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Cruising Earth

Cunard Guide & Tips

Cunard Guide & Tips

What's New & Changing with Cunard

November 2026

Queen Victoria is scheduled for refurbishment from October 17 through November 5, 2026, with The Pavilion Wellness Café among the additions debuting following the refit.

March 2026

Cunard introduced Signature Packages for eligible voyages, combining a beverage package, Wi-Fi and onboard dining credit into a single optional pre-cruise package. Standard and Premium versions are available, with inclusions and dining-credit amounts varying by package and voyage length.

Introduction

Cunard cruise ships at sea

Cunard offers one of the cruise industry's most distinctive traditional ocean-travel experiences, combining more than 185 years of maritime heritage with modern ships, White Star Service, formal Gala Evenings, afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, enrichment programs, elegant dining and extensive sea-day activities. The experience generally emphasizes classic ocean travel and refined hospitality rather than the amusement-style attractions found on many contemporary cruise ships.

Cunard is particularly known for Transatlantic Crossings, World Voyages, Cunard Insights guest speakers, traditional Afternoon Tea, Britannia and Grill accommodations, and a strong evening dress tradition. This guide covers the Cunard-specific programs, policies, amenities and planning considerations that guests should understand before and during a voyage.

Before Cruising

  • My Cunard: My Cunard is the primary pre-cruise planning portal. After booking, use it to manage your voyage, review your calendar, book Shore Experiences, reserve eligible alternative dining, purchase Wi-Fi or beverage packages, and arrange other available cruise enhancements.
  • Travel Documents: Cunard operates international itineraries including Transatlantic Crossings and lengthy World Voyages. Review passport validity, visa, electronic travel authorization, vaccination and other entry requirements for every country on your itinerary well before departure.
  • Dress Code: Daytime dress is relaxed, while most evenings shift to Smart Attire in Cunard's main restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Gala Evenings invite more formal dress. Check your voyage calendar in My Cunard because dress requirements and Gala Evening themes vary by sailing.
  • Gala Evening Themes: Cunard may schedule themes including Black and White, Red and Gold, Roaring 20s and Masquerade. Participation in a theme can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer, but checking the schedule before packing helps avoid surprises.
  • Alternative Dining: Many alternative dining venues can be reserved through My Cunard before sailing. Cunard currently provides a 10% discount compared with the onboard cover charge for eligible advance reservations.
  • Shore Experiences: Cunard Shore Experiences can generally be booked through My Cunard well before departure, with many becoming available up to a year before sailing. Eligible advance bookings currently receive a 10% saving compared with booking onboard.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is particularly important for international, Transatlantic and long-duration voyages. Consider coverage for medical treatment, emergency transportation, cancellation, interruption and baggage-related expenses.
  • Packing: Pack comfortable daytime clothing along with suitable eveningwear for Smart Attire and any Gala Evenings. Longer Cunard voyages can cross several climates, so review expected weather throughout the itinerary rather than only at the embarkation port.
  • Carry-On Essentials: Keep passports, medications, required travel documents, valuables, electronics, chargers and a change of clothes in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.

Cunard World Club

  • Loyalty Program: Cunard World Club is Cunard's loyalty program. Membership begins after completion of your first Cunard voyage.
  • Silver: Silver membership begins after one completed voyage.
  • Gold: Gold begins after two voyages or 20 nights and adds benefits including complimentary internet credit and an invitation to an onboard World Club event.
  • Platinum: Platinum begins after seven voyages or 70 nights and adds benefits such as priority check-in at selected ports, a 20% saving on specialist cleaning and laundry services, a 10% saving on White Star Luggage Service and a complimentary wine tasting.
  • Diamond: Diamond begins after 15 voyages or 150 nights and includes the benefits from lower tiers plus a complimentary meal at an eligible alternative dining venue.
  • Internet Credit: Current complimentary internet credits are US$45 for Gold, US$80 for Platinum and US$135 for Diamond members.
  • Check Your Membership: Review your Cunard World Club number and status before sailing so eligible benefits are correctly associated with your booking.

