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Cunard drink prices 2026: packages, bands and tips
Planning a 2026 Cunard sailing? Here’s how the line prices drinks options by voyage length, what each package includes, the rules that matter and practical tips to choose between a package and paying as you go.
If you’re searching for “cunard drink prices 2026”, the key point is that Cunard shows drinks options in US dollars, per person per night, and the figure you’ll see depends on your voyage length. There isn’t a single one-size-fits-all daily price. Below we set out the exact duration bands currently displayed on Cunard’s UK site, what each option covers, and the rules you should check before you buy. We also explain how to decide whether to pre-book a package or simply pay for drinks individually, with UK-focused money-saving ideas and links to our wider guides, including Are cruise drink packages worth it?.
How Cunard prices its drinks options in 2026
Cunard publishes drinks options under “A World of Drinks” in US dollars, per person per night. The page shows a 10% pre-cruise saving, with onboard prices in brackets. Crucially, the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option price changes by the length of your voyage, segmented into four duration bands. The non-alcoholic options carry a single displayed price per night (with the same pre-cruise and onboard amounts shown across the bands on the current page). A Dining and Drinks Option appears for very long voyages only.
For UK travellers, that means you’ll likely compare a US$ per-night package price to a mix of bar charges that may be taxed in certain waters (for example, Spanish IVA) and settled in US$. Your bank or card provider will convert the total to sterling at its rate. If you want a framework to evaluate value, head to our hub, [Are cruise drink packages worth it?], then come back to apply it with the Cunard-specific bands below.
<table><thead><tr><th>Option (headline inclusion)</th><th>Under 5 nights</th><th>5–14 nights</th><th>15–74 nights</th><th>75+ nights</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Beers, Wines & Spirits Option (drinks up to US$13.50 per serving)</td><td>US$85.50 pre-cruise / US$95 onboard</td><td>US$72 / US$80</td><td>US$67.50 / US$75</td><td>US$49.50 / US$55</td></tr><tr><td>Premium Non‑Alcoholic Option</td><td>US$40.50 / US$45</td><td>US$40.50 / US$45</td><td>US$40.50 / US$45</td><td>US$40.50 / US$45</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality Hot Drinks Option</td><td>US$15.75 / US$17.50</td><td>US$15.75 / US$17.50</td><td>US$15.75 / US$17.50</td><td>US$15.75 / US$17.50</td></tr><tr><td>Soft Drinks Option</td><td>US$13.50 / US$15</td><td>US$13.50 / US$15</td><td>US$13.50 / US$15</td><td>US$13.50 / US$15</td></tr><tr><td>Dining and Drinks Option (while dining; includes beers & wines by the glass up to US$13.50, soft drinks, speciality hot drinks, non‑alcoholic cocktails; 20% off excluded drinks during the meal)</td><td>Unavailable</td><td>Unavailable</td><td>Unavailable</td><td>US$27 pre‑cruise / US$30 onboard</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Figures as currently displayed on Cunard’s UK “A World of Drinks” page on 19 October 2026. Always recheck your exact sailing on My Cunard before purchase, as prices and availability can change.</p>
What each Cunard drinks option covers in 2026
On the current UK page, the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option includes beers, wines and spirits by the glass up to US$13.50 per serving. The non‑alcoholic options are separate products: Premium Non‑Alcoholic, Speciality Hot Drinks, and Soft Drinks are not automatically included with the alcoholic option.
For very long voyages (75 nights or more), a Dining and Drinks Option appears. While dining in the venue, it includes beers and wines by the glass up to US$13.50, soft drinks, speciality hot drinks and non‑alcoholic cocktails, plus a 20% discount on drinks excluded from the option during the meal. It is marked unavailable for shorter voyages on the page we reviewed.
Cunard does not publish a complete UK à la carte bar price list in the sources we’ve used here, so to do a like‑for‑like comparison you should check the live menus for your sailing in My Cunard or in the onboard app once you embark. Avoid basing your decision on old menus from forums or other lines.
