Cunard’s Queen Anne has left Southampton on a 19-night Mediterranean and Greek Islands cruise, with an 82-night South America voyage planned for 2027.
Best & Worst Cunard Ships Ranked by Real Reviews
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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What to Wear on a Cunard Cruise: Dress Code Guide for Every OccasionWhat to Wear on a Cunard Cruise
Cunard cruises are famous for their timeless elegance – think grand staircases, gala evenings and that classic ocean-liner style.
With over 175 years of tradition behind them, it’s no surprise that the line has one of the most distinctive dress codes at sea.
But what does that really mean for your suitcase? Can you wear jeans? How smart is “smart”?
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to wear on a Cunard cruise – from daytime outfits to gala nights – plus how to stay comfortable while still fitting perfectly with Cunard’s refined style.
Cunard’s Daytime Dress Code is Casual
During the day, Cunard passengers are free to dress casually and comfortably, including jeans, shorts and T-shirts. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime activities such as exploring the ship, attending onboard events or enjoying leisure time on deck.
However, most people on a Cunard cruise will be dressed very smartly, even in the daytime. Although you can wear casual clothing like jeans during the day, ripped or scruffy jeans aren’t the best choice.
Cunard is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, and ripped jeans may not align with the overall ambience the cruise line seeks to maintain. The same goes for cut-off jean shorts that are very short and show a lot of flesh.
But if your jeans or denim shorts are smart, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them in the daytime.
Suggested read: 9 Things You Should Never Wear On A Cruise
Cunard’s Evening Dress Codes Are Less Casual
Cunard has two main dress codes for evenings: Gala Evenings (also known as formal nights) and Smart Attire (also known as informal nights).
Formal Dress for Gala Evenings
On these nights, passengers are expected to dress up in more formal attire. For men, this typically means a tuxedo, dinner jacket or a dark suit with a tie. For women, this means a formal gown, cocktail dress or dressy separates. Jeans are not considered appropriate for Gala Evenings.
Smart Casual Dress for Smart Attire Nights
On Smart Attire nights, passengers can dress more casually but are still expected to maintain a sense of elegance. For men, this usually means a jacket, a collared shirt and dress trousers. Women can wear a dress, skirt or dressy trousers with a blouse.
Although jeans are not explicitly prohibited during Smart Attire evenings, it’s recommended that you choose dressier, dark-wash jeans without any rips or excessive wear. Pair them with a more formal top and shoes.
So dark jeans and a crisp shirt, or a nice top with smart shoes or heels, are absolutely fine to wear in the evenings on a Cunard cruise.
These dress codes are mainly enforced in the main dining rooms and other public areas of the ship during the evening. When dining in more casual venues or spending time in your own stateroom, you can generally wear what you like, including jeans.
Tips for Packing Clothes for Your Cunard Cruise
When planning your wardrobe for a Cunard cruise, consider the following tips:
- Bring at least one formal outfit for Gala Evenings.
- For Smart Attire nights, pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as dark jeans, blazers, dressy tops or skirts.
- Don’t forget comfortable clothing for daytime activities and excursions.
- Pack appropriate footwear, including dress shoes for formal nights and comfortable walking shoes for daytime activities.
- Remember to check the weather and plan accordingly, bringing layers and appropriate outerwear for the regions you’ll be visiting.
Final Word
Cunard’s dress code might sound formal at first, but once you’re on board, it simply adds to the magic of the experience. Dressing up for dinner or a gala evening feels like stepping back into a golden age of cruising – and it’s all part of what makes Cunard so special.
During the day, smart casual is perfectly fine, and yes, you can wear jeans – just keep them neat and stylish. In the evenings, a little effort goes a long way, and you’ll feel right at home among fellow guests who love the occasion as much as you do.
So pack your favourite outfits, polish your shoes, and get ready to enjoy the timeless elegance that Cunard is known for. After all, half the fun of a Cunard cruise is looking the part while you’re living it.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Cruise (2025)
If you’re booking a cruise with Cunard, it’s important to know how onboard tipping works. Daily gratuities are automatically added to each guest’s account, along with extra charges on drinks and spa treatments – and the costs can add up fast.
This info isn’t always easy to find, so I’ve put together a quick guide to help you understand exactly what you’ll pay. That way, there are no surprises when your final bill arrives!
Cunard’s Gratuities Explained
Gratuities (also known as tips) are service charges that are added to your onboard account when sailing with Cunard. When guests pay gratuities, it enables the service staff, including waiters and stateroom stewards, to be rewarded for the work they do, in addition to their wages.
Gratuities are the same price for all four of Cunard’s ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne. However, there is a difference in price depending on your accommodation category. This is outlined in more detail below.
There are two types of gratuities on Cunard cruises:
- Gratuities for hotel and dining services – Calculated daily
- Gratuities for drinks and spa services – Calculated per purchase
It’s worth noting that casino staff do not receive any automatic gratuities, as not all passengers use their services. The tips are shared amongst the hotel, restaurant, bar and salon staff, including those who work behind the scenes.
Every dollar of the gratuity charges goes directly to the crew in these areas and there is no administrative fee.
Gratuities are typically paid off at the end of your cruise, the night before you disembark. You can check your onboard spend using the Cunard free WiFi to log in to your account.
Daily Cost Of Gratuities On Cunard
In 2025, Cunard’s daily gratuities are $16 per person, per night for guests staying in Britannia Staterooms and $18 per person, per night for guests staying in Grill Suites. The charge is the same for adults and children.
On Cunard cruise ships, all bar, wine and salon services have an additional 15% charge for each purchase made. This is in addition to the daily gratuities.
If you buy a Cunard drinks package, you don’t have to pay the 15% gratuity – it’s included in the price of the package.
The gratuities on Cunard are pretty reasonable, and as fellow travel blogger Karen said in her review of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, the gratuities are “the lowest in the industry”.
Cunard’s Gratuities Are Compulsory
On a Cunard cruise, the gratuities added to each drink and spa service are compulsory. The daily gratuities for hotel and dining services are recommended but can be removed. You can also tip above and beyond the recommended amounts if you wish.
Cunard gratuities for bar, wine and spa services are added to your onboard account automatically along with each purchase. The hotel and dining service charge will appear on your onboard account as a daily charge.
Removing Gratuities On A Cunard Cruise
On a Cunard cruise, you can opt to remove or adjust the daily gratuities (hotel and dining service charge). This can be done at the Guest Services desk once you’re on board the ship.
While some people like to remove daily gratuities and instead tip cash to certain crew members, this isn’t recommended. As well as waiters and staterooms stewards, there are many crew members who offer support behind the scenes, working in the kitchens, laundry rooms and other areas.
If you remove gratuities from your onboard account, the people who work hard that you may never see will lose out financially.
If you have had a bad experience with the service on your cruise and wish to remove the gratuities, you should speak to the staff at Guest Services, who will be able to remove them from your account.
Prepaying Gratuities On Cunard
You cannot prepay for your Cunard gratuities before your cruise. However, you can pre-purchase onboard spending money, which can be used against your hotel and dining service charges, as well as bar, wine and salon service charges.
Log onto your My Cunard account to manage your cruise before you sail.
Tipping Extra On A Cunard Cruise
Whether to tip extra on top of the standard gratuities on your Cunard cruise is entirely down to personal preference. If you feel there is a member of the crew who has gone above and beyond what is expected to make your time on board memorable, you are welcome to reward them individually for doing so.
Each Cunard stateroom has its own steward assigned to it – usually, you will see them making up rooms up and down the ship throughout your sailing. The same steward will make up your stateroom and will likely introduce themselves on your first day of embarkation.