My Voyage

  • Onboard Digital Planner: My Voyage is Cunard's onboard digital planner. It behaves like an app but is accessed through a web browser rather than downloaded from an app store.
  • Complimentary Access: My Voyage is free to use and does not require the purchase of an internet package.
  • Connecting: Once onboard, place your device in Airplane or Flight Mode, connect to Cunard_Guest_WIFI, and open My Voyage through your browser. Cunard recommends Safari or Chrome.
  • Login: My Voyage uses information from your Voyage card along with basic identifying information to log in. Instructions are provided onboard.
  • Home Screen Shortcut: You can add My Voyage to your phone or tablet's home screen so it functions much like a conventional app during the voyage.
  • Daily Planning: Use My Voyage to review onboard information and help plan dining, entertainment and activities.
  • Dining Reservations: Eligible dining reservations can be made through My Voyage, and Britannia Open Dining guests can use it to check availability or join a live virtual queue.
  • Onboard Account: My Voyage can also be used to review your onboard account summary during the sailing.
  • My Cunard Is Different: My Cunard is the pre-cruise booking and planning portal, while My Voyage is primarily the onboard planner used after embarkation.

Tipping / Gratuities

  • Hotel & Dining Service Charge: Cunard adds a discretionary Hotel and Dining Service Charge for each night of the voyage to recognize crew working in restaurants, housekeeping and related guest-service roles.
  • Britannia & Britannia Club: The current suggested Hotel and Dining Service Charge is US$18 per person per day for Britannia and Britannia Club accommodations.
  • Princess & Queens Grill: The current suggested charge is US$19 per person per day for Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites.
  • Check Your Fare: Certain fares, promotions or packages may include prepaid Hotel and Dining Service Charges. Review your booking confirmation before assuming the charge is included.
  • Discretionary Charge: Cunard describes the Hotel and Dining Service Charge as discretionary. Guests who wish to discuss or adjust it should visit the Purser's Office before disembarkation.
  • Other Service Charges: Bar purchases, specialty dining, corkage, spa and salon services and certain other purchases may carry separate service charges.
  • Additional Tipping: Additional personal tipping is optional and may be used to recognize exceptional individual service.

Embarking

  • Online Check-In: Complete available pre-cruise check-in requirements through My Cunard and review the boarding documents issued for your voyage.
  • Arrival Time: Follow the arrival time shown on your boarding pass rather than arriving substantially earlier. Cunard uses assigned embarkation times to help manage terminal congestion.
  • Priority Check-In: Guests with eligible accommodation or Cunard World Club benefits may receive access to a priority check-in desk at the time allocated on their boarding pass.
  • Wine & Champagne: Adults may currently bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person, no larger than 750ml, onboard at embarkation subject to the legal drinking age at the departure port.
  • Corkage: Wine or champagne brought onboard can be consumed in your stateroom without corkage. A US$25 corkage fee currently applies when your bottle is consumed in dining rooms, alternative restaurants, bars or lounges.
  • Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, chargers and anything you may need before checked luggage arrives with you.
  • Explore The Ship: Use embarkation afternoon to locate your main restaurant, theater, Queens Room, buffet, lounges, spa, pools and other areas you expect to visit regularly.
  • Connect To My Voyage: Once onboard, connect to Cunard_Guest_WIFI and set up My Voyage so you can access your planner throughout the sailing.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