The key threshold to understand is the per‑serving cap: US$13.50 for the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option, and US$13.50 while dining for the Dining and Drinks Option. Drinks priced above the threshold are classed as excluded. The Dining and Drinks Option explicitly offers a 20% discount on excluded drinks during the meal; the page does not state that the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option provides a discount on excluded items, so treat those as outside the option unless your My Cunard confirmation says otherwise. When in doubt, ask the server before ordering or check the price in the ship’s app or menu.
Signature Packages vs drinks‑only options
Cunard also sells bundled Signature Packages. The Signature Package includes a beverage package covering drinks up to US$13.50; the Premium Signature Package includes a premium beverage package covering drinks up to US$20. The Signature Packages page states that package prices vary by voyage duration and that the displayed daily pricing example is based on a 14‑night voyage. These bundles can also include Wi‑Fi and dining credit, so avoid comparing a Signature Package headline price directly with a drinks‑only option unless you strip out the value of the non‑drink elements.
- Travellers who plan to buy ship Wi‑Fi anyway and value having everything in one bundle.
- Guests who prefer premium‑priced beverages (up to US$20) and don’t want to think about thresholds on each round.
- Couples in the same stateroom who both want packages: the bundle terms say packages must be purchased for all guests sharing a stateroom, which aligns with Cunard’s drinks‑option rules.
- Anyone sailing 10–14 nights where the Signature Packages page bases its example price; you still need to check your exact voyage.
Rules and restrictions to know before you buy
Cunard’s drinks terms and conditions page contains useful caveats that you should treat as guardrails and then verify in the live My Cunard checkout for your own sailing:
- Each adult in the same stateroom must purchase the same drinks option; sharing is not permitted.
- Packages are for guests aged 18 or over at embarkation (21 in US waters); the Signature Packages page also notes special treatment for guests aged 17 and under and for children travelling as guests three or four in a stateroom.
- Options are sold per person per night and generally apply to sailing days other than disembarkation; they are not usually sold pro rata for selected days.
- Packages may be limited to one drink at a time with a waiting interval; responsible service and refusal of service rules apply.
- Local tax can apply in certain waters; availability of brands and flavours may vary by ship or venue.
- Refund and cancellation terms can differ between pre‑cruise purchases and onboard purchases; bundled Signature Packages follow the cruise fare’s payment and cancellation terms.
Note: parts of the terms page use older programme wording and include figures that differ from the current “A World of Drinks” page. Treat your live My Cunard booking flow, confirmation and bar receipts as definitive for your voyage.
Will a Cunard drinks package be worth it for you?
There isn’t a universal answer. Value depends on your itinerary length, how often you’ll visit bars, what you typically drink and whether everyone in your stateroom wants the same option. A package offers predictability and convenience; paying à la carte gives flexibility if your consumption varies. Use our cross‑line method in [Are cruise drink packages worth it?], then apply the Cunard‑specific numbers here. If you want a step‑by‑step approach to a personal break‑even, see our Cruise drink package calculator guide.
- Log in to My Cunard for your 2026 booking and note the per‑night package price shown for your duration band and option.
- Check any available digital menus and your account for your sailing; if you can’t see a full list pre‑cruise, sample prices in the onboard app on day one before committing.
- Sketch a realistic day: morning coffee, lunchtime soft drink, pre‑dinner cocktail, wine with dinner, and a nightcap—whatever matches your usual habits.
- Multiply by likely bar days. Port‑heavy itineraries may mean fewer bar visits; sea‑day‑heavy sailings might mean more.
- Remember local taxes (e.g., Spanish IVA in Spanish waters) can be added to bar charges.
- Add in everyone in your stateroom who must purchase the same option if one adult does.
- Compare the total with the package cost for the full voyage. If you’re borderline, the convenience factor becomes your tiebreaker. Keep evidence (screenshots) of inclusions and thresholds when you buy.
