Why should I book a Cunard cruise?

Last updated: 10/08/2026 

Choosing a cruise line is about much more than picking a ship. It’s about finding the holiday that suits you best. For some travellers, that’s action-packed days and family attractions. For others, it’s somewhere to truly switch off, savour the journey and enjoy life’s little luxuries. 

For more than 185 years, Cunard has been refining that experience. While its famous ocean liners and elegant ships are steeped in history, a Cunard holiday isn’t about looking back. It’s about discovering a cruising style that’s hard to find anywhere else today.

So, what makes Cunard so special? Here are seven reasons why so many guests choose to sail with Cunard - and why so many of them return again and again. 

Ask someone what they remember most about a Cunard cruise, and there’s a good chance they won’t start by talking about the ports they visited.

Instead, they’ll remember watching the sun rise over an empty ocean from the promenade deck. They’ll remember lingering over breakfast without feeling rushed. Discovering a favourite lounge on a sea day or standing on deck as the ship quietly arrives in a new destination. 

That’s because Cunard has always believed that travelling should be part of the holiday, not simply the way you reach it.

Rather than treating sea days as time to fill, Cunard embraces them. They become opportunities to relax, explore the ship, try something new or simply enjoy having nowhere particular to be. It’s a slower pace of travel, but for many guests, that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

There are some experiences that become synonymous with Cunard. The remarkable thing is that they never feel like they’re there simply because tradition says they should be. 

Afternoon Tea in the Queen's Room is perhaps the best example. Served by white-gloved waiters and accompanied by live music, it’s an experience many guests look forward to long before they step onboard. Not because it’s formal, but because it feels like a genuine occasion. 

The same applies to Gala Evenings. For some, it’s an opportunity to dress up and celebrate. For others, it’s another enjoyable evening onboard with exceptional dining and entertainment. However you choose to experience them, these traditions give a Cunard voyage its own unmistakable character. 

It’s these moments that set Cunard apart. They’re not stage attractions or scheduled spectacles - they’re all part of life onboard. 

Cunard has never been a cruise line that relies on waterslides or headline attractions to entertain its guests. 

Instead, it offers something rather different. 

You might spend the morning listening to a renowned historian explain the events that shaped a destination you’re about to visit. Later that afternoon, you could find yourself joining a dance class, learning more about wine or attending a fascinating talk from an explorer who’s travelled to some of the world’s most remote places. 

Of course, you don’t have to fill every hour of the day. That’s part of Cunard’s appeal. The activities are there if they interest you, but there’s never any expectation that you should join everything. Many guests are just as happy finding a quiet corner with a book or watching the ocean drift by from one of the ship’s lounges. 

For first-time cruisers, it’s often a pleasant surprise. Sea days have a habit of disappearing far more quickly than expected. 

On many holidays, meals just fit around everything else. On Cunard, they’re often one of the highlights of the day.

From beautifully presented dinners in the main restaurants to leisurely breakfasts overlooking the ocean, dining is given the time and attention it deserves. Menus change throughout your voyage, service is attentive without ever feeling intrusive, and every meal feels like something to savour rather than rush through. 

Of course, there’s plenty of variety, too. Alongside the included restaurants, you’ll find speciality dining on many ships. This variety gives you the opportunity to enjoy everything from premium steaks to Japanese cuisine, depending on your ship. 

Then, there’s afternoon tea. Even guests who don’t usually stop for tea and cake often find themselves making time for it more than once during their cruise. It’s one of those experiences that perfectly sums up Cunard. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about Cunard is that every ship offers exactly the same experience. While they all share the cruise line’s unmistakable style and traditions, each has its own personality. 

If you’re drawn to contemporary design and having the widest choice of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, Queen Anne offers Cunard’s most modern experience. As the newest ship in the fleet, she combines the elegance the cruise line is known for with fresh ideas and beautifully designed spaces that encourage you to explore. 

For those who love classic ocean travel, Queen Mary 2 is in a class of her own. As the world’s only true ocean liner, she’s purpose-built for transatlantic crossings, delivering an experience that’s as much about the voyage itself as the destinations you’ll visit. Her sweeping promenade deck, grand public rooms and unique planetarium all contribute to a journey unlike any other.

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth continue the traditions that have made Cunard so enduringly popular. Elegant, welcoming and beautifully proportioned, they offer the timeless Cunard experience that so many returning guests know and love.

Whichever ship you choose, you’ll find the same attention to detail, White Star Service and sense of occasion that define every Cunard voyage. The difference lies in the atmosphere each ship creates and the experiences it offers along the way. 

One of cruising’s greatest strengths is that it lets you discover multiple destinations in a single holiday. But Cunard makes it feel especially effortless. 

Wake up in a colourful Mediterranean city one morning, sail through breathtaking Norwegian fjords the next or step ashore in New York after a Transatlantic Crossing. Throughout your holiday, your accommodation, favourite restaurant and familiar surroundings remain exactly the same.