  • Essential Wi-Fi: Cunard's Essential plan is intended for web browsing, email, messaging and supported social-media use involving text and images.
  • Premium Wi-Fi: Premium Wi-Fi is intended for higher-bandwidth activities including supported music and video streaming and video calling.
  • Pre-Cruise Purchase: Full-voyage internet plans can be purchased through My Cunard before sailing. Cunard currently advertises a 10% saving compared with onboard pricing.
  • Multiple Devices: A single internet plan can be used across multiple devices, but normally only one device can be actively connected to that plan at a time unless additional plans are purchased.
  • Cunard World Club: Gold, Platinum and Diamond members receive complimentary internet credit that can be applied toward eligible internet plans.
  • My Voyage Is Free: An internet package is not required to use My Voyage. Simply connect to the ship's guest Wi-Fi.
  • Signature Packages: Eligible Signature Packages include Wi-Fi. Standard Signature includes Essential Wi-Fi, while Premium Signature includes Premium Wi-Fi.
  • Performance: Satellite internet performance varies with location, weather, satellite reception, network demand and the activity being attempted.
  • Airplane Mode: Keep phones and tablets in Airplane or Flight Mode while at sea unless you intentionally want to use cellular-at-sea service, then enable Wi-Fi separately.

Cabin

  • Accommodation Categories: Cunard offers Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodations. Space, dining arrangements, services and included benefits vary substantially by category.
  • Britannia: Britannia accommodations include dining in the Britannia Restaurant along with access to Cunard's other complimentary dining and onboard amenities.
  • Britannia Club: Britannia Club guests receive access to the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a reserved table and additional dining flexibility.
  • Princess Grill: Princess Grill Suites include exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant access and additional suite amenities and services.
  • Queens Grill: Queens Grill is Cunard's highest accommodation category, combining larger suites with exclusive Queens Grill dining and enhanced personalized service.
  • Room Service: All accommodation categories have access to room service, but charges vary. Britannia stateroom room-service dishes can carry additional charges, while Britannia Club and Grill Suite room-service dishes are generally complimentary unless otherwise indicated.
  • Breakfast In Bed: A complimentary room-service breakfast menu is available to all accommodation categories.
  • Stateroom Steward: Your steward services your accommodation and can assist with reasonable requests involving towels, bedding, ice and other stateroom needs.
  • Shoe Shine: Complimentary shoe-shine service is available by arranging it with your stateroom steward or butler.
  • Check Exact Benefits: Amenities and suite privileges can vary by accommodation category, fare and promotion, so review the current benefits attached to your exact booking.

On Deck

  • Classic Ocean Travel: Open decks remain an important part of the Cunard experience, particularly on sea-day-heavy voyages and Transatlantic Crossings.
  • Promenade Areas: Cunard ships provide outdoor walking areas where guests can enjoy sea views, fresh air and leisurely exercise.
  • Pools & Whirlpools: Pool areas, whirlpools and sun decks provide outdoor relaxation, with exact layouts and facilities varying by ship.
  • Traditional Deck Games: Activities such as shuffleboard, quoits and other traditional deck games are offered on Cunard voyages, reinforcing the line's classic ocean-liner atmosphere.
  • Sea Days: Cunard is particularly well suited to guests who enjoy sea days. Open decks, lectures, dining, live music, afternoon tea, classes and other activities provide a slower-paced alternative to port-intensive cruising.
  • Weather: Wind and temperature can change quickly at sea, particularly on Atlantic and northern itineraries. Layers and a wind-resistant outer layer can make outdoor time more comfortable.
  • Chair Etiquette: Avoid leaving personal belongings on unattended loungers for long periods, especially during busy sea days.

Dining

Specialty dining aboard Cunard
  • Restaurant By Accommodation: Your primary restaurant is tied to your accommodation category. Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill guests dine in their corresponding main restaurants.
  • Britannia Open Dining: Guests with Open Dining can request a table in person, reserve selected times through My Voyage or join a live virtual queue when available.
  • Britannia Club: Britannia Club guests have access to a dedicated restaurant with their own reserved table for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Princess & Queens Grill: Grill Suite guests dine in exclusive restaurants with reserved tables and elevated menus.
  • Pavilion Wellness Café: Upcoming First introduced aboard Queen Anne, The Pavilion Wellness Café expanded to Queen Elizabeth during her 2025 refurbishment and is scheduled to be added to Queen Victoria during her October 17-November 5, 2026 refurbishment, with the venue expected to debut in November 2026. Its menus emphasize lighter dishes and include plant-based selections alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.
  • Buffet Dining: Cunard's buffet restaurants provide complimentary casual dining throughout the voyage, with exact venues varying by ship.
  • Golden Lion: Cunard's traditional pub offers complimentary pub-style food during applicable meal periods, although seating can fill quickly.
  • Dietary Requirements: Cunard accommodates many food allergies and special diets, but some requests require advance notice. Contact Cunard before departure when you have significant dietary needs.