Traveller‑type recommendations (editorial)
Every traveller is different, but these patterns can help frame a decision. These are editorial assessments, not guarantees of savings:
- Light or occasional drinkers: paying à la carte often makes more sense. Consider the Speciality Hot Drinks or Soft Drinks options only if you’ll use them daily.
- Coffee lovers, little alcohol: the Speciality Hot Drinks Option is the focused pick; Premium Non‑Alcoholic suits those who also want mocktails and soft drinks.
- Wine‑with‑dinner traditionalists: on 75‑night‑plus voyages, the Dining and Drinks Option is tailored to this habit; on shorter voyages, compare à la carte wine by the glass or a wine collection with your expected usage.
- Bar‑to‑bar social evenings: the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option simplifies round‑buying as long as your choices fit under US$13.50 a serving.
- Mixed‑preference couples: because all adults in a stateroom must choose the same option, either settle on the lowest‑common‑denominator product or go à la carte.
- Tech and premium‑drink fans: consider a Signature Package if you also want Wi‑Fi and like higher‑priced beverages (Premium up to US$20).
<table><thead><tr><th>Traveller type</th><th>Editorial recommendation</th><th>Why it may fit</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Light drinker</td><td>Pay à la carte</td><td>Flexible, no commitment; packages require consistent daily use to feel worthwhile.</td></tr><tr><td>Coffee‑first, alcohol‑light</td><td>Speciality Hot Drinks Option</td><td>Focuses spend on the items you’ll actually use each day.</td></tr><tr><td>Soft drinks and mocktails</td><td>Premium Non‑Alcoholic Option</td><td>Covers sodas, speciality non‑alcoholic choices and mocktails without paying for alcohol you won’t drink.</td></tr><tr><td>Wine with dinner (very long voyages)</td><td>Dining and Drinks Option (75+ nights only)</td><td>Includes beers/wines by the glass up to US$13.50 while dining, plus soft drinks and speciality hot drinks.</td></tr><tr><td>Evening bar‑hoppers</td><td>Beers, Wines & Spirits Option</td><td>Convenience if your preferred drinks typically price at or under US$13.50.</td></tr><tr><td>Premium sippers + Wi‑Fi</td><td>Premium Signature Package</td><td>Bundled benefits and a higher per‑drink threshold (up to US$20) if you’d buy Wi‑Fi anyway.</td></tr><tr><td>Mixed‑preference couple</td><td>Often à la carte</td><td>Cunard requires all adults in the same stateroom to buy the same option; à la carte avoids overbuying.</td></tr></tbody></table>
How duration bands change the price you pay
Cunard groups voyages into four duration bands and varies the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option accordingly: under five nights, 5–14 nights, 15–74 nights, and 75 nights or more. The non‑alcoholic options currently display the same nightly price across bands, and a Dining and Drinks Option appears only for 75‑night‑plus voyages. A seven‑night British Isles cruise falls into the 5–14 band; a two‑week transatlantic and back also sits in 5–14; a 30‑night sector of a world cruise is in 15–74.
That banding means two friends on different sailings may see different per‑night prices for the same alcoholic option. Use your own booking’s My Cunard pricing rather than a friend’s screenshot from another voyage.
Short breaks under five nights
For under‑five‑night voyages, Cunard displays the highest per‑night figure for the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option (US$85.50 pre‑cruise / US$95 onboard). If you’re on a quick sampler sailing with lots of time ashore, paying à la carte can often be more flexible—especially if your bar time will be limited to one or two evenings.
5–14 nights: the classic one‑week to two‑week holiday
Most UK holidaymakers will sit in this band. The Beers, Wines and Spirits Option is shown at US$72 pre‑cruise / US$80 onboard per night. If you naturally enjoy a pre‑dinner drink plus wine with dinner and perhaps a nightcap, the convenience may appeal; but because all adults in the stateroom need to buy in together, run the numbers for both of you before ticking the box.
