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Complete Cunard drinks package guide – is it really worth it?

 Find out everything you need to know about Cunard drinks packages with this handy guide.

Like many cruise lines, Cunard offers a selection of different drink packages for every kind of traveller – whether you’re more of a clean juice and matcha type person or like to live it up on holiday with a free-flow of cocktails. Choosing a package can be a smart move as it’s often both convenient and cost-effective. 

However, as drinks package prices range from cruise line to cruise line, it’s worth considering how much you actually drink while on holiday. If you’re more of a foodie and aren’t that fussed about drinks, or are likely to spend lots of time off the ship, out and about on excursions, it might be that you’ll save more by paying as you go. 

For UK guests sailing from March 2026, Cunard has introduced new Signature Packages, which bundle a drinks package, Wi-Fi and dining credit for a discounted per-day price. Standalone Cunard drinks packages are still available, but many travellers may find better overall value with a Signature Package.

In short, Cunard drinks package prices vary depending on the length of your cruise and which option you pick. So, are Cunard drinks packages worth it? And if so, which one should you pick? Let’s take a look. 

 

– READ MORE: A guide to Cunard’s latest luxury ship: Queen Anne

Entry Cunard drinks package: The Soft Drinks Package

The perfect choice if you’re looking to swerve alcohol and like to stay hydrated, without being stuck with just water. Includes:

  • Unlimited draught soft drinks
  • Selected fruit juices 
  • Squash
  • Cordials

Price: $13.50pp (£10.79) per day if pre-booked. If booked onboard, $15pp (£11.99) per day. 

For hot beverage enthusiasts: The Speciality Hot Drinks Package

If you’re someone who needs to know a coffee or tea can be on hand at any moment, this is likely the package for you. Includes: 

  • Unlimited speciality coffees
  • Tea Forté infusions
  • Hot chocolates

Price: $15.75pp (£12.59), per day. If booked while onboard, $17.50pp (£13.98), per day

 

– READ MORE: Cunard reveals 5 ways a cruise is good for your health in new study

Soft drinks heaven: The Premium Non-Alcoholic Cunard Drinks Package

For anyone seeking a near-full range of non-alcoholic options to enjoy without limits, this package is a great choice. Includes: 

  • All benefits of the Soft Drinks Package
  • Small bottled waters (330ml and 500ml)
  • Fresh juices
  • Non-alcoholic cocktails
  • Specialty hot drinks
  • A 20 percent discount on non-alcoholic drinks not included in the package

What does the 20 percent discount apply to? Smoothies, large bottles of water (750ml +), hot and cold Godiva chocolate drinks.

Price: If pre-booked, this package comes in at $40.50pp (£32) per day. If booked onboard, $45pp (£35.98), per day.

 

– READ MORE: Complete guide to drinks packages on cruise ships

The full experience: Beers, Wines, and Spirits Package

By far Cunard’s most popular drinks package, this option includes a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, on top of all the benefits of the premium non-alcoholic package. Includes: 

  • A wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails priced up to $13.50 per serving
  • All benefits of the Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package
  • 20 percent discount on drinks priced above $13.50, select bottles of wine, and certain onboard drinks-related activities, such as Cocktail Master Classes. 

Price: pricing for this Cunard drinks package depends on the length of your cruise. 

  • For cruises less than five nights, it’s $85.50pp (£68.37) per day if pre-booked. $95pp (£75.96) per day if booked onboard. 
  • Cruises between five and 14 nights are $72pp (£57.58) per day if pre-booked. $80pp (£63.98) per day if booked onboard. 
  • Cruises of 15 to 74 nights are $67.50pp (£53.98) per day if pre-booked. $75pp (£60) per day if booked onboard. 
  • Cruises of 75 nights or more are $49.50pp (£39.58) per day if pre-booked, $55pp (£43.99) per day if booked onboard.

 

– READ MORE: Best cruises for wellness in 2026

Cunard Signature Packages

For UK guests sailing from March 2026 onwards, Cunard has introduced new Signature Packages that bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and dining credit into one upfront daily price. These packages can be added at the time of booking from 18 December 2025 and are available on all eligible voyages.

Rather than buying a drinks package on its own, Signature Packages are designed to offer better value for guests who would also pay for Wi-Fi and alternative dining once onboard.

Signature Package
From £60 per person per day (based on a 14-night voyage). Includes:
• Beverage Collection drinks package with drinks up to US$13.50 per serving
• Essential Wi-Fi, suitable for browsing, emails and messaging
• US$50 dining credit to use in Cunard’s alternative restaurants

Premium Signature Package
From £70 per person per day (based on a 14-night voyage). Includes:
• Premium Beverage Collection with drinks up to US$20 per serving
• Premium Wi-Fi, suitable for streaming, video calls and sharing content
• US$80 dining credit for onboard dining experiences

Which option is best for you?