Many people tip their cabin stewards personally, leaving money in an envelope for them in their room on the morning of disembarkation or tipping them personally on their last day. The guest services desk will supply envelopes to those who ask for them.
Other members of staff you will see around the ship on a regular basis include your dining team. When visiting the main dining room, in particular, you will notice the same faces sitting and serving you. Many people will also be assigned an area or specific table throughout the cruise, so you will see familiar faces as the cruise continues.
These are also members of staff who people like to personally tip due to them being seen regularly and shown to make their cruise experience special.
Cunard Cruises With Free Gratuities
For those sailing on Cunard world cruises, promotions are sometimes available, which include complimentary hotel and dining service charges. Look out for these, as they can save you a lot of money.
In some promotions, Cunard offers free onboard spending money. You can use this free spending money to pay for some or all of the gratuities incurred on your cruise, depending on the amount of free credit and the gratuity charge.
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Final Thoughts
People often have differing opinions towards paying gratuities. While paying tips comes naturally to Americans, Brits and Australians aren’t used to paying a lot for tips. And the daily gratuities on a cruise can certainly add up to a hefty sum.
Some cruisers like to tip on their own terms and will remove all gratuities to award individual members of staff. Others remove them to save on costs as soon as they step aboard. However, most people will be glad to pay the daily gratuity charge to ensure that every member of staff is rewarded fairly for their hard work.
It’s important to know which you prefer, so you can factor in the cost before you set sail and know where your onboard account will end up at the end of your sailing.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The Perks You Get As A Cunard Shareholder Every Time You Cruise!
It is impossible to become a ‘Cunard shareholder’ – let’s get that out of the way immediately.
That’s because the cruise line is owned outright by the Carnival Corporation, the biggest cruise company in the world in terms of the size of the fleet and the passengers that sail with them every year. So you can own shares in Cunard but only as a shareholder of Carnival. You won’t find “Cunard” on the stock markets.
But that means there’s good news – if you do decide to invest, then you can enjoy Carnival shareholder benefits on every cruise line within the group, which includes Cunard!
And those benefits might be enough to tempt you into buying shares…
Carnival Corporation Shareholder Benefits
As long as you have bought 100 shares of the Carnival Corporation or more, you’re entitled to claim the shareholder benefits on your next Cunard Line cruise. Those benefits are:
- $250 or £150 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
- $100 or £60 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
- $50 or £30 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer
It is only a benefit that applies per stateroom, so if both you and your partner decided to invest in the Carnival Corporation and you both had 100 shares separately, you couldn’t claim the benefit twice.
There are some other conditions that you need to be aware of as well. You can’t claim this benefit if you’re employed by the company, and it can’t be used in conjunction with any other shipboard offer for onboard credit.
Plus, there are a couple of things you can’t spend it on – namely, gratuities that have been added to your account or at the casino.
But the good news is that you can claim an onboard spend benefit on every single cruise you take – it’s not just the first cruise after you become a shareholder.
Also, the benefit applies to all cruise lines in the Carnival Corporation, although the value is different based on the currency on board.
Despite Cunard Line being a traditionally British cruise line, the onboard credit you get is given to you in US dollars on sailings from the US, as it also is with the following cruise lines:
- Carnival
- Holland America
- Costa
- Princess Cruises
- Seabourn
You get the same sort of benefit on UK cruises with Cunard, and also with P&O Cruises and any British cruises with Princess Cruises, but the values are in GBP and are £150, £60 and £30, respectively.
Cruises booked in Australia on Carnival or Princess Cruises entitle you to the same number of Australian dollars as US dollars on American sailings. If you’re on a Costa or AIDA cruise in Europe that is using Euros as the onboard currency, the values are €200, €75 or €40.
| Cruise Line | 14+ Days | 7-13 Days | Up to 6 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Cruise Lines | $250 | $100 | $50 |
| UK Cruise Line | £150 | £60 | £30 |
| Australian Cruise Lines | $250 | $100 | $50 |
| European Cruise Lines | €200 | €75 | €40 |
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…
“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”
Robert and Veronica Dennehy
Of course, the Cunard share price (well, the Carnival share price) can go down as well as up, so remember it’s always a risk you’re taking.
How To Buy Carnival Shares
To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.
I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.
I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.
(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)
Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?
How to Claim Carnival Shareholder Benefits on Cunard Cruises
To claim your shareholder benefits on a Cunard cruise that you’ve booked onto, you need to ask for them. They aren’t automatic! But the Cunard shares benefits are worth claiming each time – it’s free money on your cruise.
You need to make your claim at least four weeks before you are due to sail, but the sooner the better. And you’ll need to provide:
- Your legal name
- Your booking number
- Your ship and sailing date
- Proof of your stock ownership
You won’t be able to claim if you miss your deadline, so try to be organised to provide this information as early as possible. And you have to go through this process every time you book a cruise with Cunard or any other cruise line in the group – so don’t forget on each new sailing.
Important – Whereas Cunard used to let you claim the credit via fax and then later email, now it’s all handled via an app called Stockperks.
You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone, then verify the stock you own by taking a photo of the key details.
Here’s a video showing you how the Stockperks app works:
You can get all the details you need from the shareholder platform you use – so etoro for me.
To Conclude
Anytime you invest in stocks or shares, you’re risking your money. The global shutdown in 2020, and subsequent drop in the value of cruise line stocks across the board, was the perfect example. Your money is not guaranteed to be safe.
But if you’re looking for an investment opportunity and you love cruising, especially with Cunard Line, then maybe Carnival Corporation shares are right for you, especially with the benefits you get. It’s the best option if you are looking for Cunard stock.
I’m not a stockbroker, so I can’t tell you it is a good idea; you need to use your own judgement or hire a professional. But if you do buy 100 shares or more, your next Cunard Line cruise will come with some extra spends for you to enjoy on your sailing.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cunard Ships Compared
Cunard Line is one of the most historic cruise lines in the world, and is a true icon of the cruise industry. Even today, when there are much larger cruise lines offering all kinds of innovations and incredibly-sized super-ships, Cunard still offers something special.
But if you’re considering cruising with Cunard, you’ll want to know more about the ships – what they offer, and what makes them different. This guide will explain all the similarities and differences between the Cunard fleet.
The Cunard fleet
There are currently four ships in the Cunard fleet:
- Queen Mary 2
- Queen Victoria
- Queen Elizabeth
- Queen Anne
The Cunard Line ships list is a lot smaller than many other cruise lines around the world, many of which have at least eight ships and some that have a fleet of over 20 vessels. But the modern Cunard Line is not about huge numbers – it’s about providing a unique experience that blends the history of cruising with contemporary amenities and features.
So don’t expect there to be a sudden announcement of a lot of new Cunard ships. It won’t happen – the fleet will always stay small and bespoke.
A history of Cunard
Cunard has a long history of shipping in general, having existed for almost 200 years. Over 240 ships have sailed for Cunard, including a mix of cruise ships, ocean liners, tender boats, ferries and cargo/container ships.
For a time, Cunard Line was one of the biggest shipping companies in the world and has often been viewed as the biggest operator of transatlantic sailings.
The first ship to be named after a queen was Queen Mary, which launched in 1936. She was later joined by Queen Elizabeth, with both ships sailing for the cruise line until the late 1960s. Queen Elizabeth 2 then joined the fleet in 1969 and completed an impressive 39 years of service, finally retiring from the cruise line in 2008 and later opening as a floating hotel in Dubai.
