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

One of the most common questions first-time Cunard passengers ask is: Is it worth buying a drink package on a Cunard Line cruise?

The answer depends largely on your drinking habits, cruise length, itinerary, and onboard lifestyle. For some travelers, a Cunard beverage package offers excellent value and predictable vacation spending. For others, paying for drinks individually can save hundreds of dollars.

Cunard has long been associated with traditional ocean travel, elegant lounges, afternoon tea, and sophisticated cocktail bars. Unlike some contemporary cruise lines that heavily promote unlimited beverage programs, Cunard offers several beverage packages designed to suit different preferences, from soft drinks and specialty coffees to wines and premium spirits.

This guide examines Cunard drink packages in detail, including pricing structures, benefits, limitations, real-world examples, and expert recommendations to help travelers decide whether purchasing a package makes financial sense.

Understanding Cunard Drink Packages

Cunard offers several beverage package options that generally include:

• Soft drinks packages
• Hot drinks packages
• Wine packages
• Alcohol packages
• Premium beverage plans

Package availability and pricing can change periodically. Travelers should always verify current details directly through Cunard before sailing.

Available Beverage Categories

Typical beverage categories may include:

• Beer
• Wine by the glass
• Spirits
• Cocktails
• Specialty coffees
• Soft drinks
• Bottled water
• Mocktails
• Juice selections

The precise inclusions vary by package.

How Cunard Drink Packages Work

Passengers usually purchase beverage packages:

1. Before sailing through their booking account.
2. Through a travel advisor.
3. On board during the cruise.

The package generally applies on a per-day basis throughout the voyage rather than for selected days only.

Most alcohol packages include drinks up to a specified price limit. Beverages exceeding that limit may require passengers to pay the difference.

Cunard Beverage Package Types

Alcohol Beverage Packages

These plans often include:

• House wines
• Draft and bottled beers
• Standard spirits
• Cocktails
• Selected liqueurs

Non-Alcoholic Packages

These packages may include:

• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Specialty coffees
• Teas
• Mocktails

Wine Collections

Cunard frequently offers wine packages that provide multiple bottles at discounted rates.

Average Drink Prices on Cunard

The following table illustrates approximate onboard beverage costs.

Beverage	Estimated Price Range
Soft drink	$3–$5
Specialty coffee	$4–$6
Beer	$6–$9
Glass of wine	$9–$16
Cocktail	$10–$18
Premium spirit	$12–$20+
Bottled water	$3–$5

 

Actual prices vary by ship, itinerary, and sailing date.

When a Drink Package Is Worth It

A beverage package often provides value for travelers who consume several drinks daily.

Example Scenario

A passenger consumes:

• Morning latte: $5
• Bottled water: $4
• Afternoon cocktail: $14
• Dinner wine: $13
• Evening cocktail: $14

Total estimated daily spending:

$50

If the package costs approximately the same or less, the traveler breaks even.

Frequent Drinkers

Packages may be worthwhile for passengers who enjoy:

• Multiple cocktails daily
• Wine with lunch and dinner
• Specialty coffees
• Bottled water throughout the day

When Paying Individually Makes More Sense

Some passengers spend very little on beverages.

Examples include:

• One glass of wine at dinner
• Occasional coffee purchases
• Limited alcohol consumption
• Port-intensive itineraries with long days ashore

For these travelers, paying as they go often results in lower overall costs.

Cruise Length Matters

Short Cruises

On a 3- or 4-night voyage, passengers often indulge more heavily, making packages potentially worthwhile.

Long Voyages

Longer voyages can increase package costs substantially.

For example:

Cruise Length	Package Cost at $60/day
4 nights	$240
7 nights	$420
14 nights	$840
21 nights	$1,260

 

Long cruises require careful calculation.

Cunard's Passenger Demographics

Cunard traditionally attracts:

• Mature travelers
• Couples
• Luxury cruisers
• World voyage guests
• Transatlantic passengers

Many guests prefer leisurely wine consumption rather than high-volume drinking.

As a result, some travelers find à la carte pricing more economical.

Comparing Cunard With Other Cruise Lines

Cruise Line	Beverage Style	Included Drinks
Cunard	Traditional packages	Limited inclusions
Princess	Package-focused	Multiple tiers
Celebrity	Often bundled	Premium options
Norwegian	Promotional packages	Frequent offers
Virgin Voyages	No traditional packages	Bar tab system

 

Cunard's approach emphasizes flexibility rather than encouraging unlimited consumption.

