Is Cunard all-inclusive? What’s included and what’s extra

Last updated: 10/08/2026

Whether you’re new to cruising or simply new to Cunard, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included in the price of your holiday before you book. While some cruise lines include drinks, Wi-Fi and other extras in the fare, others take a more flexible approach, allowing guests to pay only for the services they want to use. 

So, is Cunard all-inclusive? Not quite. However, the cruise line does include a great deal within the fare, from accommodation and dining to entertainment and onboard activities. In this guide, we’ll explain what’s covered, what costs extra and how much you might want to budget for your voyage. 

If you’re considering a Cunard cruise for the first time, it’s natural to wonder how much is actually included in the fare. 

The short answer is no, Cunard isn’t an all-inclusive cruise line. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be constantly reaching for your cash once you’re onboard. A Cunard fare includes your accommodation, meals in a range of dining venues, world-class entertainment, enrichment programmes and many of the traditions that have defined the cruise line for more than 180 years. 

What sets Cunard apart is the experience itself. From white-gloved afternoon tea to glamorous Gala Evenings, many of the moments guests remember most are already included in the cruise fare. While drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and some speciality experiences carry an additional charge, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending extra. 

One of cruising’s biggest misconceptions is that the fare only covers the cabin and transport between destinations. In reality, a Cunard cruise includes much of the onboard experience. This means you can enjoy days at sea and evenings onboard without continually paying for activities and entertainment. 

Your fare includes your accommodation for the duration of your cruise. Each cabin is designed to provide a comfortable retreat at sea. You’ll receive attentive service and daily housekeeping throughout your voyage. 

Unlike a traditional touring holiday, there’s no need to unpack and repack as you move between destinations. Your accommodation travels with you, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the journey. 

Throughout your voyage, meals are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in your designated dining venue. Meanwhile, a variety of casual dining options are available across the ship. 

The exact dining experience you’ll receive depends on your accommodation grade. For example, guests staying in Britannia accommodation dine in the Britannia Restaurant. Those in Princess Grill Suites will enjoy access to the Princess Grill Restaurant, and those in Queens Grill Suites will dine in the Queens Grill Restaurant. This is one of the features that makes Cunard slightly different from other cruise lines. Dining arrangements are often less closely linked to accommodation categories. 

Menus change throughout the voyage, offering a varied selection of dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Few cruise experiences are as closely associated with Cunard as afternoon tea.

Served daily in the elegant surroundings of the Queens Room, Cunard’s traditional afternoon tea is one of the cruise line’s most cherished rituals. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones served by white-gloved waiters, accompanied by tea and live music.

It’s an experience that many first-time guests have heard about before the sail. And one that returning guests often look forward to revisiting. 

Entertainment is included throughout your cruise and forms a central part of the onboard experience.

Expect a varied programme that may include theatre productions, live music, classical performances, comedians and cabaret acts. Unlike many land-based holidays, there are no ticket fees for headline shows. This means you can enjoy a different performance each evening you are on board. 

Useful link: What is there to do on a Cunard ship? Activities, entertainment & more

One area where Cunard particularly stands out is its enrichment programme. 

Across the fleet, guests can attend talks and presentations from guest speakers, historians, authors, explorers and industry experts. Depending on the voyage, topics can range from literature and history to science, culture and current affairs. 

These experiences have long been part of Cunard’s identity and are especially popular on longer sailings and Transatlantic Crossings. 

Most Cunard voyages include at least one Gala Evening. Gala Evenings are a long-standing tradition that adds a sense of occasion to life on board. 

These elegant evenings typically feature special menus, live entertainment and a more formal dress code. For many guests, they’re a chance to embrace the glamour and heritage that has become synonymous with the Cunard name. 

Your cruise fare also includes access to the ship’s pools, fitness centre and a wide range of onboard activities. Whether you prefer a morning swim, a quiz with fellow guests or simply relaxing with a book from the library, there are plenty of ways to spend your time without incurring additional costs. 

Although Cunard includes a great deal within the fare, some aspects of the holiday are optional extras. Understanding these costs before you travel can help you budget more effectively and avoid surprises once you’re onboard.

On Cunard, drinks aren’t included as standard. 

Alcoholic drinks, cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks and speciality coffees are generally charged separately. Guests who regularly enjoy drinks throughout the day may find it worthwhile to purchase a drinks package or one of Cunard’s Signature Packages before travelling.

The advantage of this approach is flexibility. Guests who don’t drink alcohol or expect to spend much of their time exploring ashore aren’t automatically paying for drinks they may never use. 

