Cunard Line is one of the world’s most iconic cruise lines – a name that’s become synonymous with elegance, heritage, and that unmistakable sense of old-world charm.
Loved by those who appreciate a more traditional style of cruising, Cunard’s fleet of famous “Queens” continues to set the standard for refined travel at sea.
But which ship stands above the rest?
I’ve compared real guest reviews to see how each of the Queens ranks – and whether there’s a clear favourite or if all three deliver that timeless Cunard experience equally well. Let’s find out.
How I Gathered the Data
Before we dive in, I wanted to clarify how I put this list together.
I’ve not (yet) had the pleasure of sailing on all the Cunard ships, so using my own personal opinion would be biased. Instead, I’ve used genuine reviews for the ships from those who have sailed.
I gathered the data from three of the biggest independent review sites – Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. Those sites are big enough that they aren’t skewed by one or two reviews – the averages are fair.
I’ve then calculated the average review score across all three sites and come up with the ranking order. I’ll be honest, the scores are pretty tight.
Also, the worst average score on this list is 3.46 out of 5. That’s not a bad average. So even the ‘worst’ ship on this list is still a good ship.
Now with all that context, let’s get into it.
The Best Cunard Ship
According to customer reviews, the best Cunard ship is Queen Mary 2, although Queen Victoria is only marginally behind her.
The largest ship in the fleet, Queen Mary 2, is classed as an ocean liner unlike her sisters, and offers classic transatlantic sailings from Southampton to New York.
The Best Cunard Ships by Reviews
1. Queen Victoria
Cunard’s Queen Victoria takes the top spot, earning the highest average review score of 3.85 out of 5. She’s slightly smaller than Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, but what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in charm and atmosphere.
Guests consistently praise her elegant design, impeccable service, and that distinct Cunard sense of tradition that makes every sailing feel special. The décor – rich woods, sweeping staircases, and grand lounges – evokes the golden age of ocean travel while still feeling comfortable and refined.
Despite her slightly smaller scale, Queen Victoria still impresses with three swimming pools, a ballroom, a theatre, seven restaurants, and 13 bars and lounges.
Some reviews do mention compact cabins and tight shower spaces, but overall, Queen Victoria remains the best-rated Cunard ship for offering that classic cruise experience done right.
2. Queen Mary 2
Once the highest-rated ship in the fleet, Queen Mary 2 now takes second place – but she still captures the hearts of those who love the elegance and grandeur of a true ocean liner.
As Cunard’s flagship, she was purpose-built for transatlantic crossings, slicing through the Atlantic with a top speed of just over 30 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots – several knots faster than most cruise ships. During the winter months, she switches to warmer itineraries such as Caribbean sailings, offering guests a change of pace without losing her refined atmosphere.
She’s also the largest ship in the Cunard fleet, yet carries only around 2,695 guests, giving her a wonderfully spacious feel. Unlike modern mega-ships, Queen Mary 2 was designed to provide open lounges, sweeping decks, and a sense of calm – never crowds.
One of her most unique features is the onboard kennel, making her the only ship at sea where passengers can travel with their dogs and cats – a charming nod to her transatlantic heritage.
Reviews highlight the classic ambience, impeccable food, and that unmistakable sense of history you feel the moment you step aboard.
A few long-time fans mention that standards have slipped slightly in recent years and staffing can feel stretched at times, but overall Queen Mary 2 remains a truly iconic way to cross the Atlantic in style.
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3. Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth comes in third, with an average review score of 3.73 out of 5. She shares a near-identical layout with her sister ship Queen Victoria, though she launched three years later and feels just a touch more modern as a result.
Slightly larger thanks to her steeper stern, Queen Elizabeth can accommodate around 40 more guests. Her décor sets her apart – a beautiful Art Deco design inspired by the original Queen Elizabeth ocean liner of the 1930s, giving her interiors a timeless, glamorous feel.
In terms of onboard features, there’s little difference between her and Queen Victoria. The Winter Garden on Victoria becomes the Garden Lounge on Elizabeth, with a static glass roof instead of a retractable one, and Elizabeth includes a Britannia Club section in the main restaurant – ideal for guests who prefer private dining.
Negative reviews are relatively mild, often coming from loyal Cunard fans who feel some of the classic touches have faded over the years. A few mention that the service can feel stretched in busy areas, but overall, Queen Elizabeth remains a favourite for those who appreciate her elegant style and relaxed atmosphere.
4. Queen Anne
The newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne, officially joined the lineup in May 2024, marking a bold new chapter for the cruise line. She combines Cunard’s signature elegance with a more modern, contemporary design, appealing to both long-time fans and a new generation of cruisers.
Sailing primarily around Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, Queen Anne introduces fresh features like innovative dining concepts, stylish pool deck areas, and the Bright Lights Society, a glamorous entertainment venue unique to this ship.
While her design and facilities have been praised, early reviews have been mixed, earning her an average score of 3.46 out of 5 – placing her fourth in the fleet. Guests love the ship’s look and feel, but some note that service and organisation still have room to improve, which is common for a new launch as operations settle in.
There’s no doubt that Queen Anne represents the future of Cunard, and as more guests sail on her, it’ll be interesting to see whether she rises up the rankings in the months ahead.
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The Scores
The table below shows the review scores for each ship and their overall average.
| Ship | Cruiseline.com Score | Cruisecritic.com Score |
Trip Advisor Score | Overall Average Score |
| Queen Victoria | 4.2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.86 |
| Queen Mary 2 | 4.2 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 3.80 |
| Queen Elizabeth | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 3.73 |
| Queen Anne | 4.3 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.46 |
The Bottom Line
Unlike some of my other ship rankings, there isn’t a huge gap between Cunard’s fleet – each ship delivers that unmistakable blend of elegance, tradition, and British charm that the line is known for.
Queen Mary 2 still stands out for her unique ocean liner design, while Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria offer a slightly softer, more modern take on the classic experience – and now Queen Anne brings a fresh, contemporary twist to the family.
But what do you think? Do you agree with the rankings, or do you have your own favourite among Cunard’s Queens?
P.S. If you’re interested in other cruise lines being ranked in this way, check out the guides that I have for the Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Ships and also the Best and Worst NCL Ships.
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