Cunard cruise reviews: is Cunard a good cruise line?

Cunard cruise review scorecard

Our verdict in one line: Cunard is a good cruise line for a particular kind of traveler, one who wants tradition, sea days and a dressed-up evening, and it is the only choice if the trip is a transatlantic crossing. It is a weaker choice on value once you add the extras, because the fare covers less than most premium rivals’ bundles.

Strengths

• The crossing. Queen Mary 2 sails between the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York and Southampton, usually in seven nights with no stops, as a regular service for much of the year. You can sail one way and fly the other, or sail both ways. Our transatlantic cruise guide compares it with the repositioning cruises other lines sell.
• A real ocean liner. Queen Mary 2 was built for North Atlantic weather and speed, at about 149,000 gross tons, and is the only ship of its kind still in service.
• Pets can travel. Dogs and cats can cross in the Deck 12 kennels on Queen Mary 2, on crossings only. Our dog friendly cruises guide explains how it works.
• The evening ritual. Most nights are Smart Attire, and Gala evenings are the formal nights, with a dinner jacket or dark suit and an evening or cocktail dress. Afternoon tea and lectures are in the fare.
• The Grills. Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites have their own restaurants and no set dining time, a ship-within-a-ship experience on a traditional line.

Weaknesses

• Little is included. The fare covers your stateroom, meals in your assigned restaurant, afternoon tea, entertainment and lectures. Bar drinks, wine with dinner, Wi-Fi and the specialty restaurant cost extra, and a daily gratuity is added to your onboard account.
• No Alaska. Queen Elizabeth’s 2026 season from Seattle was Cunard’s last in Alaska, and the line has said it won’t return in 2027 or 2028.
• A shrinking fleet. Queen Anne, the newest ship, moves to P&O Cruises in 2029, which leaves Cunard with three ships.
• Few summer sailings from the U.S. In summer 2027 all four ships are in Europe and the Atlantic. Apart from Queen Mary 2’s New York crossings and a few Canada and New England and Caribbean voyages, North Americans fly to join a Cunard cruise.
• Dress code effort. You need at least one formal outfit for the Gala evenings, and smart clothes for every other night.
• Queen Mary 2’s 2027 refit. The ship is due out of service from about March 31 to May 8, 2027, so there are no spring crossings in that window.

Who Cunard suits

• Couples and older travelers who like sea days, lectures and a dressed-up dinner. See our senior cruises guide for other lines with a similar pace.
• Transatlantic travelers moving between the U.S. and Britain, including people relocating or traveling with a pet.
• World voyage travelers. Queen Victoria’s 109-night world voyage leaves Southampton in January 2027 and is sold in sectors; our world cruise guide compares it with the other 2027 voyages.
• Europe travelers who like a traditional ship. Queen Elizabeth sails 65 Mediterranean voyages from May to October 2027; see our Europe cruise guide.

It doesn’t suit families looking for waterslides and kids’ clubs, travelers who want drinks and tips in the price, or anyone who would rather not pack evening wear.

Cunard against the alternatives

• Cunard vs Holland America: both are Carnival Corporation lines with a traditional style. Holland America is more casual, sails from more U.S. ports and still sails to Alaska, including Glacier Bay.
• Cunard vs Princess: Princess is more relaxed, and its Plus and Premier packages bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and crew tips.
• Cunard vs Viking: Viking is adults-only and includes an excursion in every port, Wi-Fi and wine or beer with meals, on smaller ships built around the destination.
• Cunard vs a repositioning cruise: other lines cross the Atlantic only when ships change seasons, usually in about two weeks with port calls. Queen Mary 2 is faster and direct, and runs in both directions through the season.

Fleet details, the 2027 routes and how the restaurant classes work are in our Cunard cruise line guide.

Cunard cruise reviews FAQ

Is Cunard a good cruise line?

Yes, for travelers who want a traditional, formal ship and sea days, and it’s the only line with regular transatlantic crossings. It’s less good value if you want drinks, Wi-Fi and tips in the fare, and it isn’t designed for families seeking thrills.

Is Cunard worth the price?

For a crossing, there’s nothing to compare it with. For a Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruise, add drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities to the Cunard fare before you compare it with a line that includes them.

What is the dress code on Cunard?

Most evenings are Smart Attire: trousers and a collared shirt for men, with a jacket encouraged, and a dress, skirt or smart trousers for women. Gala evenings call for a dinner jacket or dark suit and an evening or cocktail dress. The daily programme on board gives each night’s code.

Does Cunard still sail to Alaska?

No. Its last Alaska cruise ended in September 2026, and Cunard has said it won’t sail there in 2027 or 2028. Our best cruise lines for Alaska ranking lists the alternatives.

Are these Cunard cruise line reviews based on passenger ratings?

No. This is our editorial review, graded on the criteria in how we rate cruises and based on Cunard’s published fares, fleet and itineraries. We don’t publish star ratings or passenger scores.