CRUISE HOLIDAYS

Cunard Cruises

Cunard has a selection of extraordinary adventures across the world enabling you to experience destinations that are unique and have lots to offer

What to Expect

What Is Included

Example Cruises

FAQs

Why Cunard

The Cinard Ships

Pricing Explained

What to Expect from a Cunard Cruise

A Cunard Cruise offers a truly classic ocean travel experience, combining timeless elegance with modern luxury. As one of the world’s most established cruise lines, Cunard boasts over 180 years of maritime heritage. Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Cunard made history with the first Transatlantic Crossing in 1840 and the first World Voyage in 1923, setting the standard for luxury cruising.

For first-time Cunard cruisers, voyages are carefully designed to balance relaxing days at sea with enriching destinations across the globe. From iconic cities to lesser-known ports, each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to ensure every journey feels special, both on board and ashore.

Cunard’s fleet includes four elegant ships — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and the newest ship, Queen Anne. Each vessel is known for its grand interiors, refined atmosphere and attention to detail, offering a sophisticated cruising experience that appeals to those seeking a more traditional, luxurious style of travel.

One of the hallmarks of a Cunard Cruise is its renowned White Star Service. From the moment you step on board, crew members provide attentive, personalised service, often greeting guests by name. For those new to Cunard, this commitment to service helps create a welcoming, relaxed environment throughout the voyage.

Luxury indoor spa with hot tub, waterfalls, and a woman in a red bathing suit.

Did you know section image. FAQ section - helping people understand what they get on the cruise

Queen Mary 2 is the last ocean liner of her kind and the only ship in the world to regularly operate scheduled Transatlantic Crossings.

What Sets Cunard Apart

Cunard offers a cruising experience unlike any other, rooted in tradition, elegance and a sense of occasion that defines classic ocean travel.

Gala Evenings capture the romance of ocean travel, inviting guests to dress in their finest tuxedos and evening gowns. These glamorous nights create a refined, Hollywood-style atmosphere and are a highlight for many Cunard guests.

On selected sailings, Cunard also offers Event Voyages, giving guests the opportunity to sail alongside renowned experts such as authors, historians, scientists and even astronauts, adding an enriching and inspiring dimension to your cruise.

Dining on board Cunard is equally exceptional. Each stateroom grade enjoys access to its own dedicated fine dining restaurant, each with a distinct personality, ambience and menu, ensuring a truly elevated dining experience throughout your voyage.

Cunard is also synonymous with Transatlantic Crossings. First introduced in 1847 between the UK and New York, this iconic journey remains one of the most memorable ways to travel across the ocean, offering uninterrupted days at sea steeped in history and tradition.

A server pouring tea or coffee into a cup at an elegant high tea setting with tiered trays of pastries, sandwiches, and desserts on a white tablecloth.

One of Cunard’s most cherished traditions is Afternoon Tea, served daily at 3:30pm in the Queen’s Room. White-gloved waiters serve freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches and exquisite pastries, accompanied by live music in truly grand surroundings.

What’s Included on a Cunard Cruise

Accommodation
Cunard staterooms are among the most spacious at sea, offering an elegant and comfortable retreat throughout your voyage. Guests can enjoy thoughtful touches such as luxury toiletries, twice-daily turndown service and wine on arrival. Upgrading your stateroom unlocks additional perks, including priority disembarkation and dedicated concierge services.

Dining
All Cunard stateroom categories include breakfast, lunch and dinner in your designated dining restaurant. Complimentary room service is also available, allowing you to enjoy meals in the comfort of your stateroom whenever you wish.

Onboard Activities
A wide range of onboard activities is included for all Cunard guests. Relax in the ship’s library, take a dip in the open-air pools or make use of the fully equipped gyms. Each day, a detailed programme outlines live music, theatre performances and special guest speakers. You’ll also find deck games, board games, quizzes and plenty more to enjoy during your time at sea.

A person placing a decorative blue pillow with gold embroidery on a bed.

Gala Evenings capture the romance of ocean travel, however Cunard understands that not everyone wishes to dress up every night. For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, a welcoming selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are always available.

Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Cunard Cruisers

What is included in my cruise fare?

Cunard cruise fares include luxury accommodation, fine dining in both the buffet and your dedicated stateroom restaurant, a wide range of onboard activities, and Cunard’s renowned White Star Service.

Items not included in your cruise fare typically include spa treatments, shore experiences, gratuities, selected speciality dining venues, drinks packages, premium soft and alcoholic drinks, and certain onboard activities.

