Is Cunard Worth It?

Cunard is one of the most iconic names in ocean travel. With over 185 years of history, a fleet of legendary ships, and a reputation for White Star Service, it's a line that inspires genuine curiosity. But what does a Cunard voyage actually deliver — and is it the right fit for you? Here's everything you need to know.

Cunard At a Glance

* Drinks and Hotel/Dining Service Charges (gratuities) are included for guests in Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites on voyages of 5 nights or longer.

What Makes Cunard Different?

Cunard operates in a category largely its own — and it's been that way for over 185 years.

With a guest list that once included Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, and Charlie Chaplin, the line is defined by ocean liner tradition, White Star Service, and a level of refinement that's rare in modern cruising.

That signature White Star Service is central to the experience.

It's discreet, intuitive, and attentive — the kind of hospitality built on small, thoughtful touches like remembering your drink order and a genuinely warm greeting from the moment you step aboard.

The onboard atmosphere leans deliberately away from the "theme park" energy found on some modern lines, favoring glamorous evenings and what Cunard calls timeless elegance.

One detail that surprises many first-time Cunard guests: the Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise ship in the world where you can bring your pet. Cats and dogs are welcome aboard transatlantic crossings via Cunard's dedicated kennel program — a tradition the line has honored for nearly two centuries. It's a small detail that speaks volumes about the kind of experience Cunard is committed to delivering. Thinking about bringing your pet? Learn more about Cunard's kennel program →

The Cunard Fleet

Cunard sails four ships, each with its own distinct personality.

Queen Mary 2 is the crown jewel — the world's only true ocean liner still in regular transatlantic service, purpose-built for the open Atlantic.

Queen Victoria offers classic elegance and a more intimate feel that appeals to guests looking for a quieter, refined voyage.

Queen Elizabeth, recently refitted, brings graceful charm to Alaska and Caribbean itineraries.

Queen Anne, the newest addition to the fleet, blends contemporary luxury with Cunard's heritage design sensibility.

What's Included in a Cunard Fare?

Dining

All main meals are included in your assigned dining room, plus 24-hour buffet dining at the Lido (Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) or Kings Court (Queen Mary 2).

Full room service menu, plus the opportunity to order complimentary breakfast, which includes a choice of continental or cooked breakfast favorites.

And then there's Afternoon Tea — a daily white-gloved service of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and pastries served in the grand saloon. It's one of those experiences guests talk about long after the voyage ends.

Room service to Britannia staterooms come with additonal charges, however for Britannia Club and Grills Suite guests, all dishes are complimentary unless otherwise stated. Princess and Queens Grill guests even get the restaurant menus to order from, should they desire a quiet, intimate meal in the comfort of their suite.

Entertainment

Cunard's entertainment programming includes West End-style theatrical productions, live music ranging from jazz ensembles and string quartets to contemporary bands, film screenings, and dance classes.

Enrichment

The Cunard Insights program is one of the line's most underrated inclusions.

Celebrities, historians, authors, and subject-matter experts come aboard to deliver talks and masterclasses — programming you'd pay to attend on land, included in your fare at sea.

Facilities

Guests have access to pools, whirlpools, a fully equipped gym, and one of the largest libraries at sea.

Families sailing with children have access to supervised, age-specific clubs and activities throughout the voyage.

What's NOT Included

It's important to plan for these additional expenses:

• Shore excursions
• Alcoholic beverages and premium soft drinks
• Alternative dining (The Verandah steakhouse, Aji Wa Japanese restaurant)
• Wi-Fi packages
• Daily gratuities
• Spa and salon treatments

Depending on the fare type booked, Cunard Fare benefits can help offset some of this — offering flexible booking terms, stateroom location choice, and other perks like the flexibility to request a table size of your choosing in your main dining room, onboard credit, port parking, or coach transfers.

The Cruise Web Advantage: Our Cruise Experts can help you access exclusive offers that may include gratuities and drinks packages (perks not always available when booking directly).

The Dress Code

Daytime aboard Cunard is relaxed. Jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly appropriate around the ship and on deck.

Evenings are where the Cunard atmosphere truly comes to life.

Most nights call for Smart Attire, while Gala Evenings are a highlight of every sailing: guests dress in black tie and evening gowns, the ship takes on an unmistakable glamour, and the whole experience feels unlike anything else at sea.

