Cunard Line: The Tom and Dom Guide to Cruising Royalty
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:
21/07/26
Tom watching Cunard’s Queen Anne make her historic maiden arrival into Southampton ahead of her first voyage
If you have ever wanted to channel your inner 1930s movie star while crossing the Atlantic, Cunard Line is your ticket. For decades, Cunard has stood as the undisputed royalty of the high seas, blending a massive heritage that dates back to 1840 with undeniable ocean-going sophistication. Founded by Samuel Cunard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the company completely revolutionized sea travel by delivering the world’s first scheduled transatlantic passenger and mail service aboard its flagship, Britannia. Fast forward to today, and Cunard is still setting the standard for ocean liners and luxury cruising worldwide.
Throughout its history, Cunard has operated some of the most famous ships to ever touch the water, including the legendary Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and the iconic QE2. These grand vessels were universally renowned for their speed, elegance, and impeccable service, establishing the brand as the premier choice for discerning travellers. The modern fleet proudly continues this tradition of excellence, offering a unique blend of classic British charm and contemporary luxury. Let’s dive into who they are, what they do, and what you can really expect when you step onboard.
Prefer to Watch?
We Board Cunard’s QUEEN ANNE! - Embarkation Day & First Impressions!
It’s boarding day for us as we step aboard Cunard’s brand-new Queen Anne! Join us as we take you through embarkation from Ocean Terminal in Southampton. We spend the afternoon exploring this stunning new ship, we visit the Mareel Spa, The Pavilion and The Sky Bar. We sit down for our embarkation lunch in the Golden Lion Pub.
Peering down from the upper deck mezzanine onto the striking geometric dance floor of Queen Anne’s Queens Room
Meet the Fleet: Modern Queens of the Ocean
Cunard does things a bit differently than your standard cruise line, and it all starts with the fleet. These are not your average resort ships with water parks and go-kart tracks; these are majestic, regal liners designed for true ocean travel.
Queen Mary 2
The ultimate flagship of the fleet, Queen Mary 2, is a true engineering marvel. Notably, she is the only genuine ocean liner in regular transatlantic service today. Launched in 2004, this magnificent vessel measures an impressive 1,132 feet in length, boasts a gross tonnage of 149,215 tons, and comfortably carries up to 2,695 passengers. Built specifically to handle the deep swells of the North Atlantic, she can slice through waves at an incredible speed of 30 knots. Onboard, you can experience stunning public venues, from the West End-style productions at the Royal Court Theatre to the timeless elegance of the Britannia Restaurant.
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The triple-height Grand Lobby on Queen Anne, blending Art Deco nostalgia with contemporary luxury at sea
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth
Launched in 2007 and 2010 respectively, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth offer an equally impressive but slightly more intimate cruising experience. Both ships measure 964 feet in length and carry around 2,000 guests, making them highly manoeuvrable for exploring unique destinations around the globe. Walking through these ships feels like stepping into a grand estate, featuring opulent two-tiered main dining rooms, towering Grand Lobbies, and beautifully appointed staterooms.
Queen Anne
The newest addition to the royal family is Queen Anne, representing the modern evolution of the brand. Weighing in at 113,000 gross tons and carrying approximately 3,000 guests, she bridges the gap between classic heritage and striking, contemporary interior design. Queen Anne brings a fresh, reimagined energy to the fleet while keeping the core traditions that loyal cruisers love.
The bright Britannia Balcony stateroom layout on Queen Anne, showing the plush bed, sofa, and floor-to-ceiling balcony door
What to Expect: Life Onboard a Cunard Cruise
When you sail with Cunard, you are choosing an experience that celebrates the golden age of travel. Here is a breakdown of what makes a voyage with this line so incredibly distinct.
Fine Dining and the Grill Suites
Food is a massive part of the experience. The main Britannia Restaurant delivers gorgeous, multi-course meals in a stunning setting. However, if you choose to upgrade your experience by booking a suite, you unlock access to the exclusive Queens Grill or Princess Grill accommodation and dedicated restaurants. These private dining venues offer some of the finest gastronomy at sea, complete with tableside cooking and highly personalised menus.
Standing beneath the iconic, striking red and black Cunard funnel on the top deck of the beautiful Queen Victoria
Unmatched Onboard Enrichment
If you love to keep your mind active while cruising, the Insights Program is spectacular. Cunard regularly invites world-class experts, authors, scientists, and historians onboard to give fascinating lectures and workshops. When you are not learning something new, you can browse the largest libraries at sea, try your luck in the vibrant casino, pamper yourself in the luxurious spa and wellness centres, or indulge in traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters in the grand ballroom.
Whether you want to dress up to the nines for a glamorous Royal Night theme evening or simply relax on deck with a book as the ocean slips by, Cunard offers the chance to explore the world with maximum sophistication, zero rush, and unmatched style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Queen Mary 2 and the other Cunard ships?
Queen Mary 2 is the only true ocean liner in regular service today, meaning she was specifically constructed with a heavier hull and higher speed capability to cross the Atlantic Ocean year-round. The other ships in the fleet, such as Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne, are premium cruise ships designed for traditional destination cruising and scenic itineraries around the world.
What is White Star Service on Cunard?
White Star Service is Cunard’s signature style of customer service. It harks back to the golden age of ocean travel, focusing on polished professionalism, attention to detail, and top-tier hospitality. This includes traditional touches like white-gloved waiters serving afternoon tea and immaculate attention to guest comfort.
What are the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites?
The Grill Suites represent Cunard's luxury accommodation tiers. Booking a Princess Grill or Queens Grill suite upgrades your stateroom to a much larger, more lavishly appointed space and grants you exclusive access to private lounges, terraces, and the highly acclaimed Grill restaurants, which offer superior fine dining and personalised menus.
Are there educational programs onboard Cunard ships?
Yes. Through the popular Insights Program, Cunard hosts a wide range of lectures, workshops, and Q&A sessions featuring guest speakers who are experts in their fields, including historians, artists, journalists, and scientists.
What is the difference between a Cunard ocean liner and a standard cruise ship?
Cunard operates true ocean liners, most notably the flagship Queen Mary 2, which are specifically engineered with heavier hulls and higher speed capabilities to handle the deep swells of open oceans such as the North Atlantic. Unlike modern cruise ships that focus on water parks and onboard theme-park attractions, Cunard vessels prioritise classic maritime heritage, grand open spaces, and traditional British sophistication.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
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