Are Cunard drinks packages worth it? Looking for current pricing and what’s actually included? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Cunard’s beverage packages in 2025, helping you decide if they’re right for your voyage on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, or the brand new Queen Anne.
Quick answer: Cunard drinks package options 2025
There are four main drinks packages available with Cunard. The drinks package with alcohol costs between USD49.50 and USD85.50 per person, per day if bought before you sail. Non-alcoholic packages range from USD10 to USD30 per person, per day. Each package is designed to suit different preferences and budgets.
Complete Cunard beverage package pricing (2025)
| Package | Pre-booking Price (USD/day) | Onboard Price (USD/day) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beers, Wines & Spirits Package | |||
| – Voyages under 5 nights | $85.50 | $95.00 | All beverages up to $13.50 per serving |
| – Voyages 5-14 nights | $72.00 | $80.00 | All beverages up to $13.50 per serving |
| – Voyages 15-84 nights | $67.50 | $75.00 | All beverages up to $13.50 per serving |
| – Voyages 85+ nights | $49.50 | $55.00 | All beverages up to $13.50 per serving |
| Premium Non-Alcoholic Package | $40.50 | $45.00 | All non-alcoholic beverages |
| Specialty Hot Drinks Package | $15.75 | $17.50 | Premium coffees, teas, and hot chocolate |
| Soft Drinks Package | $13.50 | $15.00 | Sodas, juices, and cordials |
| Dining & Drinks Option | $27.00 | $30.00 | Drinks with meals only (75+ night voyages) |
PRO TIP: Reserve your preferred package through My Cunard before sailing and enjoy a 10% saving compared to onboard rates.
Detailed breakdown: What each Cunard drinks package includes
1. Beers, wines & spirits package
The Beer, Wines and Spirits Drinks Package is the most popular Cunard drinks package. This package offers a wide selection of beers, spirits, liqueurs, wines and cocktails, each up to USD13.50 per glass. It also includes all soft drinks, bottled water and speciality coffees, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Additional benefits include:
- 20% discount on drinks priced above USD13.50
- 20% discount on selected bottles of wine
- 20% discount on Cocktail Master Classes and Cunard Wine Academy
- Maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period
- Package must be purchased for the entire voyage (excluding disembarkation day)
- All prices include 15% service charge
2. Premium non-alcoholic package
The Premium Non-Alcoholic Experience at USD45 daily offers convenience for those seeking sophisticated alternatives to alcohol. From artisanal mocktails crafted by Cunard’s skilled mixologists to barista-made specialty coffees, this package elevates the non-alcoholic drinking experience beyond the ordinary.
What’s included:
- 20% discount on premium non-alcoholic beverages not included in the standard offering
- All soft drinks and bottled waters
- Premium coffees and specialty teas
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails
3. Specialty hot drinks package
This package is perfect for coffee and tea enthusiasts who want premium hot beverages throughout their cruise without committing to a full drinks package.
What’s included:
- Unlimited specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc.)
- Tea Forté premium infusions
- Hot chocolate and other specialty hot beverages
- Available any time in all bars, restaurants, and public venues
4. Soft drinks package
The most economical option, this package covers basic non-alcoholic refreshments throughout your cruise.
What’s included:
- Unlimited draft soft drinks
- Selected fruit juices
- Squash and cordial drinks
- Ideal for families with children or guests who prefer non-alcoholic options
5. Dining & drinks option (World Voyage only)
Delight in an array of drinks with breakfast, lunch, and dinner for $27 ($30 if purchased on board) per person, per day. This package is only available on voyages of 75 nights or more.
Wine collections: For the oenophile
Beyond the standard beverage packages, Cunard offers curated wine collections for wine enthusiasts:
- The Captain’s Collection (USD310 for six bottles, USD550 for twelve)
- Features guest favorites with savings up to 20% off list prices
- Includes approachable, versatile wines from renowned regions
- Selections like Colli Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio from Italy and Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Berton Vineyard, Australia
- The Commodore’s Collection (USD445 for six bottles, USD750 for twelve)
- Premium selection with savings up to 25%
- Includes high-end wines from prestigious vineyards worldwide
- Features treasures like Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Saint–Émilion Grand Cru, and La Grola Veronese
- Custom Wine Collection
- Create your own selection from both collections
- Mix and match to suit your preferences
- Ask your restaurant sommelier for the Wine Collection brochure
Important rules for Cunard drinks packages
Purchase window: You must purchase your chosen package within the first two days of your journey. This strict policy means you cannot decide midway through your cruise to add a package.
