That's pretty standard for all the cruise lines with the exception of all-inclusive luxury lines (which Cunard is not one). There's not much in the way of complimentary drinks other than treated water (reportedly reverse osmosis from sea water - perfectly drinkable), tea and coffee (often made from syrup) in the dining rooms, and self-serve beverages in the buffet (usually juices. juice drinks, and tea & coffee). I manage to survive quite well on this for intercontinental cruises..

Glad Cunard even allows this as most of the nickel 'n diming lines don't allow anything other than a bottle of wine per pax, maximum of 2 per cabin. Wine in the dining room? Usually have to pay corkage but you may be ahead even if you do. Was on the Holland America Prinsendam and I bought pretty much a bottle of Brunello de Montalcino for every night of the TATL trip. One bottle was a Banfi. The ship's wine list had the same bottle. My cost (bottle in Italy + corkage) was less than 1/2 that of the ship's and that is before the 18% service charge.