- Luxury line Cunard has increased its drinks prices across its fleet.
- Cunard says they are ‘enhancing’ their beverage packages.
- A number of cruise lines have increased their drink prices over the last 24 months.
Several Cunard cruisers have raised concerns after they discovered there has been an increase in drink prices.
A cruiser aboard Queen Victoria noticed that bar prices had increased. For example, a cocktail that used to be US$13.50 has risen to US$15. The cruiser contacted guest services about the matter to ask what was happening and received the following notice.
“We hope you are enjoying your voyage on board the elegant Queen Victoria. Please note that I checked with the managers, and they confirmed that the bar menu has changed and that the prices have increased. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused. Please accept our apologies for any disappointment caused, and do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further clarification or assistance.”
As often happens with price rises, many cruisers didn’t take too kindly to finding out that their drinks would now be costing extra. One cruiser said, “It’s like saying your $75 steak is now $80 before you pay the check.”
In general, there’s always a snap reaction to price increases, and vocal cruisers are never too happy about it, but will always accept the price increase.
However, over recent years, cruisers have been complaining of lines ‘nickel and diming’ more than ever.
Cunard though, is a cruise line that certainly takes care of its guests and includes more in the fare than many other brands. But inevitably, cruisers will be upset by the spike in drink prices.
The line said in a statement: “We regularly review our onboard drinks offering to ensure guests continue to enjoy a great range of choice and value throughout their voyage. As part of this, we are enhancing and simplifying the range of beverages available across our bars to provide guests with more choice and a more consistent experience throughout the ship.
“This includes 32 wines and Champagnes available by the glass across all bars, more than 90 signature cocktails, our wine programme featuring more than 150 wines from around the world, and a range of drinks packages. As part of this review, we have also made some changes to bar menus and prices across the fleet.”
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