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.
This summer you can embark on UK staycation cruises from Southampton courtesy of Queen Elizabeth. Book Cunard's summer 2021 cruises now.
14 September 2021
19 July 2021
03 September 2021
10 September 2021
20 August 2021
26 July 2021
23 July 2021
30 July 2021
11 January 2023
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.
If you'd like to venture away from the main dining venues, there are alternative restaurant options available at an additional cost.
In the evening Cunard cruise ships 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. Top Cunard venues include:
Thanks to its well-trained staff and dedicated zones, Cunard ensures that 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.
Cunard is 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’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
There's a whole host of activities to do onboard Cunard cruise ships. 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.
Cunard has a fleet of 3 magnificent ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, with a fourth ship debuting in 2022.
| Ship | Launched | Guest/Crew | Class | Disabled facilities | Tips Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth | 2010 | 2081/1005 | Vista | Yes | Yes |
| Queen Mary 2 | 2005 | 2695/1292 | Ocean Liner | Yes | Yes |
| Queen Victoria | 2007 | 2061/981 | Vista | Yes | Yes |
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.
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.
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.
Cunard’s impeccable service doesn’t stop once your cruise is over. Returning Cunard cruise guests can join the Cunard World Club to benefit from exclusive Cunard Cruise World Club Loyalty Rewards.
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.
05 Mar 2020
Lovely ship great service but the drinks are a ridiculous cost to which they add a further 15 percent so be prepared to drink water and tea! Trips very expensive also much better to do your own itinerary with a few friends at a fraction of the cost.
24 Feb 2020
Cruise was wonderful as were the staff but the drinks and trips were just a ridiculous cost
11 Nov 2019
We recently went on a 12 night cruise to The Canaries. This is the first time we have travelled on the Elizabeth and I must say that we were not disappointed. The staff were excellent in every area, always polite and extremely helpful. The ship was beautiful and in great condition. The food as always was plentiful and excellent, some people comment that the meal portions in the Britannia restaurant are small, but to be fair by the time you’ve had all the breakfast you can eat, lunch, afternoon tea, and any in between snacks you fancy, the well done to you if you can eat a late meal of gargantuan proportions. My waistline hasn’t forgiven me yet. So my advice is, if you want to experience cruising with complete elegance then book with confidence, and don’t worry if you think it will be too fussy, the staff are so wonderful and efficient they put you completely at ease.
Show moreFlexible Terms - Transfer your booking to any Cunard sailing currently on sale, whether higher or lower in value, an unlimited number of times free of charge.
Financially Protected - your package is ABTA and ATOL protected
T&Cs apply - please see itinerary page for details
As well as testing negative for coronavirus, other pre-cruise measures include a health declaration which will be reviewed at embarkation and a temperature check. At the cruise terminal guests will be required to follow social distancing guidance and wear facemasks. Crew will also have their health monitored before and during cruises. At the end of the cruise, guests must complete a passenger locator form for the UK government track and trace initiative.
Onboard each ship, all areas including the spa, salon and pools will be open, and restaurants will be adapted including no self-service buffets, pre-booked tables and dining only in the group you're travelling with. While social distancing must be observed, guests can also link their bookings with friends and family onboard to form a group up to the maximum number allowed by the UK government at the time of departure.
In addition to already rigorous onboard hygiene, cleaning will be even more frequent, including in staterooms and suites, using products which are known to fight coronavirus. To encourage frequent hand washing there will also be more hand sanitiser stations throughout the ships.
When it comes to heading ashore, shore excursions will be organised by Cunard to ensure that they adhere to local and onboard guidance. Before reboarding, guests may be required to have their temperature checked.
Due to industry procedures, Cunard will no longer be able to accept guests onboard who need supplementary oxygen, including through an oxygen concentrator, mechanical ventilatory support except for overnight CPAP for sleep apnoea, or dialysis. In addition, guests who have had a case or suspected case of COVID-19, been in contact with someone with a case or suspected case of COVID-19, or have been asked to isolate by Track and Trace within 14 days of departure will not be able to board.
UK guests must have cruise-specific travel insurance to sail with Cunard, and declare all pre-existing medical conditions. Their policy must cover cruise travel for the length of their holiday and all the destinations they will visit. Guests must also make sure their policy includes medical and repatriation cover of £2 million minimum that includes cover for emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to COVID-19.
If staying in Britannia staterooms, Cunard automatically charge $11.50pp a day of gratuities to your onboard account. For guests staying in Grills it’s $13.50pp. This is for both adults and children. It is possible to adjust this amount, and the standard 15% beverage add-on, at reception.
Cunard cruises are enjoyed by mostly English-speaking passengers over the age of 45. Cunard Cruises are especially popular with couples due to their romantic destinations and renowned service, although families are also well catered for such as with the kid's club.
After completing your first Cunard cruise you automatically become a member of the Cunard World Club. There are four levels depending on how many nights you have cruised in total with Cunard.
For information on Cunard World Club, please see our Cunard page.
Cunard are renowned for their solo cruisers experiences where you can be as sociable - or not - as you wish. Highlights for singles onboard Cunard ships are:
One thing to note is that unless stated otherwise, an additional single supplement will be required for those occupying a single occupancy cabin.
The onboard currency used is US Dollars ($). 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.
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.
The drinking age onboard Cunard ships is 18, unless in US waters where it is 21.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a children's menu with kids able to dine with their parents in any of the onboard restaurants.
Yes, all Cunard ships are mobility-friendly with a number of special-access cabins to choose from. These cabins have accessible bathrooms fitted with roll-in showers, grab handles and enlarged doorways with a ramp to your balcony.
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.
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.
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.
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.
