As a frequent cruiser, I always look for ways to make my vacation more enjoyable and convenient. One of the things that I consider is purchasing a drinks package.
When I booked a Cunard cruise, I was curious about their drinks packages and whether they are worth the investment. So, I did some research and put together this comprehensive guide for anyone who is considering a Cunard cruise and wants to know more about their drinks packages.
In this guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. I will cover the different packages available, what is included and excluded, pricing and discounts, restrictions and rules, benefits and drawbacks, and even a comparison to other cruise lines.
I will also share my expert recommendations and a drinks package calculator to help you determine whether a Cunard drinks package is worth it for you.
So, if you want to know whether to sip or skip on a Cunard drinks package, keep reading.
- Cunard offers four main drinks packages ranging from $10 to $70 per person, per day, with options for soft drinks, speciality hot drinks, beer, wines, and spirits.
- Guests must have the same drinks package in a cabin, and sharing is not allowed.
- The package only covers bars and restaurants on the ship, not room service or onboard shops.
- Guests can use a drinks package calculator to determine if it is worth it for them, and the full terms and conditions can be read on the Cunard website.
Available Packages
I learned that Cunard offers four different drinks packages, each with its own perks and price point. The packages range from $10 to $70 per person, per day, and include soft drinks, speciality hot drinks, premium soft drinks, and beer, wines, and spirits options.
To help guests decide which package is best for them, Cunard provides a package comparison chart on their website. This chart compares the different packages side by side, outlining what is included in each and the associated cost.
In addition to the package comparison chart, Cunard also provides customer reviews of their drink packages on their website. This allows guests to hear directly from other cruisers about their experiences with the different packages. I found this to be a helpful resource when deciding which package to choose.
Overall, Cunard’s drinks packages offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the drinks packages are all non-alcoholic drinks, a 20% discount on some drinks not included in the package, and up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day for guests who opt for the Beer, Wines and Spirits option. The Soft Drinks Option is good value for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, while the Premium Soft Drinks and Beer, Wines and Spirits options may be more appealing for those who want to indulge in a wider selection of drinks.
It is important to note that guests cannot share drinks packages, and adults in the same cabin must have the same package to prevent sharing. Children in the cabin do not need a drinks package, but sharing is also not allowed. Additionally, guests can only order one drink at a time, with a 10-minute wait in between. It is also important to remember that the package only covers bars and restaurants on the ship, not room service or onboard shops. Full terms and conditions of the drinks package can be read on the Cunard website.
| Package Inclusions | Soft Drinks Option | Premium Soft Drinks Option | Beer, Wines and Spirits Option | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All non-alcoholic drinks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| 20% discount on select drinks not included in the package | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |||||
| Price per person, per day | $10 | $30 | $70 | |||||
| Duration of package | Full cruise | Full cruise | Full cruise | |||||
| Sharing policy | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Accommodation type | Single cabin | Double cabin | Suite cabin |
Pricing and Discounts
The cost of drinks packages on Cunard cruises can add up quickly, but guests can receive a 20% discount on some drinks not included in the package.
The Soft Drinks Option is priced at $10 per person, per day, while the Premium Soft Drinks Option costs $30 per person, per day.
For those who enjoy alcoholic drinks, the Beer, Wines and Spirits Option is available at $70 per person, per day. This option includes up to 15 drinks daily up to the value of $13. Wine packages, such as the Captain’s Collection and Commodore’s Collection, are also available.
Guests can customize their packages according to their drink preferences and how often they plan to drink. It is important to note that drinks outside the package limit must be paid for at full price, minus the 20% discount.
Alternatively, guests can opt to pay for drinks individually, but this can quickly become expensive. As an alternative option, guests can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto the cruise. Free water, fruit juices, tea, and coffee are available during breakfast.
Restrictions and Rules
Guests should be aware that sharing the drinks package is not allowed and may result in the package being revoked without a refund. This is because the package is intended for individual use only, and sharing it would violate Cunard’s enforcement policies.
Furthermore, guests must also note that they can only order one drink at a time, with a 10-minute wait in between. This is to prevent abuse of the package and ensure that guests enjoy their drinks responsibly.
While some guests may find these restrictions inconvenient, they exist to ensure that everyone has a fair and enjoyable experience on board. In fact, many guests have reported positive experiences with Cunard’s drinks package, citing its convenience and value for money.
However, it’s important for guests to read and understand the rules and restrictions of the package before purchasing it, to avoid any misunderstandings or disappointments during their cruise.
Benefits and Drawbacks
As someone who enjoys a few drinks on a cruise, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a drinks package.
