Cunard
Classic ocean-liner elegance since 1840
Cunard is the heritage British line known for transatlantic crossings, afternoon tea, formal Gala evenings and a class-based dining tradition. Best for travelers who love ocean-liner style over waterslides.
Queen Anne
Cunard's newest Queen — a fresh interior with the line's classic traditions.
Queen Elizabeth
Cunard's most widely traveled Queen — Alaska, Australia, Japan and the Mediterranean in classic style.
Queen Victoria
Cunard elegance at a mid-size scale — a two-deck library, a Winter Garden and a grand Royal Court Theatre.
Queen Mary 2
The last true ocean liner — built for transatlantic crossings, with a planetarium and a ballroom at sea.
About Cunard
Founded 1840 · Traditional ocean-liner elegance with formal nights and transatlantic crossings
Cunard was founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard as the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, and it remains the only shipping company still operating a scheduled passenger service between Europe and North America. That heritage shapes everything: formal Gala evenings, afternoon tea in the Queens Room, guest lecturers, a ballroom, and a deliberate focus on elegance over thrills.
The fleet is deliberately small — four ships, all named for queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne. Queen Mary 2 is the flagship and the only true ocean liner, built for North Atlantic crossings. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are mid-size sisters at around 90,000 gross tons, and Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024, is the newest and second largest.
Cunard is owned by Carnival Corporation and based in Southampton, UK. Itineraries range from seven-night transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York to Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Norwegian fjord voyages, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Japan and world cruises. Dining is traditionally by cabin grade: Britannia and Britannia Club for most guests, and the Queens Grill and Princess Grill for suite guests.
🍽️ Dining Highlights
- ✓Class-based dining: Britannia Restaurant for most guests, with Britannia Club for select balconies
- ✓Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants for suite guests
- ✓Afternoon tea in the Queens Room is a signature tradition
- ✓Casual buffet options such as Kings Court and the Lido
- ✓Bars and lounges such as the Commodore Club
🎭 Entertainment Highlights
- ✓Royal Court Theatre productions and guest performers
- ✓Ballroom dancing and Gala evenings in the Queens Room
- ✓Guest lecturers and enrichment programs
- ✓Library and art gallery
- ✓Illuminations — the first planetarium at sea — on Queen Mary 2
- ✦Transatlantic crossings
- ✦Couples and solo travelers
- ✦Travelers who love formal nights and tradition
- ✦World cruise and long-voyage fans
Families wanting waterslides, a casual atmosphere and heavy kids' programming — Cunard is quieter and more traditional than a mainstream mega-ship line.
7-night transatlantic crossings and European sailings typically run $1,000–$2,200 per person (inside), with Grills fares considerably higher.