Ah, the Queen Anne! She’s a vision, isn’t she? We’ve been fortunate enough to spend some quality time aboard this magnificent new addition to the Cunard fleet, and frankly, we’re still buzzing from the experience. As seasoned cruisers and travel writers for this very blog, we’ve seen our fair share of galleys, grand ballrooms, and, of course, bars. And today, we’re diving deep into a question that’s on many of your minds, especially if you’re planning a Cunard Queen Anne cruise and eyeing that drink package: Is it worth it? We’re going to give you our honest, no-holds-barred review, drawing from our own experiences to help you make the best decision for your next cruise vacation.
The Allure of the All-Inclusive Sip
Let’s face it, one of the greatest joys of a cruise vacation is the ability to relax and indulge without constantly checking your onboard account. And for many, that indulgence often includes a perfectly crafted cocktail, a crisp glass of wine, or a refreshing beer. When you see that enticing drink package option during your cruise booking, it’s easy to be swayed by the promise of carefree sipping. The Cunard Queen Anne, with its elegant ambiance and sophisticated lounges, certainly sets the stage for a memorable drinking experience. But before you click ‘add to cart,’ let’s unpack what this package truly entails and whether it aligns with your cruising style.
What Exactly Is the Cunard Drink Package?
When we talk about drink packages on a cruise ship, it’s crucial to understand that they’re not all created equal. Cunard, like many cruise lines, offers various options, and the specifics can change. For our review, we’re focusing on the popular premium beverage package that typically covers a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Core Inclusions
Generally, these packages are designed to offer a certain level of value and convenience. We found that the Queen Anne’s premium package typically includes a generous selection of wines by the glass (often up to a certain price point), a variety of beers, and a comprehensive list of spirits and liqueurs. Crucially, it also covers many popular cocktails, both classic and contemporary. For us, as people who enjoy trying different drinks throughout the day and evening, this was a significant draw. It means not having to second-guess every order or feel the sting of individual prices adding up.
Non-Alcoholic Delights
It’s not just about the adult beverages, though. A good drink package often includes premium non-alcoholic options, which is fantastic if you’re traveling with family or simply prefer to sip on something refreshing without alcohol. Think specialty coffees, fresh juices, and even gourmet sodas. On the Queen Anne, we noticed a commendable inclusion of these, which added to the overall perceived value for our entire party.
What’s Typically Not Included
This is where we need to be upfront. No drink package is entirely ‘all-inclusive’ in the truest sense. While the Queen Anne’s premium package is comprehensive, there are usually limitations. We found that ultra-premium spirits, certain vintage wines, and specialty bottled water might fall outside the package’s purview. This is important to note, especially if you have very specific preferences or are accustomed to drinking top-shelf brands. It doesn’t diminish the package’s value for most, but it’s a detail worth confirming before you commit.
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Our Queen Anne Experience: Sipping Through the Ship
Having sailed on the Queen Anne, we can attest to the sheer variety of drinking establishments available. From intimate bars to lively lounges, there’s a perfect spot for every mood and every drink. Our personal journey with the drink package on this cruise ship was a delightful exploration of these venues.
The Britannia Restaurant and Beyond: Dining Delights
For us, a significant portion of our onboard dining happened in the Britannia Restaurant. Having the drink package meant we could easily order a glass of wine to complement our meal without a second thought. This was particularly convenient during formal nights or when we wanted to fully immerse ourselves in the dining experience. The servers were well-versed in the package, and the process was seamless. It’s a small thing, but not having to ask “what’s included?” every time simplifies the dining experience immensely.
Wine Pairings Made Easy
As wine enthusiasts, we appreciated the ability to explore different varietals without a financial commitment to each bottle. The package often allowed for wines that would normally be priced around $10-$15 per glass, which, over the course of a week-long cruise, can certainly add up. We found ourselves more adventurous, trying regional wines or even ordering a second glass of something we particularly enjoyed.
Churchill’s Lounge: Sophistication in Every Sip
Churchill’s Lounge, with its refined atmosphere, was a natural place to utilize our drink package. We enjoyed evenings here, savoring expertly mixed cocktails and premium spirits. The bartenders were skilled, and the ability to order a high-quality spirit or a classic cocktail from the package was a definite perk. It’s these moments of pure indulgence that often make a cruise vacation truly special.
