Five essential things you should know before you board a Cunard cruise ship

The quintessentially British cruise line harks back to a bygone age – this is what to know before you book

Arguably the most formal and quintessentially British of any cruise line, Cunard proudly holds its heritage high even though its founder Samuel Cunard was Canadian and the line is now American-owned.
Yet, from the smartly painted black hulls and distinctive red funnels to elegant interiors that include impressively expansive libraries complete with requisite hush, there is no escaping the gentrified air on its four classically styled ships.
This is where afternoon tea is served by white-gloved waiters each afternoon to the lilting accompaniment of classical musicians; where gala black-tie dinners are lavish affairs with passengers revelling in the glamour of dressing up in their finery; and where at midday the traditional toll of the bell heralds the daily progress report delivered in the perfectly clipped vowels of the ship’s captain.
Such time-honoured traditions perfectly evoke the Golden Age of ocean travel that Cunard is renowned for.
Cunard stands out for transatlantic crossings and world cruises that are the bedrock of its programme of departures from Southampton.
Regular sailings between the UK and New York, linking the Old World with the New World, run virtually year-round, taking seven nights, while other longer voyages that also incorporate the Caribbean or New England and Canada can last two weeks or more.
The start of each year heralds the departure of its ships on world cruises, either traditional circumnavigations to Australia or long voyages featuring regions such as South America or Africa. Generally lasting from January to April, these can be booked in their entirety or as shorter sectors.
Summer and autumn seasons generally see Cunard ships departing Southampton for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Scandinavia and around the British Isles. Sometimes, one of its ships may be based at a European port such as Civitavecchia (for Rome) or spend a season Stateside for Alaska sailings.
Short-break cruises ranging from two to five nights to the likes of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Amsterdam also feature throughout the year.
Cunard ships carry a refined air and hints of a bygone age that attract more traditional sophisticates drawn by elegant surroundings and high-brow activities. This includes its renowned series of lectures by distinguished speakers and its Event Voyages, which focus on themes as diverse as The Beatles to ballet, plus gastronomy and classical music.
The ships attract mainly UK and US guests, particularly on transatlantic sailings. The two nation’s cultural divide becomes evident with the casino drawing American high-rollers while Brits can be found propping up the Golden Lion Pub with its English beers and traditional bar food. Fish and chips with mushy peas, anyone? Darts tournaments, karaoke, quizzes and lunchtime live bands go down a storm.
Yet you’ll find a mix of passengers aboard, from guests ticking off their bucket lists on round-the-world and transatlantic voyages to families with children of all ages as Cunard takes youngsters from six months upwards, catering for them with kids’ clubs and babysitting.
Queen Mary 2 (2,691 passengers)
The line’s stately flagship and the world’s only ocean liner, it has a different look and feel to regular cruise ships. Upon its launch in 2003, QM2 was the world’s largest ship and this sense of space persists with sweeping decks, lofty walkways and grand lounges. A designated RMS (Royal Mail Ship), its grand Art Deco-styled interiors underpin the feeling of heritage and history that has attracted so many famous names to its passenger list.
Queen Anne (3,000 passengers) 
The newest ship and most contemporary, though it still has traditional features albeit with a more modern slant. Having joined Cunard’s fleet in May 2024, Queen Anne carries the highest passenger tally and a wide choice of dining and entertainment venues. A new stand-out feature is The Pavilion, with a retractable glass-domed roof over the swimming pool, that transforms into an entertainment space with an LED screen for open-air theatre, cinema screenings and live performances.
Queen Victoria (2,061 passengers) 
A favourite with passengers, this Cunard Queen shares the elegant hallmarks of its sister ships, but is infused with distinctive shades of Victoriana that come from its lavish chandeliers, grand staircase and sweeping atrium. The ship’s grand Royal Court Theatre, resplendent in red velvet, was the first at sea to have private boxes, while other notable features include the Mediterranean-inspired Winter Garden lounge and a beautiful library on two levels, with its own spiral staircase.
Queen Elizabeth (2,081 passengers)
Named by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, this ship is most similar in design and layout to Queen Victoria. Among the standout features is a three-deck atrium with a centrepiece Art Deco marquetry mural designed by Lord Linley (now Earl of Snowdon). The aristocratic ambience is heightened by gala evenings, afternoon tea and croquet games on the garden-like games deck. Alternatively there’s al fresco dining or you can indulge in an in-cabin champagne breakfast.
Cunard caters for guests with additional needs, including those with mobility issues, with accessible staterooms and public areas. Elevators can be used without assistance and swimming pools on all the ships have hoists.
The Cunard World Club has four membership levels offering a variety of benefits including discounts and complimentary on-board experiences. 

Browse Telegraph Travel’s selection of best river and ocean cruises

Browse Telegraph Travel’s range of river cruises along waterways in Europe and beyond.

Explore Telegraph Travel’s selection of small ship and yacht cruises in Europe.

Explore Telegraph Travel’s selection of worldwide ocean cruises