Age Policy
- The minimum age to sail on Cunard Cruises is 6 months on most itineraries. For Full World Voyages, Transatlantic Crossings, and select longer or remote cruises, guests must be at least 12 months old due to extended time at sea and itinerary requirements.
- This policy ensures a safe, comfortable, and well-managed cruise experience for families traveling with Cunard Cruises.
- Children traveling as the first or second guest in a stateroom are charged the standard adult cruise fare.
- Infants aged 6 months to 2 years traveling as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom may sail at no additional cruise fare. However, a nominal charge may apply for voyages that include airfare, hotel accommodations, or ground transfers. Any applicable fees are clearly outlined at the time of booking.
- Guests aged 2 to 17 years traveling as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom receive the applicable third- or fourth-guest cruise discount, paying the cruise fare minus the promotional reduction.
- For safety reasons, children under 16 years of age must share a stateroom with at least one guest aged 16 or older.
- For clarity, Cunard defines age categories as follows:
Adults are guests aged 18 years and older.
Dining Information
Cunard Line is renowned for its refined dining culture, offering a wide range of complimentary and specialty restaurants that reflect classic elegance, culinary craftsmanship, and attentive service. Dining venues vary by ship and stateroom category, with select restaurants reserved for Grill Suite guests.
Queens Grill Restaurant
The Queens Grill Restaurant represents the pinnacle of Cunard dining. Reserved exclusively for Queens Grill Suite guests, this intimate, single-seating restaurant features an à la carte menu paired with exceptionally personalized service. Elegant surroundings and a tranquil atmosphere make every meal feel like a private dining experience at sea.
Available on: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Princess Grill Restaurant
The Princess Grill Restaurant offers an elevated yet relaxed fine-dining experience for Princess Grill Suite guests. With single-seating dining and meticulously crafted menus, the restaurant highlights globally inspired flavors, premium ingredients, and flawless service that exceeds expectations night after night.
Available on: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Britannia & Britannia Club Restaurants
The Britannia Restaurant is Cunard’s grand main dining venue, featuring menus designed by Cunard’s Global Culinary Ambassador, Jean-Marie Zimmermann. Guests descend a dramatic staircase into a stunning two-tier dining room where classic elegance meets modern cuisine.
Britannia guests may choose between early or late dining, while Britannia Club Balcony stateroom guests enjoy single-seating dining in the more intimate Britannia Club restaurant.
Available on: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Todd English Restaurant
Designed by renowned chef Todd English, this specialty restaurant showcases Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a beautifully designed space with intimate alcoves overlooking the pool terrace. Signature dishes and bold flavors define this upscale alternative dining venue.
Available on: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
King’s Court
King’s Court is Cunard’s casual self-service dining venue, serving breakfast, lunch, and late-night bites in a relaxed setting. In the evening, the space transforms into four rotating themed restaurants:
- Lotus: Asian cuisine
- The Carvery: Traditional British roasts
- La Piazza: Italian specialties
- Chef’s Galley: Interactive chef-led concepts
Available on: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Queen’s Room
Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s Room is a beloved Cunard tradition. White-gloved waiters serve freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries accompanied by live orchestral music in this grand ballroom setting.
Available on: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
The Verandah Restaurant
Exclusive to Queen Elizabeth, The Verandah is Cunard’s formal alternative dining venue. It offers contemporary French cuisine crafted with ingredients sourced from France, evoking the spirit of the legendary Verandah Grill from Cunard’s historic ships.
Available on: Queen Elizabeth
Lido Restaurant
The Lido Restaurant offers buffet dining throughout the day, ideal for casual meals and light bites. In the evening, the Lido transforms into regional dining venues, including:
- Asado: South American grill
- Jasmine: Asian cuisine
- Aztec: Mexican-inspired classics
Available on: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria
Golden Lion Pub
The Golden Lion Pub is an authentic British pub experience at sea, featuring a curated selection of beers and ciders. Guests can enjoy traditional pub fare such as fish and chips and cottage pie, prepared to Cunard’s high culinary standards.
Available on: Queen Victoria
Cunard Dress Code & Attire Guidelines
Cunard Cruises embraces timeless elegance while allowing flexibility for modern travelers.
