Cunard : Our cruise deals 2025 - 2026

Cunard is a luxury cruise line that highlights British elegance, offering varied itineraries such as transatlantic voyages and world cruises aboard comfortable ships that blend historical heritage with contemporary design.

The history of Cunard

Cunard Line, founded in 1838 by Canadian Samuel Cunard, is one of the oldest maritime cruise companies still operating. In 1840, it revolutionized transatlantic transport with its first steamship, the Britannia, which carried mail between the United Kingdom and North America.

Over the decades, the company launched iconic ships such as the Mauretania, renowned for its speed, and the Lusitania. In 1934, it merged with the White Star Line to form Cunard-White Star Line, before regaining its original name in 1949.

Starting in the 1960s, Cunard shifted toward luxury cruising, marking a turning point with the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1969. Today, its fleet includes prestigious ships like the Queen Mary 2—still the only liner to offer regular transatlantic crossings—the Queen Victoria, the Queen Elizabeth, and the newer Queen Anne. Cunard continues to combine British heritage with modernity, delivering a refined and timeless maritime experience.

Highlights of Cunard

Nearly two centuries of transatlantic crossings

Since its founding in 1840, Cunard has established itself as a leading reference for transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America. On board iconic ships like the Queen Mary 2, guests are invited to relive the glamour of the golden age of ocean travel while enjoying modern comforts and top-tier service. The regular crossings between Southampton and New York provide a unique experience, blending history with contemporary luxury.

Luxury cruises with timeless British elegance

Sailing with Cunard immerses passengers in an atmosphere steeped in British elegance. From afternoon tea served by white-gloved staff to gala evenings in the opulent Queens Room ballroom, every detail is thoughtfully orchestrated to evoke the timeless charm of the United Kingdom. Guests can also visit the Golden Lion Pub, a true English pub at sea, featuring traditional dishes like fish and chips and a selection of beers—some brewed exclusively for Cunard.

Culinary excellence at sea

Dining aboard Cunard ships is a celebration of refined flavors. Restaurants such as the Queens Grill showcase cuisine crafted by talented chefs, offering a wide range of menus sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Passengers staying in Queens Grill suites enjoy a reserved table in an intimate, sophisticated setting, where each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs, including Michel Roux, further enhance the culinary offerings and create memorable gastronomic experiences at sea.

Exceptional onboard amenities

Cunard ships stand out for their unique amenities that enrich the experience on board. For example, the Queen Mary 2 houses the only planetarium at sea, providing captivating astronomy shows. The vessels also feature extensive libraries—among the largest at sea—allowing travelers to lose themselves in a variety of books. These outstanding facilities reflect Cunard’s commitment to offering an enriching and refined cruise experience.

The Cunard fleet

Queen Mary 2

Launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 is an emblematic transatlantic liner in the Cunard fleet. Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, this ocean liner is specifically designed for regular crossings between Southampton and New York. Accommodating up to 2,691 passengers, it provides a wide array of luxurious facilities. Guests can enjoy 14 spacious decks that include gourmet restaurants, elegant bars, a unique at-sea planetarium, a well-stocked library, a theater, a casino, luxury boutiques, a spa, and a wellness center for optimal relaxation.

Queen Victoria

Introduced in 2007, the Queen Victoria was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. This cruise ship carries around 2,081 passengers and offers a variety of features, including fine-dining restaurants, inviting bars, a lavish theater, elegant lounges, a casino, shops, and wellness amenities such as a spa, a fitness center, and pools for guests’ leisure and relaxation.

Queen Elizabeth

Inaugurated in 2010, the Queen Elizabeth is the third ship in Cunard’s current fleet. Also built by Fincantieri, it carries approximately 2,092 passengers. The ship’s interior reflects an Art Deco style, reminiscent of the golden age of ocean travel. Its offerings include a range of dining options, sophisticated bars and lounges, a majestic theater, a casino, shops, along with a spa, a fitness center, and pools to ensure passenger well-being and entertainment.

Queen Anne

Joining the Cunard fleet in 2024, the Queen Anne was built by Fincantieri in Marghera and accommodates nearly 3,000 passengers. This ship blends design elements inspired by Cunard’s heritage with modern features. Guests can enjoy various restaurants offering distinctive culinary experiences, diverse cultural and entertainment programs, multiple pools, a theater, elegant bars and lounges, and dedicated wellness spaces featuring a spa and a fitness center.

