A Cunard beverage package is a cost effective way of getting drinks on board. That is because Cunard do not generally include beverages in the cost of their cruise fares – even for Grills guests. So a Cunard drinks package can be good value for money. However, it’s always worth remembering that there is the option of paying per beverage.
The Cunard beverage packages
You can purchase both non-alcoholic and alcoholic Cunard beverage packages. There are water packages and soft drink packages, as well as beer, wine and spirits by the glass packages. In addition, there are wine by the bottle packages.
It’s worth noting that Cunard beverage packages are only available on voyages of 5-nights or more. If you want to purchase a drinks package you must do so within the first two days of the voyage and that package must be for all the remaining days of your voyage (excluding disembarkation day).
Insider’s tip: Guests staying in Queens Grill category rooms have a complimentary in-suite mini-bar stocked with free water, soda and two bottles of spirits.
Stateroom Water Package
US$19.50 for 6 litres.
The Stateroom Water Package is the most basic Cunard beverage package. It includes six 1-litre bottles of water, delivered to your stateroom. Alternatively, you can buy single bottles for US$3.90 each.
It’s important to note that this package does not include gratuities, so a 15% service charge will be added.
Soft Drinks package
US$10.00 per person per day.
The Soft Drinks Package includes unlimited draught soft drinks (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, R Whites Lemonade, Britvic Indian Tonic Water, Soda Water), selected long-life fruit juices, squash and cordials.
You can only drink items from the Soft Drinks Package in the bars, service areas and dining venues.
It’s worth noting that this package doesn’t include items from your stateroom mini-bar, bottled water or canned/bottled soft drinks and juices. It also excludes alcoholic beverages, mocktails, smoothies and specialty coffees and teas.
Each guest older than 3-years of age in the same stateroom must buy the package, or one of the other Cunard beverage packages. Sharing is not allowed. The price of the Soft Drinks Package includes a 15% gratuity.
Premium Non-Alcoholic Package
US$29 per person per day.
The Premium Non-Alcoholic Package includes everything in the Soft Drinks Package as well as mocktails, canned/bottled small soft drinks and juices, small bottles of mineral water, specialty coffees, teas and hot chocolate.
In addition, there is a 20% discount off the price of non-alcoholic drinks that are excluded from the package.
It’s worth noting that the package does not include large bottles of water (750ml, 1ltr and 1.5ltr), freshly squeezed juices or drinks from the stateroom mini-bar.
Each guest staying in the same stateroom must buy the package. However, the cost of the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package is inclusive of a 15% gratuity.
Beers, Wines & Spirits Package
US$69 per person per day.
The Beers, Wines & Spirits Package is the most comprehensive Cunard drinks package. Most drinks are included, so long as they are priced at US$12 or less. Below is a basic price guide:
- Budweiser – US$6.80
- Prosecco – US$8
- Margarita – US$12
- Aperol Spritz – US$12
- Glass of champagne – US$16
- Kir Royal – US$17
Beers, spirits, liqueurs, cocktails and wines are all included by the glass. Also included are soft drinks, juices, mocktails and small bottles of mineral water, as well as specialty coffees and teas.
It’s worth noting that you can only drink items from the package in the bars, service areas and dining venues.
Drinks that are priced over US$12 are not included in the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package. However, the package offers a 20% discount on drinks over US$12.
The package does not include large bottles of water (750ml, 1ltr and 1.5ltr), freshly squeezed deluxe juices, smoothies and any items from the stateroom mini-bar.
The price of the package includes a 15% gratuity. All adults staying in the same stateroom must purchase the package.
Wine By The Bottle packages
In addition to the range of Cunard beverage packages, there are also two different Wine By The Bottle packages.
The Captain’s Collection
The Captain’s Collection offers some of the most popular wines on the Cunard fleet, selected for their positive reviews from Cunard guests. It offers savings of up to 20% off regular wine list prices.
There are usually at least six white and six red wines in the Captain’s Collection, as well as an Italian Prosecco and a sweet wine.
6 Bottles: US$310.
12 Bottles: US$590.
At the time of writing, some of the wines included were: Château La Fleur des Graves Blanc (France), Assyrtiko/Malagousia Sillogi White (Greece), Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Berton Vineyard (Australia), Valpolicella Classico Superiore (Italy).
The Commodore’s Collection
The Commodore’s Collection has been curated by Cunard’s wine experts to represent the finest examples of the most popular styles. Indeed, the wines represent a highly regarded and diverse collection from all over the World.
There are generally six or more white and red wines in the Commodore’s Collection, as well as two sparkling wines (not champagne), a rosé and a sweet wine.
The Commodore’s Collection offers savings of up to 35% off regular wine list prices.
6 Bottles: US$395.
12 Bottles: US$725.
At the time of writing, some of the wines included were: Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV (New Zealand), Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc (France), Whispering Angel Rosé (France), La Grola Allegrini (Italy), Sandeman 10 Year Tawny (Portugal).
Insider’s tip: Cunard have an extremely large wine list. Indeed, it is like a wine bible with some exceptional vintages and great value end of bin offers. On the other hand, the Wine By The Bottle packages have a somewhat limited selection. So you might like to check the onboard wine list before deciding if this package is right for you.
Cunard beverage package conclusions
In my opinion Cunard’s beverages are relaitvely expensive, so a Cunard beverage package can be cost effective.
However, it’s worth remembering that beverage packages do not cover all drinks available on board. In fact, many of the signature cocktails in venues like the Commodore’s Club are priced over US$12 and so not included.
In addition, it is important to remember to buy your beverage package within the first two days of your voyage. It’s also worth noting that there is generally no discount for buying Cunard beverage packages in advance of your cruise.
For more information visit the Cunard website.
