The prevalent image of a cruise is one of sophistication and elegance and even though many cruise lines have tried to move away from this formal nature and instead make themselves much more casual, there is still a yearning amongst many for the high life that some cruises can provide and Cunard are certainly in this category.
What Makes Cunard Cruise Line Different and Unique?
Cunard Cruise Line is a bit special in the world of cruising. Founded way back in 1840, it’s got a rich history and a reputation for luxury and sophistication. Think of it as the Rolls-Royce of ocean travel.
What sets Cunard apart is its mix of old-world charm and modern comforts. Whether you’re after those iconic transatlantic crossings or grand world voyages, Cunard delivers a unique experience that harks back to the golden age of sea travel.
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Why Would You Choose Cunard Cruise Line?
Choosing Cunard is a no-brainer if you love a touch of class and a bit of tradition. Here’s why you might want to give it a go:
- Heritage and Tradition: You’ll be sailing with a line that’s been around for over 180 years, offering a nostalgic nod to the past.
- Transatlantic Crossings: Ever dreamt of sailing across the Atlantic like in the old days? Cunard’s got you covered.
- Themed Voyages: From music and literature to fashion and food, Cunard’s themed cruises are packed with special events and expert speakers.
- Top-Notch Service: Expect white-glove service and attention to detail that makes you feel like royalty.
- Elegant Formal Evenings: Love dressing up? Cunard’s formal nights are all about glamour, with black-tie events and gala balls.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elegant and luxurious ships | Higher price point compared to other cruise lines |
| Exceptional service | Traditional atmosphere may not appeal to all |
| Unique transatlantic crossings | Fewer modern amenities for younger travellers |
| Themed voyages with expert speakers | Formal dress code may be restrictive for some |
| Rich maritime history and tradition | Limited family-oriented activities |
All Ships in the Fleet
| Ship Name | Capacity | Length (ft) | Year Built | Highlights | Internet Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary 2 | 2,691 | 1,132 | 2004 | Only ocean liner in service, planetarium, kennels | From £16 per day |
| Queen Victoria | 2,081 | 964 | 2007 | Royal Court Theatre, Winter Garden | From £16 per day |
| Queen Elizabeth | 2,081 | 964 | 2010 | Contemporary art deco style, Garden Lounge | From £16 per day |
| Queen Anne | 3,000 | 1,060 | 2024 | Newest ship, enhanced dining experiences, wellness spa | To be determined |
Adult or Family
Cunard is perfect if you’re an adult looking for a refined cruise experience. There are some family-friendly bits, but the vibe is definitely more suited to adults and couples.
Singles Cruising
Cunard’s got single staterooms on all their ships. Plus, they organise social events just for solo travellers, so you won’t feel left out and you’ll have plenty of chances to meet new people.
Medical Facilities
All Cunard ships come with top-notch medical facilities, staffed by experienced doctors and nurses. There are consultation rooms, treatment rooms, and all the necessary equipment to handle a range of medical needs and emergencies.
Dress Code
Cunard’s dress code is a mix of smart-casual during the day and a bit more posh in the evenings. On Gala Evenings, you’ll need to don your very best – think tuxedos or dark suits for men and evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women. On informal evenings, a jacket and tie for men and a cocktail or evening dress for women will do the trick at dinner time.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account. It’s £9 per person per day if you’re in a Britannia stateroom and £11 per person per day if you’re in a Grill Suite. If you feel the service deserves more or less, you can adjust the amount at the Purser’s Office. You can also opt-out of these.
No Fly Cruises from the UK
If you’d rather skip the hassle of flying, Cunard has several no-fly cruises departing from Southampton.
Facilities & Activities on Cunard Cruise Line
Spa
Cunard ships feature luxurious spas offering a range of treatments and therapies to help you unwind. The Mareel Wellness & Beauty spas are available on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, providing:
- Massage and Body Treatments: Indulge in a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments.
- Hydrotherapy Pools: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.
- Sauna and Steam Rooms: Relax in the heat and let the stress melt away.
- Beauty Salon: Get pampered with hair styling, manicures, pedicures, and other beauty treatments.
Gym
Each Cunard ship boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with:
- Cardio Machines: Treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines.
