Authorities in the United States have launched an investigation following the death of a passenger onboard Carnival Horizon during its latest Caribbean sailing.
When the ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday, 8th November 2025, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) boarded the vessel to begin enquiries into the incident.
In a statement shared with US media, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the cruise line said.
No details have been released about the passenger’s identity, age, or cause of death, and investigators have not confirmed whether the death is being treated as suspicious.
One guest onboard the ship reported conflicting rumours circulating amongst guests that it was either a murder or an overdose, but these are only rumours so far and so should not be treated as fact until any further confirmation follows.
FBI and Cruise Line Investigating
According to a brief statement from the FBI’s Miami office, agents “responded to the scene” when the ship docked. “Because this is an ongoing matter, no further information is available at this time,” the spokesperson added.
Passengers onboard the 6-night cruise – which sailed from Miami on 2nd November and visited Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel – reported a medical emergency announcement on the final day of the voyage. However, it has not been confirmed whether that was linked to the death.
Some guests staying on Deck 8 said they received letters advising them to vacate their cabins early on disembarkation day to allow investigators to access the area.
“Authorities will be joining the ship first thing upon arrival to complete an investigation and will be in the area of your hallway,” the notice reportedly stated. “It could be noisy and disruptive, so we kindly ask that you be out of your stateroom by 7:00 a.m.”
Those guests were offered breakfast before being escorted off the ship first.
A Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s van was also seen at the port after the ship arrived, suggesting local officials have taken possession of the body.
Cruise Schedule Unaffected
Despite the investigation, there was no significant delay to Carnival Horizon’s turnaround in Miami. The ship did leave a little later than planned, with the FBI apparently onboard until 5 pm.
But the ship has already departed on her next voyage – an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary visiting the so-called “ABC islands” of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Carnival Horizon, a Vista-class vessel launched in 2018, carries up to 3,960 guests at double occupancy (and nearly 5,000 at full capacity) with a crew of about 1,400.
Standard Protocol for Deaths at Sea
Deaths at sea are uncommon but not unprecedented, and cruise ships are required by maritime law to have medical facilities and secure morgues onboard.
When a death occurs, local and federal authorities become involved once the ship reaches port, particularly if the voyage began or ended in the United States.
In such cases, the FBI investigates any incidents involving possible foul play or suspicious circumstances, while natural or accidental deaths are typically referred to local medical examiners.
Carnival Cruise Line has not released further comment while the investigation remains open.
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Two internet personalities aboard Harmony of the Seas turned from streamers to fighters in an unexpected turn of events. The two were subsequently detained and removed from the Royal Caribbean ship following a fight on deck.
The fight, which was captured on video and widely shared on the internet, occurred on November 4th while the ship was en route from Galveston, Texas, to Roatán, Honduras, during a seven-night cruise in the Western Caribbean.
Multiple social media posts report that the confrontation was between two livestreamers, Chicken Andy (David Ryan) and BlackAssDave (Dave Willis). Both were taking part in a themed streamer cruise organized by content creator Ice Poseidon.
Online accounts from passengers described how ship security had already cautioned the two men after previous disruptions earlier in the journey.
Friends Again?
Ice Posiedon, the event’s host, later shared a video that shows Ryan and Willis still on shore in Honduras while the ship is boarding guests to leave. – View Video
A Disturbing List of Recent Cruise-Related Fights
The recent list of disturbing and violent fights that are taking place and being shared around the internet seems to continue with more regularity. Here is a summary of some of these events, along with the video footage.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal (August 2025)
Video footage shared by user @Rororowyaboatz captured at least a dozen people fighting and pulling each other’s hair before security intervened to break up the altercation.
See Video Below (Please note the profanity, and the video is disturbing)
Multiple Fights Break Out In Private Island Pool
Unfortunately, fights are even happening on the cruise line’s private destinations. Another fight broke out in the large lagoon-style pool at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Massive ‘Chicken Finger’ Fight Breaks Out on Carnival Cruise
Disturbing footage was also from August 2025 shows the moment a massive melee broke out on a Carnival Cruise ship among fuming passengers seemingly upset over “chicken tenders.”
The violence among about two dozen brawlers erupted aboard the Carnival Sunrise at about 2 a.m. Monday — the last day of its voyage — as the ship was heading back to Miami, according to a passenger who filmed the mayhem.
