Cunard Cruise Line

Cruising like British Royalty.

Cunard is probably how we imagine James Bond going on a cruise. They represent, after all, classic British elegance and romance at sea, offering refined luxury, but without the ultra-luxury pricing. Are they a cheap cruise line? Not really, but they are still more affordable than cruise lines like Ponant, Explora Journeys and Silversea.

Operating just four vessels (Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth), Cunard specializes in transatlantic crossings, world voyages, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In fact, Queen Mary 2 is one of the most iconic cruise ships in the world and translates the golden era of cruising very well to the numerous transatlantic voyages that take place each year.

Cunard is all about elegance, tradition, and even a daily afternoon tea. We told you they are 120% British. There are also gala evenings that require formal attire, ballroom dance lessons, lounges with live music and lots of fun themed voyages. Cunard is an excellent choice for couples, after all, there isn’t much more romantic than ballroom dancing with the love of your life. They even specialize in weddings at sea, so you can finish your dance practice and get engaged right there.

Themed cruises are something really fun that they offer. Examples include Film Festival at Sea, Literature Festival at Sea, the Great Australian Culinary Voyage, Dance the Atlantic, Transatlantic Fashion Week and Voyage du Vin. All of them create memorable experiences that go beyond a standard cruise.

Your base fare includes accommodations, main dining room meals (which is assigned by your stateroom grade), the buffet, tea/coffee/water/juice, room service, afternoon tea, fitness center, sports courts, live shows, music and the kids club. Wi-Fi, shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, specialty afternoon teas and the spa costs extra.

Your stateroom grade actually determines your main dining venue. For example, the Queens Grill Restaurant exclusively serves Queens Grill Suite guests. Menus are mostly the same across the main dining venues, but separating guests makes them feel more intimate and less crowded. All guests have access to buffets, The Golden Lion Pub serving British cuisine and specialty venues. Food quality is often considered very good, even if it doesn’t reach the same level as other ultra-luxury lines.

Entertainment onboard is somewhat limited, but that’s expected from an elegant cruise line. You do get access to a few theatrical productions, live shows, a library, art galleries, a spa, and the fitness center. There is actually a Kids Club onboard, but children are very rare to spot during any itinerary. Honestly, families with children would probably have a better time on other cruise lines.

Cunard is a luxurious cruise line that does things differently, and that is awesome. Ballroom dancing, gala nights, and afternoon teas will probably be enough for guests who want to feel like they are cruising in the ’30s, but on modern ships with plenty of contemporary touches. Welcome aboard. Here, you can also be James Bond.