The cruise line has operated other cruise ships in the past too, including Cunard Adventurer, Cunard Ambassador, Cunard Countess, Cunard Princess, Cunard Crown Monarch, Cunard Crown Jewel and Cunard Crown Dynasty.
Ship sinkings
Of all the ships to have ever been owned by Cunard Line (almost 250), 37 have sunk. However, the vast majority of these were either 19th Century shipwrecks, or sunk during the World Wars by U-boats. None of the cruise ships sailing for Cunard in the past century have sunk.
The most famous ship to have sunk for Cunard was a cruise ship of sorts. Technically an ocean liner, the Lusitania was sunk in 1915 by the German navy, resulting in a loss of over 1,100 lives.
The modern Cunard fleet is very safe and has not seen any of the ships sunk. All of the incidents that have occurred were with old ships, and mostly during wartime. Many were cargo ships too and so were prime targets for enemies.
Read more: How many cruise ships have sunk in the past 100 years?
Titanic wasn’t Cunard’s…
The Titanic was not a Cunard Line ship. It was owned by White Star Line, considered a rival of Cunard Line from its early history in the 1840s through to the early 1930s. White Star Line would eventually merge its business with Cunard Line before Cunard Line took over completely.
Cunard ships by age
This table shows how old each of Cunard’s ships are…
| Ship | Launched |
|---|---|
| Queen Anne | 2024 |
| Queen Elizabeth | 2011 |
| Queen Victoria | 2007 |
| Queen Mary 2 | 2004 |
The oldest ship in the Cunard fleet is Queen Mary 2. She is the only remaining ocean liner in the world and also the world’s fastest cruise ship, reaching speeds of up to 32 knots across the Atlantic.
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are sister ships, so they are very similar. These are Vista-class ships, with the same shall as other Carnival brand ships such as P&O Cruises’ Arcadia and Holland America Line’s MS Noordam.
The newest Cunard ship, Queen Anne, is a Pinnacle-class ship, most similar to Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam.
And ranked by size…
Two of the Cunard ships are very similar in size, but one is much larger, and the newer ship sits in the middle. Here’s a look at the Cunard fleet by size, from largest to smallest:
| Ship | Year Built | Internal volume (gross tons) | Length | Width | Number of passenger decks | Guest capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary 2 | 2003 | 149,215 | 345m / 1132ft | 45m / 147ft | 14 | 2,695 |
| Queen Anne | 2024 | 113,300 | 332m / 1058ft | 36m /117ft | 12 | 3,000 |
| Queen Elizabeth | 2010 | 90,901 | 294m / 965ft | 32m / 106ft | 12 | 2,092 |
| Queen Victoria | 2007 | 90,049 | 294m / 965ft | 32m / 106ft | 12 | 2,081 |
In the photo below, Queen Elizabeth is on the left and the larger Queen Mary 2 is on the right…
Cunard Line is now owned by the Carnival Corporation, and three of the ships are part of ship classes that span other cruise lines.
The Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are both Vista-class ships and so use the same template as P&O’s Arcadia, the MS Noordam for Holland America Line, and Costa Luminosa for Costa Cruises.
Queen Anne is a Pinnacle-class ship similar to the Pinnacle-class ships sailing for Holland America Line – MS Koningsdam, MS Nieuw Statendam and MS Rotterdam. She is bigger than those ships, though.
Queen Mary 2 is not part of a cross-line class. She’s a custom-built ocean liner.
So the biggest ship is…
The biggest Cunard ship is Queen Mary 2 – she’s around 65% bigger than her sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria by gross tonnage, and 25% longer.
The newer Cunard ship, Queen Anne, is around 25% smaller than Queen Mary 2, but approximately 25% bigger than the other two Queens.
The smallest Cunard ship
The smallest ship in the Cunard fleet is Queen Victoria. She is very similar in size to Queen Elizabeth – she is the same length and width, and has the same number of decks – but her gross tonnage is less by around 850 GT. She also has a slightly lower maximum guest capacity.
Cunard dining options explained
The Cunard ships are very similar when it comes to dining. Here’s a look at the venues you can expect to enjoy onboard:
| Restaurant | Queen Mary 2 | Queen Victoria | Queen Elizabeth | Queen Anne |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Grill | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Princess Grill | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Britannia Club Restaurant | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Britannia Restaurant | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Kings Court Buffet | YES | No | No | No |
| The Lido Buffet | No | YES | YES | No |
| Artisans’ Foodhall | No | No | No | YES |
| Steakhouse at The Verandah | YES | YES | YES | No |
| The Golden Lion Pub | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Carinthia Lounge | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Kings Court Alternative Dining | YES | No | No | No |
| Dinner at The Lido | No | YES | YES | YES |
| Chef’s Galley | YES | No | No | No |
| Room Service | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Boardwalk Cafe | YES | No | No | No |
| Al Fresco | No | YES | YES | No |
| Wellness Cafe | No | No | No | YES |
| Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse | No | No | No | YES |
| Aranya Indian | No | No | No | YES |
| Tramonto Mediterranean | No | No | No | YES |
| Aji Wa Asian | No | No | No | YES |
Cunard Main Dining
There are four main dining restaurants on every Cunard ship, and they’re all the same. They’re the Queen’s Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia Club and Britannia restaurants. Where you eat depends on your suite/stateroom, with the Queens Grill being the most exclusive option.
Suggested read: Cunard Queens Grill Vs Princess Grill – Which To Choose?
The menus do vary by the different restaurants, but the style of dining is the same – you’ll get a choice of options taken from various cuisines, including a small selection of options for any children onboard.
Cunard Alternative Dining
Each of the ships has alternative dining options too, including a buffet – on Queen Mary 2 this is the Kings Court, and on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth it is the Lido. Queen Anne has the Artisans’ Foodhall.
The buffet is more casual, but at night parts are sectioned off for more unique dining experiences. All ships have a steakhouse and a pub, and they all have a more casual outdoor dining venue too.
Queen Anne Restaurants
The Queen Anne debuted some new restaurants onboard when she launched. She’s retained the approach to main dining, but also has a selection of new speciality dining options for guests to try.
These include a Mediterranean restaurant named Tramonto, an East-Asian restaurant named Aji Wa, and an Indian venue named Aranya, as well as a Wellness Cafe.
Read more: New Dining Experiences Announced For Queen Anne
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is taken very seriously on Cunard Line ships. This isn’t just a side option at a cafe – you can choose from a selection of options, including chocolate-themed or Champagne-themed, and it is available in many of the restaurants on the ships.
All Cunard ships offer afternoon tea, so it’s worth exploring the options available across the restaurants if you want to take part in this classic British tradition.
Cunard ship facilities
| Queen Mary | Queen Victoria | Queen Elizabeth | Queen Anne | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art classes | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Ballroom Dancing | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Casino | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Clarendon Fine Art Gallery | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Classical concerts | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Dance classes | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Deck games | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Fencing | YES | YES | No | No |
| Fitness classes | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Games Deck | No | No | YES | No |
| Golf nets | YES | YES | No | No |
| Guest choir | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Guest speakers | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Indoor games | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Kids clubs | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Live musicians | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Movie theatre | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Nightclub | G32 | Yacht Club | Yacht Club | Bright Lights* |
| Pet boarding | YES | No | No | No |
| Planetarium | YES | No | No | No |
| Putting green | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Shopping | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Spa and Salon | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Swimming pools | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Theatrical productions | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Cunard daytime activities
The daytime activities across the Cunard fleet are broadly very similar. All of the ships have a selection of indoor and outdoor games, putting greens, and fitness classes. You can try ballroom dancing lessons, join a choir onboard and even learn to fence.