Specialty Dining

  • Alternative Dining: Cunard offers additional-charge restaurants and rotating dining experiences beyond the main restaurants and complimentary casual venues.
  • Venues Vary: Available restaurants differ by ship and itinerary and can include Steakhouse at The Verandah, Aji Wa and destination-inspired evening concepts such as Bamboo, Coriander, La Piazza, Frontier, Riviera, Nordlys and Karibe.
  • Pre-Cruise Savings: Cunard currently provides a 10% discount compared with the onboard cover charge when eligible alternative dining is booked online through My Cunard before sailing.
  • Onboard Bookings: Additional alternative-dining reservations made during the voyage can also receive the current 10% dining discount where applicable.
  • First Two Days: Cunard currently offers a complimentary bottle of Cunard Private Label wine when guests book and dine in an eligible alternative dining venue during the first two days of the voyage, subject to current offer terms.
  • Popular Times: Reserve important specialty-dining experiences early, particularly on sea days and for preferred evening times.

Afternoon Tea

  • Included Tradition: Traditional Afternoon Tea is included in the cruise fare and remains one of Cunard's best-known signature experiences.
  • Traditional Service: Afternoon Tea features tea, finger sandwiches, scones and pastries served with Cunard's traditional white-gloved service.
  • Daily Service: Traditional Afternoon Tea is offered daily at 3:30 p.m., with the Queens Room serving as the classic setting.
  • Grill Guests: Grill guests may also have access to a more intimate Afternoon Tea location associated with their Grill facilities.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: A separate Champagne Afternoon Tea experience is available for an additional charge and should be reserved in advance. Booking through My Cunard before sailing currently provides a 10% discount on the cover charge.

Dining Dress Guidelines

  • Daytime: Dress is relaxed during the day in most areas of the ship.
  • Smart Attire: Most evenings call for Smart Attire from approximately 6:00pm in Cunard's main restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Cunard describes appropriate choices as cocktail dresses, jackets, elegant separates and similarly polished clothing.
  • Gala Evenings: Gala Evenings invite more formal eveningwear such as tuxedos, dinner jackets, dark suits, evening gowns, cocktail dresses or formal separates.
  • Casual Alternatives: Guests who do not wish to follow the evening's more formal dress style can use designated casual dining and entertainment venues.
  • Check Your Calendar: Gala Evening dates and themes are shown in My Cunard before departure and in the onboard Daily Programme.

Food & Beverage

  • Included Dining: Your cruise fare includes the main restaurant associated with your accommodation category, buffet dining, selected casual venues, Traditional Afternoon Tea and other complimentary food options.
  • Complimentary Drinks: Water, tea, coffee and selected juices are available without additional charge in applicable dining venues.
  • Alcohol & Specialty Drinks: Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, premium teas, bottled water and other beverages can be purchased individually or covered by an eligible beverage package.
  • Bar Service Charge: Cunard applies a service charge to applicable bar purchases. When a drink is fully covered by an eligible beverage package, the package terms determine how the service charge is handled.
  • Room Service: Complimentary breakfast in bed is available across accommodation categories, while other room-service charges depend on your stateroom or suite category and the item ordered.

