With the chance to wake up somewhere new each day and a whole world to explore on board, a cruise is a vacation like no other; beloved for its balance of relaxation, indulgence and discovery. Learn more about this unparalleled experience with our useful guide, perfect for first-time cruisers.
Hours on shore to explore in port, inclusive dining, and a vacation that begins the moment you board, a cruise is the ultimate escape; a chance to simply lay back and relax or experience something new each day. Here are just three reasons why you might choose a cruise as your next vacation.
Your ship isn’t just a way to travel. It’s its own world to immerse in, with expansive decks, incredible restaurants and a wealth of exciting arts, entertainment and leisure venues in which to relax, explore and indulge - all included complimentary in the price of your vacation.
With itineraries that call at multiple ports and countries, a cruise is your chance to experience the world’s most incredible sights in a single vacation. From Alaskan glaciers and Pacific Islands to Norway’s Fjords and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Petra; it’s all possible.
Cunard has sailed for over 180 years and today the experience is no less magical. Presidents, astronauts and Hollywood stars have all cruised with us, and our history includes many pioneering moments, such as the world’s first circumnavigation by a passenger ship.
Where you cruise and how long for is up to you. Cruises range from 2-night city breaks to World Voyages of over 100 days. You’ll also find cruises offering sun in the Caribbean, Christmas markets in Western Europe, and explorations of iconic waterways like the Panama Canal and Alaska's Inside Passage. Here’s a look at some popular first-time cruises.
A cruise celebrates all that’s wonderful about being on vacation, with open-air pools, a spa, and much more. You can see a live band play or go to the theater, join a fitness class or play blackjack at the casino. How much you choose to do each day is up to you. When it comes to dining on board, you’ll find everything from a poolside grill and afternoon tea to a gastropub and fine dining restaurants. Browse some of our favorites below, or visit our "Life on board" page to discover everything there is to experience on our ships.
As with the finest luxury hotels, cruise accommodation includes a range of options. You’ll find spacious single rooms - ideal for solo cruisers, to balcony staterooms offering private outdoor space, and grand suites with separate living quarters and a personal butler. Each features a wealth of personal touches, from complimentary toiletries and a welcome drink, to a nightly turndown service complete with a chocolate on your pillow. Here’s a brief look at each accommodation grade.
Cruising with Cunard is a unique experience. For one, we’ve been around over 180 years, but while we’re proud of our history we’re not stuck in the past. You’ll find everything you could want for and more on board, and our ships, including the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, offer many signature experiences that set a cruise with us apart from the rest.
We’ll soon be celebrating the centenary of our first world voyage, but our history dates back longer still, to 1840, when we pioneered the first Transatlantic Crossing by a passenger ship. Charles Dickens was among those early guests on board, with Rita Hayworth, Winston Churchill and David Bowie also sailing in the decades that followed.
From the warm welcome by our ship’s crew, lined up to greet you as you step on board, to our white-gloved waiters, and the bellboys who deliver your luggage, each of our on board colleagues has been meticulously trained to the highest standards in our White Star Academy, to offer you the very pinnacle of luxury service at sea.
We serve afternoon tea to time-honored tradition, with a selection of finger sandwiches, mini patisserie and oven warm scones, at 3pm each day on board. It’s a ritual our fleet has observed for decades, and if it’s your first time cruising, you’ll soon discover it’s one of many complimentary experiences you can enjoy when you sail with Cunard.
A Gala Evening offers a chance to dress up in tuxedos, evening dresses and ball gowns for a night of live music and events, anchored around a special theme such as Roaring 20s, Masquerade or Black & White ball. We host a Gala Evening once or twice per cruise, with the theme revealed ahead of sailing so you can plan your outfit in advance.
If you’ve ever wondered why the Northern Lights appear or what it’s like in outer space, you may find the answer among our guest speaker program, Cunard Insights. Each cruise sees a special guest share fascinating insights about their life’s work; from actors and astronomers to royal correspondents and conductors.
