Cunard Cruises
With a proud history harking back to the golden age of ocean travel, Cunard are the definition of what it means to sail in style. Combining their traditional White Star service with the very latest technologies, whether this is your first cruise for a special occasion, once-in-a-lifetime voyage or relaxing break as a seasoned cruiser, Cunard truly bring the glory days of cruising to life. Celebrated for their iconic transatlantic crossings from Southampton, Cunard Cruises are complete with perfectly selected itineraries, shore excursions tailored to your interests and sophisticated dining options such as Grills.
Cunard Cruise Deals
Cunard Cruise Types
Cunard Ships
Cunard
Dining
Cuisine onboard a Cunard cruise ship is just as refined as the rest of the experience. From breakfast, lunch and dinner to room-service and afternoon tea, you'll never have to go hungry during your cruise. What's more, Cunard are happy to cater for those with special dietary requirements. Menus feature vegan and vegetarian dishes, while the team of chefs are happy to adapt meals to suit Kosher, diabetic, lactose or gluten-free diets.
Included dining
- Main Dining Rooms- each stateroom grade has its own dedicated restaurant, each brimming with style and elegance and serving classic dishes and modern favourites.
- Room Service- for those moments where you don't feel like leaving your room you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes delivered directly to your door.
- Afternoon Tea- served every day, why not devote some time to indulging in this British staple? What's more, if you're willing to splash out a little, you can upgrade to a Champagne afternoon tea or a Godiva chocolate Afternoon Tea, the latter being exclusive to Queen Mary 2.
Speciality dining
If you'd like to venture away from the main dining venues, there are alternative restaurant options available at an additional cost.
- Steakhouse at The Verandah- featuring mouthwatering cuts of meat and seafood
- Aztec- the flavours of Mexico
- Bamboo- Asian specialities and delicacies
- La Piazza- pizza just like they do it in Italy
- Smokehouse- taking its inspiration from a classic American grill
Food Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements
When cruising with Cunard, the cruise line wants to make sure you can enjoy all the excellent cuisine available onboard whether you have a food allergy or special dietary requirement or not. So, as long as you make sure to notify your cruise consultant of your special requests during the booking process and inform staff at the Purser's Desk when you're onboard, Cunard will make every effort to accommodate you. If you want a few more details, you can find out more about Cunard's current policies in our blog on the best cruise lines for food allergies and special diets right here.
Entertainment
In the evening Cunard cruises are an adult’s playground. Take in a show in the main theatre such as cabaret and West-End style shows or head to one of the bars for live music, games and a wide variety of themes and drinks. Alternatively, there are the onboard nightclubs that are host to silent discos on selected evenings. Top Cunard venues include:
- Queens Ballroom
- Commodore Club
- Gin & Fizz
- Golden Lion Pub
- Churchill’s Cigar Lounge
- Casino
Family
Thanks to their well-trained staff and dedicated zones, Cunard cruises ensure families can enjoy their time onboard. The Play Zone is perfect for children between the ages of 2 and 7 where they can take part in arts and crafts, puzzles and games. For 8-12 year olds, the Kids Zone hosts sports competitions, art sessions and scavenger hunts to keep the youngsters occupied. Tweens and teenagers are also taken into account with the Teen Zone where there are regular quizzes, discos, table tennis matches and sports tournaments.
Destinations
Cunard cruises are famed for their World Voyages and Transatlantic crossings for the ultimate in sea-bound adventures. Traditionally cruising from Southampton, take advantage of the parking and transfer packages available and start your journey like so many iconic voyages before from this historic port. Alternatively, choose a Cunard fly-cruise and begin your journey in style before boarding your grand Cunard cruise ship to continue your luxury fly-cruise holiday.
Queen Mary 2, Cunard Cruises' flagship cruise liner and newly refurbished in 2016, traverses the classic transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York and vice versa. QM2, as she is affectionately known, also cruises to the Fjords, Northern Europe, North America, Iberia and the Caribbean.
Queen Victoria, fresh from a refit in 2017, cruises the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Canary Islands. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth, very similar to her Vista Class sister, cruises from Southampton, offering a range of itineraries including Mediterranean, Baltic and Fjords, and Canary Island cruises.
In addition there are two alternative types of voyage: Regions of the World enables you to explore Asia, East Asia and Australasia, while Grand Voyages offer legendary sailing routes with more days at sea.
Queen Victoria and the Norwegian Fjords:
If you are looking for a week among beautiful scenery then choose a 7-night fjords cruise on Queen Victoria. You have to experience the beauty of the fjords to believe it - and seeing that experience from the comfort of your own ship is the only way to do it. Cruising from Southampton is a big advantage for those who don’t like to fly, and of course, there's the opportunity to take as much luggage as you like.