Beverage Packages

  • Beverage Collection: Cunard's standard Beverage Collection covers eligible alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks up to the current per-serving limit.
  • Premium Beverage Collection: The Premium Beverage Collection provides a higher per-serving limit and access to a broader range of premium drinks.
  • Current Package Limits: Cunard currently lists a US$13.50 per-serving limit for the Beverage Collection and US$20 for the Premium Beverage Collection when included in Signature Packages.
  • Alcohol-Free Options: Cunard also offers alcohol-free beverage options covering items such as soft drinks, specialty hot drinks and selected non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Alcohol-Free Collection: The current pre-cruise price is US$18 per person, per night for voyages of all lengths.
  • Premium Alcohol-Free Collection: Current pre-cruise pricing is US$45 per person, per night for voyages of 1-6 nights, US$40.50 for 7-14 nights, US$36 for 15-74 nights and US$31.50 for voyages of 75 nights or longer.
  • Beverage Collection Pricing: Current pre-cruise pricing is US$94.50 per person, per night for voyages of 1-6 nights, US$76.50 for 7-14 nights, US$63 for 15-74 nights and US$49.50 for voyages of 75 nights or longer.
  • Premium Beverage Collection Pricing: Current pre-cruise pricing is US$108 per person, per night for voyages of 1-6 nights, US$90 for 7-14 nights, US$76.50 for 15-74 nights and US$63 for voyages of 75 nights or longer.
  • Pre-Cruise Savings: Cunard's current pre-cruise beverage-package prices reflect a 10% saving compared with the equivalent onboard prices.
  • Compare Before Buying: Compare the daily package cost with your expected consumption. Guests who purchase only occasional drinks may spend less by paying individually.
  • Package Rules: Beverage packages are subject to current eligibility, sharing, stateroom and voyage-length rules, so review the terms attached to your particular booking.

Cunard Signature Packages New

  • Bundled Extras: Cunard Signature Packages combine drinks, Wi-Fi and alternative-dining credit into a single optional package on eligible voyages.
  • Signature Package: The standard Signature Package includes the Beverage Collection, Essential Wi-Fi and dining credit whose amount varies according to voyage length.
  • Premium Signature Package: Premium Signature includes the Premium Beverage Collection, Premium Wi-Fi and a higher dining-credit allowance.
  • Dining Credit: Dining credit can be used toward eligible alternative dining and premium dishes purchased onboard. The amount depends on package type and voyage duration.
  • Potential Savings: Cunard advertises savings of up to 30% compared with purchasing the included beverage and Wi-Fi components separately onboard.
  • Eligibility: Signature Package availability depends on the voyage and booking market. Check whether the option appears for your specific booking rather than assuming it is available on every Cunard fare.
  • Not Included: Shore Experiences and Cunard's discretionary Hotel and Dining Service Charge are not included simply because a Signature Package has been purchased.

Transatlantic Crossings

Cunard Transatlantic Crossing
  • Cunard Tradition: Regular Transatlantic Crossings are one of Cunard's defining experiences and continue the line's historic connection between Europe and North America.
  • Queen Mary 2: Cunard's scheduled Transatlantic Crossings are operated by Queen Mary 2, which was purpose-built as an ocean liner rather than a conventional cruise ship.
  • Voyage Rather Than Ports: A traditional crossing can have no intermediate ports, making the ship and consecutive sea days the primary experience rather than a sequence of destinations.
  • Seven-Night Crossings: Many Cunard Transatlantic Crossings are scheduled for approximately seven nights, although voyage length and routing can vary.
  • Sea-Day Programming: Crossings place particular emphasis on Cunard Insights, theater, live music, classes, ballroom dancing, Afternoon Tea, fitness, spa services, dining and other onboard activities.
  • Entertainment Residencies: Selected crossings include special Entertainment Residencies featuring visiting theater, opera, comedy and other performing artists or companies.
  • Weather: Atlantic weather and sea conditions can vary substantially, even during warmer months. Pack layers and clothing suitable for wind and cooler open-deck temperatures.
  • Time Changes: Eastbound and westbound crossings typically involve several time-zone changes during the voyage. Follow the ship's Daily Programme and onboard announcements for each change.

