Never would I have thought Cunard would have done that?

Last weekend saw many of the cruise line promotions which had been running for a few months come to an end, and new promotions started. Some have removed the free drinks, gratuities, on board credit offers and have moved to a simpler promotion such as lower prices but with free car parking, or free upgrade form Ocean view to balcony etc. But the one that has surprised me the most and never thought it was something they would do, is the current promotion with Cunard.

Cunard as we perceive them is traditional cruising on Ocean Liners, with still just the two dining options for dinner, afternoon tea served by waiters in white gloves, and the stunning ballrooms used for gala nights and anyone who likes to dance in the evenings, still a more formal dress code than other cruise lines and also have the Queens Grill and Princess Grills. So why they have decided to follow the same route as some of the other cruise lines? I just don’t understand why they are now offering free drinks on Cunard!!

There is obviously small print on the offer and for guests staying in the Britannia cabins ie inside, ocean view and balcony cabins then the drink must be below $9, for those lucky to stay in the Grills then there is a $12 limit.  When I was on Cunard I don’t recall many drinks being less than $9 however Cunard do suggest you would be able to have the following:  Specialty Coffees, Smoothies, Beer, House Wine, Selected Cocktails and Selected Martinis.

As on most of the American Ships there is a service charge of 15% added to all Bar purchases however Cunard have said that the standard 15% service charge will be levied against all bar orders included under this promotion for all drinks which are ordered under the price threshold. For drinks purchased over the price threshold, then the 15% service charge will apply as standard

To be honest I never thought Cunard would go down the all inclusive route – I expected that P&O might choose to do it (althougt still haven’t made any plans yet) however certainly not Cunard. Maybe they feel they need to compete with Celebrity Cruises who were offering the all inclusive package for free, for quite a few months.

Do you think this is a good move by Cunard? Will this attract a different clientele that Cunard are used to?