All of the ships have swimming pools – Queen Mary 2 has a couple more than the other ships, but they all have at least one main outdoor pool, a secondary pool and a third pool in the spa (charges apply to use the spa pool).
In terms of unique features, Queen Mary 2 has its own planetarium where guests can learn about the night’s sky. The talks given here are fascinating and it’s a very interactive experience.
Queen Elizabeth also has its own Games Deck where a selection of games can be enjoyed by guests.
Cunard evening entertainment
All of the Cunard ships feature a wide selection of entertainment during the evening, including theatre productions, cabaret acts and live musicians. They all have a nightclub too, though they are different venues depending on the ship.
On Queen Anne there isn’t a dedicated nightclub but the show bar, Bright Lights, opens up as a place to dance once the acts are finished for the night.
Cunard pet boarding
Queen Mary 2 is unique in that she offers pet boarding facilities for anyone who wants to travel with their dog or cat. There are kennels where the pets will stay during the cruise, along with an outdoor area for exercise. It even includes an American fire hydrant and a British lamppost to make dogs feel at home when they’re going to the bathroom!
Cunard ships and kids
All of the Cunard ships welcome children, although they’re not the best choices for families who want to keep their kids active with a lot of different activities. They do have kids clubs, broken down into different age categories, but the rest of the facilities on the ships are tailored to adult guests.
Cunard ships’ destinations
The Cunard ships don’t tend to stay in one region, unlike some other cruise lines which will keep a ship in a certain part of the world long-term.
Queen Mary 2 offers classic transatlantic cruises, but also a selection of Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords cruises, along with an epic world cruise (that is broken into segments).
Queen Elizabeth offers a diverse range of cruise options, including Mediterranean, US East Coast, Alaska, Asia, South Pacific and Australia cruises.
Queen Victoria has a similarly broad selection of cruises, including sailings to Africa and the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Canary Islands, Northern Europe and Central America. She also has an epic world cruise option.
Queen Anne sails to similar destinations as Queen Victoria, including her own world voyage in 2025.
Transatlantic cruises
While all Cunard ships offer occasional transatlantic cruises when repositioning, it’s the Queen Mary 2 which offers the sailings regularly. Some are direct between Southampton and New York, while others incorporate the Caribbean for longer cruises.
Suggested read: How Long Is A Transatlantic Cruise?
The most luxurious ship…
All of the Cunard ships are luxurious in their own way and none are a particular standout. Queen Mary 2 is the most spacious and most traditional, but she is also a little older. Queen Anne is the newest ship and so offers the most contemporary decor and features.
Final word
The Cunard ships all offer a very similar service overall – Cunard has a certain style of cruising, and that is maintained despite the differences in ship ages and size.
Whichever ship you choose you will get to enjoy that ‘Cunard experience’, but there may be a couple of features which sway your decision.
If you want the most spacious ship, choose Queen Mary 2. For a smaller ship experience, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are both excellent. And if you like the idea of a brand-new ship, book a cruise on Queen Anne.
You may also want to look at this list of Cunard ships ranked by reviews.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
6 Ways To Take Your Dog On A Cruise
So, you want to go on a cruise but can’t bear to leave your furry friend behind?
Well, cruising with dogs isn’t easy, but there are a few ways to take a dog cruising. Here are your options…
1. Book a dog-friendly cruise (yes, they’re real!)
For a long time in this guide, I’ve had to explain that sailing with a dog on a proper ocean cruise hasn’t really been possible, especially if you want your pup in your cabin with you.
But in November 2024, Margaritaville at Sea announced a partnership with Cruise Tails to offer a proper dog-friendly cruise, set to sail in late 2025.
Places are set to be limited – only 250 dog-owners will be able to cruise with their pets, and demand is expected to be extremely high.
As such, it’s going to ballot – if you’re interested, you can sign up from early December 2024 and then the lucky winners will be notified.
Dogs will be permitted in their cabin and special ‘pet butlers’ will help to maintain room hygiene during your cruise (really, it’s probably to make sure it’s maintained at a decent level so it can be easily deep-cleaned once the cruise is finished).
There’s loads to learn about this cruise, so make sure you check out the 15 things you need to know if you’re in any way interested.
2. Choose a cruise ship that allows dogs
If you are hoping to give your canine friend the full-on cruise ship experience, then your options are pretty limited.
Before the launch of the dog-friendly cruises with Margaritaville at Sea, the only ocean cruise ship that would allow you to take your dog on board is the Queen Mary 2. This iconic ocean liner is run by Cunard and will happily host your pet for a transatlantic voyage.
They have even provided a New York fire hydrant and a lamppost from Liverpool so that your dog will feel at home no matter which side of the Atlantic they come from!
There are other, even more practical features, like 24 kennels and lots of space for your dogs to play. They look after the owners, too, with a dedicated pet owner lounge.
The Queen Mary 2 has regular sailings between Southampton, England and New York, USA. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed on these crossings but not on other sailing routes to places like Norway, the Caribbean, or Bruges. These transatlantic crossings take 7 or 8 days.
Of course, prices vary depending on the length of the cruise and the standard of your accommodation. As a guide, a week’s cruise from Southampton to New York will cost from £749 per person in an inside cabin to £3699 in the best room, the Queens Grill Suites.
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So, that’s the human prices covered but what about the dog?
Well, the bad news is that they cost about as much as a human. But the good news is that they are cheaper than cats!! (This is because cats need two kennels, one for the animal and one for their litter tray.)
The kennels currently cost £800 or £1000 depending on the size of kennel that you need. You will need to book quite far in advance to ensure that you can get a space for your furry friend.
In return for this fee, your pet will get a cage, bedding, regular feeding, and an exercise area (you can walk them, or the staff will if you are busy elsewhere).
If your pet needs a specific type of food, then you will need to provide enough for the entire journey. But they may be able to provide some if your dog isn’t fussy about the brand. If you want to treat them, it’s possible to order them a delicious steak or some chicken from the kitchens!
When you book, you will need to provide all the details about your pet, so if there are any medical conditions, feeding requirements, and dietary restrictions, you let them know upfront.
It’s worth noting that your pet will need to stay inside its kennel or the exercise areas next to it at all times. You can’t take it for walks around the ship or snuggle up with it in your bed!
You can visit your dog, though, but you will need to stick to the official visiting hours (three times per day). There’s no need to worry about them, as there is a dedicated member of staff (kennel master) on hand to look after all the animals.
Your dog will even be looked after in the case of emergency and they will have their own life jacket and muster points should anything untoward happen.
3. Register your dog as a service dog
If you don’t like the sound of a Margaritaville at Sea cruise or a transatlantic trip on the Queen Mary 2, then your options are pretty limited since no other cruises offer the chance to take a pet with you.
But, there is a chance to take a dog with you on a cruise if it is a service dog and not a pet.
In fact, in the USA, it is the law that service animals have to be allowed to travel with their owners, so all US cruise ships will have to let you take your service dog with you.
This is great if you have a service dog; you can take your pick from all the many and varied cruises that will allow you to take a service dog on board.
But what if you don’t have a service dog? Well, maybe you need one and could get your dog registered as a service dog?
These days, it’s possible to find service dog training online, so it might be worth speaking to someone to discuss your needs and whether your dog could be trained.
Anyone who receives assistance from a dog that performs a task directly related to a physical or psychological condition may qualify for a service animal.
Conditions that might be helped by a service dog include visual and hearing impairments, PTSD, diabetes, mobility, seizures, or any physical or psychological disability.
Emotional support dogs that help with anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD and other mental health problems can also be registered as service dogs, although not all are.