Health Considerations

The World Health Organization recommends moderating alcohol intake as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Research published through medical databases such as PubMed indicates that excessive alcohol consumption can increase health risks, including:

• Liver disease
• Hypertension
• Sleep disruption
• Increased accident risk

Moderate consumption during travel can help passengers remain hydrated and comfortable, especially on longer voyages.

Specialty Coffee Drinkers Benefit

Many Cunard guests enjoy:

• Cappuccinos
• Lattes
• Espresso beverages

Consider this example:

• Two specialty coffees daily at $5 each
• Seven-day cruise

Total cost:

$70

Coffee packages may provide excellent value for these travelers.

The Hidden Benefit: Budget Control

One major advantage of beverage packages is financial predictability.

Passengers know their costs upfront, which helps:

• Avoid large onboard bills.
• Simplify budgeting.
• Reduce spending anxiety.
• Prevent unexpected charges.

Consumer spending studies published by organizations such as Harvard Business Review have shown that prepaid purchases often reduce decision fatigue and improve spending satisfaction.

Who Should Buy a Drink Package?

Good Candidates

• Cocktail enthusiasts
• Wine drinkers
• Coffee lovers
• Guests sailing on sea-day-heavy itineraries
• Travelers who prefer fixed budgets

Poor Candidates

• Light drinkers
• Passengers spending extensive time ashore
• Guests who rarely consume alcohol
• Travelers focused on minimizing cruise expenses

Example Cost Calculations

Light Drinker

• One coffee: $5
• One wine: $12

Daily total: $17

Seven-day cruise: $119

Package likely not worthwhile.

Moderate Drinker

• Two coffees: $10
• Two cocktails: $28
• One wine: $12

Daily total: $50

Seven-day cruise: $350

Package may provide savings.

Heavy User

• Coffee
• Bottled water
• Three cocktails
• Wine with dinner
• After-dinner drink

Daily spending may exceed $70–$90.

Package likely provides substantial value.

Tips for Maximizing Value

1. Calculate Your Daily Consumption

Estimate your realistic beverage habits.

2. Review Package Limits

Understand included drink values.

3. Purchase Before Sailing

Advance purchases may occasionally provide savings.

4. Consider Sea Days

More time onboard generally increases beverage consumption.

5. Share a Budget

Couples can compare individual spending habits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a package without calculating costs.
• Assuming unlimited drinks equal savings.
• Ignoring port days.
• Overestimating alcohol consumption.
• Forgetting specialty coffees and bottled water.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide

1: Review Cunard's Current Beverage Prices

Check official pricing before departure.

 2: Estimate Daily Consumption

Be realistic.

3: Multiply by Cruise Length

Calculate total spending.

 4: Compare Package Cost

Determine the break-even point.

5: Consider Convenience

Some travelers value simplicity over savings.

Is the Cunard Premium Package Worth It?

Premium packages may appeal to passengers who enjoy:

• Higher-end spirits
• Premium wines
• Craft cocktails

Occasional drinkers often do not recover the additional cost.

What Experts Recommend

Travel advisors frequently recommend beverage packages only when passengers:

• Consume multiple alcoholic drinks daily.
• Enjoy specialty beverages.
• Prefer fixed vacation budgets.

Cruise industry experts consistently suggest calculating expected consumption rather than purchasing automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Cunard drink packages unlimited?

Certain beverages may be included, but package rules and limits apply.

2. Can I buy a package once onboard?

In many cases, yes, although availability may vary.

3. Do packages include gratuities?

Policies vary. Check Cunard's current terms.

4. Are specialty coffees included?

Some non-alcoholic packages include them.

5. Is bottled water included?

Certain packages include bottled water.

6. Can one passenger buy a package and share?

No. Sharing packages violates cruise policies.

7. Are drink packages cheaper before sailing?

Advance purchases may sometimes offer better pricing.

8. Is the package worthwhile on a seven-day cruise?

Moderate to heavy drinkers often receive the most value.

9. Do packages work in all bars?

Most onboard venues participate, although exclusions may exist.

10. Should non-drinkers buy a package?

Soft drink or coffee packages may still offer savings.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Cunard?

For passengers who enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day, a Cunard drink package can provide convenience, predictable budgeting, and potential savings.

However, light drinkers frequently spend less by purchasing beverages individually.

The best approach is simple:

• Estimate your daily consumption.
• Compare it with current package pricing.
• Consider how much convenience matters to you.

For many Cunard guests, especially those on transatlantic crossings or longer sea-day itineraries, beverage packages can deliver excellent value. For others, paying as you go remains the smarter financial choice.