Planning a luxury voyage with Cunard Line is an exciting experience. Known for its elegant ships, classic British charm, and refined onboard atmosphere, Cunard offers a cruise experience that’s very different from mainstream cruise lines.
But one of the most common questions travelers ask before boarding is:
“Should I buy the Cunard drinks package, or just pay as I go?”
The answer isn’t simple. For some passengers, the drinks package offers excellent value and convenience. For others, it can turn out to be an unnecessary expense.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—costs, inclusions, real value, and who should (or shouldn’t) buy it.
Unlike some cruise lines that include beverages in the base fare, Cunard generally does not include drinks in the standard ticket price.
Instead, it offers several optional beverage packages designed to suit different preferences.
Cunard currently offers multiple options:
This is the most popular—and most debated—package.
The main alcohol package includes:
However, there are some limitations:
To decide if a package is worth it, you need to understand onboard drink prices.
Typical prices on Cunard:
Plus, Cunard adds a 15% service charge to each drink.
This means your daily drink cost can add up quickly.
The value of a drinks package depends mainly on how much you drink.
Experts suggest:
If you drink around 7–8 alcoholic drinks per day, the package becomes good value.
Example:
You can easily reach $70–$90 per day.
In this case, the package:
Many travelers don’t want to:
Drink packages provide a stress-free luxury experience.
On days when you stay onboard:
This increases the package’s value significantly.
Specialty coffee can quickly add up:
Combine that with cocktails and soft drinks: The package becomes more attractive.
Now the honest part—this package is not for everyone.
If you drink:
You will almost always spend less paying individually.
If your itinerary includes many port days:
Paying per drink is cheaper.
Many premium drinks exceed the price cap.
This means:
Some travelers report feeling restricted by the package.
Cunard already provides:
You may not need a package at all.
Here’s what actual cruise passengers say:
“I spent significantly less than the package price and drank better wine.”“My friends who like a cocktail or three all got the package and got their money’s worth.”
Another traveler noted:“It’s much cheaper to pay as you go.”
Conclusion: It depends heavily on your habits.
Before buying, understand these key details:
Most packages require: All adults in the same cabin to purchase it
You cannot:
Drinks above ~$13.50:
Even with packages:
Compared to competitors:
Cunard cruises attract:
This affects drinking habits:
Let’s break it down:
Package ($70–$85) = NOT worth it
Package = Worth it
Before buying, ask yourself:
Be honest—don’t overestimate.
More sea days = better value.
YES, if you:
NO, if you:
A Cunard drink package is not a one-size-fits-all purchase.
It’s a luxury convenience product, not always a money-saving one.
Think of it like this:
If you’re unsure: Start without a package
Track your spending for 1–2 days
Then decide.
Because the smartest cruise travelers don’t follow the crowd—they calculate.
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