Onboard Dress Code
- Daytime: Casual attire is appropriate throughout the ship
- Evenings: Designated as Formal, Semi-Formal, or Elegant Casual
Dress suggestions are published daily in the ship’s program
Formal evenings often themed as Royal Nights are a signature Cunard experience and provide a rare opportunity to dress elegantly.
Evening Attire Definitions
Formal
- Gentlemen: Black tie or formal dark suit
- Ladies: Evening gown or formal attire
- Military dress or decorations may be worn
Formalwear rental or purchase is available onboard
Semi-Formal
- Gentlemen: Jacket and tie
- Ladies: Cocktail dress or trouser suit
Jeans are not permitted
Elegant Casual
- Gentlemen: Jacket (no tie required)
- Ladies: Dress, skirt, or trousers
Jeans are not permitted
Shore Excursion & Destination Attire
For shore excursions, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Attire should match the destination and itinerary:
- Bring layers, as decks can be cool even in warm climates
- Pack a lightweight rain jacket and umbrella
- For religious sites, ensure shoulders and legs are covered for both men and women
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Cunard Line does not typically charge a fuel surcharge. In rare cases of extreme fuel price volatility, a surcharge may be applied in accordance with the cruise contract. Guests will be notified in advance should this occur.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard deposit rates are percentage-based: 25% of the Total Voyage Price (cruise fare, taxes, and fees) for voyages of 30 nights or less, and 20% of the Total Voyage Price for voyages of 31 nights or longer (including World Cruises). Restricted promotional rates, such as Value Fares, carry non-refundable deposits from booking. Final payment is due exactly 120 days prior to sailing for voyages of 30 nights or less, and 150 days prior for voyages of 31 nights or longer. Initial deposits are due within 3 days (booked 121+ or 151+ days out) or 24 hours (booked 31-120 or 31-150 days out). Full payment is required immediately for bookings made within 30 days of departure. Revisions carry a $50 per guest change fee.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation penalty structures scale up based on booking duration and timing.
151+ Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: No charge (except non-refundable amounts)
- 31 Nights or More: No charge (except non-refundable amounts)
150–121 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: No charge (except non-refundable amounts)
- 31 Nights or More: 20% of total fare or standard deposit
120–91 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: 25% of total fare or standard deposit
- 31 Nights or More: 40% of full fare
90–64 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: 40% of full fare
- 31 Nights or More: 50% of full fare
63–43 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: 50% of full fare
- 31 Nights or More: 75% of full fare
42–31 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: 50% of full fare
- 31 Nights or More: 100% of full fare (at 42 days or less)
30–15 Days Before Departure
- 30 Nights or Less: 75% of full fare
- 31 Nights or More: 100% of full fare
14 Days or Less / No-Show
- 30 Nights or Less: 100% of full fare (no refund)
- 31 Nights or More: 100% of full fare
Smoking Policy
- To maintain a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable onboard environment, Cunard Cruises enforces a strict smoking policy across its fleet. Smoking of any kind including electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other alternatives is strictly prohibited in all staterooms, on private balconies, and throughout indoor public areas.
- Guests who wish to smoke may do so only in designated outdoor smoking areas located on open deck spaces, which are clearly marked for convenience and compliance.
- The sole indoor exception is Churchill’s Cigar Lounge, a dedicated venue reserved exclusively for cigar and pipe smokers, offering a refined space designed specifically for this purpose.
Travel Protection
CunardCare is available to residents of the United States and Canada (excluding NY, Quebec, and Puerto Rico). It combines trip cancellation waivers (up to 100% cash refund for covered medical reasons), trip interruption, delays ($2,500), medical, and baggage protection. The plan fee is based on the total voyage package cost, and the plan can be added until final payment. To waive pre-existing medical condition exclusions, it must be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
Tipping Policy
Cunard charges an automatic, discretionary daily Hotel Service Charge to each passenger’s folio: Britannia and Britannia Club Staterooms are billed US$18.00 per person, per night; and Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites are billed US$19.00 per person, per night. These charges are discretionary and can be adjusted up or down, or removed entirely, by visiting the Purser’s Office prior to disembarkation. Prepayment is not available; however, guests can use onboard credit to settle these charges onboard. The charge applies to all ages. An automatic 18% service charge is added to all bar, lounge, specialty dining, and spa treatments.
