How to pay for drinks on a Cunard Line cruise?

Cunard Line cruises are renowned for their elegance, fine dining, and luxurious onboard experiences. While your cruise fare covers meals, entertainment, and accommodations, drinks are not generally included unless you purchase a package or take advantage of special promotions.

For many first-time Cunard travelers, one question comes up before boarding: “How do I pay for drinks on a Cunard Line cruise?”

The process is simple once you understand how onboard accounts work. This article provides a complete guide to paying for drinks on Cunard, including options with and without drink packages, gratuities, accepted payment methods, and tips for keeping costs under control.

Understanding Cunard’s Onboard Payment System

Unlike on land where you might pay cash or card directly at the bar, Cunard operates on a cashless system.

When you check in, you receive a Cunard cruise card (sometimes called a key card) that serves multiple purposes:

• Room key

• Identification for embarkation/disembarkation

• Payment card for onboard purchases

Every drink you order — whether a soda, cappuccino, cocktail, or fine wine — is charged to this card and added to your onboard account.

At the end of your voyage, the total balance is settled via the credit card, debit card, or cash deposit you registered at the start of your cruise.

Ways to Pay for Drinks on a Cunard Cruise

1. Pay-As-You-Go (Individual Purchases)

The simplest option is to buy drinks individually whenever you want them.

Process:

• Order a drink at the bar, lounge, pool deck, or restaurant

• Present your cruise card

• The amount (plus a 15% service charge) is added to your onboard account

Pros:

• Pay only for what you consume

• Ideal for light drinkers

Cons:

• Can add up quickly

• Bills settled at the end may surprise you if you lose track

2. Beverage Packages

For those who prefer convenience and predictability, Cunard offers several drink packages:

Soft Drinks Package ($10–12/day)

• Unlimited sodas, juices, squash, and cordials

Specialty Hot Drinks Package ($12–15/day)

• Unlimited espresso drinks, premium teas, and hot chocolates

Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package ($25–30/day)

• Includes soft drinks, mocktails, smoothies, non-alcoholic beers, specialty coffees

Beer, Wine & Spirits (Premium Drinks Package) ($69–75/day)

• Alcoholic drinks (beer, cocktails, wines by the glass, spirits) up to $13

• Also covers sodas, juices, mocktails, and specialty coffees

Bottled Water Package ($35 for 6 bottles)

• Still or sparkling water delivered in bulk

Pros:

• Fixed daily cost makes budgeting easier

• Gratuities already included

• Encourages you to explore different drinks

Cons:

• Must purchase for entire voyage

• Adults in the same cabin must all buy if one does (for alcoholic packages)

• 15-drink-per-day limit applies

3. Inclusive Promotions

Sometimes Cunard offers promotions such as:

• “Drinks On Us” where a Premium Drinks Package is included in your fare

• Onboard credit offers that can be applied toward drink purchases

These can make drink costs easier to manage if timed with booking.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted for Drinks?

When you register at embarkation, Cunard links your onboard account to your preferred payment method. Options include:

• Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express are widely accepted

• Debit Cards: May be used but ensure international transaction capability

• Cash Deposits: Guests can place a deposit at the start of the cruise to cover expenses

• Onboard Credit (OBC): Can be applied toward drink purchases

Gratuities and Drink Payments

A 15% service charge is automatically added to all individual drink purchases. If you have a beverage package, this gratuity is already factored into the daily cost, meaning you won’t see it separately on your bill.

Managing Your Drink Expenses

 Track Your Account Daily

You can check your account via:

• The Purser’s Desk (reception)

• In-room TV account summary

• Cunard’s onboard mobile app (where available)

Budget with Onboard Credit

If you receive onboard credit as part of your booking, apply it to your drink costs before spending elsewhere.

 Factor in Sea vs. Port Days

On sea days, you may drink more onboard; on port days, you may drink less, making packages less valuable.

Tips for Paying Smartly for Drinks

 Consider Your Drinking Habits

• 1–2 drinks a day → Pay-as-you-go

• 6–8 drinks a day → Premium Drinks Package likely offers savings

 Use Non-Alcoholic Options Wisely

Tea, coffee, and tap water are included in your fare at restaurants and buffets, so you don’t need to pay for basics.

 Watch Out for Premium Selections

Drinks over $13 aren’t covered by packages. If you enjoy top-shelf spirits or fine wines, budget separately.

 Share Smartly (Within Rules)

Packages are non-transferable, but you can sometimes split bottled water packages within a cabin.

FAQs: Paying for Drinks on Cunard

 Can I pay cash directly at the bar?

No, all transactions are charged to your cruise card.

Do I need to tip bartenders separately?

Not required — the 15% gratuity is automatic. Extra tipping is optional.

Are drinks free in restaurants?

Water, tea, and standard coffee are free at meals. Alcohol, soda, and specialty drinks are charged.

 Can I bring my own drinks onboard?

Yes, Cunard allows limited quantities of wine or Champagne at embarkation, but corkage fees may apply in restaurants.

When is my drink bill settled?

At the end of your voyage, charged to your registered payment method.

Conclusion

So, how do you pay for drinks on a Cunard Line cruise? The process is simple: every drink you order is charged to your onboard account via your cruise card. At the end of the voyage, the total balance is settled through your chosen payment method — credit card, debit card, or cash deposit.

You can pay per drink, purchase a beverage package, or take advantage of inclusive promotions. For light drinkers, pay-as-you-go is often cheaper. For frequent drinkers, the Premium Drinks Package provides value, convenience, and peace of mind.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your drinking habits, itinerary, and budget. By understanding Cunard’s cashless system, gratuities, and package options, you can confidently manage your onboard beverage spending — ensuring a smooth and enjoyable luxury cruise experience.

Would you like me to also add a side-by-side cost breakdown table (pay-as-you-go vs. package vs. promotions) to make the payment options even clearer?

 

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