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

^{Last updated: 08/07/2026} 

If you’re planning a Cunard cruise, you might be wondering whether a drinks package is worth it. With four different collections available, varying price limits and a wide range of included drinks, it can be difficult to know which option, if any, is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Cunard’s drinks packages. From what’s included and how much they cost to how they work onboard and whether they offer good value, we’ll help you decide which package best suits the way you like to holiday. 

Cunard offers four drinks packages as part of its A World of Drinks programme. Whether you’re looking for a range of soft drinks, speciality coffees or premium cocktails, there’s a package for you. 

There are four main Cunard drinks packages to choose from, each offering something slightly different: 

• The Alcohol-Free Collection is ideal for guests who don’t drink alcohol but would like soft drinks, selected juices and hot drinks throughout their voyage. It’s a great option if you simply want to stay refreshed without paying for drinks individually. 
• The Premium Alcohol-Free Collection includes everything you’d expect from the Alcohol-Free Collection, alongside a wider choice of speciality coffees, premium soft drinks, bottled water, smoothies and mocktails. It’s ideal if you enjoy a broader range of non-alcoholic drinks during your holiday. 
• The Beverage Collection introduces alcoholic drinks, covering a wide selection of beers, wines by the glass, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks up to a set value per drink. It also includes speciality coffees and offers discounts on bottled wine and Cunard’s Wine and Bar Academy experiences.
• The Premium Beverage Collection offers the widest choice, with a higher per-drink value and access to a broader range of selected premium wines and Champagnes, spirits and cocktails. If you enjoy premium brands or trying different drinks, this is the package for you. 

Whether you're happy with a morning coffee and the occasional soft drink or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail followed by a nightcap, there's a Cunard drinks package to suit the way you like to holiday.

Cunard drinks packages are priced per person, per day, with the cost varying depending on the length of your voyage. If you purchase their package before sailing, you can also benefit from a lower price than you would pay onboard. Below is a guide to Cunard’s current pre-cruise pricing:

^{Cunard drinks package prices last updated: 08/07/2026} 

We’ll break down exactly what’s included in each collection next, so you can see how they compare. 

It’s worth noting that Cunard’s drinks packages are only available on voyages of five nights or longer. Packages must be purchased for the full duration of your cruise. Prices are also subject to change, so it’s always worth checking the latest pricing before you book.

Although paying for drinks upfront can seem expensive at first, many guests like knowing that much of their spending onboard has already been taken care of. Not keeping track of every coffee, cocktail or glass of wine makes it much easier to relax. 

Each Cunard drinks package includes a different selection of drinks and benefits. The table below provides a quick comparison, followed by a closer look at what each collection includes. 

• Fountain soft drinks
• Selected fruit juices
• Speciality teas and coffees
• Drinks up to the package’s maximum price limits 

Everything in the Alcohol-Free Collection, plus:

• Premium soft drinks
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Juices and smoothies
• Mocktails 
• A wider range of speciality teas and coffees
• Drinks up to the package’s higher price limits

• Beers
• Wines by the glass
• Spirits and liqueurs
• Cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Speciality teas and coffees
• Mocktails
• A discount on bottled wine purchased in restaurants
• A discount on Cunard’s Wine Academy experiences
• Drinks up to the package’s maximum price limits

Everything in the Beverage Collection, plus:

• Premium wines by the glass
• Premium spirits and liqueurs
• A wider selection of cocktails 
• Champagne within the package price limits
• A higher maximum value per drink
• An increased discount on bottled wine purchased in restaurants 
• An increased discount on Cunard’s Wine Academy experiences 

Choosing the right Cunard drinks package really comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re happy with soft drinks and speciality coffees, one of the alcohol-free collections may be all you need. If you enjoy wine with dinner, cocktails in the evening or premium spirits, one of the beverage collections will offer better value. 

Though Cunard’s drinks packages offer a wide range of beverages, there are a few exclusions. 

The following items aren’t typically included: 

• Drinks that exceed your package’s maximum price limit (although you’ll usually only pay the difference) 
• Bottles of wine, Champagne or spirits purchased for your cabin
• Mini-bar drinks 
• Drinks purchased ashore during port visits
• Drinks from room service (where applicable) 
• Certain rare, vintage, or ultra-premium wines and spirits 
• Drinks purchased for another guest using your package 

It’s also worth remembering that each drinks package has its own inclusions and price limits. For example, the Premium Beverage Collection offers access to a wider range of premium drinks than the Beverage Collection, while the alcohol-free collections don’t include alcoholic beverages.

Understanding these exclusions before you sail can help you opt for what’s right for you. It also means you can avoid any unexpected charges once you’re onboard. Next, we’ll explain exactly how Cunard’s drinks packages work, including when you can buy them and the key rules you should know before purchasing. 

Once you’ve chosen your Cunard drinks package, there are a few things worth knowing before you step onboard. Understanding how the collections work can help you get the most from your package during your cruise.

Cunard offers a discount on your drinks package when you purchase it before your cruise through My Cunard. If you wait until you’re on board, you’ll pay the on-board price instead. So, it’s often worth booking in advance if you’ve already decided you’d like a package. 

All drinks packages must be purchased for the full duration of your cruise and can’t be bought for individual days. This makes it easier to budget for your holiday in advance, as you’ll know exactly what you’ve paid before you set sail. 