Cruise Lines Have Zero Tolerance
Most experienced cruisers realize how severe fighting could be. The cruise lines have a zero tolerance for breaking this and other policies. Fighting could not only result in your detention while onboard, but also in your immediate removal at the first port of call, and possibly lead to charges as well. Further, once kicked off the ship, you would also be responsible for flying back home at your own expense.
Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Epic have received an unexpected and worrying health alert: they may have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) issued the warning on Tuesday to passengers currently sailing on the 12-night Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Lisbon, as well as to those who recently disembarked the same ship.
The cruise line confirmed that two former guests who had travelled on Norwegian Epic were later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
At this stage, it is unclear whether the infections originated onboard or elsewhere, but the cruise line is cooperating with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has opened an investigation.
Health Warning Issued Mid-Voyage
The alert, sent to roughly 4,100 passengers mid-cruise, advised guests to monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath – typical indicators of Legionnaires’ disease.
“On the rare occasion that any past guests receive such a diagnosis, we work with the CDC to support their investigation efforts as part of their standard operating procedures,” NCL said in its letter to guests.
Travellers were urged to contact the ship’s medical team immediately if they developed any symptoms while onboard.
Those who had already disembarked were advised to seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 14 days of their cruise, and to show the alert letter to their doctor to ensure testing for Legionnaires’ disease and prompt antibiotic treatment if needed.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
The illness, first identified in 1976 following an outbreak at an American Legion convention in Pennsylvania, spreads through inhalation of contaminated water droplets – often from hot tubs, showers, air-conditioning systems, or decorative fountains.
According to the CDC, symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. While most people recover with antibiotics, the disease can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems, smokers or the elderly.
Past Cruise Incidents and Industry Response
This is not the first time Norwegian Cruise Line has faced such a situation. In February 2023, the company sent a similar notice to Norwegian Prima passengers after two guests who sailed in late 2022 were diagnosed post-cruise. No source of exposure was ever confirmed.
Other cruise operators have also experienced comparable cases. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean International warned Symphony of the Seas guests after one former passenger contracted Legionnaires’ disease. The investigation, likewise, did not establish a definitive link to the ship’s water systems.
Cruise lines are required to maintain rigorous sanitation and water-quality protocols, including regular testing and treatment of spas, pools and potable water systems to mitigate such risks.
Norwegian Epic Continues Its Voyage
Despite the warning, Norwegian Epic continues its itinerary through the Mediterranean, with enhanced monitoring and sanitation measures reportedly in place.
The 155,873-gross-ton ship, which accommodates more than 4,000 guests, entered service in 2010 and is one of the largest vessels in NCL’s fleet.
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Our Ambassador Cruise Line review in short: Ambassador is a traditional, mid-sized, mostly adults-only British line. Its biggest strengths are no-fly cruises from regional UK ports, friendly service and low fares. The trade-offs are older ships, fairly simple cabins and a plain choice of entertainment. Passengers who want a relaxed, classic cruise close to home usually rate it well. Passengers who expect a modern mega-ship are more often disappointed.
This Ambassador Cruise Line review brings together the line’s own information, its published prices and the patterns in thousands of passenger reviews. It covers the fleet as it stands in November 2026, ports, cabins, food, drinks, entertainment, real onboard costs, and who Ambassador does and doesn’t suit.
Ambassador Cruise Line review: at a glance
Ambassador launched in 2021 and is owned by investment firm Njord Partners. In January 2025 it merged with France’s Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) to form the Ambassador Group. The UK brand keeps a clear identity: it sells unhurried, good-value cruises to an older British market, and most of them sail straight from home.
Feature
What to expect
Style
Traditional British cruising, smart-casual evenings, optional formal nights
Typical guest
Over-50s, couples, solo travellers, groups of friends
Age policy
18+ on almost all sailings (a few named multi-generational cruises)
UK ships
Ambience (about 1,400 guests) and Ambition (about 1,200 guests)
About £7 per person per night, added automatically (check current rate)
Drinks
Pay as you go, or packages from about £21 (non-alcoholic) to £56 per night
Deal of the week · ends Tuesday 17 November
Christmas & New Year in Spain and Portugal: 10% off with Ambassador
Spend the festive season on Ambassador's Ambition, sailing 15 nights round trip from London Tilbury on 21 December 2026. You'll be in Gijón on Christmas Eve and Gibraltar on New Year's Eve, with Lisbon, Portimão, Cádiz, Málaga, Cartagena and Vigo in between, and you're home on 5 January.
