You do not have to be born into royalty to embark on one of the best luxury cruises—Cunard. Known for its unmatched British elegance since 1840, Cunard caters to passengers looking for a comfortable yet sophisticated sea voyage. This decadent fleet of ships has been visited by members of the aristocracy, including Princess Diana and the Queen Mother and was favored by Winston Churchill, while Queen Elizabeth II has a ship that carries her name—Queen Elizabeth, of course.
Called “the Buckingham Palace of the high seas” by the British Daily Mail, the Queen Elizabeth boasts a breathtaking lobby that echoes Titanic nostalgia with mahogany staircases and marble flooring. Setting sail from Southampton, you will encounter all the most revered British traditions onboard, including daily afternoon tea, a library of 10,000 books, and live theatre at the Royal Court. There is even a croquet court on the Queen Elizabeth.
The new AAA Vacations amenity program on Cunard for new bookings as of May 1, 2024:
Tea Service and Complimentary dining is being removed and replaced with an additional $100 onboard credit per stateroom.
This will be for ALL open voyages that are 7 nights and longer on Queen Anne®, Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®.
Princess and Queens Grill Suites:
Britannia accommodations (Oceanview to Balcony):
Cunard gives passengers the full British cruise experience while allowing them to use their American dollars onboard. For additional common cruise questions, AAA experts answered five of the most common questions for cruisers.
While classy, Cunard is never stuffy and prides itself on giving travelers an opulent yet cozy ocean passage. Come prepared to dress down during the day when visiting the pubs and casinos, but you will want to wear a smart tie and jeans for most of the casual evening affairs. Just make sure you pack a few haute couture items (black tie and cocktail attire) if you want to get into the Black and White Ball. The dress code at these functions is strictly enforced.
Ideal for mature adults (50+), Cunard is one of the best cruise lines for couples. Family cruising on Cunard picks up during the holidays, but Kids' Clubs and other youth activities are extremely limited, making it one of the least favorite choices for traveling with children.
LGBTQ+ are also warmly welcomed on Cunard. As are solo travelers connecting with other cruising friends through meetup groups.
Cunard uses a tiered dining system based on your cruise ship suite. Those passengers in the biggest suites will dine only at the Queen’s Grill, while travelers in the smaller suites will feast at the Princess Grill. And those staying in non-suite staterooms will dine in the Britannia Grill. To guarantee dining with your extended party, ensure all members of your group stay in the same style of stateroom.
You can choose from UK, US, Canadian, and European embarkments when departing. New York, Fort Lauderdale, and San Francisco in the US, and Vancouver and Quebec in Canada. Southampton in the UK and Kiel, Hamburg, and Le Havre for other European options. These varied ports and additional Australian departures mean Cunard is one of the most accessible British cruise lines today.
To turn back time, take one of Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossings, either departing from Southampton and arriving in New York or vice versa. This is your perfect opportunity to cruise right past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Just be aware that a transatlantic crossing is not for everyone. This long journey across the North Atlantic Ocean mirrors the romantic route of the old Transatlantic Liners. You will get no stops and not much scenery when you are out on the water for seven days.
The Queen Mary 2 takes this crossing 20-25 times a year. Seasickness can be an issue, especially in the wintertime, so be prepared by reviewing these protocols on cruise seasickness.
There is a focus on enrichment during these crossings. You can anticipate four to seven activities per hour, and many passengers feel they cannot explore everything offered. Some of the lectures include speakers such as top historians, actors, authors, astronomers, and crime detectives. Other activities include trivia games, bridge classes and tournaments, dance instruction, cooking classes, and food carving demonstrations.
While it may be a lengthy journey, taking a transatlantic crossing will prove to be an adventure unlike any other you have experienced at sea.
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel! AAA Travel has teamed up with some of the industry’s best cruise lines to provide you with:
Contact your local AAA Travel Agent or book at https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/category/cruises