There’s something reassuring about returning to your ship after a day of exploring. Instead of searching for your next hotel or worrying about transfers, you can just head back on board, enjoy dinner, and watch the coastline disappear as your next destination comes into view.

Cunard’s itineraries span every corner of the globe, from short breaks closer to home to once-in-a-lifetime world cruises. Whether you’re dreaming of the Caribbean, Alaska, the Norwegian Fjords or the Mediterranean, there’s a remarkable sense of continuity that comes from unpacking once and letting the world come to you. 

Every cruise line has loyal guests, but few inspire quite the same affection as Cunard. 

Speak to someone who’s sailed with Cunard several times, and you’ll often notice they don’t talk about one standout moment. Instead, they describe the overall feeling of the voyage. The service that made them feel genuinely looked after. The waiter who remembered their favourite drink. The theatre performance they still talk about years later. The sea days they hadn’t expected to enjoy quite so much.

It’s difficult to put into words because it’s not just one thing. It’s the combination of elegant surroundings, thoughtful service, enriching experiences and traditions that have stood the test of time. Individually, each element is enjoyable. Together, they create a holiday style that many guests want to experience again.

Perhaps that’s why so many people don’t just book a Cunard cruise - they book another one. 

Cunard isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s one of its greatest strengths. 

If you’re looking for towering waterslides, surf simulators and a packaged programme of high-energy attractions from morning until night, another cruise line may be a better fit.

However, if your perfect holiday involves exceptional dining, elegant evenings, fascinating destinations and sea days that feel every bit as rewarding as the ports themselves, Cunard is well worth considering.

It particularly appeals to travellers who enjoy taking their time. People who appreciate attentive service, value quality over quantity and like the idea of returning from holiday feeling refreshed rather than needing another break to recover.

That doesn’t mean you need to be an experienced cruiser to enjoy Cunard. In fact, many guests discover it’s their first Cunard voyage that changes their perception of cruising altogether. They arrive expecting formality and leave wondering why they didn’t sail sooner.

Ultimately, the best way to think about Cunard is this: it isn’t simply a way to see the world. It’s a chance to enjoy the journey just as much as the places you’ll visit. 

Once you’ve decided that Cunard is the right cruise line for you, the next step is choosing who to book with. That’s where ROL Cruise comes in.

As the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist, we’ve been helping guests find their perfect cruise holiday for more than 30 years. Our experienced team takes the time to understand what you’re looking for, whether it’s your very first Cunard voyage, a special celebration or the holiday you’ve been planning for years. 

Booking with ROL Cruise also means you’ll benefit from our exclusive Cruise Miles® rewards programme. Every eligible booking earns Cruise Miles, which can be redeemed toward future holidays, making your next adventure even more rewarding.

Alongside this, you’ll enjoy the confidence that comes with booking with an award-winning team that works closely with Cunard and understands the fleet inside and out. From helping you choose the right ship and accommodation to finding an itinerary that suits your travel style, we’re here to make the booking process as straightforward and enjoyable as the holiday itself. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2, exploring the Norwegian Fjords aboard Queen Anne or setting sail on an unforgettable World Voyage, we’ll help you find the Cunard cruise that’s right for you. 

Cunard is widely regarded as a luxury cruise line, although its style of luxury is understated rather than extravagant. The focus is on exceptional service, elegant surroundings, outstanding dining and enriching experiences, creating a holiday that feels refined without being intimidating.

Absolutely! While many guests return to Cunard year after year, it’s also an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. The relaxed pace, attentive crew, and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to settle into life on board, even if you’ve never cruised before.

No, smart attire is expected in many restaurants during the evening, while Gala Evenings offer the opportunity to dress more formally if you wish. However, daytime dress is relaxed, and many guests choose the level of formality that feels comfortable to them.

That depends on the experience you’re looking for. Queen Anne offers the widest variety of venues and a contemporary feel, while Queen Mary 2 is famous for her iconic Transatlantic Crossings and classic ocean liner experience. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth offer timeless elegance and many of Cunard’s best-loved traditions. 

Tea, coffee, water and selected beverages are included in your cruise fare, while alcoholic drinks, premium soft drinks and speciality coffees are usually charged separately. If you enjoy a variety of drinks throughout your holiday, Cunard also offers a selection of drinks packages. 

Yes, particularly during school holidays when more families choose to sail. Cunard offers complimentary children’s clubs for ages 2 to 17, as well as family-friendly dining and activities to enjoy together. That said, the onboard experience is more relaxed than you’ll find on cruise lines built primarily around family attractions. 

There’s no single best time, but booking early often gives you the widest choice of itineraries, accommodation grades and sailing dates. It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re hoping to secure a specific cabin or travel during peak seasons.