Cunard: the back story

About Cunard: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Cunard has helped shape ocean travel for more than 185 years and has sailed 249 ships. Today four Queens carry its red and black funnels, led by Queen Mary 2 on the Transatlantic Crossing.

The line that crossed the Atlantic

For more than 185 years, Cunard has carried travellers between Europe and America, and in that time it has sailed 249 ships. Charles Dickens and Mark Twain sailed with Cunard; in the golden age of ocean travel, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplin followed. In 1874 the Bothnia carried the first library at sea, and Queen Mary 2 carries the largest one today.

The only ocean liner

Queen Mary 2 is, in Cunard’s words, the world’s only true ocean liner, built to sail the mightiest waters. She carries 2,759 guests and 1,173 crew, is 1,132 ft long and cruises at up to 28 knots. On board are the largest ballroom at sea, the Queens Room, a Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar, The Fairways golf simulator, a Promenade Deck and, uniquely, kennels for dogs and cats on the Transatlantic Crossing.

The sight of their red and black funnels always causes a stir, wherever they dock.

Seven days to New York

The Crossing between Southampton and New York is the voyage Cunard is built on: seven days of open ocean, Cunard Insights talks, dance classes, Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room and at least one Gala Evening, when guests appear in tuxedos and ball gowns.

Four Queens

Queen Anne, the newest, carries 2,956 guests and introduces Aji Wa, Aranya, Tramonto and Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse and Grill alongside the classic restaurants. Queen Victoria (2,079 guests) returns from a refit in Rotterdam in November 2026 with a reimagined Queens Room and Grand Lobby; Queen Elizabeth (2,074), named by her namesake, the late Queen, keeps her art deco interiors and Garden Lounge.

Where you sleep is where you dine

Cunard keeps a long tradition: each accommodation grade has its own restaurant. Britannia staterooms dine in the Britannia Restaurant, Britannia Club Balcony guests in the Britannia Club, and Grill Suites guests in the Princess Grill or the Queens Grill, with a Grill Suites Lounge and, in the Queens Grill, a butler.

Our advice: if you sail with Cunard once, make it a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2, and pack properly for the Gala Evenings. Book Steakhouse at The Verandah for one night, take the Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room every day, and budget for the daily hotel service charge of US$18–19 per person.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Cunard: the back story before you go.