- Strength Training Equipment: Free weights and resistance machines.
- Fitness Classes: Yoga, Pilates, spinning, and aerobics classes led by professional instructors.
- Personal Training: Book sessions with personal trainers for a customised workout plan.
Games
Cunard offers a variety of games and activities to keep you entertained during your voyage:
- Deck Games: Try your hand at shuffleboard, deck quoits, or table tennis.
- Board Games and Puzzles: Enjoy classic board games, card games, and jigsaw puzzles in the Game Room.
- Trivia and Quizzes: Participate in fun and challenging trivia contests and quizzes.
- Bridge and Mahjong: Join organised bridge and mahjong games with fellow passengers.
Adventure and Sports
For those seeking a bit more adventure and physical activity, Cunard provides:
- Golf Simulators: Practice your swing on state-of-the-art golf simulators.
- Swimming Pools: Take a dip in one of the onboard swimming pools.
- Sports Courts: Play a game of basketball, tennis, or paddle tennis on the sports courts.
- Dance Classes: Learn ballroom, Latin, and other dance styles with professional instructors.
- Fitness Track: Enjoy a jog or walk on the outdoor fitness track with stunning ocean views.
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Entertainment on Cunard Cruise Line
Theatres
Cunard ships are known for their grand theatres and high-quality performances:
- Royal Court Theatre: Found on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, this theatre offers West End-style shows, musicals, and theatrical performances.
- Illuminations Theatre and Planetarium: On Queen Mary 2, this multi-purpose venue serves as a cinema, lecture hall, and planetarium, providing a diverse range of entertainment options.
Casinos
Empire Casino: Located on all Cunard ships, these casinos offer a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines. Professional croupiers are on hand to assist and provide a sophisticated gaming experience.
Bars and Lounges
Cunard boasts a variety of bars and lounges, each with its own unique atmosphere:
- Commodore Club: Enjoy panoramic views and signature cocktails in this stylish bar.
- Chart Room: A relaxing lounge offering a selection of fine wines, spirits, and live music.
- Golden Lion Pub: A traditional British pub serving classic pub fare, beers, and live entertainment, including trivia nights and karaoke.
- Carinthia Lounge: A chic spot for daytime refreshments and evening cocktails, often featuring live piano music.
Dancing
Dancing is a significant part of the Cunard experience, with numerous venues and events:
- Queens Room: The heart of Cunard’s dancing scene, this elegant ballroom hosts nightly dancing events, including themed balls, formal dances, and dance lessons with professional instructors.
- G32 Nightclub: On Queen Mary 2, this vibrant nightclub offers late-night dancing with a live DJ and a lively atmosphere.
- Live Bands and DJ Sets: Various bars and lounges feature live bands and DJs, ensuring there’s always an opportunity to hit the dance floor.
Other Entertainment
Cunard big selection of entertainment options to keep you entertained throughout your voyage:
- Guest Lecturers and Enrichment Programs: Renowned experts deliver talks on a wide range of subjects, from history and politics to art and science.
- Movie Screenings: Enjoy the latest blockbusters and classic films in the onboard cinemas.
- Live Music: Talented musicians perform classical, jazz, and contemporary music in various venues across the ship.
- Comedy Shows and Cabaret: Laugh along with stand-up comedians and cabaret performers in intimate settings.
- Themed Events and Parties: Cunard hosts a variety of themed events and parties, from black-tie gala balls to more casual gatherings.
Restaurants on Cunard Cruise Line
Cunard offers a variety of dining options, from casual to gourmet experiences. Some are included in your fare, while others may cost a bit extra. Here’s what you can expect:
Included Dining Options
- Britannia Restaurant: This is the main dining room for most guests. You’ll enjoy a classy dining experience with a wide range of international dishes. The best part? It’s included in your fare.
- Lido Restaurant (Queen Mary 2) and Lido Buffet (Queen Elizabeth & Queen Victoria): These casual buffet restaurants are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a variety of dishes here, and there’s no extra charge.
- Kings Court (Queen Mary 2): This place transforms throughout the day, offering a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and themed dining in the evening. The buffet is free, but the themed evenings might cost a bit extra.
- Queens Grill and Princess Grill: If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll dine here. These exclusive restaurants offer gourmet options at no additional cost for suite guests.
