses

You can check your onboard account:

• Through your cabin TV
• Via the Cunard app
• At guest services

Tips to Stay in Budget

• Check your account daily
• Set a personal daily drink budget
• Avoid impulse ordering

9. Tips to Save Money on Drinks

Here are some practical ways to reduce your drink costs:

1. Choose a Package Wisely

Don’t buy one unless it suits your habits.

2. Drink During Happy Hours

Some bars offer promotions.

3. Stick to House Drinks

They are cheaper than premium options.

4. Use Complimentary Options

Take advantage of free tea, coffee, and juice.

5. Share Bottles of Wine

More economical than buying by the glass.

10. Drinks in Different Venues

Cunard ships have a variety of bars and lounges, each offering unique experiences.

Popular Venues

• Cocktail lounges
• Poolside bars
• Fine dining restaurants
• Nightclubs

Prices may vary slightly depending on the venue, but your payment method remains the same.

11. Drinks and Dining

When dining onboard:

• Drinks are not included with meals (except water, tea, coffee)
• Wine and cocktails are charged separately

Wine Packages

Cunard sometimes offers wine bundles for dinner:

• Pre-purchased bottles at a discounted rate

12. Currency and Billing

Even though you’re traveling internationally, Cunard typically uses:

• US Dollars or British Pounds (depending on the cruise)

Your final bill will be charged in the ship’s operating currency.

13. Final Bill Settlement

At the end of your cruise:

• Your onboard account is automatically settled
• Charges are billed to your linked payment method

You’ll receive a full breakdown of:

• Drinks
• Dining
• Shopping
• Other expenses

14. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes passengers often make:

• Buying a drinks package without calculating usage
• Forgetting about service charges
• Not checking daily spending
• Assuming drinks are included

Avoiding these will help you stay within budget.

15. Final Thoughts

Paying for drinks on a Cunard Line cruise is straightforward once you understand the system. Whether you choose pay-as-you-go or a beverage package, the key is to align your choice with your habits and preferences.

For light drinkers, paying per drink is usually more economical. For those who enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day, a package can provide convenience and peace of mind.

Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy your cruise without worrying about costs. With proper planning and awareness, you can sip your favorite drinks while taking in the luxury and elegance that Cunard is known for.

Conclusion

Understanding how to pay for drinks on a Cunard cruise allows you to plan smarter, spend wisely, and fully enjoy your journey. By knowing your options—onboard accounts, drink packages, and cost-saving strategies—you can tailor your experience to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Whether it’s a simple cup of coffee in the morning or a celebratory cocktail at sunset, knowing how the system works ensures every sip is enjoyable and stress-free.