Use code COTW10 for 10% off every cabin grade, plus up to £400 onboard credit. Ocean View fares were from £1,699 per person before the discount when we checked. Valid on new bookings until 23:59 on Tuesday 17 November.
Fares are per person, two sharing, and can change. The code can't be combined with other promotions. We may earn a commission if you book through our link, at no extra cost to you.
The Ambassador fleet in 2026
Ambience
Ambience was built in 1991 and is about 70,000 gross tons, so she marked 35 years at sea in 2026. She sailed for P&O Cruises Australia before joining Ambassador in 2022. She carries up to about 1,400 guests in roughly 800 cabins over 20 categories. That includes 89 solo cabins, which is a high number for a ship this size. Public rooms carry British names: the Buckingham Restaurant, the Palladium theatre, the Purple Turtle pub and Brontë’s Library.
Ambition
Ambition was built in 1999 and is about 48,000 gross tons. She sailed for several other lines, most recently AIDA, before joining Ambassador in 2023. She carries up to about 1,200 guests in 680 cabins. There are more balconies and suites than on Ambience (125 balcony cabins and over 100 suites), but standard cabins are smaller on average.
Renaissance
Renaissance is the former Holland America Maasdam, built in 1993. She came into the group through the CFC merger and mainly serves the French market under the Ambassador Croisières name. UK passengers meet her on Ambassador’s winter Caribbean fly-cruises. From 29 October 2026 to 1 April 2027 she is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, and UK guests fly out on Virgin Atlantic-operated charters from Heathrow and Manchester. She also serves French-speaking guests, so check what the onboard language and announcements will be before you book.
Ambella, the ex-Oceania Sirena
In September 2026 Ambassador announced it had bought Oceania Cruises’ Sirena, a small ship of about 30,000 tons and around 670 guests from the former Renaissance Cruises R-class. She will be leased back to Oceania until spring 2028. She then becomes Ambella and launches a new German brand, Ambassador Kreuzfahrten, with adults-only summer sailings from Bremerhaven and Kiel from May 2028. In winter she is chartered to Semester at Sea. She is not aimed at UK passengers for now, but she shows the group is growing.
Sailing straight from a regional UK port is the main reason many passengers choose Ambassador. Photo: Wolfgang Weiser on Pexels
Departure ports and embarkation
The main selling point of Ambassador cruises is avoiding a long drive to Southampton or a flight. Ambience and Ambition sail from seven regional UK ports:
London Tilbury: the busiest base, used all year
Bristol (Avonmouth/Royal Portbury)
Portsmouth
Newcastle (Port of Tyne)
Dundee
Belfast
Liverpool
Some itineraries also use ports such as Edinburgh and Falmouth. Most reviews describe embarkation as quick and calm, which you’d expect with smaller ships and terminals. The complaints that do come up are about parking at certain ports and slow disembarkation at Tilbury on busy turnaround days. Book port parking early and check your terminal’s arrival-time slots.
Cabins: simple, comfortable, and good for solo travellers
Expect classic, compact cabins rather than designer rooms. Average sizes are about 17–18 m² on Ambience and 15–16 m² on Ambition. Reviews often call the cabins clean, quiet and well stocked with storage, but some are visibly dated. Worn fittings and the odd air-conditioning problem appear regularly in lower-scoring reviews.
Solo cabins: Ambience has 89 dedicated solo cabins, which makes Ambassador one of the better choices for solo cruisers from the UK.
Balconies: limited on Ambience (66 cabins), more plentiful on Ambition.
Accessible cabins: each UK ship has 13 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Book these early.
Tip: on older ships, cabins near the stern or over the theatre can be noisier. Check the deck plan before choosing a guaranteed fare.
Food and dining
The main dining room (the Buckingham, plus the Holyrood on Ambition) is included and runs traditional two-sitting dinners, with open seating at breakfast and lunch. The Borough Market buffet and the poolside Alfresco Grill are also included. Food and service in the main dining room get some of the best comments in Ambassador cruises reviews, and passengers with coeliac disease or allergies often single out the line’s care with dietary needs.
