Cruise line guide

Cunard

A classic ocean-cruise line for travellers who enjoy the ceremony of the journey as much as the destinations.

About the cruise line

What to expect from Cunard.

Cunard brings a distinctive sense of occasion to modern cruising: elegant public rooms, traditional afternoon tea, formal evenings if you want them and itineraries that make the sea journey feel meaningful. It is not about being old-fashioned; it is about choosing a ship with a more classic rhythm and a little more theatre.

The ships

Ships to know.

Cunard’s fleet is made up of Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Each has its own character, so the ship matters as much as the route.

Ship style

Queen Mary 2

Cunard’s ocean-crossing flagship, built for the Atlantic as well as longer itineraries.

The first ship to consider if Southampton-to-New York is the dream, or if you want the biggest sense of occasion at sea.

On board

What to look for.

A grand, sea-facing style: public rooms and covered deck space make the journey feel central to the holiday.

Public rooms

A spacious, formal feel for music, afternoon tea and watching the sea go by.

Dining

Dinner is part of the occasion; restaurant allocation depends on your fare and cabin grade.

Cabins

Choose around the route and time in the room — a sea view or balcony can matter on a crossing.

Deck and pool

Covered pool spaces are especially appealing when the Atlantic weather is part of the experience.

Illustration-led cues, not exact deck plans or a promise that every cabin, restaurant or area will look the same on every sailing.

Ship style

Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest ship, carrying the line’s sense of occasion into a fresher, more contemporary setting.

A strong option for first-time Cunard travellers who want newer social spaces, dining choice and a varied programme.

On board

What to look for.

A contemporary take on Cunard, with sociable shared spaces as well as places to settle into a slower sea day.

Atrium and lounges

Designed for an easy flow between a drink, live music and time to sit with a view.

Dining

A broad restaurant choice gives you more ways to shape the rhythm of an evening.

Cabins

Balcony cabins suit travellers who want their own outside space between ports and sea days.

Pool deck

A relaxed outdoor setting for sunny-route sailings, with quieter spaces elsewhere on board.

Illustration-led cues, not exact deck plans or a promise that every cabin, restaurant or area will look the same on every sailing.

Ship style

Queen Victoria

An elegant mid-sized Queen with a classic look and a more intimate scale than Queen Mary 2.

A thoughtful fit for Mediterranean and Northern Europe routes, especially if a traditional ship atmosphere matters.

On board

What to look for.

A traditional, quietly polished atmosphere with more of a club-like feel than a resort-at-sea experience.

Lounges

Comfortable public rooms lend themselves to a piano, a book, a drink and an unhurried sea day.

Dining

A more formal dinner rhythm is there if you enjoy it, balanced with other casual choices.

Cabins

Cabin location and outside space are worth comparing when choosing a scenic itinerary.

Pool and spa

Think relaxed time between ports rather than headline attractions or constant activity.

Illustration-led cues, not exact deck plans or a promise that every cabin, restaurant or area will look the same on every sailing.

Ship style

Queen Elizabeth

A refined mid-sized Queen with a warm, classic Cunard atmosphere and a broad choice of itineraries.

Consider it for scenic Northern Europe, Mediterranean or longer routes when you want elegance without an overwhelming scale.

On board

What to look for.

A graceful, comfortable ship for travellers who want the sea days to feel civilised, easy and quietly special.

Evening spaces

Music, shows and drinks have a classic cruise-line feel, without making every night a formal event.

Dining

The ship works well for travellers who enjoy making dinner part of the evening’s plan.

Cabins

A balcony can be particularly rewarding on fjord and scenic routes, depending on the itinerary.

Pool and deck

Glass-covered and outdoor spaces help the ship work across both warm and cooler itineraries.

Illustration-led cues, not exact deck plans or a promise that every cabin, restaurant or area will look the same on every sailing.

The images in this guide are original artist’s illustrations, inspired by the distinctive form and atmosphere of each ship. They are not deck plans or exact renderings of every room. When you enquire, Elenel will confirm the exact ship, cabin and sailing being considered.

Who it suits

Is it the right fit?

Couples and friends celebrating something special

First-time cruisers drawn to a classic, polished atmosphere

Travellers who see the crossing or sea days as part of the holiday, not time to get through

What it can feel like

A look at the holiday.

Original illustration board inspired by Queen Mary 2 public rooms, dining, cabin and covered pool deck — A slower sea day
A sea-facing rhythm of lounges, dining and covered deck space makes the journey part of the holiday.

Original illustration board inspired by Queen Anne atrium, dining, balcony cabin and pool deck — A fresh take on tradition
Contemporary social spaces, restaurants and a sunny deck give Queen Anne a different kind of Cunard day at sea.

Original illustration board inspired by Queen Victoria lounge, dining room, cabin and pool area — A quieter kind of elegance
Smaller-scale lounges, dining and deck space make the mid-sized Queens feel composed and unhurried.

Current Cunard possibilities

Live Cunard sailings to consider.

These are selected holidays from our wider collection. Price and availability will be checked again when you enquire.

Cruise

USA & CanadaSails 10 September 2027 · Southampton

Transatlantic Crossing, New England & Canada

Sail from Southampton aboard Queen Mary 2, then explore New England and eastern Canada before three nights in New York. Twenty-four nights make this a substantial journey rather than a short city break.

Originally from £5,859ppPer person, based on two adults sharing. Manchester flight option.Original advertised price, last checked 14 September 2026. Current price, availability and applicable benefits will be confirmed when you enquire.View holiday

Explore Holiday & Cruise Offers

Continue comparing

Keep the whole holiday in view.

Compare the atmosphere of the other lines, explore ocean cruising more broadly or use the cruise finder for a considered starting point.

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Talk to Elenel

Let’s find the right Cunard sailing.

We will compare the live itinerary, cabin, fare and any relevant extras before bringing back options that suit you.

Ask Elenel about Cunard

What to expect from Cunard.

Queen Mary 2

Queen Anne

Queen Victoria

Queen Elizabeth

A slower sea day

A fresh take on tradition

A quieter kind of elegance

Live Cunard sailings to consider.

Transatlantic Crossing, New England & Canada

Keep the whole holiday in view.

Let’s find the right Cunard sailing.