Queen Elizabeth and the Med:
If you prefer warmer climes, then a fantastic 12-night fly voyages down to the Mediterranean could be what the doctor ordered. By flying, it means you don’t have to spend two days getting to the Med and another two days returning. Instead, you find yourself in the warmth, on a port-rich cruise visiting both wonderful cities and calm and relaxing islands.
Queen Mary 2 and Transatlantic New York:
Every cruiser should experience a Transatlantic crossing to New York onboard Queen Mary 2. Each night the clocks are put back an hour, ensuring you arrive jet lag free, perfect if you are planning a few extra nights in the Big Apple. Three nights a week onboard Transatlantic voyages there is a wonderful formal night - it’s an elegant experience where everybody dresses up, enjoys a cocktail or two, before the fabulous gala dinner. The arrival into New York is definitely the highlight of the trip with the sun rising as you approach the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
Read more about the distinctive Transatlantic Queen Mary 2 style here.
Explore our collection of luxury cruises here.
Things to do
There's a whole host of activities to do on Cunard cruises. If you’re wanting to take part in a group event and make new friends during your sea days, why not see a guest speaker give a talk, take part in dance, aerobics or fencing classes, or enjoy some friendly competition with a deck game, cards or pub quiz?
If you’re looking for some alone time meanwhile, head to the spa to unwind in the sauna or with a treatment, hit the gym, dive into a good book in the library or browse the shops or art gallery.
While cruising the warm climes of the Mediterranean, there’s also the pool deck to take advantage of with a refreshing dip or hut tub to soak in while cruising Alaska.
Useful Information
Cunard Cruises' 2025 Event Voyages
If you're thinking about cruising with Cunard, but you're looking for a particularly special getaway, you'll find some incredible experiences available throughout 2025 thanks to Cunard's new list of Event Voyages. From transatlantic crossings with a literature festival near Christmas to wine tasting around Portugal and Spain, you can find out more about all the upcoming Cunard 2025 Event Voyages right here. They're popular, though, so be sure to book to avoid disappointment!
Shakespeare At Sea
Transatlantic voyages on Queen Mary 2 are to become even more memorable from summer 2022 after Cunard joined up with the Royal Shakespeare Company. From exclusive theatre shows to performances of famous sonnets, let the talented cast bring the work of one of the world's best-known playwrights to life, even on the open ocean!
Read all about these exciting voyages on our blog - Revealed: Cunard’s Extraordinary Royal Shakespeare Company 2024 Voyages or discover more extraordinary events on our blog - Discover Cunard’s Exciting 2024 Event Voyages Programme.
Cunard Grill Suites
Famed for their White Star service, Cunard Line’s hugely popular Grills go above and beyond luxury cruises.
For those wanting to make their cruise holiday with Cunard even more special, there's the option to choose a Grills suite. With two types to choose from, Princess and Queens, you'll love the perks both in-suite and throughout your cruise.
Queens Grill
It's not just the luxurious and spacious stateroom complete with balcony, marble bathroom, butler service, champagne on arrival and a complimentary bar which makes Cunard's Queens Grill suites so special, as guests can also enjoy other exclusive benefits. From the Grills Lounge and Terrace, available only for suite guests, to the speciality Queens Grill restaurant, whose food can also be enjoyed in-suite, you'll feel like a VIP from the moment you step onboard.
Princess Grill
Just like with Queens Grill suites, Cunard's Princess Grill suites will have you feeling like royalty. You can enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodation, complete with added perks including concierge service, sparkling wine on arrival and priority embarkation, amongst other benefits. In addition, you'll have access to exclusive venues onboard, including the Princess Grill restaurant, lounges and terraces.
Accessible Cabins
Cunard's Mobility Scooter Policy has recently been updated. If you require a powered mobility device, you must book an accessible cabin and notify us ahead of booking. Please find more information in our dedicated FAQ below.
Loyalty scheme
Cunard’s impeccable service doesn’t stop once your cruise is over. Returning Cunard Cruises guests can join the Cunard World Club to benefit from exclusive Cunard Cruise World Club Loyalty Rewards.
Dress code
Wondering what to wear on a cruise is a big question for many Cunard guests, but there's no need to worry as you’ll be informed well in advance of your cruise which night and venue calls for what attire. In addition, if you don’t have something, you can rent on the ship and even get help from a seamstress for any wardrobe malfunctions.
- Gala Evenings- tuxedos, dark suits, cocktail dresses
- Smart Attire- smart casual such as trousers and a shirt or a dress
- Relaxed Attire- during the day, everyone is free to relax and dress as they please, including at Afternoon Tea, although you should cover up and not wear gym or swimming clothes while dining.
Discover more luxury cruise deals here.
Booking Onboard with Cunard
Cunard is one of the best cruise lines to book onboard with, thanks to a dedicated team of Loyalty and Cruise Sales managers always available onboard. Take advantage of this useful service while sailing for exclusive deals and benefits for your next getaway.
