For nearly 185 years, Cunard® has been a symbol of luxury and innovation in the world of passenger shipping. Founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard, the company quickly became a pioneer in transatlantic travel, setting new standards for comfort, safety and service. Cunard’s legacy is rich with firsts that have shaped modern cruising, such as the introduction of electric lights, the first children’s clubs, swimming pools on ships and even the concept of World Voyages. This proud history has established Cunard as one of the oldest and most respected names in the maritime industry.
Through the decades, Cunard has been synonymous with hosting the world's elite—movie stars, politicians, royalty and members of high society. The glamour of the Golden Age of travel was embodied in Cunard’s liners, where celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill would cross the Atlantic in style.
But Cunard wasn’t just for the rich and famous; it was also the preferred choice for everyday travelers seeking safe, reliable passage across the Atlantic. From its inception, Cunard has offered experiences at every price point, making luxury cruising accessible to all. This tradition continues today, blending timeless elegance with modern amenities.
Cunard has masterfully brought its fleet into the modern era while paying homage to its storied past. The line’s fleet is made up of Queen Anne®, Queen Elizabeth®, Queen Victoria® and the flagship Queen Mary 2®, are the largest in the luxury cruise market. However, Cunard has deliberately limited guest capacity to offer the most generous guest-to-space ratio in the industry.
For instance, the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria host around 2,000 guests when fully occupied, even though ships of their tonnage could accommodate 3,500 passengers. This thoughtful design ensures that guests will never experience overcrowding, long lines, or large crowds, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed cruising experience.
Cunard's commitment to luxury is perhaps best exemplified in its exclusive Grill Suites. These accommodations set a new standard for luxury at sea, offering unparalleled comfort and personalized service.
The Queen’s Grill and Princess Grill Suites are the epitome of opulence, featuring spacious living areas, private balconies and a level of service that rivals the world’s finest hotels.
Guests in these suites enjoy exclusive access to private dining rooms, lounges and dedicated concierge services, ensuring an experience that is as personalized as it is luxurious. With some of the largest suites at sea, up to 2,400 square feet, Cunard’s Grill Suites offer an unmatched level of space and sophistication
Cunard’s itineraries are as diverse as they are luxurious, ranging from short 2–3-day voyages to grand world cruises lasting over 100 days, each offering a unique blend of culture, history and adventure. In Europe, guests can explore iconic ports like Venice, where they might enjoy a private gondola ride through its historic canals or visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey. In the Caribbean, the pristine beaches of St. Kitts and the vibrant markets of Barbados offer contrasting experiences of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Asia beckons with the mystique of Japan, where excursions might include a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto or a tour of the bustling streets of Tokyo. For nature lovers, the rugged beauty of Alaska is unmatched, with opportunities for glacier trekking or wildlife spotting.
One of Cunard’s most iconic journeys is the transatlantic crossing between New York City and London, offering a timeless experience of luxury travel reminiscent of the golden age of ocean liners. What sets Cunard apart is not only the destinations themselves but the curated shore excursions that delve deep into the local culture, history and natural wonders, often with exclusive access or private tours, ensuring that every traveler’s experience is as enriching as it is luxurious.
Cunard’s dining experience is a celebration of culinary excellence, with a wide range of options to suit every palate. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine at the main dining rooms or enjoy more intimate meals at the exclusive Grill restaurants. The line is renowned for its quintessentially British Afternoon Tea, served daily with a selection of fine teas, scones and pastries. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Cunard offers casual dining venues and 24-hour room service.
Onboard entertainment is equally impressive, with a variety of options to keep guests entertained day and night. Cunard is famous for its Gala Nights, where the ship transforms into a grand ballroom and guests are invited to dress in their finest attire for an evening of dancing to live orchestras.
Themed voyages, such as London Theatre Week or Paris Fashion Week, offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in their passions while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers. The Queen Mary 2 even boasts a planetarium and the world’s only kennel at sea, allowing guests to travel with their pets on transatlantic crossings.
What truly sets Cunard apart from other cruise lines is its legendary White Star Service™. This commitment to excellence is ingrained in every crew member, who undergoes an intensive four-day training course designed to uphold the highest standards of service.
The result is a level of attention to detail that is second to none, ensuring that every guest’s needs are anticipated and met with grace and efficiency. This tradition of exceptional service, combined with Cunard’s rich history and modern innovations, creates an atmosphere of “playful luxury” that is never boring or stuffy.
Cunard continues to offer a unique and luxurious cruising experience, characterized by its blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re embarking on a short voyage or a grand world cruise, Cunard promises a journey that is as elegant as it is memorable.
With its rich history, exclusive Grill Suites, diverse itineraries and unmatched service, Cunard remains a beacon of luxury on the high seas. As Cunard sails into the future, it does so with the same commitment to excellence that has defined its past, ensuring that every voyage is a celebration of timeless elegance and modern innovation.
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