The buffet is the weak spot. Several reviewers say it gets crowded at peak times, with limited seating and limited hours. If you prefer a calmer breakfast, the main dining room is usually the better choice.
Venue
Ship
Cost (from, per person)
Buckingham / Holyrood main dining
Both
Included
Borough Market buffet, Alfresco Grill
Both
Included
Saffron (Indian and Asian)
Both
About £16.95
Lupino’s (Mediterranean)
Ambition
About £14.95
Sea & Grass (fine dining)
Ambience
About £27.95
Chef’s Table (nine courses with wine)
Both
About £89
Speciality restaurants are booked at reception once you’re on board. Prices can change, so treat the figures above as a guide.
Drinks packages and the real cost of an Ambassador cruise
Ambassador isn’t all-inclusive. For the 2026-27 season it sells three main packages, priced per person per night on cruises of five nights or more:
Package
Pre-cruise
Onboard
Covers
Premium
£49.95
£55.95
Premium spirits and wines, cocktails, speciality coffees, soft drinks
Classic
£42.95
£47.95
House wines and spirits, selected beers, house cocktails, soft drinks
Non-alcoholic
£20.95
£22.95
Soft drinks, juices, mocktails
Gratuities are included in package prices. Everyone in the cabin must buy the same package, and drinks are served one at a time by the glass. Prices are a little lower on cruises of 30 nights or more. For a full breakdown and a break-even calculator, see our Ambassador drinks packages guide.
A quick reality check on cost: headline fares are often low, so it’s worth adding up extras before comparing lines. Two people on a 7-night cruise who don’t buy a package pay about £98 in gratuities (£7 × 2 × 7). The same couple on the Classic package pay about £601 pre-booked, with gratuities included. A low fare plus a package can still beat a more inclusive rival, but not always. Do the sums for your own drinking habits.
Evening entertainment on Ambassador ships centres on the theatre, live music and quizzes. Photo: Ann Hannes on Pexels
Entertainment, atmosphere and service
Entertainment is traditional and low-key: production shows and visiting acts in the Palladium theatre, live bands, tribute nights, quizzes, bingo, dancing, craft workshops, guest speakers and a casino. There are no water slides, go-karts or Broadway-scale shows. Ambassador also runs themed sailings, such as music-decade cruises.
With mostly adults on board, sea days are generally quiet and sociable. Service is the most consistently praised part of the product. Reviewers repeatedly call the crew warm and attentive. Lower scores tend to focus on the hardware (ship age, maintenance, buffet crowding) rather than the people.
Itineraries
From the UK, expect a mix of:
Short breaks of 2–5 nights to Belgium, the Netherlands and France, including festive Christmas market cruises.
Norwegian fjords and Iceland, often from Newcastle, Dundee or Tilbury.
British Isles and Ireland round-Britain itineraries.
Winter sun to the Canary Islands, Iberia and the Mediterranean, plus longer voyages and a world cruise.
Caribbean fly-cruises on Renaissance from Barbados, with stops such as Antigua, St Lucia, Curaçao, Bonaire and Dominica.
Pros and cons of Ambassador Cruise Line
Pros
Cons
No-fly sailings from seven regional UK ports
Older ships, with visible wear in some cabins and public areas
Almost entirely adults-only
Buffet can be crowded with limited seating at peak times
Friendly, well-reviewed crew
Fewer facilities and less entertainment than big modern ships
Strong range of solo cabins on Ambience
Not all-inclusive; gratuities and drinks add to the fare
Main dining room and dietary care get good reviews
Fewer balcony cabins on Ambience
Competitive fares, especially in sales
Mixed reports on disembarkation and parking at some ports
Who Ambassador suits, and who it doesn’t
Good fit: over-50s and retirees who prefer a classic style (see our pick of the best cruises for over 50s). It also suits solo travellers, people who don’t want to fly, anyone living far from Southampton, and couples who want a quieter, child-free ship.
Probably not for you: families with children outside the few multi-generational dates, anyone who wants modern ships with lots of balconies, people who need plenty of nightlife or big-ticket attractions, and travellers who want everything included in the fare. If you’re weighing it against Britain’s biggest line, our P&O Cruises vs Ambassador comparison sets the two side by side.
