Ultimate Guide: Cunard Cruise Line
Table of Contents
With its rich maritime history and tradition, the Cunard cruise line is perfect for those seeking a cruise where you can still ballroom dance and fence. This iconic line, known for its dark bows and red funnels has been sailing since 1840. The entire fleet is composed of modern yet very classic ‘queens’ that combine timeless elegance with modern amenities.
Australian travellers are lucky to have access to the line’s iconic offerings. From grand world voyages to shorter explorations in the region, the line’s Australian itineraries offer a diverse range of voyages, each imbued with the line’s signature sophistication.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time cruiser seeking a bucket-listed cruise experience, the Cunard cruise ships promise a voyage like no other. With a focus on enrichment, culture, and exceptional service, every aspect of your cruise is crafted to match your taste and preference.
Why the Cunard Cruise Line?
Some cruise lines are all about non-stop entertainment. Others are ultra-modern floating resorts. Cunard? It’s something else entirely. This is classic ocean travel done right—where black-tie gala nights still exist, afternoon tea is served properly, and the experience feels effortlessly elegant without trying too hard.
But it’s not just about tradition. Cunard’s ships are spacious, sophisticated, and designed for travellers who want more than just a holiday. Whether it’s a legendary transatlantic crossing, a world voyage, or a short escape closer to home, every journey is about comfort, culture, and exceptional service.
If you want a cruise that feels a little more refined, a little more special, and still knows how to make an entrance, Cunard is the one.
At Glance [Accommodation type, Destinations]
Destinations
Cunard Line features a range of itineraries spanning the globe. The line caters to travellers seeking both traditional and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Here are some of the bucket-listed destinations that Cunard is offering to cruise enthusiasts:
- Africa and the Indian Ocean
- Alaska
- Asia
- Australia and New Zealand
- Canary Islands
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
- Northern Europe
- Panama Canal and Central America
- South America
- South Pacific
- USA and Canada
- Western Europe
- World Voyage
Accommodation
Cunard does things differently when it comes to staterooms. Whether you’re in an inside cabin or the most luxurious suite, everything feels polished, classic, and built for comfort.
Britannia Staterooms are a solid choice, with options ranging from cozy inside rooms to oceanview and balcony staterooms. If you want a little extra, Britannia Club Balcony gives you more perks, including a private restaurant where you can dine whenever you like.
Princess Grill Suites step things up with more space, a sitting area, and exclusive access to the Princess Grill Restaurant. Then there are the Queens Grill Suites, Cunard’s top-tier experience. They are complete with butler service, a private lounge, and the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel like royalty.
Solo travellers have dedicated Single Staterooms, and accessible options are available for those who need them. No matter where you stay, expect classic elegance, thoughtful touches, and the kind of luxury that makes even your downtime feel special.
What’s Included
A Cunard cruise covers a lot in the base fare, so you won’t have to worry about the essentials. From dining and entertainment to classic cruise traditions, here’s what’s included when you sail with Cunard.
Accommodation
No matter which stateroom or suite you book, you’ll get a well-appointed space with luxury bedding, an en-suite bathroom, Penhaligon’s toiletries, a TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Your steward will freshen up the room twice daily, so everything stays just right.
Dining
All guests have access to their designated main restaurant, whether it’s Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, or Queens Grill. Expect multi-course meals with a mix of international flavours and classic British touches. If you prefer something more casual, the Kings Court (on Queen Mary 2) and Lido (on Queen Elizabeth & Queen Victoria) buffets offer a wide selection of dishes, available all day and night. Room service is also complimentary, so you can enjoy breakfast in bed or a late-night snack whenever you like.
Entertainment & Activities
Cunard doesn’t skimp on entertainment and the best part? It’s all included.
- Live music, theatre performances, and guest speakers bring variety to your evenings.
- Gala Nights let you dress up and step into a world of timeless elegance.
- Daily activities range from dance classes to enrichment lectures to traditional deck games like shuffleboard.
