Cunard Line, known for its luxury ocean voyages and transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2, has stirred the waters with a new policy: as of June 2025, room service now comes with a fee for guests in Britannia-grade staterooms after 10:00 a.m. This change, which puts Cunard in line with other mainstream cruise lines, has sparked significant backlash on online platforms like Facebook groups and forums, where cruisers are expressing frustration—particularly those who booked expecting complimentary room service as part of the Cunard experience.
The Change: Room Service Charges for Britannia Staterooms
Historically, Cunard offered complimentary room service to all passengers across its fleet. However, starting June 1, 2025, guests in Britannia-class staterooms now will see charges for room service orders placed after 10:00 a.m. Breakfast ordered before 10:00 a.m. remains complimentary for these guests, while those in Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites continue to enjoy free room service at all hours.
On social media, loyal Cunarders are not holding back. A common sentiment on Facebook groups is, “I chose Cunard for its all-inclusive luxury—charging for room service feels like a downgrade, especially for Britannia guests who don’t have access to the same dining perks as suite guests.”
Stateroom Classes and the Impact of the New Policy
Cunard offers four main classes of staterooms, each with varying levels of luxury and amenities. The new room service charges apply differently depending on the class, with Britannia guests bearing the brunt of the change:
- Britannia Staterooms: These entry-level accommodations, ranging from Inside (152-243 sq. ft.) to Oceanview (133-201 sq. ft.) and Balcony (228-472 sq. ft.), offer a more budget-friendly experience. Guests in Britannia staterooms have access to the main Britannia dining room and buffet options like the Lido or Kings Court, but many rely on room service for convenience. The new charges after 10:00 a.m. hit these guests hardest, as they don’t have the exclusive dining venues available to higher-tier staterooms.
- Britannia Club Staterooms: A step up, with Balcony staterooms ranging from 248-470 sq. ft., Britannia Club offers perks like a dedicated dining room with flexible dining times. While these guests have more dining options, they are also subject to the new room service charges after 10:00 a.m.
- Princess Grill Suites: These mid-tier suites (335-513 sq. ft.) come with enhanced amenities, including access to the Princess Grill restaurant for a more intimate dining experience and a private balcony. Room service remains complimentary at all hours for these guests, softening the impact of the policy change.
- Queens Grill Suites: The pinnacle of luxury on Cunard ships (484-2249 sq. ft.), Queens Grill suites offer the highest level of service, including access to the exclusive Queens Grill restaurant, a personal butler, and a complimentary bar. Like Princess Grill guests, they are exempt from room service charges.
Highlights of the New Room Service Menu
Cunard’s updated room service menu offers a variety of options, but for Britannia and Britannia Club stateroom guests, orders after 10:00 a.m. now come with a cost. Here are some examples from the menu, highlighting the charges:
- Brunch Menu (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.):
- Croissant, Butter, and Jams: $10 per person
- Pain au Chocolat: $10 per person
- Smoked Trout (poached egg, English muffin, sauce Hollandaise): $10 per person
- Avocado on Toast (crushed avocado, poached eggs, lime, chili, cherry vine tomatoes on sourdough toast): $10 per person
- Cunard Cumberland Sausage Muffin (poached egg, English muffin, Houses of Parliament sauce): $10 per person
- Mediterranean Breakfast Frittata (Ricotta cheese, spinach, cherry tomatoes, courgettes, and red onion): $10 per person
- Miso Granola (warmed fruits, Greek yogurt, honey): $10 per person
- Add a 1/2 bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne: $50
- Afternoon Tea (3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.):
- Delicate Finger Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Scones, Cornish Clotted Cream, and a Selection of Handmade Pastries: $10 per person
- Add a 1/2 bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne: $50
- Signature Supplements (Available During Day and Late Night):
- Cunard Selection Artisan Cheese Plate (ship’s crackers, chutney, honey): $5
- Cunard Selection Artisan Charcuterie Board (picos and cornichon): $7.50
- Murgh Makhani (traditional butter chicken, steamed rice, dhal, naan, mango chutney): $9.50
- Golden Lion Burger (28-day aged prime steak, black stout onions, tomato, lettuce, smoked cheese, bacon, brioche bun, triple-cooked chips): $11
- Redefine Meat Vegetarian option for the Golden Lion Burger: $8.50
- 28-Day Aged Prime Sirloin Steak (10oz, 300g): $25
- 28-Day Aged Prime Fillet Steak (6oz, 170g): $29
- Add half lobster tail to steaks: $15
- Day Menu (12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) and Late Night Menu (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.):
- Soup of the Day (with freshly baked bread): $2.50
- Classic Caesar Salad (with smoked pancetta): $4
- Add roast corn-fed chicken or grilled tiger prawns to salads: $2.50
- Cunard Club Sandwich (roast chicken breast, bacon, romaine lettuce, beef tomato, mayonnaise, French fries): $5
- Fragrant Thai Green Vegetable and Coconut Curry (jasmine rice, chili sambal, roti flatbread): $6
- Desserts like Chocolate Brownie (chantilly/pouring cream) or New York Baked Vanilla Cheesecake (summer berries): $3.50 each
These charges can add up quickly, especially for Britannia and Britannia Club guests who might order multiple items or opt for premium add-ons like a half bottle of Champagne for US$50 or a half lobster tail for US$15 with their steak.
If you’re planning a Cunard cruise, be sure to factor in these new room service charges when budgeting for your trip—especially if you’re in a Britannia stateroom and plan to order after 10:00 a.m. Alternatively, you can explore the ship’s complimentary dining venues, like the Britannia Restaurant or the Lido buffet.
On a side note, I’ll be sailing on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth later this year when she begins her winter season sailing from Miami. I’ll be onboard October 28, 2025 for a cruise around the Caribbean, making this my first time on the QE, however, not my first time sailing on Cunard. I’ve previously sailed on the Queen Mary 2 twice during her maiden season out of New York, both times in Queens Grill accommodations.
For this upcoming trip on Queen Elizabeth, I’ll be in one the ship’s solo oceanview staterooms, which are Britannia-class, and subject to these new fees.