Founded in 1840, Cunard has long been a beloved cruise line offering luxury amenities, extraordinary itineraries and its famed White Star Service. With four different ships in its fleet, including the renowned ocean liner Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the new Queen Anne, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable time aboard whether they are sailing on a world voyage, transatlantic crossing or a cruise around the Mediterranean.
There is so much to explore and immerse yourself in on board a Cunard ship – from the opulent accommodation to the fine dining and themed nights. Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re an avid cruiser looking for your next getaway, by opting to sail with Cunard you'll have a luxury escape aboard a cruise line that has a rich history and exceptional service at every turn.
Read on to find out about the top 10 things to do onboard a Cunard ship, from the esteemed Gala Evenings to the traditional afternoon tea and world-class entertainment.
Watch Incredible Entertainment Onboard Cunard Voyages
There is a wealth of entertainment offerings for you to enjoy onboard a Cunard voyage. A recent partnership includes the Royal Shakespeare Company who are exclusively performing onboard Queen Mary 2 during select voyages. Guests can enjoy first rate theatrical productions held in the Royal Court Theatre, which bring the world of Shakespeare to life, in addition to many contemporary show-stopping pieces, workshops, screenings and events.
- 45-minute RSC workshops are delivered in the grand Queens Room and include three different topics: Shakespeare’s Language, a Beginners Guide to Playwriting and Shakespeare Scene Work.
- Shakespeare Talks and Tales include 30-minute behind the scenes talks given by the cast in which they discuss the preparations they make for each performance, how to approach Shakespearean language and scenes performed in the theme of Shakespeare’s plays.
- A Shakespeare Quiz that’s held in the Carinthia Lounge.
- A Q&A which includes an informal conversation with the RSC cast discussing their experiences and work within the company.
The Luxurious Cunard Queens Grill Suites
The luxurious and spacious Queens Grill suites offer comfort, style and elegance; perfect for any occasion. Particular perks that you receive when booking a Cunard Queens Grill Suites include:
- Butler service
- Priority disembarkation
- A glass of champagne and chocolates on arrival
- Pre-dinner canapes
- A complimentary, fully-stocked bar
- Exclusive in-suite dining with a menu from the Queens Grill
- Access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace
Queens Grill Suites on board the Cunard fleet are ideal if you’re looking for opulent accommodation with perks that are guaranteed to impress. The dedicated butler and benefits you receive when booking a Queens Grill Suite make it an elevated option for those wanting to treat themselves whilst on their getaway.
With access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace you can relax and enjoy a delicious cocktail or warming hot drink whilst indulging in a decadent afternoon tea or a selection of scrumptious canapes.
Queens Grill Suites are available onboard all of Cunard’s fleet.
Delight in a Scrumptious Cunard Afternoon Tea
For anyone that loves afternoon tea, they are in for a treat as Cunard’s afternoon tea is an event all in itself. Available across the whole Cunard fleet and a complimentary experience, an hour each day (3.30pm - 4.30pm) is devoted to enjoying this special pastime. Situated in the ornate Queens Room (or the Princess Grill restaurant for Grill guests that wish to enjoy it there), afternoon tea is presented by white-gloved waiters.
Served on fine bone china in beautiful surroundings, the signature Cunard afternoon tea menu changes daily and includes an array of delectable finger sandwiches, scones (with the traditional strawberry preserve and Devonshire clotted cream) and other delicious pastries. Twinings fine leaf tea is also included, with a variety of different types available to choose from.
Alongside the traditional afternoon tea, guests can opt for the Champagne afternoon tea. Available at an additional fee, this elevated experience includes more culinary delights such as scrumptious filo tarts served with a refreshing glass of Laurent Perrier.
Enjoy a delicious meal in Cunard’s Britannia Restaurant
Anyone that loves cruising knows the opulence and sense of occasion that the Britannia Restaurant brings. A staple aboard Cunard’s fleet, it features linen-dressed tables, a sweeping staircase and an extensive menu from its delicious breakfast options to its lunch and dinner offerings.
For breakfast, you can expect the likes of continental platters, eggs benedict and grilled Scottish kippers. At lunch, delight in options such as baked goat’s cheese, Thai seafood curry and chicken cacciatore. The evening menu (which also changes daily) takes it to the next level, offering five mouth-watering courses such as chicken and leek terrine, broccoli and stilton soup, rainbow trout and vanilla cheesecake.