Recreational Facilities
If you want to stay active or just unwind, there’s plenty to do. You’ll have access to pools, hot tubs, and the fitness centre, as well as one of the largest libraries at sea for a quiet escape.
Service
Expect the signature White Star Service—Cunard’s commitment to refined, attentive hospitality. Whether it’s a perfectly timed cup of tea or thoughtful touches in your stateroom, the crew is there to make your voyage seamless.
Is Cunard all-inclusive?
The line operates on a more traditional cruise model where most amenities and services are included in the base fare. But there are those that are made available at an additional cost like alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and gratuities. Like most major cruise lines, guests can also purchase drink packages which add more convenience and flexibility to the cruiser’s experience onboard. Here’s Cunard’s A World of Drinks bundles:
Package | Less than 5 nights | 5-14 nights | 15-84 nights | 85+ nights |
Beers, Wines and Spirits Option | $95 | $80 | $75 | $55 |
Premium Non‑Alcoholic Option | $45 | $45 | $45 | $45 |
Specialty Hot Drinks Option | $17.50 | $17.50 | $17.50 | $17.50 |
Soft Drinks Option | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
Note: Prices listed are per person per night, and are shown in USD.
Cruise Line Packages
Cunard offers a range of packages to make your cruise experience smoother, more enjoyable, and, in some cases, more cost-effective. Whether you want to take the hassle out of drinks, extend your stay, or grab a special deal, here’s what’s on offer.
Drinks Packages
If you like the idea of not thinking about bar tabs, Cunard has several drinks packages to choose from. The Beers, Wines & Spirits package covers a selection of drinks priced up to $13.50 per serving, and the price per day depends on how long your cruise is. The Premium Non-Alcoholic package includes soft drinks, mocktails, juices, and specialty coffees, while the Specialty Hot Drinks and Soft Drinks packages cater to those who prefer coffee, tea, or soda. These can be pre-purchased or added once onboard.
Hotel Packages
If you’d rather ease into your trip or extend it after disembarkation, Cunard offers hotel stays in key port cities. These packages include accommodations, breakfast, transfers, local taxes and service charges, and luggage porterage, with a Cunard representative on hand to assist. It’s a great option if you want to explore your departure or arrival city without rushing to or from the airport.
Special Offers & Promotions
Cunard regularly runs deals that can help you save or upgrade your experience. The Sailing Soon Savings offer discounts on near-term voyages, while the Lowest Fare option gives a price break with some flexibility in dining and stateroom assignments. Guests booking a Grill Suite on longer voyages may get perks like a drinks package and covered service charges.
Dining Experiences
With a combination of exceptional culinary masterpieces and timeless elegance, Cunard dining is an experience like no other. Guests on board a Cunard ‘Queen’ get to enjoy an array of food choices and gastro pubs. With a diverse range of choices, the real challenge for every Cunard guest onboard is deciding where and what to eat. here are some of Cunard’s dining choices:
The main dining rooms set the tone for Cunard’s signature elegance. Britannia Restaurant is the grand centrepiece, serving beautifully crafted dishes in a classic ocean liner setting. Britannia Club offers a similar menu with the bonus of flexible dining times. If you got to the Grill Suites, things get even more refined. Princess Grill guests enjoy an elevated menu and a more intimate setting, while Queens Grill takes it to another level with butler service and meals tailored to your taste.
For something more relaxed, casual dining options include the Lido (on Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) and Kings Court (on Queen Mary 2), both offering buffet-style meals with international selections. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, The Golden Lion is a proper British pub serving classics like fish and chips and steak-and-ale pie—best enjoyed with a pint.
Cunard also offers specialty dining for those looking to mix things up. Steakhouse at The Verandah is the go-to for premium cuts of beef and seafood. On Queen Victoria, the Lido transforms at night into themed venues serving Asian, Indian, Italian, or American-style dishes. For an extra treat, there’s Champagne Afternoon Tea, a white-glove affair featuring scones, pastries, and, of course, bubbles.