A standalone Cunard drinks package may suit you if you rarely use Wi-Fi, don’t plan on dining in alternative restaurants, or mainly drink soft drinks or hot beverages.

A Cunard Signature Package is likely better value if you would otherwise buy a drinks package and Wi-Fi separately, want dining credit included, or prefer one fixed daily cost added at booking.

– READ MORE: Full list of new cruise ships sailing in 2026

How to do the maths

Without knowing the individual cost of drinks on Cunard cruises, it’s difficult to know whether opting for a drinks package is the best choice for you. As Cunard is a high-end cruise line, drinks prices tend to be a little higher than you might be accustomed to in your local pub or cafe. Below are a number of classic drinks and their prices, as a guideline.

  • Pint of draught beer = $8.30 (£6.50).
  • Glass of wine = $16 (£12).
  • Glass of soda = $4.50 (£3.40).
  • Mocktail = $11.50 (£8.60)
  • Alcoholic cocktails range from $9.50 (£7.50) to $17.50 (£14). An Aperol Spritz, for instance, is $10.75 while a Kir Royale is $17.50. 
  • Hot chocolate = $4.80 (£3.85).

The verdict: Is the Cunard drinks package worth it?

When weighing up the important decision of whether to purchase a drinks package on your Cunard cruise, you’ll want to consider your personal drinking preferences. Not a fan of alcohol but can’t be without an endless supply of hot drinks? 

It makes sense to go for the speciality hot drinks package. Not a fan of alcohol but are smoothie-mad? You’re probably best paying as you go, as smoothies aren’t included in any drinks packages. 

As for the alcohol side of things, the Beers, Wines, and Spirits Package works out at around the same price as seven to eight alcoholic beverages per day. If this sounds like you then it’s a perfect match – plus you’ll get unlimited soft drinks on top of that!  

For UK guests sailing from March 2026, it’s also worth weighing up Cunard’s new Signature Packages. If you plan to use Wi-Fi regularly and dine in alternative restaurants, the bundled pricing can work out cheaper than buying a drinks package on its own. The best choice ultimately depends on how much you drink, how connected you want to be at sea, and whether dining credit adds value to your cruise.

The main thing to remember is that if you do decide to go with one of the four Cunard drinks packages, then make sure to book in good time ahead of your cruise. That way you’ll save 10 percent. Book through the ‘My Cunard’ portal online.

 

– READ MORE: All you need to know about Cunard ships’ entertainment

Cunard drinks packages

FAQs

What drinks are included in Cunard drinks packages?
Cunard drinks packages cover a wide range of beverages depending on the package you choose, from draught soft drinks and speciality coffees to beers, wines, spirits and cocktails up to a set price per serving.

Are Cunard drinks packages worth it?
Cunard drinks packages can be good value if you plan to drink several beverages a day. The Beers, Wines and Spirits Package typically works out at around seven to eight alcoholic drinks per day, while non-alcoholic and hot drinks packages suit lighter drinkers.

Can I buy a Cunard drinks package onboard?
Yes, Cunard drinks packages can be purchased onboard, but prices are higher than if you pre-book before sailing.

Do Cunard drinks packages include gratuities?
Yes, standard service charges for drinks are included when you purchase a Cunard drinks package.

Are all drinks included in Cunard drinks packages?
No. Drinks are covered up to a maximum price per serving, and you’ll need to pay the difference for higher-priced drinks. Some items, such as smoothies and large bottled waters, may also be excluded depending on the package.

Can I choose a drinks package without alcohol?
Yes. Cunard offers several non-alcoholic options, including soft drinks, speciality hot drinks and a premium non-alcoholic package.

What’s the difference between a Cunard drinks package and a Signature Package?
A Cunard drinks package covers beverages only, while a Signature Package bundles a drinks package with Wi-Fi and dining credit into one daily price for UK guests sailing from March 2026 onwards.

Set Sail

Azores, Spain & Portugal with Cunard

Duration: 12 days
Where: Southampton, UK | At Sea | Ponta Delgada, Azores (Overnight) | At Sea | Funchal, Madeira | At Sea | Lisbon, Portugal | Vigo, Spain (for Santiago de Compostela) | At Sea | Southampton, UK
Ship: Queen Anne
Price: From £836 pp at time of writing

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Author

Finn Thompson

Finn has always loved travel and feels fortunate to have visited some truly extraordinary places. As a passionate animal lover, safaris stand out among her favourite travel memories – there’s nothing quite like being up close to a magnificent creature such as a leopard or elephant. She believes cruising opens up endless opportunities for exploration, allowing travellers to visit multiple destinations in one trip and reach places that aren’t accessible by plane or train. A Mediterranean cruise around the smaller Greek islands, with time to immerse herself in the local cuisine and culture, is high on her wish list.

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Published 19.12.25