If you have a service dog, it will be able to stay with you throughout the cruise, so you will be in charge of feeding, exercising, and taking your dog to the bathroom. Some areas of the ship may be off limits to your dog, but this is mainly areas like pools and spas, you will generally be able to take your dog to restaurants, shows etc.
Different cruise companies have slightly differing policies when it comes to service dogs onboard. Some will ask to see accreditation whilst others don’t.
Read more about how to train your dog to be a service dog.
Cruise Line Service Dog Policies
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean defines a service animal as a dog providing assistance to a person with disabilities. They don’t ask for any proof that your dog is a service dog but say that it may be helpful.
Service dogs are welcome in public areas, including dining spaces, but they don’t supply food or care for service animals. Your service dog isn’t allowed in the pool, and you may need to get documentation to disembark with your dog.
Don’t even try leaving it with a member of staff when you get off the ship. Even if it’s really cute and well-behaved, they won’t look after it! The ship offers small relief areas with mulch.
Carnival
Carnival Cruises only allows working service dogs on their ships; this does not include service dogs in training, other service animals, or emotional support animals. If you take a Carnival cruise, be sure to have all the necessary documentation to hand as you board (not in your luggage) as they will check.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line “accepts service dogs that are trained to perform a specific task. A service dog may be needed for many different conditions, which would be acceptable under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.”
You’ll need to book your dog in at least 2 weeks in advance and will need to provide all documentation including vaccination record (including rabies). You’ll be glad to hear that they provide a relief sandbox for your dog.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Lines permits service animals on board if they are under control and leashed at all times (and can’t be left alone in your room). Like with all the other cruise companies, guests must bring dog food, toys, and other necessities. You need to inform them at least 30 days in advance if you are bringing a service dog.
Disney cruise ships have relief areas for service dogs and the area on the Disney Wish even has its own fire hydrant for dogs to pee on.
It’s worth noting that while policies may vary slightly regarding permitted areas and required documentation, all cruise lines stress the need for advance notification if a service animal is on board. Guests are always responsible for bringing all necessary documentation not only for the ship but also for various ports of call.
Depending on where you are going, you will need to apply in advance for the necessary documents to allow your dog to get off with you when in port. Without this, you will not be able to go ashore with your dog and most likely won’t be able to leave your dog behind on the ship, so you won’t get the chance to explore your destination.
4. Take your dog on a ferry
One of the best ways to have a cruise-like experience with a non-service dog is to take them on a ferry.
Ok, so ferries aren’t the same as cruise ships, and it’s not quite the same experience. Ferries are smaller and lack the pools and entertainment you’ll enjoy on a cruise, but if you want to have your dog with you on a large ship, they are a good option.
Brittany Ferries is one of the best options for dog owners as they have ships with dog-friendly cabins and ferries with kennels (some have both). You can check the availability of kennels and cabins for dogs here.
Stena Line also offers pet-friendly cabins on Liverpool, Holyhead, Fishguard and Cherbourg routes. Unlike Brittany Ferries, Stena does not require dogs to wear a muzzle (unless they’re being aggressive).
Some routes with P&O ferries have dog kennels, and they have plans to introduce dog lounges.
Of course, whichever route you take, you will need to make sure that you have all the necessary documentation which has changed since Brexit.
5. Take a river cruise with your dog
One of the best ways to take your dog on a river cruise is on board the MS Normandie or MS Junker Joerg run by 1AVista Reisen.
They offer dog-friendly cruises along the Rhine and Moselle, which gives you and your four-legged friend the chance to explore ancient castles, vineyards, and medieval villages.
During this cruise, your dog is welcome in common areas like the salon, restaurant, reception, and decks, provided they are on a leash. There is also a dog trainer on board.
Throughout these voyages, the ship docks several times a day, so there is plenty of time to take your dog for walks on land. There’s also a designated pet relief area available on the “Sonnendeck” if your furry friend needs a break between shore visits.
1AVista Reisen is a German company based in Cologne, and the trips are tailored to German speakers.
6. Take a day trip cruise
Day cruises will often allow you to take a dog onboard. Day cruises will generally be in smaller ships without cabins and a more limited range of entertainment.
You may even be able to join specific sailings for dog owners and their dogs like this one in San Diego Bay – dogs go free! Another great option is this river and lake cruise in Chicago.
In the UK, dogs are often welcome on river cruises like the beautiful trips along the River Dart.
Are small dogs allowed on cruise ships?
Size is not generally a factor when it comes to taking a dog on a cruise. The main criteria is that they must be a service dog to go on any cruise ship other than the transatlantic sailings of the Queen Mary 2 run by Cunard or the newer dog-friendly cruise from Cruise Tails and Margaritaville at Sea.
Having said that, larger dogs may also be banned from that dog-friendly cruise – we’re waiting for more information.
Small dogs are usually only allowed on cruise ships if they are a service dog.
All dogs are allowed to cruise on the Queen Mary 2. Small dogs will probably fit in the slightly cheaper lower kennels, which measure 27″ high, 35 1/2″ deep, and 30″ wide.
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The bottom line
So there you have it. If I’m honest, it’s a bit tricky to go on a cruise with your dog unless it is a service animal. It’s not impossible, though, and the introduction of dog-friendly cruises on Margaritaville at Sea might just be the start of a whole new trend!
If you aren’t able to sail from the US, though, then I think your best bet is to look at an overnight ferry trip with a dog-friendly cabin or to take an epic Transatlantic trip on the Queen Mary.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
What Clothes To Wear On A Cunard Cruise
Cunard Line is a luxury cruise line known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The cruise line has a distinct dress code that reflects the elegance and tradition the company has maintained for over 175 years.
Many travellers wonder if they can wear jeans and similar casual clothing while on a Cunard cruise.
We’ll explore Cunard’s dress codes and provide tips on how to incorporate jeans into your wardrobe, while still sticking to the guidelines.
Cunard’s Daytime Dress Code
During the day, Cunard passengers are free to dress casually and comfortably, including jeans, shorts and T-shirts. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime activities such as exploring the ship, attending onboard events or enjoying leisure time on deck.
However, most people on a Cunard cruise will be dressed very smartly, even in the daytime. Although you can wear casual clothing like jeans during the day, ripped or scruffy jeans aren’t the best choice.
Cunard is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, and ripped jeans may not align with the overall ambience the cruise line seeks to maintain. The same goes for cut-off jean shorts that are very short and show a lot of flesh.
But if your jeans or denim shorts are smart, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them in the daytime.
Suggested read: 9 Things You Should Never Wear On A Cruise
Cunard’s Evening Dress Codes
Cunard has two main dress codes for evenings: Gala Evenings (also known as formal nights) and Smart Attire (also known as informal nights).
Gala Evenings
On these nights, passengers are expected to dress up in more formal attire. For men, this typically means a tuxedo, dinner jacket or a dark suit with a tie. For women, this means a formal gown, cocktail dress or dressy separates. Jeans are not considered appropriate for Gala Evenings.
Smart Attire
On Smart Attire nights, passengers can dress more casually but are still expected to maintain a sense of elegance. For men, this usually means a jacket, collared shirt and dress trousers. Women can wear a dress, skirt or dressy trousers with a blouse.
Although jeans are not explicitly prohibited during Smart Attire evenings, it’s recommended that you choose dressier, dark-wash jeans without any rips or excessive wear. Pair them with a more formal top and shoes.
So dark jeans and a crisp shirt, or a nice top with smart shoes or heels, are absolutely fine to wear in the evenings on a Cunard cruise.
These dress codes are mainly enforced in the main dining rooms and other public areas of the ship during the evening. When dining in more casual venues or spending time in your own stateroom, you can generally wear what you like, including jeans.