Specialty Restaurants (Additional Cost)
- The Verandah Restaurant: Fancy some French-inspired fine dining? This is the place to go, but it comes with an extra charge.
- Steakhouse at The Verandah: In the evenings, The Verandah turns into a steakhouse, serving premium cuts of meat and seafood. This also costs extra.
- Golden Lion Pub: Craving some British pub fare? While the pub itself is included, some food items might have an additional charge.
- Specialty Dining Evenings: Occasionally, there are themed dining nights in Kings Court or Lido Buffet, like Asian, Indian, or Italian. These usually come with a small extra fee.
Drinks Packages and Costs
Cunard offers several drinks packages to suit different tastes:
- Soft Drinks Package: You’ll get unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Prices start around £10 per person, per day.
- Premium Soft Drinks Package: This includes everything in the Soft Drinks Package plus specialty teas and coffees. Prices are about £15 per person, per day.
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Package: Enjoy a selection of beers, wines by the glass, spirits, and cocktails, with a price cap per drink. This starts around £35 per person, per day depending on how long your cruise is.
- Specialty Coffee Card: If you love your specialty coffees, this card lets you pre-purchase a set number at a reduced rate. Prices vary based on the number of drinks.
Accommodation on Cunard Cruise Line
Cunard offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick rundown:
Britannia Staterooms
- Inside Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly option, offering a comfortable space without a window.
- Oceanview Cabins: These cabins come with a window, allowing you to enjoy the view of the sea.
- Balcony Cabins: Featuring a private balcony, these cabins offer a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Princess Grill Suites
- These suites offer more space and luxury, with a separate living area, a private balcony, and access to the exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant.
Queens Grill Suites
- The top-tier accommodation, these suites provide the ultimate in luxury with spacious living areas, large balconies, and exclusive access to the Queens Grill Restaurant. You’ll also enjoy butler service and a host of other perks.
Single Cabins
- Cunard caters to solo travellers with single staterooms available on all their ships. These cabins are designed to provide comfort and convenience for solo cruisers, ensuring they don’t have to pay a supplement for double occupancy rooms.
Swimming Pools on Cunard Cruise Line
Queen Mary 2
- Pavilion Pool: This one’s on Deck 12 and has a retractable roof, so you can swim no matter the weather. There’s also a whirlpool nearby if you fancy a soak.
- Terrace Pool: Located on Deck 8, it’s an outdoor pool with fantastic ocean views and plenty of loungers for sunbathing.
- Minnows Pool: A small pool for kids on Deck 6, perfect for letting the little ones splash around safely.
- Canyon Ranch SpaClub® Pool: Found in the spa area, this pool is for spa guests and offers a peaceful, relaxing swim.
Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria
- Pavilion Pool: Midship on Deck 9, this pool also has a retractable roof, making it a great spot to swim rain or shine. It’s surrounded by comfy loungers and has a whirlpool close by.
- Lido Pool: Aft on Deck 9, this outdoor pool offers lovely views and a chilled-out vibe. It comes with two whirlpools and lots of sun loungers.
- Splash Pool: Up on Deck 10, this smaller pool is great for a quick dip or for kids to have some water fun.
Queen Anne
- Main Pool: This brand-new ship has a central pool with a retractable roof, so you can enjoy a swim in any weather. Expect a modern look and feel.
- Family Pool: Designed for families, this pool will be a safe and fun spot for kids and parents alike.
Cunard no-fly cruises that depart from UK
Cunard offers no-fly cruises from a few key UK ports, making it super convenient if you want to skip the hassle of flying. Here’s where you can hop on a Cunard cruise:
Southampton
- Southampton: This is the main port for Cunard’s no-fly cruises. Most of their ships leave from here, and you can find a variety of trips, including transatlantic crossings, European tours, and even world cruises. Southampton is easy to get to by car or train, making it a breeze for travelers from all over the UK.
Additional Ports
While Southampton is the main spot, sometimes Cunard has cruises leaving from other UK ports:
- Liverpool: This port is historically important to Cunard, and they occasionally run special trips from here.
- Dover: Every now and then, you might find a cruise departing from Dover, especially for Northern European and Baltic trips.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.