Social and environmental commitment of Cunard

Cunard is committed to promoting sustainable tourism through several initiatives: reducing its carbon footprint by using low-sulfur fuel; adopting shore power technology for its entire fleet—enabling the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne to connect to local grids and reduce emissions in port; optimizing recycling and waste treatment; and protecting marine mammals. By collaborating with experts and NGOs, Cunard continually seeks to improve its environmental and social impact.

Main Cunard cruise destinations

Transatlantic cruises

Cunard is renowned worldwide for its legendary transatlantic cruises, notably between Southampton and New York aboard the Queen Mary 2. These seven-night itineraries offer a one-of-a-kind ocean voyage, combining maritime tradition with modern comforts. Cruises from Southampton and cruises from New York are available year-round, with crossing options in both directions. These transatlantic routes pair elegance and comfort with a wide range of onboard activities.

Cunard also hosts themed cruises aboard the Queen Mary 2, such as “Transatlantic Fashion Week” and the “Literature Festival at Sea,” bringing unique cultural experiences to the transatlantic journey.

Additionally, the company offers other transatlantic itineraries from and to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Queen Anne and the Queen Victoria, featuring one or more stops, including Ponta Delgada in the Azores and Hamilton in Bermuda.

Mediterranean cruises

Cunard’s Mediterranean cruises showcase destinations such as Spain, the Balearic Islands, the South of France, Corsica, Italy, and Malta. The company provides numerous cruises from Barcelona as well as cruises from Rome–Civitavecchia.

These sailings include calls in iconic Mediterranean cities, giving travelers opportunities to explore cultural and historical sites like the Sagrada Família in Barcelona (Spain) and the city of Valletta (Malta), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Passengers can also enjoy picture-perfect beaches and discover various local cultures.

Some itineraries feature calls in the Adriatic Sea, including fortified cities such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro, or the Greek island of Corfu, offering breathtaking scenery and unique cultural richness.

Northern Europe cruises

Cunard offers Northern Europe cruises with itineraries that include destinations along the North Sea, the Scandinavian fjords, and the British Isles. These cruises departing from Hamburg or Southampton allow guests to take in impressive natural landscapes and diverse cultural treasures. Ports of call often include historic cities like Bruges, famed for its canals and medieval architecture, or Bergen, the gateway to the fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passengers also have the chance to explore natural wonders such as Norway’s Geirangerfjord or the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, providing an immersive experience of the region’s cultural variety and stunning panoramas.

World cruises

Cunard also operates world cruises lasting around 120 nights, giving travelers the chance to visit numerous destinations across continents, with calls in iconic ports and culturally enriching experiences.

Cunard’s world cruise itineraries include stops in legendary cities like New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Cape Town, allowing passengers to discover diverse cultures and landscapes while enjoying the British elegance and refinement for which the company is known.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Cunard cruises

How should I dress on a Cunard cruise?

Daytime attire can be casual, with swimsuits, shorts, and bermudas worn in pool areas or on sports decks. After 6 p.m., the dress code on the daily program reflects the company’s elegant spirit, typically leading to more formal evenings. On transatlantic crossings, there are three formal evenings, two of which are themed events such as “Black and White,” “Masquerade,” or “Ascot.”

You will receive documentation before departure detailing the attire and themes for each evening. Passengers may choose relaxed dress for dining at the buffet, but elsewhere after 6 p.m., a jacket is required for men, with no jeans or tie needed. During formal evenings held on sea days, women are expected to wear an evening gown, and men should wear a tuxedo or dark suit with a black tie or bow tie; tuxedos can be rented on board if necessary.

What is the minimum age for a child to board?

The minimum age for a child on most Cunard cruises is generally 6 months. However, for world cruises, transatlantic crossings, and certain longer voyages to exotic destinations, the minimum age is increased to 12 months due to the remoteness of the destinations and the number of consecutive days at sea. It is therefore essential to check the specific requirements of each itinerary before booking.

Does Cunard offer a child fare?

Yes. Cunard provides a reduced fare for children sharing a cabin or suite with two paying adults. Children under the age of 2 travel free, though any airfare, land services, and other incidental costs remain the responsibility of the parents. Children ages 2 to 17 receive a discounted rate as the 3rd or 4th guest in the cabin. All children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.

Are pets allowed on Cunard ships?

Cunard is one of the few cruise lines to allow pets on board, and the Queen Mary 2 is the only ship in the world to offer this service, exclusively during transatlantic crossings. Dogs and cats stay in dedicated kennels on Deck 12, complete with a play area and a lounge reserved for pet owners. Animals are not permitted in passenger areas. Advance reservations are necessary, and guests must comply with all current health requirements.