And if you’d rather stay in? Room service is available 24/7, with a solid selection of meals, snacks, and drinks—Grill Suite guests can even order from the restaurant menus.
No matter where you dine, expect a mix of classic flavours, fine ingredients, and that signature Cunard touch.
Cabins Experiences
Cunard cabins aren’t just a place to sleep. They’re designed for comfort, elegance, and a touch of classic ocean liner charm. Whether you’re in a cozy inside room or a sprawling suite with butler service, every cabin feels like a retreat at sea.
The Britannia Staterooms are stylish and comfortable, with options ranging from Inside Staterooms (perfect if you don’t mind skipping the window) to Oceanview Staterooms. This is where you get natural light and sea views. If you want your own outdoor space, the Britannia Balcony Staterooms come with a private balcony—great for morning coffee or stargazing. Guests in these rooms dine in the grand Britannia Restaurant, a classic setting with an ever-changing menu.
For a little extra, the Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms offer the same elegant design. However, the perks are better. You get a bigger balcony and access to the Britannia Club Restaurant, where you can dine whenever you like instead of sticking to fixed meal times.
Moving up, Princess Grill Suites take things to the next level with more space, a separate seating area, and priority perks. Guests here get exclusive access to the Princess Grill Restaurant, where the menu is a step above, plus entry to the Grills Lounge and Terrace, a private area for relaxation away from the crowds.
Then there’s the Queens Grill Suites, which is the ultimate Cunard experience. These suites come with butler service, a dining and living area, a spacious balcony, and a personalized minibar. Guests staying here enjoy white-glove treatment. They get priority to everything, and access to the Queens Grill Restaurant, where meals are tailored to their preferences. It’s as close as you can get to stepping into the golden age of ocean travel.
No matter which cabin you choose, every detail—down to the crisp linens and thoughtful amenities—is designed to make your time on board feel effortless and refined.
Activities [Family, Kids and Couple]
A Cunard cruise isn’t just about elegant dining and glamorous evenings. There’s actually plenty to do during the day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with kids, or as a couple looking for a little romance.
For Families
Cunard has a surprisingly good mix of classic and modern family-friendly activities. You’ll find traditional deck games like shuffleboard and quoits, as well as scavenger hunts, trivia, and table tennis tournaments. If you’re up for some quality time together, there are board games, live music performances, and even family-friendly movie screenings in the ship’s theatre.
For Kids & Teens
Cunard’s kids’ clubs are designed to keep younger guests entertained while giving parents some well-earned downtime.
- The Play Zone (ages 2-7) is packed with arts and crafts, storytelling, and play areas.
- The Kids’ Zone (ages 8-12) has video games, sports, and creative activities.
- The Teen Zone (ages 13-17) is where older kids can hang out, take part in deck sports, quizzes, and even their own teen-only disco nights.
Best part? The clubs are complimentary, and fully trained staff keep an eye on things, so parents can relax knowing their kids are in good hands.
For Couples
If you’re sailing with your significant other, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time together. Start your day with a couples’ yoga session or a Champagne breakfast on your private balcony. Spend the afternoon unwinding in the spa, taking a wine-tasting class, or just enjoying a slow-paced lunch with uninterrupted ocean views.
Evenings are all about romance—dress up for a black-tie Gala Night, dance to a live orchestra in the Queens Room, or catch a West End-style performance in the theatre. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, grab a cocktail at one of the ship’s bars and enjoy live jazz or classical music.
No matter who you’re travelling with, Cunard offers plenty to keep you entertained—whether that means a full schedule of activities or just the freedom to do absolutely nothing at all.
Popular Fleets
The fleet is composed of four magnificent ‘queens’, each a masterpiece of maritime engineering and design. These vessels are symbols of grandeur and luxury that Cunard represents.
Queen Mary 2 is the crown jewel. As the world’s only true ocean liner, she was built for legendary transatlantic crossings and delivers a cruising experience unlike any other.
Queen Victoria is all about elegance, with a slightly more intimate feel but no shortage of grandeur. She’s got the charm of a classic ocean liner with all the perks of a modern ship.