Craft Cocktails and Classic Comforts
The Queen Anne boasts a diverse cocktail menu, and we found that a good majority of these were covered. This allowed us to try new concoctions and revisit old favorites without the usual cost anxiety. For those who enjoy a well-made drink, this is where the package truly shines.
The Golden Lion: A Lively Atmosphere
The Golden Lion offered a more relaxed and convivial atmosphere, and our drink package extended seamlessly into this setting. Whether we were enjoying a pint of local ale or a pre-dinner drink, the convenience was undeniable. It’s in these casual settings that the package’s value really becomes apparent – you can simply order what you want, when you want it, without a second thought.
Beer Selection and More
For beer drinkers, the package typically includes a good selection of lagers, ales, and even some craft options. This was a welcome addition for those in our travel party who preferred beer over wine or spirits.
Calculating the Cost: Is the Math Truly on Your Side?
This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty. The decision of whether to purchase a drink package often boils down to a simple calculation. We’re going to walk you through how we approach this, helping you to assess your own drinking habits and potential savings.
Estimating Your Daily Consumption
The most crucial step is to be honest about how much you and your travel companions will realistically drink. We recommend thinking about a typical day on your cruise:
- Morning: Will you be indulging in specialty coffees or fresh juices covered by the package?
- Afternoon: Are you likely to have a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with lunch, or a refreshing soda?
- Evening: How many drinks do you anticipate having before dinner, with dinner, and after dinner? This could include aperitifs, wine with your meal, digestifs, or evening cocktails.
We find it helpful to jot down an estimated number of drinks per person per day. For instance, if you anticipate having two alcoholic drinks and one specialty coffee each day, that’s three paid items that would be covered.
The Price Tag vs. Individual Purchases
Once you have an estimate of your daily consumption, you can compare the cost of the drink package to the potential cost of purchasing those drinks individually.
The Break-Even Point
Cruise lines often provide the price of the drink package upfront. You’ll also need to find out the average cost of drinks onboard. A quick search on Cunard’s website or by asking fellow cruisers can give you a good idea. For example, if the drink package costs $70 per person per day, and you estimate you’ll consume drinks that would individually cost $90 per day, then the package is likely a good investment. Conversely, if your estimated daily spend on drinks is closer to $50, then the package might not be cost-effective for you.
Hidden Costs and Gratuities
Remember that most drink packages on cruise ships do not include gratuities. These are typically added automatically, either to the package price or to individual drink purchases. It’s essential to factor this in when doing your calculations. Also, some packages might have a daily limit or a cap on the price of individual drinks, so double-check these details.
The Value of Peace of Mind
Beyond the purely financial aspect, there’s the undeniable value of peace of mind. For us, having the drink package on our Queen Anne cruise meant we could fully relax and enjoy ourselves without constantly monitoring our onboard spending. It’s the freedom to say “yes” to that extra cocktail or “why not” to a glass of champagne without a moment’s hesitation. This intangible benefit can significantly enhance your overall cruise vacation experience, especially if you tend to worry about budget.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Queen Anne Drink Package?
As with any cruise booking decision, the drink package isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We’ve seen many different types of cruisers benefit from it, and others who would have been better off paying as they go.
The Enthusiastic Drinker: Our Tribe!
If you’re someone who enjoys a few alcoholic beverages throughout the day, whether it’s a G&T by the pool, a glass of wine with lunch, a pre-dinner cocktail, and a nightcap, then the drink package is likely an excellent investment for you. We definitely fall into this category! On our Queen Anne cruise, we found ourselves utilizing the package extensively, from morning coffees to late-night digestifs. For us, it was a no-brainer.
Frequent Flyers of the Bar
If your itinerary involves spending a significant amount of time in the ship’s bars and lounges, or if you simply enjoy sampling a variety of drinks, the package will almost certainly save you money.
