One of the things I always liked about Cunard was that they offered 24-hour free room service.
On a cruise line where dress codes are so strictly enforced, it was nice to have the option of getting room service if you didn’t want to dress up.
This free service always made Cunard seem like they provided a premium experience and I was travelling with a luxury cruise line – but now all that has changed.
What Is Changing?
Cunard used to provide room service at no extra charge, no matter what stateroom category you had booked.
New rules starting in June 2025 state that those booking Britannia grade staterooms ( that is the lowest grade staterooms that I always book) will have to pay for room service after 10 am.
Breakfast ordered before 10 am still remains complimentary.
Those staying in the more expensive Princess Grill or Queens Grill suites can still have room service delivered free of charge.
How Guests Are Being Notified Of The Changes
Guests who have booked a Cunard cruise are being notified by email. These emails say:
We are writing to inform you of a change in our room service on board. Across the fleet, we are introducing new charges that will apply to room service dishes served after 10.00am in Britannia grade staterooms. Our breakfast items, available before 10.00am, will remain complimentary. And of course, you’re welcome to dine at the buffet where you’ll find a selection of dishes through the day and into the night, all included in your fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in your main dining room are also included.
The Cunard Team
We look forward to welcoming you on board.
When I took my transatlantic sailing from New York to Southampton, we missed dinner, because we wanted to watch the Iconic New York sailaway.
Also, we didn’t want to dress up to go to the main dining room, so we chose to have room service and eat in my parents’ balcony cabin.
Free room service was the perfect solution. The food was hot, tasty and delivered very promptly.
I am never going to be staying in a Princess or Queen’s Grill suite, I tend to book the cheapest cabins. I will miss the free room service on Cunard!
Free room service is only a small thing – but it is something I really apppreciated.
How This Compares to Other Cruise Lines
This change brings Cunard more in line with other mainstream cruise lines.
They were one of the last cruise lines to offer this free service.
Many cruise lines offer a free room service breakfast, but room service later in the day comes at an extra charge.
Cunard promotes themselves as providing a luxury cruising experience. This change makes them seem more like all the other mainstream cruise lines to me.
True luxury cruise lines like Viking, Oceania or Regent Seven Seas always provide free room service to guests.
As much as I love sailing with Cunard, this is a noticeable shift away from their traditional, luxury cruise experience.
Small perks such as free room service may make a big difference to loyal Cunard Cruisers. If room service is no longer free, you might decide to sail with one of the other, better-value cruise lines.
Cunard seems to be moving away from the luxury, traditional experience. This is very obvious with the introduction of the newest ship in the Cunard Fleet, Queen Anne.
Loyal Cunard cruisers complain that Queen Anne is less traditional than the other ships. Other guests love her because she isn’t as formal. You certainly can’t please everyone!
Find out what I thought of Queen Anne here:
What Are They Charging?
Cunard have moved on to a price per item service.
Different items are available at different times of the day, with a smaller menu available between 11pm and 6.30am.
Breakfast between 6.30 am and 10am is still free.
All Prices are subject to change of course. These where the prices introduced in June 2025, and will give you a guide as to what to expect.
If you have a drinks package, you would think that room service drinks would be included, but this appears not to be the case.
In Cunard’s terms and conditions it states:
Beers, Wines and Spirits Option, Terms and conditions
Cunard
Exclusions and limitations:
The Beers, Wines and Spirits Option cannot be used for Room Service or mini-bar items.
Before You Go
Find out about the things I wished I had known before I first sailed with Cunard here:
7 Things I Wish I’d Have Known Before My First Cruise With Cunard
Cunard’s ship Queen Mary 2 is the last Ocean Liner at sea. Find out what makes her so different from other cruise ships here:
Queen Mary 2 vs. Other Cruise Ships: What Makes Her Unique?
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