Cruising Cunard Solo
If you’re a solo traveller looking for the top cruise lines for solo cruises, you’ll be pleased to know that Cunard is very-much on that list. With 24-hour room service, complimentary toiletries, and even a bottle of sparkling wine when you arrive, Cunard’s single staterooms are among the best available and offer complete comfort for anyone staying in one. And, you'll also find a selection of activities specifically for solo travellers available every day of your voyage. So, you should have no trouble when it comes to socialising with like-minded singles.
Customer reviews for Cunard
Super small ship not overrun with people, could easily get a sun lounger/ seat with not many queues. Excellent thank you
The queens grill cabin 7204 at the back of the ship was excellent. A good size and well furnished . The balcony was huge with loungers, table and chairs. the Queens grill itself was as good as any other Cunard ship with the food being excellent. Boarding could and embarkation could not have been better with no queuing.
Ship is still in its infancy and no doubt things will be improved in certain areas.In my opinion there is a shortage of lifts. Very often many people waiting.Queues also at gents toilets not even cubicles
Cruise on new Cunarder Queen Anne. Lovely ship but still a few teething problems. Examples, service in restaurant sometimes slow and occasionally a bit chaotic. They need to sort out free dining as we weren't always able to have. Time of our choice.
Cunard Top FAQs
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If staying in Britannia staterooms, Cunard automatically charge $16.00pp a day of gratuities to your onboard account. For guests staying in Grills it’s $18.00pp. This is for both adults and children. It is possible to adjust this amount, and the standard 15% beverage add-on, at reception.
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Cunard cruises are enjoyed by mostly English-speaking passengers over the age of 45. Cunard Cruises are especially popular with couples due to their romantic destinations and renowned service, although families are also well catered for such as with the kid's club.
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After completing your first Cunard cruise you automatically become a member of the Cunard World Club. There are four levels depending on how many nights you have cruised in total with Cunard.
- Silver Level- After your first Cunard cruise
- Gold Level- After two cruises or 20 nights
- Platinum Level- After 7 cruises or 70 nights
- Diamond Level- After 15 cruises or 150 nights
For information on Cunard World Club, please see our Cunard page.
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Cunard are renowned for their solo cruisers experiences where you can be as sociable - or not - as you wish. Highlights for singles onboard Cunard ships are:
- Single or double rooms
- Daily singles meetings and other social activities
- Dance partners
- Hosted tables where you can meet new people
One thing to note is that unless stated otherwise, an additional single supplement will be required for those occupying a single occupancy cabin.
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The onboard currency used is US Dollars ($). However, Cunard ships are cashless with all charges being charged with your cruise card to your onboard account. When paying this at the end of the cruise, you can use either your credit card or cash.
Food and Drink
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Cunard have a number of dining options throughout the day. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Britannia restaurant for seated table service. There are also relaxed breakfast and lunches served in Lido, or Kings Court. There is a popular Afternoon Tea sitting, and relaxed dining in the Golden Lion pub.
Dinner consists of smart-casual multi-course banquets or formal Gala nights with elegant balls held afterwards. There are also a good number of speciality restaurants for those looking for something different, and complimentary 24-hour room service if you'd prefer to have a quiet meal in the comfort of your cabin.
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The drinking age onboard Cunard ships is 18, unless in US waters where it is 21.
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Cunard are able to cater for the following special dietary needs, simply mention your requirements at the time of booking, and then again to the restaurant manager when onboard.
- Vegetarians, pescatarian and vegans
- Kosher and halal
- Diabetics
- Fat-free
- Salt-free
- Dairy-free
- Gluten and wheat-free
- Low cholesterol
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Yes, as well as being able to take small snacks such as a sandwich, cake or drink back to your cabin from the buffet, you can order room service. Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day.
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Yes, there is a children's menu with kids able to dine with their parents in any of the onboard restaurants.
Accessibility
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Yes, all Cunard ships are mobility friendly with a selection of accessible cabins to choose from that are fitted with enlarged doorways, a ramp onto the balcony, grab handles and roll-in showers. If you require a powered mobility device onboard, you must book an accessible stateroom or suite by calling 020 3811 6615. For more information, see our dedicated article - Cunard and P&O Cruises Updated Powered Mobility Device Policy here.
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Yes, as long as you are staying in an easy-access cabin or suite which has room to accommodate your wheelchair or mobility scooter, you may bring your own. Alternatively, there are a limited number available for hire.
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Officially, you are not obliged to bring a carer if you have a disability cruising with Cunard. However, staff will not be able to care for you or provide special assistance throughout your cruise. If you are not self-sufficient, it’s strongly advised you cruise accompanied by someone who can act as your carer.
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All Cunard ships have a hoist which can be used to give cruisers with mobility issues access to pools. On Queen Elizabeth, the hoist is portable so you must speak to a crew member to arrange for it to be brought to you.
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Yes, there is wheelchair access to special viewing areas for wheelchair and scooter users, as well as elevated private boxes you can reserve to see the shows in the main theatres.