Other key rules include:
- Same stateroom rule: All adults (18+) sharing a stateroom must select the same package option.
- Duration requirement: When purchasing a package, it must cover your entire voyage (excluding disembarkation day).
- Gratuities included: All package prices include a 15% gratuity.
- Location restrictions: Package beverages can only be consumed in bars, restaurants, and public venues – not from your mini-bar.
- Drink limits: Maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period for the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package.
Where to enjoy your drinks package onboard
Enjoy your chosen drinks package in a variety of venues on board, including:
- Golden Lion Pub: A friendly British pub with classic fare and drinks
- Commodore Club: Sophisticated cocktail bar with panoramic views
- Queens Room: Elegant setting for afternoon tea and evening drinks
- Chart Room: Relaxed lounge perfect for pre-dinner cocktails
- Carinthia Lounge: Light-filled space serving coffee by day, cocktails by evening
- G32: Queen Mary 2’s nightclub for evening entertainment
Is a Cunard drinks package worth it? Our analysis
To determine if a drinks package is worth the investment, consider your typical daily consumption:
For the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package:
- Break-even point is approximately 7-8 alcoholic beverages per day
- Average cocktail price: USD10-13.50 (many specialty cocktails at USD14 with 20% discount)
- Average wine by the glass: USD8-14
- Average beer price: USD6.50-7.50 (Cunard branded beers around USD7.10 per pint)
- Note: All individual drink purchases incur an additional 15% service charge
For the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package:
- Break-even point is approximately 6-7 specialty drinks per day
- Average specialty coffee price: USD4.50-5.50
- Average mocktail price: USD8-10
- Bottled water: USD4-5
Personal drinking habits calculator
To help you decide, multiply your average daily drinks by the approximate prices:
- Morning beverages:
- Specialty coffees/teas: ___ × USD5 = USD___
- Daytime beverages:
- Alcoholic drinks: ___ × USD10 = USD___
- Non-alcoholic drinks: ___ × USD5 = USD___
- Evening beverages:
- Alcoholic drinks: ___ × USD12 = USD___
- Non-alcoholic drinks: ___ × USD5 = USD___
Daily total: USD___
If your daily total exceeds the package price, a drinks package could save you money.
Additional options
Water packages
Six 1-liter bottles of still or sparkling Hildon water for USD23.00
Cunard beverage package FAQs
Queens Grill benefits: Complimentary in-suite bar
Booking a Queens Grill suite? You’ll receive a complimentary in-suite bar stocked with water, soda, and two bottles of premium spirits – a significant value that might influence your package decision.
Final verdict: Is a Cunard drinks package right for you?
Cunard’s drinks packages offer both convenience and potential value depending on your consumption habits and preferences:
- Heavy drinkers (7+ alcoholic beverages daily): The Beers, Wines & Spirits Package offers excellent value
- Moderate drinkers (3-6 drinks daily): Consider purchasing drinks individually unless you value the convenience of not signing receipts
- Light drinkers (1-2 drinks daily): Individual purchases will likely be more economical
- Non-drinkers who enjoy specialty coffees: The Specialty Hot Drinks Package may offer good value
- Families: Consider the Soft Drinks Package for children and teenagers
From morning cappuccinos in the Queens Room to sunset cocktails in the Commodore Club, Cunard’s beverage packages can enhance your cruise experience by providing hassle-free service and potentially significant savings.
Prices and package details are current as of May 2025 and subject to change. All packages must be purchased within the first two days of your Cunard cruise. For more information visit the Cunard website.
About the Author: Staff Writer
Can a regular bottle of white wine which usually sells for $15-$21on land be substituted for the champaign that we get upon boarding in our cabin?
Hi Bruce
Thank you for your question. Champagne is the only wine offered on embarkation: A half bottle in Britannia Staterooms, and a full bottle in Grills Suites.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Can I purchase my drinks package now .? Voyage ref M 204D. Booking ref. 2C3MCN. Sails 01-02-22. IanHeseltine
Question: Are we really not allowed to take a drink with us, to a lounge chair or another deck, for example?
Thanks for the exceptional information in this article/review.
Would I be able to make coffee in my room and put it in my flask to enjoy on the deck? Also would I be able to fill my reusable water bottle at the buffet to enjoy on the exercise deck area/paddle tennis?
Hi Joan
Thank you for your question. In principle I can’t imagine that would present an issue. Although refilling a water bottle at the buffet might be frowned upon in these COVID times.
