Cruising with Cunard Line offers guests a luxurious, traditional ocean travel experience, and as part of the comprehensive onboard experience, Cunard offers a variety of beverage packages for their passengers. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, or indulging in specialty coffees and mocktails throughout the day, these packages allow you to customize your cruise experience based on your preferences. In this article, we’ll break down the options for Cunard’s beverage packages, explain how they work, and help you decide if purchasing one is right for you.
Cunard Line offers beverage packages that give you access to a range of drinks throughout your cruise. These packages cater to different tastes and preferences, from alcoholic drinks to non-alcoholic options. Understanding the various package types, their costs, and what’s included is essential to making an informed decision.
The pricing for these packages may vary based on factors such as cruise length, ship, and destination, but on average, Cunard offers several tiers of beverage packages. The key to determining whether a beverage package is right for you lies in understanding the details of each one, especially considering Cunard’s luxurious and traditional approach to cruising.
Cunard Select Beverage PackageThe Select Beverage Package is one of the most popular choices for guests looking for a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages. It includes house wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks. This package also provides you with access to unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, and bottled water.What’s Included:
House wines (by the glass)
Selected spirits and cocktails
Soft drinks and juices
Water (still and sparkling)
Coffees and teas
Pricing Estimate:The cost of the Select Beverage Package is typically around $60 - $70 per person, per day. The exact price can fluctuate based on the duration of your cruise and promotional offers.
Cunard Premium Beverage PackageFor guests who want a more expansive selection, the Premium Beverage Package offers a wider variety of drinks, including premium spirits, signature cocktails, and a broader selection of wines and beers. It is ideal for those who prefer higher-end brands and specialty drinks.What’s Included:
Premium spirits and cocktails
A wider selection of wines (both by the glass and bottles)
Craft beers and premium beers
All the benefits of the Select Package
Pricing Estimate:The Premium Beverage Package typically costs between $90 - $110 per person, per day, again depending on the cruise and package details.
Cunard Wine PackageFor wine lovers, Cunard also offers a Wine Package, which focuses specifically on wines. Guests can choose from a range of premium wines, often with a more refined selection than what is offered on the Select Beverage Package.What’s Included:
Selected wines by the glass or bottle
Access to special wine tastings and sommelier recommendations (on select cruises)
Pricing Estimate:The Wine Package is priced at approximately $40 - $50 per person, per day.
Cunard Non-Alcoholic Beverage PackageFor guests who prefer not to drink alcohol, Cunard offers a non-alcoholic package. This is perfect for families, guests on a wellness journey, or those who simply want to enjoy refreshing beverages without the alcohol content.What’s Included:
Unlimited soft drinks (soda, juices)
Bottled water (still and sparkling)
Specialty teas and coffees
Pricing Estimate:This package is usually priced around $20 - $30 per person, per day.
When deciding whether to purchase a beverage package, it’s important to keep in mind the following factors:
The length of your cruise can significantly impact the cost-effectiveness of a beverage package. For short cruises (3 to 5 days), purchasing a package might not be as cost-effective as it would be on longer cruises, such as 7 days or more. Consider how much you typically drink daily and whether the package will provide good value for your consumption habits.
If you mostly drink water, coffee, and tea, a non-alcoholic or Select Beverage Package may suffice. However, if you enjoy wine or cocktails regularly, the Premium Beverage Package may provide better value.
Cunard occasionally offers promotional deals that include beverage packages as part of a broader cruise offer. Sometimes, these deals may allow you to purchase a package at a discounted rate or even receive it for free. Make sure to check for these promotions before booking your cruise.
If you are someone who prefers to explore the onboard bar scene frequently, opt for a more expansive package. However, if you usually stick to just a couple of drinks a day, the Select Beverage Package might be sufficient.
Ultimately, the value of a beverage package on Cunard depends on how much you plan to drink during your cruise. Let’s break it down:
If you drink two to three cocktails or glasses of wine a day, the Select or Premium Beverage Packages are likely worth the cost, providing more convenience and value.
For lighter drinkers, it may be more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks as needed, especially considering the prices of some individual beverages onboard Cunard.
1. Is the beverage package valid for all drinks onboard?
No, the package typically includes specific house wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. Premium spirits or certain high-end brands may not be included in all packages.
2. Can I share my beverage package with a friend or family member?
No, beverage packages are non-transferable and must be used by the person whose name is on the package.
3. Are gratuities included in the beverage package cost?
Gratuities may not be included in the price of the beverage package and may be charged separately, so it’s always important to check for any additional fees when purchasing the package.
4. Are specialty drinks like cocktails included in the Cunard beverage packages?
Yes, the Select and Premium packages cover most cocktails, though specialty cocktails or very high-end options may incur additional charges.
5. Can I buy a beverage package for just part of the cruise?
Yes, Cunard does allow guests to purchase a beverage package for a specific portion of the cruise, such as a 3-day segment or only during certain days at sea.
6. Do I have to purchase the beverage package in advance?
While it’s often cheaper to purchase a beverage package before boarding, Cunard does allow passengers to purchase packages once onboard, though prices may differ.
7. Can I get coffee or tea with the beverage package?
Yes, both the Select and Premium packages typically include coffee and tea. Specialty coffees may incur additional charges depending on the package type.
8. Can I bring my own alcohol on a Cunard cruise?
No, Cunard has a policy that prohibits passengers from bringing their own alcohol onboard. However, guests can purchase alcohol ashore and enjoy it in their cabin.
9. Are soft drinks included in Cunard’s beverage package?
Yes, the beverage packages generally include unlimited soft drinks, juices, and water.
10. How do I know if the beverage package is worth the price for me?
If you plan to have a few alcoholic drinks each day and enjoy a variety of beverages, the package could save you money in the long run. Otherwise, you might be better off paying as you go.
11. Can I upgrade my beverage package during the cruise?
Yes, Cunard allows guests to upgrade their beverage package while on board, depending on availability and terms.
12. What is the cancellation policy for beverage packages?
Cancellation policies can vary, but generally, beverage packages can be canceled or modified prior to boarding or on the first day of the cruise.
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