Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria, launched in 2007, is the smaller of Cunard’s two near-identical mid-sized Queens and the more Victorian in mood, with rich reds, dark woods and a grand, theatrical atmosphere. She introduced the private theater boxes and two-deck library that became Cunard signatures, and a 2017 refit added the Britannia Club restaurant and refreshed the Grills accommodation. She’s a natural fit for Mediterranean, northern Europe and world voyages, carrying Cunard’s traditions of afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and Gala evenings. Her size makes her feel more intimate than Queen Mary 2 while still delivering the full Cunard experience.

Best for: Couples and solo travelers who want a classic British cruise with formal evenings and old-world decor on a mid-sized ship.

Cunard is the world’s oldest and most famous name in ocean travel, sailing four elegant Queens, including Queen Mary 2, the only ocean liner in regular transatlantic service between Southampton and New York. Expect gala evenings, afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and British tradition. It suits travelers who love classic ocean travel, dressing up and long voyages, less so anyone wanting casual, high-energy cruising.