You must be looking forward to cruising once again!
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Can you use the $69 package in the main dining room for wine by the glass?
Hi Karen
Thanks for your question. Yes, you can get wine by the glass in the main dining room as part of the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Can we share one drinks package between two of us in the same cabin on queen Elizabeth many thanks
Dear Gerald
Thank you for your question. The answer is no, you may not share a drinks package between people. Even if they are in the same cabin. Indeed, each person must have their own drinks package in the same cabin.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Within the drinks package, for example could one have 3 or 4 beers and a glass or two of wine over the course of a day?
Hi Ron
Yes, if you purchase the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package that should be fine.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason, my wife and I are due to join a Cunard cruise, on the Queen Elizabeth, in March. We will be in a Queens Grill Q4 Penthouse suite, and are wondering exactly what the complimentary in suite mini bar package actually includes? The Cunard website is not very clear, but note that 2 bottles of spirits seem to be included, but what about wine (apart from the bottle of Champagne on arrival)? Can one of the bottles of spirit be replaced by wine, and would this be replenished when finished? Cunard should be clearer about their included Queens Grill in suite drinks package!
David
Hi David
In my experience Cunard are quite strict on this. When I stayed in the Queens Grill it was 2 complimentary bottles of spirits (choosen from a list supplied by your butler), as well as the complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival. Of course, this is in addition to the complimentary non-alcoholic offering.
However, some cruisers have told me that on longer voyages they have had their spirits replenished.
As for swapping out a bottle of spirits for wine, you might have to simply ask your butler. Certainly, it’s not ‘in the rules’, but they might be happy to oblige.
I hope this helps. And enjoy your Queens Grill experience, especially the exceptional dining in the Queens Restaurant.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason, Many thanks for this response. As my wife does not drink spirits, we will see whether the Butler will oblige us by swapping a spirit for wine!
Kind regards
David
Technically, Champagne (as defined by the French) is only provided upon embarkation in Queens Grill staterooms. Other classes get sparkling wine instead.
Hi Jason, we are going on a 13 day cruise on the Queen Elizabeth in April, regarding Alcohol and what I can take on board will we be allowed to take non alcoholic Gordon’s Gin as I have a medication that bars Alcohol. The NHS has advised me I can drink this with no problems as it is classed as a soft drink as it is ZERO % ALCOHOL.
Many Thanks
Terry
Hi Terrence
In my experience you should not have a problem taking a bottle non-alcoholic beverage on board.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Cunard wine list plus prices, please. Can’t find it anywhere.
Thanks
Hi , what a great Article . We are planning on getting the 69$ package does each coffee count as one of the 15 drinks allowed , I do like my coffee
I believe it is 15 ALCOHOLIC drinks per 24 hours, unlimited coffee etc.
I cannot find anywhere a price list for bottles of wine, only per glass . My cruise on QM2 September 4 2022. I find this unacceptable. Just keep seeing packages! Please answer ASAP!
Dear Josephine,
Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Cunard Line so do not have a price list for their bottles of wine. I suggest you contact Cunard directly to request a price list for bottled wines available on board.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
What I enjoy with Cunard and P&O is you are allowed to to your favourite spirit onboard along with cans of coke etc.
Please can you advise if Cunard (QM2) offers an alcoholic stateroom drinks package, ie a bottle of spirit with mixers? Thank you.
Dear Mrs. Preston
According to Cunard you can only drink items from the alcohol package in the bars, service areas and dining venues. They do not have a stateroom alcohol package.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Royston
Are you saying that you are allowed to bring a bottle of alcohol and can cokes on board?
I only want one drink with each evening meal. Can I just pay for that drink each night or do I have to buy the alcohol package???
Dear Chuck
Thank you for your question. Yes, you can order wine by the glass. It is usually priced from USD8 to USD15 per glass. Ordering wine by the glass means you will not require a beverage package.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi there,
If I bought the drinks package on day 2 of a 7 night voyage, would I get charged the drinks package for all 7 days? And if so, do they discard all of the drinks you have bought in the first 2 days and write them off via the drinks package? Or do you get charged for the drinks you bought over the first 2 days ad then get charged 5 days of drinks package?
I hope this makes sense.
Many thanks,
Anne
Thanks for your question.
You should ideally purchase the package on day one, before buying any drinks. Drink purchased before getting the package can not be removed from your bill in lieu of the package. So, if you purchase the package on day 2 it would be charged for all the remaining days of the cruise (excluding disembarkation day). In other words, you would not be charged for a 7 day package, just 5 days.