The Budget-Conscious Cruiser: Proceed with Caution
If your primary goal is to keep your cruise vacation costs as low as possible, and you’re a light drinker or prefer to stick to water and basic sodas, then the drink package might not be the best choice. In this scenario, we would advise paying for drinks as you go, perhaps setting a specific daily budget for beverages.
Occasional Sippers
If you only plan to have one or two alcoholic drinks per day, or only on special occasions, then buying drinks individually will likely be more economical.
The Family with Mixed Preferences
This can be a tricky one. If you have adults in your party with very different drinking habits, it can be challenging. While some packages allow for sharing, many do not. In such cases, it might be more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks or for only the heaviest drinkers in your group to opt for the package. It’s worth checking Cunard’s specific policy on this.
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Alternatives to the Premium Drink Package
While we’re focusing on the premium package, it’s good to know that Cunard might offer other beverage options, and there are always alternatives to consider for your cruise vacation.
Individual Drink Purchases: The Pay-As-You-Go Approach
The most straightforward alternative is simply to pay for each drink as you consume it. This offers maximum flexibility and is ideal for light drinkers or those who only want to indulge occasionally. You can keep a running tally on your onboard account or simply ask your server for the price before ordering.
Setting a Daily Budget
If you choose this route, we highly recommend setting a daily budget for drinks. This will help you stay on track financially and prevent any unwelcome surprises at the end of your cruise.
Specialty Coffee and Non-Alcoholic Packages
For those who are primarily interested in specialty coffees, teas, or premium non-alcoholic beverages, Cunard might offer separate packages for these. These can be a great way to save money if your indulgence lies in caffeinated or refreshing non-alcoholic options, without committing to an alcohol package.
Bringing Your Own Drinks Onboard
Cruise lines often have specific policies regarding bringing alcohol onboard. Cunard typically allows a limited number of wine or spirit bottles per stateroom at the beginning of the cruise. While this won’t cover all your drinking needs for an entire cruise vacation, it can be a nice way to enjoy a familiar drink in your stateroom before heading out for the evening or with your cabin steward. Always check Cunard’s most current policy on this before your cruise booking.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Cunard Queen Anne Drink Package Worth It?
After our extensive experience on the Queen Anne, and considering the various factors involved in a cruise vacation, we can confidently say that for us, the Cunard Queen Anne drink package was absolutely worth it. The convenience, the variety of drinks available, and the ability to fully relax and indulge without constantly worrying about cost made our cruise vacation even more enjoyable.
The Convenience Factor is Key
For frequent cruisers and those who appreciate a worry-free experience, the convenience of the drink package cannot be overstated. It allows you to seamlessly enjoy the many bars and lounges on the Queen Anne without the constant mental arithmetic of individual drink prices. This is especially true when you’re enjoying a shore excursion and return to the ship, ready for a refreshing drink without any hesitation.
Simplifying Your Onboard Experience
From morning cappuccinos to evening digestifs, the package simplifies every beverage interaction. This is a crucial element for us when we want to truly unwind and immerse ourselves in our cruise vacation.
The Value Proposition for Moderate to Heavy Drinkers
If you fall into the category of a moderate to heavy drinker, the math will almost certainly work in your favor. The savings can be significant, and it allows you to explore the diverse beverage offerings on the Queen Anne without breaking the bank. We found the quality and variety of included drinks to be excellent, providing great value for money.
Maximizing Your Cruise Budget
When planning your cruise booking, considering the drink package as part of your overall budget can actually lead to savings if your drinking habits align with the package’s inclusions.
A Recommendation, with Caveats
Our honest recommendation is this: if you enjoy a variety of alcoholic and specialty non-alcoholic drinks throughout your cruise vacation, and if the math works out based on your estimated consumption, then yes, the Cunard Queen Anne drink package is a fantastic way to enhance your experience. It transforms your cruise ship into a more all-inclusive playground for the senses. However, if you are a light drinker, or your budget is extremely tight, then paying as you go might be the more sensible option.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preferences and drinking habits. We hope our insights from our time on the Queen Anne provide you with the clarity you need to make the best choice for your upcoming cruise vacation. Whichever path you choose, we’re sure you’ll have an incredible time aboard this magnificent vessel. Happy sipping, and happy cruising!