Queen Elizabeth leans into Art Deco glamour, combining timeless design with a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. Whether it’s a world cruise or a short getaway, she does it all in style.
Queen Anne is the newest addition, blending Cunard’s heritage with a fresh, modern feel. She brings a new level of contemporary luxury while staying true to the traditions that make Cunard unique.
Each Queen has its own personality, but they all share the same commitment to service, sophistication, and making every voyage feel like an occasion.
Loyalty Programs
Cunard rewards its repeat guests through the Cunard World Club, a loyalty program that adds extra perks the more you sail. Whether it’s priority check-in, exclusive events, or complimentary treats, the program makes every return voyage feel a little more special.
How It Works
The program is simple: the more nights you spend at sea with Cunard, the more benefits you unlock. There are four membership tiers, starting from your very first cruise.
Silver membership kicks in as soon as you complete your first voyage. You’ll get access to exclusive offers and a subscription to The Cunarder magazine.
After two voyages or 20 nights, you move up to Gold, which adds a bit more—like a complimentary internet credit and an invitation to an exclusive onboard event.
With Platinum status (after seven voyages or 70 nights), things start getting even better. You’ll get priority check-in at certain ports, discounts on laundry and luggage services, and a complimentary wine tasting.
At the top is Diamond (15 voyages or 150 nights), where you unlock all the perks plus an extra treat—a complimentary meal at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.
It’s a straightforward program, and while the perks won’t change your entire cruise experience, they do add some nice touches that make each trip feel even more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Question’s
Does Cunard have gratuities?
Cunard does have a tipping policy where a certain amount is added to guests’ onboard accounts. These gratuities are intended to compensate the ever-dedicated and hardworking staff for their service.Â
In addition, gratuities apply to all guests and differ in their chosen accommodation. Guests booked in Queens and Princess Grill Suites are charged USD$18 per person per day. On the other hand, guests staying in Britannia Staterooms are charged USD$16 per person per day.Â
Does the Cunrad have Dress Codes?
Formal Evenings
For Cunard Line’s designated formal nights, cruise passengers are expected to dress in formal or evening wear. Gentlemen are expected to wear tuxedos or coats with black ties. On the other hand, ladies typically wear evening or cocktail dresses.
Gala Evenings
These nights feature themes such as Black and White, Roaring Twenties, or Masquerade, encouraging guests to embrace elevated glamour. Men can wear formal suits with ties, and women may opt for cocktail dresses or formal separates.
Daytime Dress Code
During the day, the dress code is more relaxed. Casual attire like sundresses, slacks, and collared shirts are acceptable in most public areas. Moreover, pool areas and outdoor decks allow for more casual attire like shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear.
Who sails on a Cunard cruise?
Cunard attracts a demographic of discerning and affluent cruise enthusiasts who appreciate the line’s rich heritage, elegance, and focus on cultural enrichment. In addition, Cunard also appeals to a good number of multigenerational families seeking a unique and culturally immersive voyage. The ‘queens’ spacious suites also make it convenient for families to sail together while having to enjoy a space of their own. Moreover, given the line’s strong British roots and connections to the Royal Family, the line also appeals to a good number of anglophiles and royalty enthusiasts.Â
What entertainment and activities can be found onboard Cunard?
The line is known for featuring sophisticated and enriching onboard activities. The line offers a range of activities, entertainment, and even enrichment opportunities that fit discerning travellers’ tastes. In addition, there are also an array of bars and lounges where cruisers can socialize and enjoy.Â
Here are some of the activities to expect onboard:
1. Dance classes
2. Deck games
3. Swimming pools
4. Sporting activities
5. Fitness classes
6. Enrichment activities
7. Behind the scene tours
8. Classical concerts
9. Illuminations
10. Interdenominational Service at Sea
11. Theatrical Productions
12. Gala Evenings
13. Live music
14. Shopping
15. Art Gallery
Activities for kids
1. The Play Zone
2. The Kids’ Zone
3. The Teen Zone