Cunard Cruises

Cunard is the definition of sailing in style, combining exceptional White Star service with modern technologies to create a timeless traditional onboard experience everyone can enjoy. Celebrated for their iconic Transatlantic Crossings, Cunard boasts an impressive selection of itineraries to some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

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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

Shakespeare At Sea

Transatlantic voyages on Queen Mary 2 were made even more memorable, when in 2022 Cunard joined up with the Royal Shakespeare Company. From exclusive theatre shows to performances of famous sonnets, the talented cast bring the work of one of the world's best-known playwrights to life, even on the open ocean!

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.

Cunard's New Signature Packages

Cunard is introducing a new way to enhance your onboard experience, making it even easier to indulge in a more inclusive cruise. With Cunard’s new Signature Packages, you’ll be able to keep your booking simple with optional packages that take care of drinks, Wi-Fi internet access, and give you a little extra onboard credit to spend on speciality dining experiences onboard. Find out more on our dedicated blog - Cunard Signature Packages - everything you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Can I cruise with Cunard if I have a disability?

The entire Cunard fleet is accessible for cruisers with disabilities. Each ship provides a number of special-access cabins with enlarged doorways, roll-in showers, grab handles and a ramp to your balcony.

What is the accessibility on Cunard?

Cunard provides a range of accessible staterooms and most public areas are wheelchair accessible. Please notify us of any special requirements at the time of booking.

Dress code

Is there a dress code?

During the day Cunard passengers are welcome to dress informally and relax throughout the ship. In the evening a more formal dress code is observed with either the much-anticipated Gala Nights held two or three times a week, or the more relaxed Smart Attire. However, if you don’t wish to glam up for Gala Evenings, there are areas of the ship in which relaxed clothing is permitted.

What is the dress code on Cunard?

Cunard is known for its formal tradition. Evening wear typically includes smart attire, with 'Gala Evenings' requiring tuxedos or dark suits.

Excursions

What excursions are available on Cunard?

Cunard offers a wide variety of shore excursions. These can be pre-booked online or at the Shore Excursion desk onboard.

Families and Kids

Is Cunard suitable for families?

Cunard is very family-friendly, offering supervised kids' clubs for various age groups, family cabins, and entertainment for all ages.

Family

What food options are available for infants?

A children’s menu and baby food are available. Breastfeeding is also permitted throughout the ship.

Is there a minimum age to cruise with Cunard?

Under 18s are allowed to cruise with Cunard but they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is at least 21 years of age staying in the same cabin as, or exactly next to/across from, the child.
Only children over six months old are able to cruise with Cunard, this is increased to 12 months for infants on World, Exotic or Transatlantic cruises- i.e. cruises with more than three consecutive sea days.

Are there kids' pools?

Yes, each Cunard ship has a designated children’s swimming pool. The other pools are a mix of family-friendly and adult-only. Children must be toilet trained to use the pools.

Are there kids' clubs?

Cunard provide kids complimentary entertainment for children aged between 2 and 17.
-The Playzone- 6-months to 7 years, open 9am-11pm
-The Kids Zone- 8 to 12, open 9am-11pm
-The Teen Zone- 13 to 17, open 9am-11pm
-The Night Nursery- 6 to 23months, 6-11pm
These kid's clubs and babysitting services are ran by the specially trained Youth Staff on a first-come-first served basis, and children must stick to their own designated age group. In addition, 2-12 year olds must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian

Food and drink

What are the dining arrangements?

Guests will experience a wide range of dining options throughout their cruise. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, seated table service can be enjoyed in the Britannia restaurant, while a breakfast and lunch buffet is provided in Lido or Kings Court. On formal Gala Nights, dinner becomes a multi-course banquet followed by a ball. For special occasions, guests can reserve a table at a speciality restaurant, or enjoy luxurious room service.

Is room service complimentary?

Yes, 24-hour room service is complimentary.

What is the food and drink on Cunard?

Standard meals and basic beverages are included. Specialty dining and alcoholic drink packages are available for purchase to enhance your experience.

Can Cunard accommodate dietary requirements?

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

General

What is the pet policy on Cunard?

The Queen Mary 2 features a kennel for dogs and cats on Transatlantic crossings. Otherwise, only certified service animals are permitted on {line} ships.

Do I need a plug adaptor?

No, Cunard ships have both three-pin British plug sockets and two-pin US and Continental plug sockets.

Loyalty

Is there a Cunard loyalty programme?

Once you have been on your very first Cunard cruise, you will automatically join the Cunard World Club, offering four tiers of benefits depending on how many nights you have cruised in total. For more information, visit the Cunard World Club page.

Tips

Are tips included on Cunard?

A daily service charge is automatically added to your onboard account to reward the crew. You can adjust this at Guest Services if necessary.

Are tips/gratuities included?

It is possible to amend the amount of gratuities you pay at reception once you are onboard. As standard, guests staying in Britannia cabins will automatically be charged $11.50pp a day of gratuities, while Grill suite guests will be charged $13.50pp.

Transport

Are transfers included with Cunard?

Complimentary or paid shuttle buses are often provided by Cunard in ports where the city center is not within walking distance of the pier.

Need help?

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