For many guests, Gala Evenings alone make Cunard a one-of-a-kind choice.

Is the Grills Upgrade Worth It?

Cunard's cabin grades run from Britannia (standard) through Princess Grill and Queens Grill, and the jump in experience between tiers is significant.

Princess Grill guests receive spacious suites with concierge service and access to an exclusive restaurant where menus are treated as suggestions rather than fixed options.

Queens Grill is Cunard's pinnacle experience.

A personal butler handles unpacking, clothes pressing, and in-suite meals. Priority embarkation and disembarkation are included, along with a complimentary mini-bar stocked to your preferences upon arrival.

Both Grill levels grant access to the exclusive Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace, and Grills Courtyard — private, uncrowded indoor and outdoor spaces that are among the most coveted on the ship.

When you factor in everything included at the Grills level, the experience is genuinely competitive with the finest offerings in luxury ocean travel.

The Transatlantic Crossing: Cunard's Crown Jewel

No discussion of Cunard is complete without the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing.

This seven-night voyage between Southampton and New York is arguably the most iconic itinerary in ocean travel. You're not just sailing between continents — you're participating in a tradition over a century old, aboard a ship purpose-built for exactly this route.

As a true ocean liner rather than a cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2 is engineered for the open Atlantic, delivering a smoother, more stable crossing than vessels designed for calmer coastal waters.

Pair that with world-class dining, the full Insights enrichment program, and evenings that feel like a golden age of travel, and it's an experience with very few rivals anywhere in modern tourism.

And for pet owners, the Queen Mary 2 holds one more distinction: it's the only passenger ship in the world where cats and dogs can sail alongside their owners. Cunard's onboard kennel program accommodates up to 24 pets per sailing, complete with a dedicated kennel master and pampering touches that mirror the Cunard experience. Spots fill fast, so booking early is essential.

For many guests, the crossing alone answers the "is it worth it?" question.

Cunard World Club: Loyalty That Pays Off

Repeat guests earn status through the Cunard World Club across Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tiers.

Perks include complimentary internet time, priority check-in, and exclusive cocktail parties — benefits that add real value over time and help offset some of the extras not bundled into base fares.

The Verdict

Is Cunard worth it? For the right traveler, absolutely.

White Star Service, Cunard Insights, Gala Evenings, and the iconic transatlantic crossing add up to something genuinely distinctive — an experience rooted in maritime history rather than resort-style amenities.

The key is going in with clear expectations. This isn't an all-inclusive line, and the atmosphere invites participation in its traditions. But for travelers who appreciate elegance over entertainment and substance over spectacle, Cunard doesn't just deliver — it excels.

Ready to sail with Cunard? The Cruise Web's expert consultants can help you find the right ship, sailing, and cabin grade for your travel style. Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to start planning your Cunard cruise with the best value you won't find anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cunard

Is Cunard an all-inclusive cruise line?

No. Standard fares cover accommodations, main dining, entertainment, and enrichment, but beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and spa services are additional. Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests receive enhanced inclusions that bring the experience much closer to all-inclusive.

Is Cunard a luxury cruise line?

Yes. Cunard is widely considered a premium to luxury cruise line, offering a distinctly elevated experience with service and amenities that compete with the finest in ocean travel — particularly at the Grills level.

What is the dress code on Cunard?

Daytime is casual. Evenings generally require Smart Attire, and Gala Evenings encourage black tie and formal gowns — one of the defining highlights of the Cunard experience.

What ships are in the Cunard fleet?

Cunard operates four ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne.

Is the Cunard transatlantic crossing worth it?

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic travel experiences available, the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing offers history, grandeur, and open-ocean seafaring that nothing else in modern travel replicates.

Can you bring a pet on a Cunard cruise?

Yes — the Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship in the world where cats and dogs can sail alongside their owners. Cunard's onboard kennel program accommodates up to 24 pets per transatlantic crossing, with a dedicated kennel master and premium amenities. Spots fill quickly, so booking early is strongly recommended.

How does Cunard compare to other luxury cruise lines?

Cunard's tiered structure rewards guests who book higher cabin categories. Base fares are often accessible, with Grill-level suites delivering a top-tier luxury experience with inclusions that rival the finest offerings in ocean travel.