Cunard

Cunard is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest leisure travel company. As part of this esteemed family, Cunard continues to uphold its legacy of luxury, sophistication, and exceptional service at sea. Operating under the umbrella of Carnival UK, Cunard's headquarters are located in Southampton, UK, where the brand's rich maritime heritage and commitment to excellence are celebrated. This ownership ensures Cunard's enduring presence in the cruise industry, offering guests unparalleled experiences aboard its iconic ships.

For many guests, a Cunard drinks package is well worth considering – especially if you enjoy a daily tipple without worrying about the bar bill. With packages like the Beers, Wines & Spirits option (from around £51 per person, per day) and soft drinks packages (from about £10 per day), there's something to suit most preferences and budgets.

Regular Cunard travellers often tell us how much they enjoy the ease of knowing their drinks are already taken care of. It adds a relaxed, almost all-inclusive feel to the voyage. If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, a glass of wine with your meal, or a nightcap in the Commodore Club, the drinks can add up quickly – so the package offers real value and convenience.

Of course, if you're more of an occasional drinker, you might find it better to pay as you go. But for many of our customers, the drinks package is a trusted favourite that enhances their cruise, making it even more enjoyable from the very first toast.

Cunard's daily gratuities – known as the Hotel & Dining Service Charge – are automatically added to your onboard account to reward the exceptional crew who make your holiday so special. As of now, the charge is US $14.50 per person, per day for guests in Britannia staterooms, and US $16.50 per person, per day for those staying in Queens Grill or Princess Grill suites.

These charges go directly to the hardworking staff who look after you throughout your voyage – from your stateroom steward to your restaurant team – and many regular Cunard guests are happy to support this fair and transparent approach. It’s one of the reasons why service on a Cunard cruise is consistently praised and feels so warm and personal.

If you’d prefer not to pay these gratuities, you can visit the Purser’s Desk during your cruise and request to adjust or remove them. However, most of our Southampton Cruise Centre customers tell us they’re more than happy to leave them in place – the service genuinely lives up to Cunard’s legendary reputation.

Whether you choose to keep them or opt out, the choice is entirely yours – and Cunard will always ensure you feel valued and looked after every step of the way.

For many of our customers, booking a Princess Grill with Cunard is absolutely worth it – especially if you're looking for an elevated cruise experience with more space, personalised service, and refined dining.

Princess Grill guests enjoy priority embarkation, access to the exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant, and a spacious suite with a private balcony – perfect for relaxing sea days and breakfast alfresco. You’ll also have your own dedicated Grills Concierge, priority for shore excursions and speciality dining, and a more tailored, intimate feel throughout your journey.

What really stands out, according to many Southampton Cruise Centre regulars, is the atmosphere – elegant but relaxed, with attentive service that never feels over the top. If you're celebrating something special, enjoy the finer things in life, or simply want a quieter, more luxurious onboard experience, Princess Grill offers exceptional value for the extra cost.

Of course, not everyone needs the extra perks to enjoy Cunard – Britannia class still delivers an outstanding cruise. But if you're someone who values more space, exclusivity, and an extra level of comfort, Princess Grill is a trusted favourite that consistently delights.

Still not sure if it’s right for you? Give us a call – many of our team have cruised in Princess Grill themselves and can give you first-hand advice.

Yes – Cunard does allow you to bring a limited amount of your own drinks on board, which is a nice perk for those who enjoy a favourite tipple. As it stands, each adult guest (aged 18 and over) may bring up to one bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml) to enjoy during their voyage. This can be enjoyed in your stateroom at no extra charge, or in a bar or restaurant with a corkage fee (currently US $25 per bottle).

Bringing your own spirits, beer, or other alcoholic drinks is not permitted, and any additional alcohol purchased ashore will be held by the crew and returned to you at the end of the cruise.

Many of our customers say they appreciate this generous wine allowance, especially for a sail-away toast on their balcony or a special celebration. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to Cunard’s relaxed yet refined approach to luxury cruising.

If you’re unsure about what you can bring or want help planning extras for a special occasion on board, our team are always happy to advise – we’ve cruised with Cunard ourselves and can offer first-hand, trusted tips to help make your voyage extra special.

Cunard’s White Star Service is more than just a standard of hospitality – it’s a hallmark of the brand’s heritage and a key reason why so many guests return time and time again. Inspired by the golden age of ocean travel, this signature service is all about attention to detail, impeccable manners, and intuitive care delivered with genuine warmth.

From the moment you step aboard, you’ll notice the difference – whether it’s your stateroom steward remembering your preferences, bar staff mixing your favourite drink just the way you like it, or the discreet and polished way every need is anticipated. All Cunard crew members are specially trained through the White Star Academy to uphold these standards, blending classic British service with the personalised touches that make your holiday feel truly special.

It’s this level of care that sets Cunard apart, especially if you’re celebrating something special or simply want to feel pampered throughout your voyage.

And no – it’s not something you can remove! It’s included in every Cunard sailing, no matter your stateroom category, and it’s a huge part of what makes the experience so unforgettable.

Cunard typically sails from the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal (Berth 38/39) in Southampton, which feels especially fitting given the cruise line’s long-standing royal connections and British heritage. This terminal is purpose-built for larger ocean liners like Queen Mary 2 and offers smooth check-in, efficient security, and a spacious departure lounge – helping you start your holiday feeling relaxed and well looked after.

That said, Southampton is a busy cruise port with multiple modern terminals, and Cunard may occasionally use the Mayflower Terminal or Ocean Terminal depending on scheduling and ship logistics. The exact terminal is usually confirmed closer to your departure date, and you'll find it clearly listed in your cruise documents.

Cunard ships are well-equipped for international travellers, including those from the UK. In your stateroom or suite, you'll typically find a combination of UK three-pin (Type G), US two-pin (Type A/B), and European two-pin (Type C) sockets. This means you can usually plug in your UK devices without needing an adaptor – though having a universal travel adaptor is always handy, especially if you have multiple gadgets to charge.

You’ll also find USB ports in many staterooms, particularly on newer or recently refurbished ships like Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2, which makes it even easier to keep your phone, tablet, or e-reader powered up throughout your voyage.