Each collection has a maximum value per drink. If you choose something that costs more than your package allows, you don’t lose the benefit of your package. You’ll simply pay the difference between your package limit and the menu price. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy premium drinks without paying full price. 

Your drinks package can be used in Cunard’s bars, lounges and restaurants. This makes it easy to enjoy your favourite drinks wherever you choose to spend your time onboard. Whether you’re relaxing in the Commodore Club or watching a show in the theatre, your package is available throughout your voyage (provided the drink falls within inclusions). 

Cunard’s drinks packages are non-transferable and are intended for the sole use of the guest who purchased them. They can’t be shared with other guests. Cunard reserves the right to withdraw a package if it’s used contrary to its terms and conditions.

If you’re wondering whether a Cunard drinks package is worth it, you’re certainly not alone. It’s one of the most common questions guests ask before they sail. The answer depends on how you plan to enjoy your time on board. 

For some guests, a drinks package offers excellent value and the reassurance that much of their onboard spending has already been taken care of. For others, paying for drinks as they go is the better option. 

A good place to start is by thinking about how many drinks you’re likely to enjoy each day.

• If you’re only planning on having the occasional coffee, a glass of wine with dinner or an evening cocktail, paying as you go may work out to be the better value
• If you’re more likely to enjoy a speciality coffee in the morning, bottled water throughout the day, a pre-dinner drink, wine with your evening meal and perhaps a cocktail later in the evening, a drinks package could quickly become more cost-effective

Of course, everyone’s holiday is different, but it’s a useful way to compare the cost of a package with what you’re likely to spend. 

Paying as you go gives you complete flexibility, allowing you to pay only for the drinks you order. 

A drinks package, on the other hand, allows you to: 

• Budget for your drinks before you travel
• Avoid keeping track of your onboard spending
• Enjoy a wider range of drinks without thinking about the individual cost 
• Relax, knowing many of your drinks have already been paid for 

For many travellers, it’s less about saving money and more about the convenience of having everything organised in advance. 

It’s also worth considering where your cruise is taking you.

• On voyages with several sea days, you’ll naturally spend more time onboard, giving you more opportunities to make the most of your drinks package
• On itineraries with frequent port calls, you may find you’re ashore for much of the day, meaning you buy fewer drinks onboard.

Thinking about how much time you’ll actually spend on the ship can help you decide whether a package is likely to offer good value. 

Cunard drinks packages are often a good fit for:

• Guests who enjoy a variety of drinks throughout the day
• Those who like to have their holiday budget planned in advance
• Anyone who regularly enjoys speciality coffees, premium soft drinks, wine, cocktails or spirits onboard 

They may be less suited to:

• Guests who only have the occasional drink
• Those who expect to spend most of their time exploring ashore
• Travellers who prefer to pay only for what they use

A quick way to decide: If you like the idea of starting your day with a speciality coffee, enjoying a glass of wine with lunch, a cocktail before dinner and another drink while listening to live music in the evening, a drinks package could offer excellent value. If you’re more of an occasional drinker, paying as you go may be the better option.

Ultimately, Cunard gives you the flexibility to decide the option that best suits the way you like to travel. 

If you decide to purchase a Cunard drinks package, there are a few simple ways to get the most from it during your cruise. 

• Think beyond alcoholic drinks: It’s easy to focus on wine, Champagne and cocktails, but don’t overlook everything else that’s included. Depending on your collection, speciality coffees, bottled water, soft drinks and juices can all contribute towards the overall value. 
• Sea days offer the best opportunity to make the most of your package: On days at sea, you’ll naturally spend more time onboard. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a drink with lunch, an afternoon refreshment or a glass of wine before dinner, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy what’s included. 
• Know your package’s price limit: Each drinks collection has a maximum value per drink. Taking a quick look at the drinks menu before ordering can help you avoid unexpected charges, particularly if you’re choosing premium wines, spirits or cocktails.
• Take advantage of the included extras: Some Cunard drinks packages also include discounts on bottled wine and Cunard’s Wine Academy experiences. If you’re planning to enjoy either during your voyage, these additional savings can add even more value.
• Consider your itinerary before you book: If you’re spending several consecutive days at sea, you’re likely to get more use from a drinks package than on a cruise with a busy schedule of port calls. Thinking about how much time you’ll actually spend onboard can help you decide whether a package is the right choice.

Ultimately, the best value comes from choosing the drinks package that matches your own holiday style. If you’ll naturally enjoy a range of included drinks throughout the day, many guests find a package offers both convenience and peace of mind during their Cunard voyage. 

No, Cunard’s drinks packages are only available on voyages lasting five nights or longer. If you’re sailing on a shorter voyage, drinks can be purchased individually throughout your cruise.

Yes, Cunard offers alcohol-free packages that are suitable for children and teenagers. These include a range of soft drinks, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages, making them a popular option for younger guests. 

Yes, if you’ve purchased a drinks package, you can start using it on embarkation day, so you can enjoy your included drinks from the start of your holiday. 

Yes, if your plans change before you sail, you can usually upgrade your drinks package through My Cunard. If you’re already onboard, speak to Guest Services to discuss the options available for your voyage. 

Yes, drinks served as part of Cunard’s drinks packages include the standard service charge, so you won’t be charged extra each time you order an included drink.