Cunard

Samuel Cunard’s company won a British contract to carry transatlantic mail and began sailing in 1840 with the paddle steamer Britannia. Cunard went on to build legendary liners, including Lusitania, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2, and it remains synonymous with crossing the Atlantic in style. It has been part of Carnival Corporation since the late 1990s.

Today’s fleet is four ships. Queen Mary 2, a true ocean liner with a reinforced hull built for North Atlantic weather, focuses on seven-night crossings between Southampton and New York, plus world voyages. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, sister ships of about 2,000 guests, sail Europe, world cruises and long seasonal voyages to places such as Australia and Japan. Queen Anne, which joined in 2024, is the newest and largest of the cruise ships, with a more contemporary take on Cunard style.

Itineraries range from short British Isles and Norway cruises from Southampton to transatlantic crossings, Caribbean voyages and complete world cruises lasting three months or more.

Cunard is traditional, elegant and British in tone. Passengers are typically 55 and older, a mix of British, American and other international travelers, including many who sail for the sense of occasion. Evenings follow a dress code: Gala Evenings, usually two or three on a seven-night crossing, call for black tie or a dark suit and evening dresses, while other nights are smart attire. Accommodation determines your dining experience: most guests eat in the Britannia Restaurant, while Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill guests have their own restaurants and lounges, a class-based layout some love and others find old-fashioned. Ships feel stately, with art deco touches, grand ballrooms and libraries.

Most guests dine in the Britannia Restaurant at set times, with traditional multi-course menus. Britannia Club guests have single-seating dining, and Grills guests eat in the Princess Grill or Queens Grill with à la carte menus and more personal service. Casual buffets, the Golden Lion pub and afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room are included. Specialty restaurants carry a charge and vary by ship; Queen Anne offers Aji Wa for Japanese, Tramonto for Mediterranean and Sir Samuel’s steakhouse, among others.

Entertainment is classic and cultural: West End-style productions in the Royal Court Theatre, ballroom dancing with live bands in the Queens Room, masquerade balls and classical concerts. The Cunard Insights program brings lecturers on history, science and the arts, and Queen Mary 2 has a planetarium and one of the largest libraries at sea. Sea days on crossings are relaxed, with talks, quizzes, dance classes and walks on the wraparound promenade deck.

Children are welcome, with free clubs for younger kids and teens and family-friendly activities, especially during school holidays and on summer crossings. Facilities are modest compared with family-oriented lines, and the formal evenings suit older kids who enjoy dressing up.

Cabins range from interiors and ocean views to balcony cabins in the Britannia category. Britannia Club cabins add a dedicated restaurant. Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites include private lounges, a concierge, butler service in the top suites and access to the Grills terrace. Several ships have dedicated single cabins for solo travelers. Cabins on Queen Mary 2 have a classic look, while Queen Anne’s are the most modern.

Drinks are extra for most guests, with beverage packages available covering wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Higher-grade suites include some drinks. Water, tea and coffee are included in dining venues, and afternoon tea is included.

Cunard adds a daily gratuity per guest to your onboard account for most guests, with a higher rate for Grills suites; you can adjust it at the purser’s office. A service charge is added to bar purchases. Policies differ by the country where you buy your cruise, so check yours.

The Cunard World Club recognizes repeat guests with tiers from Silver up to Diamond, based on voyages and nights sailed. Perks include onboard events, discounts and, at higher levels, priority services and complimentary laundry.