Why choose Cunard Line
Cunard offers a charming blend of old-world elegance and contemporary touches for an increasingly fraught modern world.
Water parks, roller coasters and crass attempts at lowbrow entertainment are not the Cunard way. You won't find anything other than deluxe leisure and pure relaxation when onboard, from classic games - such as paddle tennis, shuffleboard and croquet - to dance lessons, cooking demos, lectures and tasteful movie screenings.
In the evenings, guests can enjoy quizzes, karaoke, dancing and live bands, or else retreat for a nightcap in one of the ships’ bars. Regardless of choice, you can rest assured that a royal service is guaranteed.
Cunard remains in the more luxurious bracket when it comes to cost, but remember, you are paying for the ultimate iconic cruising experience. Nobody does it better.
Cruising with Cunard
Southampton-based Cunard offers a stylish and traditional style of cruising that’s in a league of its own. The legendary cruise line is famed for its nostalgic transatlantic sailings, reminiscent of a bygone era with formal black-tie dinners, classy afternoon teas, ballroom galas and all-round quintessentially British mantra.
The ships’ elegant, art deco design features, grand furnishings and images of Hollywood thespians all serve as reminders of cruising's golden era - when regality ruled the waves.
Cunard has rightfully become known for its voyages of cultural enrichment, including the annual Transatlantic Fashion Week cruise, which has seen the line partner with well-known designers including Zandra Rhodes, Julien McDonald and Badgley Mischka.
This goes hand-in-hand with the cruise line's Literary Festival of Sea, which has previously featured authors Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Prue Leith and Joanne Harris.
For cruises where decorum and grandeur meet technology and contemporary demands, nothing comes close to Cunard's White Star service.
- Leaving from:Southampton
- Leaving from:Civitavecchia
- Leaving from:Singapore
- Leaving from:Hamburg
- Leaving from:Civitavecchia
Who should travel
Passengers seeking a traditional, glamorous and formal style of cruising will love travelling aboard Cunard’s extensive fleet of ships.
Typically (and unsurprisingly), the transatlantic voyages predominantly attract older British and North American cruisers, but you will find some younger couples and families. Not to mention solo cruisers seeking good company in stylish surroundings.
You will also find some furry companions on board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, being the only ship in the world that permits pets to cruise with their owners between the two countries. You'll want to book early to avoid disappointment.
While traditional in design, the ships are modern in terms of facilities, with wi-fi, computer lounges and shopping boutiques. However, the cruise line has one of the strictest formal dress codes at sea, with even informal nights requiring jackets and dresses, so those seeking a more relaxed and contemporary style of luxury cruising should look elsewhere.
Destinations
Along with the cruise line's famed transatlantic voyages, Cunard also offers various sailings and experiences across the globe.
Destinations include the Mediterranean, United States and Canada, Alaska, South America, Northern Europe, Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Cunard’s around-the-world voyages are also fairly legendary, with the cruise line’s RMS Laconia having sailed the first one over a century ago. The spirit of that first voyage is firmly embedded in Cunard's DNA, making for a remarkable trip regardless of destination.
Dining
You will be utterly spoiled for choice. Cunard takes great care to provide the finest cuisine available, from the stylish and vibrant Britannia Restaurant serving traditional favourites and contemporary selections, to the Golden Lion eatery and its unique pub atmosphere full of great beers and homely lunches.
The Britannia Club restaurant provides an intimate backdrop with impeccable service for those seeking a mouth-watering selection of foods, while the Princess Grill is open for stylish breakfasts, lunches and exquisite dinners. And that’s just for starters – there’s a huge number of venues!
Seasoned cruisers often talk about food-based withdrawal symptoms following a trip with Cunard. And you won't take long in discovering why.
Inclusions
So, what's included in your package price? First off is your breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Britannia, Britannia Pub, Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurant, or a buffet in the Golden Lion pub, King's Court or Lido. Unless you plump for excessive dining experiences, you can rest assured that the finest ocean-going chefs are at your service free of charge.
All entertainment and daily activities are also included, with on-board guest lectures and cultural enrichment the order of the day. Use of the library is part of the voyage, and there's free access to the Children's Club when you need time away from the kids.
Flights and transfers are also incorporated into the price where indicated.