15–74 nights: extended voyages and world‑cruise sectors
Here the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option drops again to US$67.50 pre‑cruise / US$75 onboard per night. Long, sea‑day‑rich itineraries can make a package feel more convenient. Still, don’t assume it will be cheaper—your choice of venues, preferred drinks and days ashore will drive value. If you’re sailing Queen Anne and want to understand the ship’s vibe before you choose, our Cunard Queen Anne review 2026 offers context (not prices).
75 nights or more: Dining and Drinks Option appears
Ultra‑long itineraries unlock the Dining and Drinks Option (US$27 pre‑cruise / US$30 onboard), limited to dining venues and including beers and wines by the glass up to US$13.50, soft drinks, speciality hot drinks and non‑alcoholic cocktails during the meal, plus 20% off excluded drinks at the table. It’s built for guests who mainly drink with dinner. If you also enjoy frequent bar visits outside mealtimes, compare this to the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option.
Non‑alcoholic strategies on Cunard
If you don’t drink alcohol—or you simply don’t drink it often—there’s no need to buy the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option. Cunard sells separate non‑alcoholic choices:
- Premium Non‑Alcoholic Option (US$40.50 pre‑cruise / US$45 onboard per night) for a broader range, including mocktails.
- Speciality Hot Drinks Option (US$15.75 / US$17.50) for coffee lovers.
- Soft Drinks Option (US$13.50 / US$15) for sodas and similar.
These are independent products, not automatically bundled into the alcoholic option, so tailor your pick to what you’ll actually consume. If your habits change by day, paying per drink can still be the most economical route.
Wine with dinner: drinks options vs Wine Collections
Cunard also promotes Wine Collections, which can be booked before sailing or onboard and are available in dining rooms and via room service. The page notes that other drinks options start from US$18 per person per day, but that’s not a substitute for the detailed price bands on the main drinks page. If you’re primarily a wine‑with‑dinner guest, compare (a) the Dining and Drinks Option if you’re on a 75‑night‑plus voyage, (b) a Wine Collection, or (c) paying by the glass. Bringing your own bottle to the restaurant or bar attracts a stated corkage fee of US$25 per 750ml bottle (subject to change), and Cunard’s Useful Information page says you may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person for a special occasion. For wider context on carriage rules across lines, see [Can you bring your own alcohol on a cruise?].
Taxes, service charges and the UK context
Cunard’s Useful Information page states that Spanish IVA at 10% is payable on bar charges while a ship is in Spanish territorial waters, and that displayed menu prices are exclusive of this tax where it applies. That matters if you’re comparing a drinks package to paying as you go on a Mediterranean itinerary with Spanish ports.
Separately, Cunard lists a hotel service charge of US$18 per person per day for Britannia/Britannia Club and US$19 for Queens/Princess Grill suites on its Service Charges page. This is a general onboard service charge, not a stated beverage‑package gratuity figure, and you shouldn’t add it to drinks option prices unless Cunard’s checkout for your voyage explicitly connects a bar service charge to your package. For a broader explanation of service charges and tips on UK sailings, see Cruise gratuities explained.
Finally, because Cunard bills drinks in US$, your sterling cost depends on your card’s exchange rate and any foreign‑transaction fees. Check your card’s terms so you’re not surprised by the final amount in pounds.
How to check and book on My Cunard (2026)
- Log in to My Cunard with your booking details. Navigate to Dining & drinks or the A World of Drinks section for your voyage.
- Confirm the per person per night price shown for your exact duration band. Note the 10% pre‑cruise saving and the onboard equivalent.
- Read the inclusions carefully: the per‑drink threshold, venues, and any explicit discounts (e.g., the Dining and Drinks Option’s 20% dining‑time discount on excluded drinks).
- Review terms covering who must buy (all adults in the same stateroom), age limits (18+, or 21 in US waters for alcohol), cancellation/refund rules and any mention of service charges or taxes for your sailing.
- Screenshot the page before you pay, so you have a record of the inclusions and the per‑night price that applied when you booked.
- If you’re comparing to à la carte, check any available menus or sample prices within My Cunard or the ship’s app on embarkation day and decide before the bars get busy.
