Is it worth buying a drink package on Cunard Line cruise?

Cunard Line is one of the most iconic cruise operators in the world, offering a blend of timeless tradition, British charm, and modern luxury. While your voyage includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, and a wealth of onboard activities, beverages are not generally included in the standard fare. For many guests, this raises a common question: “Is it worth buying a drink package on a Cunard Line cruise?”

Beverage packages can provide convenience, savings, and peace of mind, but they are not always the right choice for every passenger. Some travelers swear by them, while others find buying drinks individually more economical. This article takes a deep dive into Cunard’s drink packages, their value, and whether or not they are worth it for your style of cruising.

Understanding Cunard Line Drink Packages

Before deciding if a drink package is worth buying, it’s important to know what Cunard offers. Unlike all-inclusive cruise lines, Cunard provides drink packages as optional add-ons. This allows passengers to customize their voyage depending on preferences and budget.

Cunard Beverage Package Options

1. Soft Drinks Package – Unlimited sodas and juices

2. Specialty Hot Drinks Package – Unlimited espresso-based coffees, hot chocolates, and premium teas

3. Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package – Includes soft drinks, mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, smoothies, and specialty coffees

4. Beer, Wine & Spirits Package (Premium Drinks Package) – Covers cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, spirits, and many non-alcoholic beverages up to $13 each

5. Bottled Water Package – Bulk purchase of still or sparkling bottled water

How Much Do Cunard Drink Packages Cost?

Pricing depends on the type of package:

• Soft Drinks Package: $10–12 per person, per day

• Specialty Hot Drinks Package: $12–15 per person, per day

• Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package: $25–30 per person, per day

• Premium Drinks Package: $69–75 per person, per day

• Bottled Water Packages: Around $35 for six large bottles

Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. A 15% service charge is already included in package prices.

How Many Drinks Can You Get Per Day?

Cunard enforces a 15-drink limit per person, per day, regardless of whether the drinks are alcoholic or non-alcoholic. This allowance resets every morning.

The Case for Buying a Drink Package

 Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a drink package is simplicity. Instead of signing receipts and worrying about accumulating charges, you just show your cruise card and enjoy your drink.

H2: Potential Savings

If you drink multiple beverages daily, a package can save you money. For example:

• 2 specialty coffees = $10

• 2 cocktails = $24

• 2 glasses of wine = $22

• 2 beers = $16

• 2 sodas = $8

Total = $80+ per day

With the Premium Drinks Package costing around $70, you save money while enjoying peace of mind.

 Variety

Drink packages allow you to explore a wider range of drinks — from cocktails and mocktails to premium coffees and wines by the glass — without worrying about the bill.

 Gratuities Included

A 15% service charge is included in the package, so you don’t need to calculate or sign for tips each time.

The Case Against Buying a Drink Package

 Light Drinkers May Not Benefit

If you only drink one glass of wine at dinner and a morning cappuccino, you’ll likely spend less paying per drink.

 Port-Heavy Itineraries

On days spent exploring ashore, you won’t have as much time onboard to use your package. This can make it less cost-effective.

H2: Cabin Policy

For the Premium Drinks Package, if one adult in a cabin buys it, all adults in the same cabin must also purchase it. This can quickly add up.

Exclusions Apply

Not everything is covered. Premium wines, top-shelf liquors, bottles of Champagne, and minibar items are excluded. Drinks over $13 require paying the difference.

Who Should Buy a Drink Package?

Frequent Beverage Consumers

If you enjoy multiple coffees, cocktails, and wines daily, a package will almost always provide value.

 Coffee Lovers

The Specialty Hot Drinks Package is a great option for those who prefer multiple lattes or cappuccinos daily.

 Families with Children

Soft drink packages can be cost-effective for kids who would otherwise order multiple sodas and juices daily.

 Long Sea Days Cruisers

On itineraries with many sea days, passengers often spend more time onboard relaxing with drinks, making packages more valuable.

Who Should Skip the Drink Package?

Occasional Drinkers

If your habits are limited to a morning tea and a glass of wine with dinner, paying per drink is more economical.

 Port-Intensive Travelers

For itineraries with long days ashore, you may only have time for one or two onboard drinks each day.

 Premium Drink Connoisseurs

If your taste leans toward high-end wines or ultra-premium spirits, packages may not suit you since these aren’t included.

Comparing Costs: Package vs. Pay-As-You-Go

Let’s compare the Premium Drinks Package versus individual drink purchases:

• Without Package (per day):

  • 1 cappuccino: $5

  • 2 cocktails: $24

  • 2 glasses of wine: $22

  • 1 beer: $8

  • 2 sodas: $8Total: $67

• With Package:

  • Unlimited drinks up to 15 per day for around $70

  • Gratuities included

Verdict: At around 7–8 drinks per day, the package starts to pay off.

Tips for Maximizing Cunard Drink Packages

 Start Early in the Day

Use your package for breakfast juices and coffees, not just evening drinks.

 Mix Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Make use of specialty coffees, mocktails, and sodas in addition to cocktails and wine.

 Use Multiple Venues

From poolside bars to lounges and restaurants, explore different spots to get full value.

Watch for Promotions

Cunard sometimes includes drink packages as part of booking incentives.

FAQs: Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Cunard?

Do all adults in a cabin need to buy the package?

Yes, for the Premium Drinks Package, all adults in the same cabin must purchase it.

 Can I buy the package for only part of the cruise?

Packages are sold for the entire duration of the voyage, not by the day.

 Are gratuities included in packages?

Yes, package prices include service charges.

Can I upgrade my package?

Yes, you can usually upgrade mid-cruise by paying the difference.

Can unused daily drinks roll over?

No, the 15-drink limit resets each morning.

is it worth buying a drink package on a Cunard Line cruise?

The answer depends on your personal drinking habits and cruise itinerary. For passengers who enjoy multiple beverages daily — whether cocktails, wines, beers, or specialty coffees — the Premium Drinks Package provides both convenience and savings. Families can benefit from soda packages, and coffee lovers will find excellent value in the Specialty Hot Drinks Package.

However, for light drinkers or those on port-heavy itineraries, buying drinks individually may be the smarter choice.

Ultimately, the worth of Cunard’s drink packages lies in aligning them with your lifestyle. If sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine at dinner, and starting mornings with a cappuccino is part of your daily routine, then investing in a drink package can greatly enhance your voyage — both in value and in experience.

Would you like me to also add a sample 7-day cost breakdown (package vs. pay-as-you-go) to make the “worth it” calculation even clearer?