Read next: Cunard drinks packages explained: Prices, inclusions & is it worth it? 

Internet access is available on board Cunard ships, but it’s not usually included in standard fares. Guests can purchase Wi-Fi packages separately or choose one of Cunard’s Signature Packages, which includes Wi-Fi alongside other benefits.

For some travellers, disconnecting at sea is part of the appeal. For others, particularly those wishing to stay in touch with family or share their travels online, Wi-Fi may be an important additional cost to consider. 

While your cruise fare covers travel between destinations, organised shore excursions are generally charged separately. 

Whether you’d like to join a guided tour, discover a city’s history with a local expert or venture further afield on a scenic excursion, these experiences are usually booked at an additional cost. Of course, guests are also free to explore independently if they prefer. 

Cunard’s included dining options are extensive, and many guests never feel the need to dine elsewhere. However, there are speciality dining experiences available for those looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy something a little different during their voyage.

These restaurants generally carry a supplementary charge. 

The onboard spas offer a range of treatments, from massages and facials to salon services and wellness experiences. These treatments aren’t included in the standard cruise fare and are priced individually.

For guests seeking relaxation and indulgence, they can be a worthwhile addition to the holiday experience.

Boutique shopping, professional photography, laundry services, art auctions and casino gaming all come at an extra cost. 

These purchases are entirely optional and can be added according to your interests and budget. 

The amount you’ll spend beyond your cruise fare depends largely on how you like to travel.

Some guests spend very little once on board, enjoying the included dining venues, entertainment, and activities while exploring ports independently. Others choose to enhance their holiday with drinks packages, speciality dining, spa treatments and organised excursions. 

For most first-time Cunard guests, the biggest additional expenses tend to be drinks, shore excursions and Wi-Fi. If you’re someone who enjoys a cocktail before dinner, likes to stay connected throughout your holiday and plans to join organised tours in port, it’s worth factoring these into your budget from the outset.

The good news is that many of these costs are optional. Unlike some holiday types where extras are unavoidable, Cunard allows guests to tailor their spending according to their preferences.

For those who prefer greater certainty, Cunard’s Signature Package and Premium Signature Package combine drinks, Wi-Fi and dining credit into one booking, helping create a more inclusive experience and making budgeting easier before departure. 

Value is about more than the headline fare, and that’s particularly true when it comes to Cunard. 

Cunard’s appeal lies in the quality of the experience and the amount that’s already included. Accommodation, dining, entertainment, enrichment programmes, and onboard activities are all covered before you step on board.

It’s also difficult to put a price on some of the experiences that make Cunard unique. Traditional afternoon tea, elegant Gala Evenings, fascinating guest speakers and the line’s famous White Star Service are all part of what guests are paying for when they choose Cunard.

For travellers seeking a contemporary resort-style cruise holiday, there may be alternatives that feel more suitable. But for those drawn to Cunard’s maritime heritage, classic ocean travel and distinctive onboard atmosphere, the value extends far beyond what’s included on a simple checklist.

Rather than being fully all-inclusive, Cunard offers something slightly different: the freedom to enjoy a rich onboard experience while choosing which extras matter most to you. 

Cunard’s approach to gratuities can vary depending on the fare you’ve booked and any promotional offers that may be available at the time. It’s always worth checking the details of your booking before you travel, as onboard service charges and gratuity policies can change over time.

Many room service options are included in your cruise fare, allowing you to enjoy breakfast or a selection of menu items in your stateroom. However, some premium items and enhanced dining options may incur an additional charge depending on the time of day and the menu selected.

Not necessarily. Drinks packages cover a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a specified value per drink. If you choose a drink above the package limit, you’ll usually pay the difference. Cunard offers different package levels depending on your preferences. 

For travellers seeking a traditional cruise experience, Cunard can be an excellent introduction to cruising. The onboard atmosphere is typically more refined than on many family-focused cruise lines, with an emphasis on service, dining and enrichment rather than high-energy attractions and activity-filled decks.

For many guests, the appeal lies in the additional space, exclusive dining venues and enhanced levels of service. Whether they’re worth the extra cost depends on your budget and the type of cruise experience you’re looking for, but they offer a noticeably more premium experience than standard accommodation grades.

Yes, because accommodation, dining, entertainment, afternoon tea and many activities are already included, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a Cunard cruise while keeping additional spending to a minimum. Your highest optional costs are likely to be drinks, shore excursions and Wi-Fi.