Cunard Drinks & Dining 2026
April 2026
Cunard drinks packages, afternoon tea & entertainment 2026
A day at sea on a Cunard ship has a rhythm to it. Morning coffee in the Carinthia Lounge, afternoon tea in the Queen's Room and a cocktail before dinner. Then a show in the evening, or perhaps a lecture from someone who's actually been there. It sounds simple, which it is, in the best possible way. Before you board though, it's worth knowing how drinks work on Cunard, what the packages cover, and what the entertainment programme actually looks like. This guide covers all of it.What's included in a Cunard Cruise?
Cunard is not an all-inclusive line. The fare covers accommodation, all meals in the main dining venues, and entertainment. Drinks are not included as standard. So your morning coffee, your wine at dinner, and your cocktail at the Commodore Club all sit outside the fare unless you add a package. It's worth factoring this in when you compare Cunard cruise deals against lines where drinks are bundled in. There is one exception. Guests in Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites receive a complimentary minibar stocked with wines, spirits, and soft drinks, replenished throughout the voyage.
Cunard drinks packages
The main option is the Cunard Signature Package, which covers beverages and Wi-Fi together. It’s the most popular add-on by some distance.
Specifically, the package covers house wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, and hot beverages across the ship’s bars and restaurants. Premium and vintage wines sit outside this and are charged separately.
Cunard periodically discounts the Signature Package as part of promotions. In fact, savings of up to 30% have been available on selected sailings. The current Cunard deals page is the best place to check what’s on offer at the time of booking.
The Cunard drinks menu
The Cunard drinks menu varies by venue. However, overall it covers everything you’d expect from a well-run ship.
The Chart Room serves cocktails alongside wines, spirits, and beers. It’s one of the most atmospheric bars on the fleet. The Commodore Club is the place for a pre-dinner Martini or a nightcap with a view. For something more relaxed, the Golden Lion pub serves draught beers and ales throughout the day.
The wine list covers Old and New World bottles at various price points. The Signature Package covers house selections. Guests who want to explore further up the list simply pay the difference.
Non-alcoholic options are just as strong, with fresh juices, premium soft drinks, and a serious coffee programme running across all four ships.
Cunard afternoon tea
Cunard afternoon tea is one of those rituals that regulars plan their sea days around. It runs daily in the Queen’s Room, and for many guests it’s the most distinct Cunard experience on board.
Think white-gloved service, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tea menu that runs to dozens of varieties. All of it is delivered to the sound of a string quartet.
Afternoon tea is included in the fare for all guests. It runs at a set time each afternoon, usually around 3.30pm. The Queen’s Room fills quickly on sea days, so arriving a little early is worth it.
For guests in Grill accommodation, White Star Service afternoon tea is also available in the Grills Lounge, served at your table by your personal butler.
Cunard entertainment
Cunard entertainment runs deeper than most people expect before their first sailing.
The Royal Court theatre
Each ship’s main showroom hosts West End-style productions, classical concerts, comedy performances, and headline acts. All productions are included in the fare.
Cunard Insights
The Insights programme brings guest speakers on board for every voyage. Topics cover exploration, history, science, current affairs, and the arts. For many guests, it’s one of the strongest reasons to choose Cunard over other lines.
Dancing and live music
The Queen’s Room hosts ballroom dancing most evenings, with a resident dance band. It’s one of the last places at sea where ballroom dancing still happens properly. Meanwhile, live music runs across the bars and lounges from late morning through to the early hours.
Everything else
All four Queens carry a casino, an onboard cinema, and a well-stocked library. The spa and fitness facilities are there for guests who want to stay active between ports. On Queen Victoria specifically, the library holds around 6,000 volumes.
If you’re new to Cunard, our complete first-timer’s guide to luxury cruising gives a broader picture of what to expect. And if packing is on your mind, our Cunard dress code guide covers Gala Evenings and Smart Attire nights in full.
Ready to book? Browse the latest Cunard cruise deals for 2026 and beyond, or get in touch and our Voyage Consultants will find the right sailing for you.
Last updated: April 2026