Is Ambassador good value? Price guidance
Ambassador generally prices itself below the bigger British brands, and it runs frequent sales, sometimes with discounted drinks packages or included gratuities. Fares change a lot with date, cabin grade and how far ahead you book, so it’s not useful to quote a single figure. Compare the per-night price after adding gratuities and drinks, look at solo fares if you’re travelling alone before you book. Always confirm the current offer and terms on the official Ambassador website or with your travel agent.
Ambassador Cruise Line review: the verdict
Ambassador does the basics well: friendly crew, decent food, easy departures from close to home, and a calm, adults-focused atmosphere. Its ships are old and it doesn’t hide that, so the experience suits passengers who value convenience and atmosphere over the newest features. Go in with that expectation, budget for the extras, and it’s a sensible, good-value choice for UK cruising.
For the right passenger, yes. Ambassador gets consistent praise for friendly crew, convenient no-fly departures from regional UK ports and good value. The most common criticisms are the age of the ships, cabin wear and tear, and busy buffets at peak times. Average review scores sit in the mid-3s to high-3s out of 5 on the big review sites at the time of writing.
Is Ambassador Cruise Line adults only?
Mostly. Ambassador sailings are for guests aged 18 and over, apart from a small number of named multi-generational cruises in school holidays. The line has said its 2027-28 no-fly programme from the UK will be entirely child-free. Check the booking page for your sailing to be sure.
How many passengers does Ambassador Ambience carry?
Ambience carries up to about 1,400 guests and has around 800 cabins, 89 of them solo cabins. Ambition is a little smaller, with up to about 1,200 guests and 680 cabins.
Are gratuities included on Ambassador cruises?
Not in the basic fare. At the time of writing, gratuities are added automatically at about £7 per person per night (£6 on cruises over 15 nights), and you can adjust them at Guest Services. Gratuities are included if you buy a drinks package.
What ships does Ambassador Cruise Line have?
For UK no-fly cruises, Ambassador uses Ambience and Ambition. Renaissance, a former Holland America ship, sails for the group’s French brand and runs the winter Caribbean fly-cruises from Barbados. A fourth ship, the ex-Oceania Sirena, will become Ambella and sail for a new German brand from 2028.
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
Photo credit: Cunard
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.
Photo credit: Cunard
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?
As the festive season draws near, ports around the world sparkle with lights, music, and cheer – each one offering its own magical twist on Christmas at sea.
From the festive markets of Copenhagen to the dazzling displays of New York City and the joyful traditions of Barcelona, these ports capture the spirit of the season in unforgettable ways.
So, grab your passport and a cup of hot cocoa – it’s time to explore the world’s most festive cruise ports to visit at Christmas.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona shines as a unique and vibrant destination for festive cruises in December. This Catalonian capital, steeped in rich traditions and cultural festivities, transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season.
One of the city’s most beloved customs is the Caga Tió, a whimsical Christmas log that children ‘feed’ in the days leading up to Christmas, eagerly anticipating the gifts it will ‘produce’ on Christmas Eve.
Barcelona is renowned for its elaborate Nativity scenes, known as “Pessebres,” which are intricately designed and displayed throughout the city, reflecting the deep religious heritage and artistic flair of the region.
A centrepiece of Barcelona’s Christmas celebration is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, a bustling outdoor market dating back to 1786. Located in front of the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, this market is a hub of festive activity, offering everything from handcrafted gifts and decorations to typical Catalonian holiday treats.
In December, several cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, include Barcelona in their itineraries. As this is a major departure port, you may wish to spend a few days staying in a Barcelona hotel and exploring the city either before or after your cruise.
2. New York City, USA
New York City is an iconic destination for festive cruises in December. Known worldwide for its extravagant holiday displays and celebrations, NYC transforms into a dazzling winter spectacle during the Christmas season. The city’s festive spirit is infectious, with its streets and landmarks adorned with spectacular lights and decorations.
A central feature of New York’s Christmas celebration is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, an iconic symbol of the holiday season in the city. This towering tree, brilliantly lit and decorated, draws visitors from around the world, serving as a backdrop for countless holiday memories.