The main advantage of a Cunard drinks package is the convenience it provides. With a package, guests don’t have to worry about the cost of each drink and can order as many as they want without constantly checking their onboard account. Additionally, the packages can offer good value, especially for those who plan to drink frequently throughout the cruise.
However, it’s important to note that the package may not be worth it for all guests, especially those who don’t drink as much or prefer to stick to non-alcoholic options.
To get a better idea of whether a Cunard drinks package is worth it, it’s helpful to look at customer reviews. Many guests report that the packages are a good investment, especially when compared to the high cost of individual drinks on the ship. However, some guests have had negative experiences with the packages, such as not being able to use them at certain bars or restaurants. Additionally, some guests have found that they didn’t drink enough to make the package worth the cost.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual guest to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether a drinks package is right for them.
Comparison to Other Cruise Lines
Now that we’ve talked about the benefits and drawbacks of the Cunard drinks packages, let’s take a look at how they compare to other cruise lines.
It’s important to note that the prices of drinks packages vary widely between cruise lines, and what might be a good deal on one line might not be on another.
When compared to other luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn and Crystal, Cunard’s drinks package prices are relatively high. However, when compared to mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, Cunard’s prices are in line with what you would expect.
Ultimately, whether or not the Cunard drinks package is worth it will depend on how often you plan to drink and what your budget is.
Pros of the package include the convenience of not having to worry about individual drink prices, while cons include the cost and restrictions on sharing.
Calculating Worth
To determine if it’s worth purchasing a drinks package, I usually use a calculator and input my estimated number of drinks per day and the cost per drink. This helps me compare the cost of the package to what I would spend if I bought drinks individually.
For example, if I were to purchase the Beer, Wines and Spirits Option for $70 a day, but I only plan to have one or two drinks a day, it may not be worth it. On the other hand, if I plan to indulge in several drinks a day, the package may save me money in the long run.
It’s important to consider personal drinking habits when deciding whether or not to purchase a drinks package. If you don’t drink alcohol, the Soft Drinks Option may be a good value for you. If you prefer premium drinks, the Premium Soft Drinks Option may be more beneficial as it offers a 20% discount on some drinks not included in the package.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the package only covers bars and restaurants on the ship, not room service or onboard shops. Ultimately, using a drinks package calculator and considering personal drinking habits can help guests determine if a Cunard drinks package is worth it for them.
Expert Recommendations
Personally, I find it helpful to follow the recommendations of cruise industry experts when deciding whether or not to purchase a drinks package. After all, they have the experience and knowledge to assess the value of the package and weigh its pros and cons. With that in mind, I highly recommend reading Mike Schimdt’s comprehensive guide to the Cunard drinks package on the Cruise Tips website. As an industry expert who has taken over 20 cruises, she provides valuable insights on the different packages available and helps readers determine if they are worth it based on their drinking habits and preferences.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a table summarizing Mike’s pros and cons of the Cunard drinks packages:
| Pros | Cons | Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy drinks on board | Expensive, especially for longer cruises | As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experience, but Mike Schimdt provides a detailed breakdown of the packages’ costs and benefits. |
| Offers a discount on some drinks and includes gratuity and service charge | Limits guests to one drink at a time and may not cover all outlets on the ship | Reading Mike’s guide can help guests decide if the packages are worth it based on their drinking habits and preferences. |
Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your personal experience when deciding whether or not to purchase a drinks package. With Mike Schimdt’s comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and fully enjoy your Cunard cruise experience.
Are there any restrictions on the types of alcoholic drinks included in the Beer, Wines and Spirits package?
I was disappointed to learn that the Beer, Wines and Spirits package on Cunard cruises has restrictions on the types of alcoholic drinks included. However, there are still satisfying alcohol cravings with other package options available.
Can guests purchase the drinks package for just a portion of the cruise, rather than the entire duration?
Unfortunately, partial purchase of the Cunard drinks package is not allowed. Guests must purchase the package for the entire duration of the cruise, with length restrictions based on the length of the voyage.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with purchasing a drinks package?
Beware of hidden fees when purchasing a drinks package, but the benefits can outweigh the costs. Packages cover gratuities and may offer discounts, but only for the entire duration of the cruise.
Can guests upgrade or downgrade their drinks package once it has been purchased?
Guests can upgrade their drinks package, but not downgrade. Refunds are not available for unused days or packages. Upgrade options depend on availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Is there a limit to the number of bottles of wine or Champagne that guests can bring onto the cruise?
Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto the cruise, but will be charged a corkage fee if consumed in restaurants or bars. There is no limit to the bottled wine allowance.