Cunard Packing Tips
When planning your wardrobe for a Cunard cruise, consider the following tips:
- Bring at least one formal outfit for Gala Evenings.
- For Smart Attire nights, pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as dark jeans, blazers, dressy tops or skirts.
- Don’t forget comfortable clothing for daytime activities and excursions.
- Pack appropriate footwear, including dress shoes for formal nights and comfortable walking shoes for daytime activities.
- Remember to check the weather and plan accordingly, bringing layers and appropriate outerwear for the regions you’ll be visiting.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The 9 Best Cruise Lines For Singles Over 50 (To Suit Every Budget)
AzamaraCruise LinesCruise NewsCunardFred OlsenHolland America LineNorwegian Cruise LineP&O CruisesSoloVirgin Voyages
Considering the average cruise age is 47 years old, many cruise lines cater very well to guests over 50. And you’ll also be very well looked after if you’re travelling alone.
Whether you’re looking to spend time by yourself, wanting to make new friends or even looking for romance, there’s a cruise for you.
There are several organised group cruises for singles over 50, usually hosted by travel agencies. But you don’t need to join an organised singles only cruise group trip, there are also lots of cruises that are perfect for single people over 50.
If you’re seeking more information on organised solo traveller cruises, read more about how they work and your best options in my Guide to Solo Cruises.
If your main priority is to meet like-minded single people for fun and romance, you can read more about the best cruises singles to hook up here.
In general, any cruise is suitable for solo travellers over 50. A cruise is the perfect setting to make new friends with everything already planned out for you. You’ll enjoy delicious food, fantastic destinations and wonderful entertainment. Plus endless opportunities to meet new people means a cruise opens a world of relaxation for those over 50 looking to travel alone.
Singles cruises over 50 are very relaxed and friendly – there’s no need to be nervous. There will be lots of events to meet others, and so you don’t need to worry about being too shy.
Here are the best cruise lines to choose from that won’t have you feeling out of place.
The best cruise lines for single people over 50
1. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is targeted at mature cruisers from the UK with activities and entertainment offered on board to reflect this.
The ships are mid-sized, and the daily programmes include painting, dancing, and cooking demonstrations, all of which offer the perfect way to spend time in the company of other people your age.
For single ladies looking to cruise with Fred. Olsen, you needn’t worry about not having a dance partner as each ship has gentlemen hosts in the evenings. There are female dance hosts, too. Each of the three ships in the fleet also offers solo cabins that are perfect for singles and have no single supplement.
2. Azamara
For a spot of luxury, Azamara offers a great onboard experience for international singles over 50. Butler service, fine dining and a great choice of immersive, destination-focused itineraries are just some of the benefits guests can expect with the cruise line.
Azamara’s cruise ships have plenty of lounges, bars and spots to enjoy a coffee alone or mingle with fellow passengers. Shore excursions, while focused on the destinations you visit, are also a great place to form new friendships in an intimate group setting. And, while dining, you can opt for a seat at a larger table in the Discoveries Restaurant, which is a great way to meet fellow foodies and strike up a conversation!
Azamara also offers special singles rates and promotions so be sure to look out for those.
3. Holland America Line
Many senior cruisers recommend Holland America Line as they cater to a mature audience very well. The cruise line offers enrichment programs that are suited to the interests of the over 50s.
For solo travellers seeking a holiday that is unique and offers the chance to spend a long time away from home, Holland America is very popular for bucket-list destinations such as Alaska and Antarctica.
If you’re looking at booking a singles cabin, the newest HAL ships – Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam – each offer a selection of 12 solo cabins. Each of these boasts ocean views and measures up to 172 square feet.
4. Saga Ocean
Saga Ocean cruises have been built to cater exclusively for an audience of people aged 50 and over. In fact, 50 is the minimum age to cruise with this cruise line.
As well as this, Saga is also one of the most solo-friendly lines. Dedicated solo cabins feature on both the ships – Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure – and solo passengers can also attend social events and gatherings strictly for singles only.
As for exploring while ashore, Saga Ocean cruises also offer solo travellers the chance to buddy up on excursions which is an ideal way to meet fellow like-minded travellers.
Saga’s fares may seem high, but they include pretty much everything – including a car to pick you up from home and take you to the port.
5. Cunard
Cunard is a great choice for those seeking a traditional cruise experience while travelling alone. Ballroom dancing, educational lectures and formal dress codes are just some of the features of a Cunard sailing that retired people most enjoy.
A keen dancer travelling alone can enjoy a waltz or two as Cunard has gentlemen hosts who will gladly take the ladies for a spin on the dancefloor in the evenings.
Cruises with Cunard can offer the chance to be entertained by shows inspired by West-End and Broadway theatre and cabaret, alongside speaker programmes which have seen the likes of Sir Michael Parkinson, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, and politician Martin Bell.
6. Virgin Voyages
If you’re looking for something different, Virgin Voyages is a tongue-in-cheek cruise line that’s strictly adults only.
Fellow foodies, fitness fanatics and cruisers looking to enjoy day-to-evening entertainment will enjoy the lifestyle onboard as well as the chance to let loose with activities including sunrise yoga, 90s Boyband dance classes and a ‘shake for champagne’ novelty on the ship’s app.
The cruise line might not be best for those who shy away from technology or a more modern cruise experience, as the cabin lighting and electricals are all controlled from a tablet and much of the cruise experience is centred around using the cruise line’s app.
However, if you’re young at heart and seeking an energetic, fun and lively atmosphere with no kids on board, Virgin Voyages might just be the option for you!
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first line to offer solo cruisers their own cabin option and has won ‘Best Cruise Line for Solo Travellers’ for six years in a row by Porthole Magazine.
The Studio Staterooms available provide solo travellers with exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, only available for other solo guests. This offers complimentary refreshments and a quiet place to relax and hang out with new-found friends.
As well as great accommodation choices for those travelling alone, Norwegian Cruise Line offers chances for solo cruisers to socialise with others as most sailings offer singles meet-ups and bar crawls around the ship.
From 2024 there are a lot more solo cabins offered across the fleet, too.
8. P&O Cruises
For those looking to experience a quintessentially British cruise line, P&O Cruises is aimed at a UK audience with familiar touches to make guests feel right at home – great for those travelling alone in particular.
There are two ships in the cruise line’s fleet which are adult-only – Arcadia and Aurora. With British officers, a proper cup of tea (which you can make in your cabin!), pubs to visit and food geared to British tastes you can mingle with fellow singles just as you would at home, except while sailing.
For ballroom dance fans, look out for Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruises with P&O Cruises, perfect for enjoying your interests while aboard and meeting fellow fans!
Suggested read: P&O Cruises With No Single Supplement
9. Riviera Travel
Ocean cruises aren’t the only option for single cruisers over 50 either. River cruising is fast becoming a great choice for those looking to travel alone. With smaller capacities making it easier to get to know guests on board and ships which dock right into the heart of city centres, river cruises are ideal for solo travellers.
A popular cruise line for solos is Riviera Travel. The cruise line has been offering singles-only river cruises since 2018 which opens the ships up exclusively to solo travellers in all cabin categories without any additional single supplements. Perfect for splashing out on a suite if you’re feeling indulgent!
Useful things to know about cruising solo
If you’ve never cruised solo before, there might be some things you’re unsure of – so it’s worth explaining the basics as to how they work.
Firstly, you won’t be sharing a cabin with anyone if you book solo. Don’t worry about being placed in a cabin with a stranger, that doesn’t happen.