The window displays of stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue are a visual delight, each telling a unique holiday story through intricate designs and animations. The city also hosts a variety of festive shows, including the renowned Radio City Christmas Spectacular, adding to the rich cultural experience of the holiday season in New York.
Several cruise lines, such as Cunard, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, feature New York City in their December itineraries.
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, known for its imperial architecture, gets a festive makeover during the Christmas season. The city hosts several Christmas markets, with the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz being particularly magical.
Vienna comes alive with the sound of classic Christmas music, adding to the city’s enchanting charm. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian Christmas treats and crafts.
Many river cruise lines like Uniworld, Riviera Travel and Avalon Waterways offer Danube river cruises that stop in Vienna during December.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen captures the essence of ‘hygge’, the Danish concept of cosiness, especially during Christmas.
The Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a dazzling Christmas fair, adorned with festive lights, decorations, and markets. This blend of cosy Danish traditions and a festive atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination. December visitors can enjoy the quintessential Scandinavian Christmas experience.
Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines often include Copenhagen in their winter itineraries.
5. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is renowned for its Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. During December, this German city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer.
The market is celebrated for its unique handmade ornaments, traditional gingerbread, and the presence of the Christkind, a symbolic figure of Christmas. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, sampling traditional foods and browsing through a plethora of Christmas crafts.
Major river cruise lines that visit Nuremberg in December include Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways, offering itineraries that focus on Christmas markets along the Danube.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges in December is a fairy-tale-like setting, perfect for those seeking a traditional European Christmas experience. The city’s medieval architecture, including its belfry and cobbled streets, provides a picturesque backdrop for its Christmas market. Located in the main square, the market offers a range of festive goods, from Belgian chocolates to handcrafted gifts.
The scent of Belgian waffles and hot chocolate permeates the air, adding to the market’s cosy atmosphere. Ice-skating rinks add to the festive fun, offering a delightful activity for visitors of all ages. The city’s canals and historical buildings are also lit up with Christmas lights, enhancing the magical ambience.
Bruges is a popular stop on cruises during the Christmas season. Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines include Bruges in their itineraries.
7. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, hosts Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in France. This market is a focal point of the city’s festive celebrations, blending French and German Christmas traditions in a unique way. The city’s half-timbered houses and historic buildings are beautifully decorated, creating a storybook Christmas setting.
The market features an array of stalls selling traditional Alsatian Christmas items, including handmade decorations, local crafts, and seasonal treats like bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). The city’s streets are adorned with festive lights and decorations, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Beyond the markets, Strasbourg is rich in culture, with museums, galleries, and live performances. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Alsatian cuisine in the city’s many restaurants and bistros.
River cruises are a popular way to visit Strasbourg during the Christmas season. Cruise lines like Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways offer itineraries that include Strasbourg, giving travellers the opportunity to experience its renowned Christmas market and festive atmosphere.
My Recommendation
A Christmas cruise is a fantastic holiday. We took a cruise last Christmas and had a wonderful time. Check out my Guide To Cruising At Christmas for more info about the experience.
Cruising over Christmas can be expensive though. So if your budget doesn’t stretch to it, then cruising earlier in December is a great way to experience the festive atmosphere at sea without blowing your holiday budget for the whole year.
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year – but does that apply to cruises too?
Well, every November, cruise lines roll out flashy “can’t-miss” offers that promise huge savings and free perks. But are they really as good as they look?
Before I became a full-time cruise blogger, I spent five years working in the marketing department at Cruise118, part of World Travel Holdings – the world’s largest retailer of cruises.
I saw exactly how these deals are created, so I know what’s genuine and what’s just clever marketing. Plus, I hand-source cruise deals every week, spending hours looking over the promotions.
So, should you actually book your next cruise on Black Friday… or wait for a better deal? Let’s find out.
The Truth About Black Friday In The Cruise Industry
Here’s the truth – there are always cruises with cabins that are hard to sell.
While the family cabins on the newest ships are selling out over a year in advance, there will always be be plenty of obstructed, oceanview cabins on older ships during the off-season that are tricky to fill.
So, cruise lines use traditional sale periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the January Sales to drop the prices on anything that might otherwise go unsold.