It can be somewhat confusing, but I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi. I was wondering how much a glass or can of Coca-Cola is on board the Queen Elizabeth.
Dear Suzie
Thanks for your question. A 330ml can of Coca-Cola costs USD 3.80.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi. I am going on a 5 night cruise early 2022, staying in Australian waters. I read wine packages are only offered on five night plus cruises. If I decide to purchase a drinks package on day 2 will I only pay for 4? I also read where I can take a bottle of wine with me on board. If I drink it in my room do I get charged the corkage fee. Also is it a bottle of wine per person.? Can I take my own soft drink on board?
Thank you for your helpful advice.
Dear Lyn
Thanks for your question. The rule for drinks packages can be confusing. That said, a drinks package is only offered on voyages of 5 nights or more, and is available for purchase only during the first 2 days of the voyage i.e. Embarkation day and the day after. The drinks package must be purchased for all remaining days of the voyage. So if you purchase your package on day 2, you only pay for the remaining nights of your voyage.
Guests may bring one bottle of wine on board at embarkation. It is my understanding that this can be consumed in your stateroom corckage free. However, if you take it to a dining venue corkage will be applied.
You may take soft drinks on board within reasonable limits. Which I always assume means a bottle or two, but not a case full.
I hope this helps in your planning.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi, l have been told by my travel agent that they do happy hour on the QE2. Is this correct?
Dear Carol
Thank you for your question, it is a good one. I’ve check through the Cunard Daily Programme newsletters from my most recent QE voyage (Feb 2020), but alas there was no advertised happy hour. That said, things might have changed with QEs post-pandemic return to service.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi, my wife and I are on QE in a Queens Grill suite around NZ in January. Regarding the mini-bar. I believe we get 2 bottles of wine or spirits included. Are these replenished as with other mini bar items?
Hi Dave
That is a good question. In my experience it depends on the duration of your voyage. I’ve sailed short (4 day) voyages in Queens Grill and the mini-bar was not replenished. On the other hand, during longer voyages it has been refreshed. I recommend checking with you butler when you get on board.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Is it expected that you will leave a tip for the butler or the Maitre d’ in the restaurant? It seems that most things say inclusive of 15% service, and my husband therefore says not. However my sister, who is a regular traveller says yes.
Thanks Jason, we’re on a 13 day cruise so fingers crossed. Regards, Dave.
Please could you tell me what currency I need onboard queen mary 2
Dear Vicky
Most cruise lines, including Cunard, charge in USD. Purchases are typically charged to your shipboard account and settled at the end of your voyage either by credit card or in cash.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
What happens to the open bottle of spirit as part of the complimentary bar in the queens grill do you get charged if removed on disembarkation
Dear Billy
The bottles of spirits are yours to do with as you please. You may take them ashore on disembarkation either opened or unopened.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
We are on a cruise on Queen Elizabeth in January.
I do not drink alcohol, but my husband does. I note that if one person in the cabin purchases a drink package, then we would be other be required to. Can we purchase an alcohol package and a non alcohol package or is ‘mix and match’ not permitted? Thanks.
Dear Carol
In my experience you will have to purchase the same drinks package.
Regatds
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
CUNARD have advised that each passenger may take 1 bottle of alcohol onboard each port visited by the passenger. What I find as an unethical policy by CUNARD is that CUNARD will charge the full package price for each passenger in the same cabin and that means, seeing that I am a non-drinker, it ends up costing my wife who enjoys a drink at dinner time US$140/day which I believe is a very expensive drink package. However as I understand that balcony cabins have a mini bar fridge in the room my dear wife will have to enjoy her glass of wine in her room and at the dinner table as wine can be ordered by the glass. Another gripe I have with CUNARD is that they charge a 25% surcharge when upgrading from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin.
Thank you for all the information – so helpful. In the drinks package can I buy a double gin and tonic? I also like one as a night cap in bed. Does the queens grill mini bar have tonic water in it to mix with the gin that we would choose as our free bottles of spirits. Can you order more bottles for your room and pay for it? Sorry for all the questions .
Hi Linda
So long as the price for the double G&T was under the per drink price limit the answer would be yes. Unfortunately you’ll need to wait until you get on board, but I’d be interested to hear from you on that.
Also, yes in my experience there is tonic water in the Queens Grill mini bar. If it’s missing, just ask your butler.