However if you book a cabin intended for two people, you’ll have to pay a single supplement – which might mean paying as much as double the per-person fare.
The cruise line knows it’s losing money by booking one person in a two-person room so you have to make up for the shortfall. That’s why it’s worth looking for single cabins which won’t have that huge supplement attached.
When it comes to dining, it will vary not just by cruise line but by who’s onboard too. You can always get a table on your own if you want, but if you don’t ask for it, you might be placed with other solo travellers in the main dining room instead. Or you might not – but you can always let the maitre d’ know your preferences.
And look out in the day’s planner to see what events and activities are planned for solo passengers. Some will be attended by the crew to help facilitate things but others might just be a venue, and these can get awkward, especially if it’s a bar. You don’t know who’s there to attend the event and who just wants a drink.
To conclude
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a solo cruise. Whether you want to sail along the river or the ocean; enjoy luxury or experience a more freestyle lifestyle onboard – there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Keeping an eye on solo traveller deals – making the most of reduced or excluded single supplement fees is a great way to save money on your cruise fare.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Worth It Or Not (2024)?
Many of the top cruise lines offer prepaid drinks packages to let you enjoy your cruise without counting your drinks.
The idea is that you can relax, since your drinks are paid for in advance, and have as many as you like (within reason) because you don’t need to think about how much you’re spending each day.
But drinks packages aren’t always worth it, especially if you don’t drink a lot. So how do Cunard’s drinks packages shape up? Are they good value, or should they be avoided?
If you average around 8 drinks per day, it’s probably worth getting a package
Whether a Cunard drinks package is worth it or not depends on how much you drink – typically if you have around 7-8 alcoholic drinks per day then you will likely find that the drinks package is good value, although some drinks are cheaper than others.
Everyone is different – with different tastes, preferences and in terms of how much they drink each day too. Some people drink a lot on every day of their cruise, others might have a couple of days where they take it easy.
I can help though – my drinks package calculator will help you work out whether a Cunard drinks package is worth it. All you need to do is fill in how many drinks you’ll likely have each day, and this will tell you whether you should get the package or just buy your drinks separately.
Prices
There are four main drinks packages available with Cunard. The drinks package with alcohol costs between $49.50 and $85.50 per person, per day if bought before you sail. Non-alcoholic packages range from $10 to $30 per person, per day.
Here’s a look at each of the main packages, along with some wine packages you can buy.
1. Soft Drinks Option
Cost in advance: $13.50 per person, per day
Cost when bought on the ship: $15 per person, per day
This is the most basic drinks package you can buy, purely for soft drinks. It includes:
- All draught soft drinks
- Selected fruit juices
- Squash and cordial
It’s a good option if you’re travelling with kids, or if you’re not an alcohol drinker and you’re not too fussed about hot drinks. You’ll be able to get as many drinks as you want from that short list throughout the cruise, at any of the bars or restaurants.
2. Speciality Hot Drinks Option
Cost in advance: $15.75 per person, per day
Cost when bought on the ship: $17.50 per person, per day
This drinks package is exclusively for hot drinks, and it includes:
- All illy speciality coffees
- Tea Forte infusions
- Hot chocolates
Again, these are available at any bar or restaurant where they are served, and there’s no limit on how many you can have.
3. Premium Soft Drinks Option
Cost in advance: $40.50 per person, per day
Cost when bought on the ship: $45 per person, per day
This package is for those who don’t want to drink alcohol (or who prefer to pay for their alcoholic drinks separately), but want as many other drinks options included in their package as possible. You get:
- All draught soft drinks
- A selection of bottled soft drinks
- Small bottled waters (330ml and 500ml)
- Fresh juices
- Speciality hot drinks
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- 20% discount on any non-alcoholic drinks not included in the package.
Here’s what that 20% discount actually applies to:
- Large bottles of water (750ml, 1 litre, 1.5 litre)
- Freshly squeezed deluxe juices
- Smoothies
- Hot and cold Godiva chocolate drinks
4. Beer, Wines and Spirits Option
Cost in advance: $49.50 to $85.50 per person, per day
Cost when bought on the ship: $55 to $95 per person, per day
Cunard used to have a simple flat price for this drinks package, but it’s now changed depending on your sailing length. Here is the full list of prices:
- Less than 5 nights – $85.50 per person, per day ($95 if bought onboard)
- 5-14 nights – $72 per person, per day ($80 if bought onboard)
- 15-84 nights – $67.50 per person, per day ($75 if bought onboard)
- 85 nights or more – $49.50 ($55 if bought onboard)
This can have some interesting quirks – for example, an 84-night cruise would cost you $5,670 per person for drinks, while an 85-night cruise would cost you just $4,207.50 per person for drinks – over $1,400 cheaper despite being a longer cruise! Of course, there aren’t too many of these itineraries, but it’s an interesting point to make.
The Beers, Wines and Spirits Option doesn’t have a set list of drinks that it includes. Instead, you get all the benefits of the Premium Soft Drinks Option, as well as all alcoholic drinks up to the value of $13.50.
This includes:
- All beers and ciders
- All gins, tequilas, vodkas and liqueurs
- Many of the whiskys, rums and cognacs
- All small glasses of wine
- Selected Champagne and prosecco glasses
- Most cocktails
As well as those drinks being completely included, you also get:
- 20% off most alcoholic drinks not included in the package
- 20% off some bottles of wine
- 20% off Cunard Wine Academy
- 20% off Cocktail Master Class
5. Wine Collections
There are a few options available for wine packages on a Cunard cruise. These let you buy bottles of wine in advance, to be used during the cruise.
Captain’s Collection
The Captain’s Collection is made up of a selection of white and red wines that are some of the most popular on the ship. There will also be a sweet wine option and a bottle of Prosecco available. You can choose any 6 or 12 from the list.
- 6 bottles – $310
- 12 bottles – $550
Commodore’s Collection
The Commodore’s Collection works in the same way as the Captain’s Collection, but it includes finer wines. Again there will be a mix of white and red wines, along with a couple of sparkling wine options and a rose.
- 6 bottles – $445
- 12 bottles – $750
Create your own Collection
Another option is to curate your own wine list from across both the Captain’s Collection and Commodore’s Collection, mixing your list between them. You’ll then be given a price for your custom list, which will be up to 20% cheaper than if you bought the wines separately.
If you like the idea of the collections, but can’t decide between them, then creating your own is the way to go.
Drinks are more expensive than on land
Drink prices on Cunard ships are similar to many American-style cruise ships, so they’re quite expensive compared to on land, but not by a huge margin. Beers cost around $6, glasses of wine cost between $8 and $14, and cocktails range from around $10 to $13.
However – that’s before the 15% gratuity is added on. Every time you buy a drink on a Cunard ship, you’re charged a 15% service charge on top of the drink order. So really, a beer doesn’t cost $6 – it’s closer to $7.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Cunard’s gratuities
When you buy a drinks package, the service charge is included, so that does help to make it a lot better value for money – you’re not paying 15% again every time you have a drink.
Price list for 2024
Here’s how much drinks cost on a Cunard cruise.