Sources and verification (official Cunard links)
Always recheck your exact sailing on My Cunard before you buy. The prices and inclusions above are based on Cunard UK pages viewed on 19 October 2026 and can change.
- A World of Drinks — drinks packages: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
- Cunard Signature Packages: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-deals/cunard-cruise-packages
- Drinks packages terms and conditions: https://my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/articles/drinks-terms-and-conditions
- Useful Information — alcohol policy and VAT: https://my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/articles/useful-information
- Service charges and fees: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/service-charges
- What’s included on your Cunard voyage: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/whats-included
- Wine collections: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/wine-collections
the Cunard fare-inclusions guide provide the next decision detail for this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cunard drink prices shown in pounds or dollars in 2026?
Cunard lists drinks options in US dollars per person per night on its UK “A World of Drinks” page. Your final sterling cost depends on your card’s exchange rate and any fees. If you want to estimate in pounds, use your bank’s indicative rate, but rely on the US$ price shown on My Cunard at the point of purchase.
Do gratuities or taxes get added to Cunard drink packages?
Cunard’s Service Charges page lists a hotel service charge (US$18/US$19 per person per day) that is separate from drinks options. The drinks terms page has historically referenced a service‑charge line in relation to drinks, but wording and figures there differ from the current drinks page. Treat your My Cunard checkout summary as definitive for your sailing. Spanish IVA at 10% applies to bar charges while in Spanish territorial waters and menu prices are shown exclusive of that tax where it applies.
Do all adults in the same stateroom have to buy the same Cunard drinks option?
Yes—Cunard’s terms state that each adult in the same stateroom must purchase the same drinks option and that sharing is not permitted. Verify the requirement during checkout on My Cunard for your specific 2026 sailing before you pay.
Can I buy a drinks package for only some days of my voyage?
Cunard sells drinks options per person per night for the voyage and generally does not offer them pro rata for selected days. The terms indicate they apply on sailing days other than disembarkation. Always confirm the exact application in your My Cunard checkout.
Are speciality coffees included if I buy the alcoholic package?
Not automatically. Cunard lists non‑alcoholic options—Premium Non‑Alcoholic, Speciality Hot Drinks and Soft Drinks—as separate products. Unless your My Cunard confirmation explicitly states otherwise, treat speciality coffees as covered only by the relevant non‑alcoholic option or as à la carte purchases.
What happens if I order a drink priced above the US$13.50 threshold?
Items priced above the threshold are excluded from the option. The Dining and Drinks Option specifies a 20% discount on excluded drinks while dining. The Beers, Wines and Spirits Option does not state a discount for excluded items, so assume they’re outside the option unless your booking confirmation says otherwise. If you’re unsure, check the menu price or ask before ordering.
Are minibar and room service drinks included in Cunard’s packages?
Cunard’s public UK pages we’ve used here don’t set out a universal venue‑coverage list for each option. To avoid surprises, check your My Cunard inclusions and, once onboard, confirm coverage in the app or with Guest Services for minibar and room service.
Can under‑18s buy a drinks option on Cunard?
Cunard’s Signature Packages page says packages are available to guests aged 18 or over at embarkation and notes special treatment for guests aged 17 and under and for children travelling as guests three or four in a stateroom. Under‑18s may not purchase or consume alcohol onboard, and US legal drinking age of 21 applies in US waters. Check the booking flow for how non‑alcoholic provisions are handled on your sailing.
Can I bring my own wine on board a Cunard ship in 2026?
Cunard’s Useful Information page states you may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person for a special occasion. If consumed in a restaurant or bar, a US$25 corkage fee per bottle applies (subject to change). For broader context, see Can you bring your own alcohol on a cruise?.
Is the Dining and Drinks Option available on all Cunard voyages?
No. The Dining and Drinks Option is shown on the drinks page as available only for voyages of 75 nights or more and marked unavailable for shorter bands. Always confirm availability for your specific sailing in My Cunard before you plan around it.
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