Whether or not the spirits in your suite are replaced mid-voyage is a moot point. In my experience, the answer is no. However, other cruisers have told me their spirits were replaced. Again, I would simply ask your partner to replace as necessary.
I hope this helps
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Can you get cider in place of beer on a package as I am coeliac.
Hello. I’m sailing on Queen Victoria in Aug for a week. I used to go on the wonderful QE2 many times with my Dad, who passed away recently. He went so often the waiters called him by his first name. I cannot drink alcohol. I really like the non alcoholic,beers, wines gin zero etc so firstly do you stock these in the bars and restaurants please. Secondly if I was to get a drinks package which would these drinks come under as they are non alcoholic. Finally what can I bring onboard for example bottle non alcoholic wine , nonsecco or Gordon’s % gin . Thank you .
Dear Helen
Thanks for visiting The Luxury Crusie Review. We are travel journalists who independently review Cunard cruise ships.
In our experiece the options are limited insofar as non-alcohol wines and gin are concerned. Indeed, we can see none on the beverage menu.
That said, they do have a small selection of non-alcoholic beers like Beck’s Blue, San Miguel Alcohol Free and Ghost Ship. Also, Cunard do offer a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails including a Virgin Mary, Rumless Mojito and Atlantic Mist made with ginger beer.
As far as we can see there is no restriction on bringing non-alcoholic beverages on board. So you may be able to bring non-alcoholic wines on with you. However, I’d recommend ringing the Cunard Call Centre in you region to confirm this before sailing.
I hope this helps in your travel planning.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hello, we are sailing on Queen Elizabeth, and have purchased the drinks package. I can see that there are a quite a few cocktails at $12.30. Would these be included in the drinks package.?
Dear Lisa
Thank you for your question. The Cunard beer, wine and spirits drinks package only covers drinks costing USD12 or less. So cocktails priced at USD12.30 are not included in the package.
I hope you have a great cruise.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi
I am booked on Victoria, next year (yeah i’m getting ahead, but I’m excited) could you advise what brand of Gin’s you include in the package, and what brand of tonic, also is Campari included in the package?
Hi Angela
Thanks for your message. Firstly, please be clear that we are an indipendent media organisation reviewing and providing advice on luxury cruise ships. So specific questions should be directed to Cunard. That said, Cunard have partnered with Pickering’s Gin. One oz measures cost between USD7-8 so are covered by the “Beers, Wines & Spirits Package”. Campari is priced under USD12 so also included in the package.
Tonics include Cunard Small Batch, Double Dutch, Fentimans, 1724 Tonic Water and Fever-Free Indian.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason
Firstly, thank you for these great reviews and insights.
We are embarking on our first QM2 in a Queen’s Grill suite crossing next week, and we were hoping you might be able to answer a couple of questions (not about drinks, we have decided to buy a package and play it by ear!).
1. Are binoculars provided or should we take our own?
2. Is afternoon tea included or is this additional charge?
3. Are there any other restaurants included or is there additional charge for all of them?
4. Would you recommend the early disembarkation option when docking in NY?
Thanks in advance
Dear Lenore
Thank you for your question and your kind words. I’m sure you will enjoy your Queen’s Grill experience – I know I always have.
In my expereince there are no binoculars in the suites, so you might like to bring your own. On the other hand, your butler can serve afternoon tea in-suite.
Dining in the Queen’s Grill restaurant is included in your Queen’s Grill cruise fare. It’s is among the very best restaurants at sea. You can even order off-menu, just be sure to let the maître d know a day in advance. However, dining in speciality venues (Steakhouse at the Verandah) is not included and will cost extra.
As for diembarkation; this will depend on your preference. However, it is worth noting that Curnad do not offer in-suite breakfast on disembarkation day. Also, you must vacate your suite by 8:00am. If you indend disembarking later you may use the Grill’s lounge while you wait.
I hope this helps in your cruise planing.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Regarding wine bottles at the restaurant, Queens Grill specifically will they save it for the next meal? My wife drinks little and I dont drink a bottle at once. I know Crystal does.
I am having trouble finding out about the non alcohol offering on the queen anne
I can see that no alcohol cocktails are included in the premium non alcoholic package and cost about $12.50
But i cannot find out where no alcohol beer and wine sit -whether within any package or not.
I have found no alcohol beer for $6.50 (+15%)
and a no alcohol sparling wine for $36 per bottle or $7.50 per glass (+15%)
but that’s all
I have asked Cunard on the ‘chat’ and twice by email and never received an answer.
I wonder if you know more?