- Bottled beers – $5.90 to $6.60
- Draught beer – $6.10 to $6.80
- Bottled cider – $5.90 to $6.60
- Alcohol-free beer – $5.90 to $6.40
- Gin – $6.30 to $7.80 per measure
- Tequila – $6 to $8 per measure
- Rum – $6.30 to $14 per measure
- Vodka – $5 to $7.90 per measure
- Whisky – $5.90 to $12 per measure
- Brandy & Cognac – $6.90 to $70 per measure
- Liqueurs – $5.90 to $6.60 per measure
- White wine glass (150ml) – $6.80 to $11.70
- Rose wine glass (150ml) – $7.50 to $13.20
- Red wine glass (150ml) – $6.80 to $10.70
- Prosecco – $9 per glass
- Champagne glass – $12.30 to $21
- Cocktails – $9.50 to $13.60
- Mocktails – $5.50 to $6.50
- Fountain sodas – $2.80 (small) $3.80 (large)
- Bottled soft drinks – $3.90
- Red Bull – $4.90
- Fountain mixers – $1.80
- San Pellegrino – $3.50
Depending on your view, these might seem quite expensive, or quite reasonable. They’re not really much more expensive than many other cruise lines, although that 15% service charge does bump the prices up somewhat.
They’re certainly not cheap – there are many cruise lines that are a lot cheaper than these prices, though they’re not quite the same standard of premium cruising as Cunard offers.
You can also view some of the drinks menus for the ship here. Note that these don’t include prices, but you can at least see what is available in different venues across the fleet.
Some drinks are free…
During breakfast, guests can enjoy a selection of fruit juices along with water, tea and coffee. Water during meals is always free, and guests can enjoy a cup of coffee after their meal has ended. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in all staterooms on the ship.
You can get water throughout the day as well from the fountains on the ship and the tap water is safe to drink, but otherwise, if you want any other drinks then you’ll need to get a drinks package, or head back to your room to make a tea or coffee.
Don’t forget to take your own too!
Guests are allowed to take one bottle of wine or Champagne onto their cruise with them, no larger than 750ml. It can be consumed for free in the cabin, but if guests want to drink it anywhere else on the ship they have to pay a $25 corkage fee.
Read the Cunard alcohol policy.
10 things you must know about the Cunard drink packages
1. You can’t share
You’re not allowed to share a drinks package with anyone – any drinks you order when you have a drinks package have to be consumed by you. If you’re found to be sharing then you may have your drinks package taken from you without a refund.
It’s unlikely that you’re going to be seriously punished if you let a child have a sip of a soft drink you’ve ordered, but if wait staff notice it then they might keep an eye on you, and if it keeps happening then they’ll take action. The point of a drinks package is that you each pay for your own drinks – it’s cheating the system if only one person pays.
And as a result…
2. All adults in a cabin have to have the same package
To help prevent drinks from being shared, all adults (anyone aged 18 or over) sharing a cabin must have the same drinks package. It’s not possible for only one adult to buy a drinks package, or for one to buy a Beers, Wines and Spirits package while the other chooses a Soft Drinks package.
So if you’re travelling with your partner, you need to factor in that you’re paying for both of you – for the alcoholic package that’s now $140 per day for your cruise. If you’re sailing with a small group of friends or with adult children, the costs do add up. But again, it’s the only way of keeping it fair.
Children in your cabin don’t need to have a drinks package, but you will still get in trouble if you keep sharing your non-alcoholic drinks with them. You can buy them a different package though, so you can have the Beers, Wines and Spirits Option for you and the Soft Drinks Option for them.
3. You can’t get a drinks package on short cruises
A simple rule – you can only book a drinks package if you’re cruising for 5 nights or more. If you’re not sailing for that length of time, then you won’t be able to, and you’ll just need to buy your drinks separately.
With any drinks package, the cruise line is asking you to commit to a set daily figure because they know you’re unlikely to drink a lot every single day of your cruise. But on a shorter cruise, you may well do so – so it’s not as cost-effective for the cruise line to let you buy a package.
4. No more than 15 alcoholic drinks a day
When you choose the Beers, Wines and Spirits package, it’s not completely unlimited. You’re allowed 15 drinks per day, with a day measured as being 6 am through to 6 am the next day.
Officially, the terms and conditions state that any drinks above the 15-drink limit are at the discretion of the crew. If you’ve paced yourself with your 15 drinks and you are not too drunk, and not causing a nuisance, then the crew might let you have another. But they may still refuse you. If they do, accept the decision and wait until the next day.
5. Pre-cruise prices can be booked up to 4 days before you sail
All of the drinks packages cost less when you buy them in advance – between $2 and $5 per day lower. You can book your drinks package at this lower price any time from the moment you’ve booked your sailing, right up until 4 days before you’re about to cruise.
If you decide last-minute in the couple of days before you cruise that you want a drinks package, you’ll be paying full price.
6. You can’t get a package after day 2 of your cruise
If you board your Cunard ship and then decide that you do want a drinks package, you are able to add it onto your account. You just need to visit the Guest Services desk and request it, or visit any bar or lounge, and you’ll then have the package value added to your cruise account.
The latest you can do this is on your second day of your cruise. Any later and you’ll be refused, and you’ll just have to pay for your drinks individually. This again is to make sure the cruise line gets good value from the deal – rather than letting you book a package for the last two days of your cruise when you’ve planned a blowout.
7. You can’t get a package for part of your cruise only
When you book a drinks package, you can’t order it for only part of your cruise. You have to pay for it for the duration of your cruise. To be clear, you’ll be charged for the same number of days as nights you are sailing – so if your cruise is 7 nights, you’ll be charged for 7 days, even though you’re on the ship for an eighth day.
The only exception to this rule is when you order your drinks package onboard the ship on the second day of your cruise. When that happens, you won’t be asked to pay for the day you’ve already missed – instead, you’ll just pay for the remainder of your cruise.
8. If a drink’s not covered, you have to pay full price for it
The Beers, Wines and Spirits Option drinks package includes all alcoholic drinks up to a value of $13.50. With some cruise lines that use similar rules, if you choose a drink outside that price bracket, you only pay the difference – so if you ordered a $15 drink, you’d only pay the $2 difference.
That is not the case with Cunard. Any drinks that you choose to order that are outside of the drink price limit must be paid for at full price, minus the 20% discount you get for having the package. So try to stick to drinks under that $13.50 limit to make sure you’re getting good value.
9. One drink at a time!
To help make sure that guests don’t go crazy with their drinking, and also to prevent drink sharing, you’re only allowed to order one drink at a time when you have the drinks package. And then there is a 10-minute wait before you are allowed to order again.
Don’t think that you can get away with it by finding a different crew member. When your sail card is scanned for the drinks, it’ll flag that you’ve just ordered a drink elsewhere, and the crew member will refuse to serve you until the 10-minute limit is up.
10. Not everything is included
There are some exceptions to the main rules when it comes to what drinks are included. Specifically, the drinks packages cover the bars and restaurants on the ship only – but nowhere else.
So you can’t use a drinks package to order from the room service menu – those drinks still have an extra charge to pay.
And the same applies to any drinks sold in the onboard shops – they are not covered by the drinks package and you need to buy them separately.
Read the full terms of the Cunard drinks package here.
How to book a package
There are two ways that you can book a Cunard drinks package.
If you’re booking in advance, it’s really easy. Once you’ve made your cruise booking, log onto the Cunard website and log into My Cunard, the online account for your cruise. In here you’ll be able to choose a drinks package to add to your account, though remember you’ll have to add the same package for all adults in your cabin.
The second way to buy a drinks package on a Cunard cruise is in person on the ship – either at a bar or lounge, or at the Guest Services desk. Remember that if you choose this option, you’ll be paying a higher price.
Final word
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about the Cunard drinks package options.
Should you buy one though?
It really depends. The Cunard drinks – when you factor in the service charge – certainly aren’t the cheapest. I think the Soft Drinks Option is definitely good value, but for the other three it depends on how often you’ll be drinking the beverages that are included.
Use my drinks package calculator to work out how much a drinks package will likely save you, and then you can make your own personal decision based on that.
Related posts:
If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.