Take your Pet with You
One very exciting highlight that comes with booking a sailing with Cunard is that you can bring your pet with you. A feature that’s available on transatlantic crossings on Cunard’s ocean liner Queen Mary 2, it’s a fabulous opportunity to bring your beloved dog or cat with you, without worrying about leaving them behind.
Onboard Queen Mary 2 there are 24 Cunard kennels, a dedicated owner’s lounge, an indoor play space and features such as lamposts for UK dogs and New York fire hydrants for US dogs! There’s also a kennel master and assistant that will take your dog for a walk on the deck, as well as feeding them throughout the crossing. You are able to visit your pet at certain scheduled times of the day.
Learn Something new with Cunard’s Enrichment Programmes
If you’re looking for something a little different during your Cunard holiday, you can enjoy a fascinating talk, seminar or discussion with Cunard Insights enrichment programme.
These captivating events give you a chance to hear from renowned explorers, politicians, historians and other experts within their fields. Previous talks have been given by notable figures such as British actress Hayley Mills and famed author Victoria Hislop.
Indulge in a Relaxing Drink in the Carinthia Lounge
Whether you’ve spent all day exploring or it’s a sea day, there’s no better place to unwind and enjoy some relaxation than in the Carinthia Lounge. A serene space featuring comfortable seating and a beautiful bar area, you can choose from an extensive menu that includes a variety of drinks, light bites and mouth-watering patisseries.
Situated on Queen Mary 2, this stylish venue is also host to a selection of entertainment from soothing jazz performances to quiz nights and the largest port collection at sea with bottles on sale dating back to 1840!
Relax and Unwind in the Mareel Spa
There’s no better way to relax on holiday than treating yourself to a sumptuous spa treatment. If this sounds tempting to you, you’ll be pleased to know that onboard your Cunard ship there’s the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa.
Whether you want to enjoy a massage, facial treatment, aesthetic rejuvenation or a couples massage, Cunard has you covered. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a host of alternative treatments, body therapies and the signature Ocean Odyssey - marine-based treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
A sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you’ll not only be able to take advantage of a variety of treatments, but also the following amenities:
- The Aqua Therapy Centre (available with a spa day pass) - there’s a Finnish sauna, relaxation room and sensory showers.
- Gym - a fully-equipped gym that is host to daily exercise classes.
- Salon services - feel truly pampered with a hair or beauty treatment.
- Barber services - offering a selection of grooming services.
Cunard’s Beloved Gala Evenings
Cunard’s Gala Evenings are a famed night onboard in which you don your best outfit, enjoy a delicious meal and dance the night away in the opulent Queens Room. On a Gala Evening, you will be invited by a formal invitation and witness the ship transforming to feature extraordinary decorations, tantalising speciality cocktails and unique dining menus.
An enchanting evening that guests love to experience throughout their sailing, they will follow a particular theme – either Red and Gold, the Roaring 20s, Masquerade or Black and White. Ahead of your trip you’ll be informed about what theme they will follow to ensure that you pack accordingly. The Cunard Gala Evening is a night filled with special touches, glitz, glamour and refined elegance.
Cunard's Gala Evenings are scheduled on all of Cunard’s fleet.Expect to find at least 2 Gala Evenings on board voyages of 7 nights or more and 1 Gala Evening on voyages of less than 7 nights.
Reach for the Stars in Cunard’s Illuminations Planetarium
An extraordinary and out-of-this-world feature on Queen Mary 2 is the Illuminations Planetarium. An included feature that you can enjoy throughout the day, you can sit back and take in breathtaking views of the solar system under a state-of-the-art planetarium dome.
The venue is also host to classical music, 3D films and more - making it a truly incredible venue that should be visited throughout your trip.
Sail with Cunard
Sailing with Cunard is truly an exceptional experience. With so much to enjoy on board, from world-class entertainment to an array of decadent dining and opulent accommodation, there’s something for everyone. Regardless of which ship you choose, you’ll have a getaway of a lifetime with Cunard.
Find out more about Cunard, along with the variety of itineraries they have on offer on our dedicated Cunard cruises page.