Dress Code
Daytime attire is elegant and relaxed. Swimsuits and shorts are prohibited in the main restaurants, but casual wear is welcome in select casual public spaces. After 6:00 PM, the evening dress code is strictly enforced in all main restaurants, with details specified in the Daily Programme.
Formal Nights
- Cunard is famous for its “Gala Evenings” which require formal black-tie or a dark suit for gentlemen, and formal evening dresses or gowns for ladies. On semi-formal nights, men wear a jacket and tie, while ladies wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits. On “Elegant Casual” nights, men wear a jacket (no tie required) and ladies wear a dress, skirt, or trousers (no jeans or shorts).
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Cunard?
Over 180 Years of Legendary Maritime Heritage
Cunard is one of the world’s most historic cruise lines, renowned for its British elegance, seafaring tradition, and iconic ocean liners. This heritage translates into refined service, timeless design, and a cruising experience unlike any other.
Iconic Transatlantic Crossings
Cunard is the only cruise line to regularly operate scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton. These voyages offer uninterrupted days at sea, perfect for travelers who value relaxation, culture, and classic ocean travel.
Elegant Ships Designed for Space and Comfort
Cunard ships are known for spacious public areas, grand ballrooms, sweeping staircases, and uncrowded decks ideal for guests who prefer a calm, refined onboard atmosphere over resort-style cruising.
White Star Service
Cunard’s signature White Star Service emphasizes polished, attentive, and highly professional hospitality. Crew members are trained to deliver personalized service while maintaining a discreet, elegant presence.
Distinctive Dining by Stateroom Category
Guests enjoy dedicated dining rooms based on their accommodation category, ensuring consistent service and an elevated dining experience throughout the voyage. This structure enhances personalization and culinary quality.
Enrichment & Cultural Programming
Cunard excels in onboard enrichment, offering guest lecturers, historians, authors, and experts who bring destinations and maritime history to life especially appealing to intellectually curious travelers.
Formal Evenings & Classic Dress Traditions
Cunard’s Gala Evenings are a hallmark of the brand, giving guests the rare opportunity to dress formally and enjoy elegant evenings that celebrate the golden age of ocean travel.
Ideal for Longer Voyages & World Cruises
With extended itineraries, world voyages, and immersive regional explorations, Cunard is well suited for travelers who want deeper destination engagement and longer, more meaningful journeys.
Multigenerational Appeal Without Feeling Crowded
While Cunard caters primarily to adults, it offers family-friendly amenities on select sailings especially during holidays making it a refined option for multigenerational travel.
A Calm, Sophisticated Alternative to Modern Mega-Ships
Cunard is perfect for travelers who prefer elegance, tradition, and thoughtful experiences over water slides, loud entertainment, and constant activity.
FAQ
What is Cunard Cruises best known for?
Cunard is best known for its Transatlantic Crossings, British heritage, elegant ships, formal evenings, and classic luxury cruising.
Are Cunard cruises all-inclusive?
Cunard cruises include accommodations, main dining, entertainment, enrichment programs, and many onboard activities. Beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining are typically additional.
Is Cunard good for first-time cruisers?
Yes. Cunard is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers who appreciate structure, attentive service, and a slower-paced, refined onboard experience.
Does Cunard have a dress code?
Yes. Cunard features Formal, Semi-Formal, and Elegant Casual evenings. Formal Gala Nights encourage tuxedos, suits, and evening gowns, though alternative venues allow more relaxed attire.
Are Cunard cruises suitable for families?
Cunard welcomes families and offers youth programs on select sailings, particularly during school holidays. However, the onboard atmosphere is generally more adult-focused and enrichment-driven.
What destinations does Cunard sail to?
Cunard sails worldwide, including Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, South America, and iconic Transatlantic routes.
Are gratuities included on Cunard cruises?
No. A daily hotel and dining service charge is automatically added to onboard accounts, with the amount based on stateroom category.
Does Cunard offer shore excursions?
Yes. Cunard offers professionally curated shore excursions designed to complement each destination, available at an additional cost.
How old do you have to be to cruise with Cunard?
The minimum age is 6 months, or 12 months for longer voyages such as Transatlantic Crossings and World Cruises.
Why book Cunard through Top Cruise Deals?
Top Cruise Deals helps you find the lowest available Cunard cruise prices, access exclusive promotions, and enjoy expert cruise-only support making your booking simple, transparent, and stress-free.