Cunard Makes Disappointing Change To Room Service Offering

Cruise line Cunard will begin charging guests in Britannia-grade staterooms for room service orders placed after 10 am, starting from June 2025.

The change applies across the fleet and marks a shift in the cruise line’s traditionally inclusive approach to in-cabin dining.

Breakfast room service will remain complimentary if ordered before 10am, regardless of stateroom category.

Guests sailing in Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites will continue to enjoy full room service at no additional charge.

Cunard is informing affected guests via email, stating:

“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.”

The change brings Cunard into line with several other mainstream cruise operators, most of which charge for room service outside breakfast hours unless guests are staying in premium accommodation categories.

Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line typically offer complimentary continental breakfast, but charge for other room service meals, often through à la carte pricing or service fees.

By contrast, ultra-luxury cruise lines such as Viking, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises continue to offer complimentary room service at all hours, regardless of stateroom category.

Cunard’s decision follows other recent service changes onboard, including new venues and dining options introduced aboard Queen Anne, the latest ship in the fleet.

The company has not disclosed the exact pricing structure for post-breakfast room service orders, but more details are expected to be available onboard or via the Cunard website in the lead-up to the change.

This update is part of a broader industry trend toward modifying inclusive amenities, as cruise lines continue to balance operational costs with guest expectations.

Many guests are likely to be disappointed by the news, as they consider Cunard to be the last bastion of traditional style cruising, which included touches such as free room service to make the experience feel more special.

Several feel that the latest ship, Queen Anne, has moved slightly too far away from the traditional Cunard feel, and that these new changes across the fleet are a sign that the cruise line is shifting to be more like other, more mainstream options.

Loyal fans may now feel that they are being pushed towards booking a more expensive Queens Grill or Princess Grill accommodation rather than a Britannia cabin, if they wish to preserve their ideal Cunard experience.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.