What is the dress code on Cunard ships?

Cunard offers the perfect balance between relaxed daytime comfort and elegant evening style. During the day, guests are free to dress casually and comfortably.

From 6pm, evenings on board become more refined, with smart attire requested in most bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Gala Evenings are a highlight of any Cunard voyage, inviting guests to dress to impress and fully embrace the sense of celebration and tradition. There will be at least one Gala Evening on every cruise.

A serene fjord landscape with calm, reflective water, rocky shoreline in the foreground, mountains covered in greenery, and a cruise ship in the distance, under a partly cloudy sky with soft sunlight.

How does the Cunard pricing work?

Cunard offers three fare options to suit different travel preferences: The Cunard Fare, Early Saver and Late Saver. Each option provides access to Cunard’s signature White Star Service, elegant accommodation, exceptional dining and a wide range of onboard entertainment and activities.

We’ve outlined each fare option below, highlighting the key benefits of each, to help you choose the one that best fits your travel plans and level of flexibility.

The Cunard Fare

The Cunard Fare offers the greatest flexibility and is available on all Cunard cruises, no matter when you book. This option is ideal for guests who value choice, comfort and peace of mind. Key benefits include:

Your choice of stateroom number, with the highest priority for stateroom upgrades
A low 15% deposit, with the balance payable online at any time
The ability to amend your booking up until your balance due date
Complimentary shuttle buses between the ship and local transport hubs
Priority dining for Britannia guests
Complimentary parking or return coach travel on voyages of over seven nights

Breakfast table with two glasses of orange juice, a white teapot, a cup, and a plate of assorted fruit and pastries, with a person in formal attire holding a plate in the background.

The Early Saver Fare

Available on selected cruises and stateroom grades, the Early Saver fare is a great choice for guests booking ahead who want excellent value while still enjoying a comfortable Cunard experience. It offers a lower fare with a small number of helpful benefits, making it ideal for those with fixed travel plans.

A low 15% deposit to secure your booking
The remaining balance payable online at a later date
Britannia guests can request their preferred dining time, which will be confirmed on board, subject to availability

Performer singing on stage with a microphone and a grand piano in the background, illuminated by stage lights, in a theater with an audience.

The Late Saver Fare

The Late Saver fare offers Cunard’s lowest available prices, making it an excellent option for guests who are flexible and focused on securing the best possible value. In return for the reduced fare, bookings are made on a more restricted basis.

Full payment is required at the time of booking
Staterooms are pre-allocated and cannot be selected in advance
Bookings cannot be amended, and cancellations are subject to a 100% cancellation fee
Guests still enjoy Cunard’s renowned White Star Service, elegant accommodation, fine dining and onboard entertainment

A large cruise ship sailing near Manhattan in New York City with the skyline in the background.

What are the differences between the Cunard Ships?

Each member of the Cunard fleet is unique. Although each one offers the same freedom and choice in dining and activities, there are certain features on each that make them stand out in their own way.

Queen Elizabeth

This ship has a special games deck, where you can join in a casual game, sign up for some instruction from our team, or take part in a friendly tournament in bowls, deck tennis or croquet. For those who like to stay active and meet new people over some light competition, Queen Elizabeth would be a good choice.

Lounge with a grand piano, floral arrangement, staircase, and wood-paneled columns and walls.

Queen Mary 2

This is the flagship and is larger than her sisters. She boasts a unique feature in Illuminations, her on board planetarium. With numerous daily showings, you can sit back and watch the show above you and learn about the magnificence of space as you sail. Queen Mary 2 is also the only remaining ocean liner at sea and contains many fascinating displays on board describing periods of nautical history, making her a good choice for those thirsty to learn and discover.

Queen Victoria

This is a favourite among our guests: similar in size to Queen Elizabeth, her guests benefit from her expanded sun deck and stunning Winter Garden venue. With floor-to-ceiling ocean views and a glass roof, this casual lounge is a perfect place to relax alone or to meet others, by day or by night. If fresh air and casual surroundings are what you seek, consider Queen Victoria for your Cunard voyage.

Queen Anne

This is the newest ship to join Cunard fleet, with a capacity of 3,000 guests. Like her sisters, she possesses several Cunard favourites, including The Golden Lion and the Commodore Club. She also hosts many new-to-fleet venues, including speakeasy-style bar Bright Lights Society, Pavilion Wellness Café, and an unparalleled retail experience. For a fresh take on beloved Cunard traditions, Queen Anne is the perfect choice for your next voyage.