But… if that’s all they did, you’d notice, wouldn’t you? You’d be like: “Hmmm, why can I not find any August sailings on the Black Friday page?”
So what you’ll see, is sitewide offers like “Up to 75% Off The Second Guest” or “Save Up To £600 Per Cabin”.
Yes, those offers will apply to certain cruises. But they won’t apply to all of them.
That means that sometimes, if you book during the Black Friday Sales, you’ll get a great deal. But sometimes, you’ll pay exactly the same as you would have done in October.
The trick is knowing which is which – and that’s where a little insider knowledge helps.
What You Can Actually Save
Let’s be honest – cruise prices don’t usually fall off a cliff on Black Friday. You’re unlikely to find half-price cruises, but you can grab some great value if you know where to look.
Most cruise lines offer around 10–30% off, and they may also add bonuses like free drinks, onboard credit, WiFi or kids sail free.
Sometimes, those perks are worth more than a straight discount – especially if you’d have paid for them anyway.
For example, Royal Caribbean often runs “up to 30% off” plus a second offer like up to £250 off. Last year, Holland America Line offered savings of up to £800 per cabin, plus free upgrades. Princess Cruises offered discounts of up to £500 per cabin, plus free onboard spending money.
It’s important to note the phrase ‘up to’. If It says up to £800 per cabin, you can bet that you’ll probably need to book the top suite to save that much. The saving on an inside cabin will be much, much lower.
The best way to tell if you’re getting a true saving is to check the historical cruise prices before you book. If they haven’t changed much, then you’ll know it’s not actually a bargain. Unless, of course, you’re getting extra value added, like free onboard credit.
How To See Historical Cruise Prices
My favourite way to see cruise prices over the past 90 days is with Cruise Critic.
It’s easy. Just search for the cruise that you’re interested in, then scroll down to the Price Insight section.
Choose your cabin type and it will show what the price was price every day for the past 90 days, like this…
It will also tell you whether the price you see today is low, high, or typical, based on historical prices for the cruise. Like this…
When Black Friday Cruise Deals Are Worth It
Black Friday (and a couple of weeks leading up to the actual day) can be a brilliant time to book – but only if you find a good deal.
Not every Black Friday deal is good, but some of them are unbeatable. You can find real value, especially when deals include extras and not just discounts.
A free drinks package or £300 onboard credit can be worth more than a fare discount, especially if you’d spend that money on board anyway.
Travel agents may give extra discounts on Black Friday too. That could be an extra 5% off on top of the cruise line’s price, or something like a free case of wine or a Christmas hamper.
So, even when you’ve found a cruise you like, it can be worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting it for the best price and not missing out on any free gifts.
Expert Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deal
Want to make sure you don’t miss a genuine bargain? Here’s how to stay one step ahead of the crowd.
1. Sign up for Black Friday alerts from Cruise Mummy
I’ll be watching every cruise line’s sale closely and listing them all in one place.
I’ll also share my handpicked Black Friday cruise bargains straight to your inbox so you can book the best ones before they’re gone.
Pop your email in the form above and I’ll email you as soon as the deals are out.
2. Be ready to book fast
Black Friday isn’t just one day in the cruise world. Cruise lines start releasing offers from early November, so by the time Friday 28th November rolls around, many of the best cabins may be gone.
Do your research ahead of time so that you have an idea of when and where you want to go.
And if you need to get your annual leave approved, put that request in now so that you’re ready to book as soon as you spot a good deal.
3. Double check it’s a good deal
Remember, perks are only perks if you’ll actually use them. So while free WiFi and drinks may sound great, if you wouldn’t have bought them anyway it may not be such a good deal.
When you spot a deal, be sure to use the Cruise Critic Price Tracker to see what the price was before the sale started.
The Bottom Line
So, should you book a cruise on Black Friday?
Yes! I do it every year and have gotten some great deals. But, don’t assume that every cruise is cheaper, just because it’s Black Friday.
Some deals are genuinely fantastic, especially when they include free perks or extra onboard credit. Others are just clever marketing with prices that haven’t really changed. The key is to compare, stay alert, and move quickly when you spot a real bargain.
I’ll be tracking every cruise line’s offers and sharing the best of the best. So if you haven’t already, sign up for my Black Friday cruise deal alerts to get my handpicked recommendations as soon as they drop.
