Cunard

Sailings on Cunard’s four ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth and the brand new Queen Anne– have a gentrified British feel reflected in the backstory of this line, which can trace its history back to 1840 when it was founded by Canadian Samuel Cunard. 

The Queen Anne is the largest of the fleet, holding 3,000 guests while its three smaller sister ships hold just over 2,000 guests. 

Sail with Cunard and enter another world, one of daily afternoon teas served by white-gloved waiters to the delicate sounds of a string quartet and gala black tie dinners that are a study in formality and finery. 

The surroundings are elegant and there’s a programme of cultured activities with onboard lectures by distinguished speakers, classical performances, art classes and yoga sessions.

All four ships have the stately Royal Court Theatre for regular productions, which on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth also have their own private boxes. There is even a planetarium on the QM2, which is one of the few at sea, staging 3D galactic-themed films. 

Five facts about Cunard 

• Cunard’s enrichment programme features talks by leaders in their field, including politicians, scientists, explorers and historians.
• The company has themed cruises ranging from ballet and The Beatles to gastronomy and classical music.
• Transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, are iconic. The ship even has kennels to take dogs and cats, as well as their owners, between America and the UK.
• Fencing classes that are held in the Queens Room across the three ships of the fleet.
• The company runs acting workshops with members of the Royal Shakespeare company on the Queen Mary 2. 

Who is Cunard for? 

Cunard suits those who enjoy dressing up in their finery and enjoying an old fashioned good time. Formal nights are taken very seriously with Cunard and, given the popularity of the company’s transatlantic cruises, where there are rarely any ports of call between Southampton and New York, the evenings become an event in themselves. 

Those with cash to splash can opt for the top-of-the-range Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites which also have their own dedicated restaurants, lounge and deck areas, and these attract a moneyed crowd and occasional celebrities, especially on QM2’s transatlantic voyages.

However, the ships also attract families thanks to children’s facilities and kids clubs aboard, and they take youngsters from six months up and offer babysitting too. 

Where can you sail to with Cunard? 

Cunard is known for its longer sailings from Southampton and also its iconic World Cruises, A classic is the New York Transatlantic crossings that run almost year-round, with voyages to the Caribbean and hugging the Eastern Seaboard along America’s New England states into Canada.

However, there are voyages closer to home with departures to the Mediterranean and across Northern Europe, including the Norwegian fjords and mini-cruises to Hamburg, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Zeebrugge. 

What’s included?

• Fine dining excluding, excluding speciality restaurnts
• World class entertainment
• Outstanding service

Loyalty Programme:

Silver - one voyage

• Use of the World Club desk in all our international offices
• An on board loyalty representative
• The Cunarder magazine.*

Gold - two voyages or 20 nights

• In addition to the core Silver benefits, receive:
• A Gold membership pin.*
• $45 internet credit per guest, redeemable against one of our on board Wi-Fi plans.*
• An invitation to a Cunard World Club cocktail party*

Platinum - seven voyages or 70 nights

• In addition to the Gold benefits, receive:
• A Platinum membership pin.*
• A total of $80 internet credit to redeem against one of our on board Wi-Fi plans.*
• 20% saving on Laundry/Specialist Cleaning.*
• Priority check-in at New York and Southampton.*
• Complimentary on board wine tasting.*
• 10% saving on our White Star luggage service.
• An invitation to the senior officers' party*

Diamond - fifteen voyages or 150 nights

• In addition to the Platinum benefits, receive:
• A Diamond membership pin.*
• A total of $135 internet credit to redeem against one of our on board Wi-Fi plans.*
• A complimentary meal at one of the on board alternative dining venues.*
• A dedicated Diamond member contact at the World Club desk in our international offices.

*terms and conditions apply, see their website for details.