Onboard Entertainment

  • Theater: Cunard presents theatrical productions, guest entertainers, comedy, music and other performances in its main theaters.
  • Live Music: Live music is a major part of the Cunard experience, ranging from pianists and classical performers to jazz, pub music, bands and other resident or visiting musicians.
  • Ballroom Dancing: Ballroom and Latin dancing remain a signature Cunard activity, with daytime lessons and evening dancing offered in the Queens Room.
  • Queens Room Music Nights: Selected evenings feature live music and dancing in the Queens Room with Cunard's resident musicians.
  • Pub Entertainment: The Golden Lion hosts entertainment such as quizzes, live sports coverage and other traditional pub activities.
  • Film Screenings: Movies and other screenings are offered during voyages, with exact schedules and venues varying by ship.
  • Entertainment Residencies: Selected voyages feature special Cunard Entertainment Residencies with visiting theatrical companies, performers and productions. Cunard has already announced additional residencies for selected 2027 voyages.
  • Event Voyages: Selected sailings are built around themes such as music, literature, theater, food, wine, wellness or other special interests and may feature additional guest experts and programming.
  • Daily Programme: Review My Voyage and the Daily Programme because entertainment schedules and locations change throughout the sailing.

Gala Evenings

  • Signature Evening: Gala Evenings are one of Cunard's defining traditions, combining formal dress with special dining, cocktails, music, dancing and an elevated atmosphere throughout much of the ship.
  • Dress To Impress: Cunard invites guests to wear formal evening clothing such as tuxedos, dinner jackets, dark suits, evening gowns, cocktail dresses or formal separates.
  • Themes: Depending on your voyage, themes can include Black and White, Red and Gold, Roaring 20s and Masquerade.
  • Frequency: The number of Gala Evenings varies by voyage. A seven-night sailing commonly includes approximately two, but always check the calendar for your specific cruise.
  • Casual Alternatives: Guests who do not want to participate in formal dress can use designated casual venues during the evening.

Cunard Insights

  • Guest Speaker Program: Cunard Insights brings guest experts onboard to give talks and presentations throughout the voyage.
  • Wide Range Of Subjects: Topics can include history and global affairs, arts, film and literature, science and exploration, wellness and sport, maritime heritage, travel, leadership and personal development.
  • Speakers Vary: Past and current programs draw from actors, journalists, scientists, explorers, politicians, musicians and specialists from many other fields.
  • Included: Standard Cunard Insights presentations are included in the cruise fare.
  • Check The Programme: Speaker lineups and presentation times vary by voyage and are shown in the onboard Daily Programme.

Casino

  • Fleetwide Casino: Casino gaming is available on each Cunard ship, with varying layouts and facilities.
  • Games: Cunard casinos offer slot machines and table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker.
  • Learning The Games: Casinos may offer introductory instruction or assistance from croupiers for guests who want to learn the rules before playing.
  • Operating Hours: Casino operations depend on the ship's location and applicable maritime and local regulations and may be unavailable while in port or restricted waters.
  • Additional Cost: Casino gaming is not included in the cruise fare.

Wellness & Fitness

  • Fitness Center: Cunard provides onboard gym facilities, and standard gym access is included for guests over age 16. Certain fitness classes and personal-training sessions carry additional charges.
  • Spa: Spa and salon facilities offer treatments and wellness services at additional cost, with exact facilities varying by ship.
  • Thermal Facilities: Selected ships provide thermal or aqua-therapy facilities with features such as pools, saunas, steam areas and treatment spaces, generally subject to additional charges or spa access terms.
  • Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea: Cunard's partnership with Harper's Bazaar provides three curated wellness journeys across all four Cunard ships: Recover, Energise and Relax.
  • Wellness Journeys: Each additional-cost journey combines a selection of spa treatments, fitness and wellness experiences around its particular theme and currently costs US$629 per guest.
  • Advance Booking: Harper's Bazaar Wellness journeys can be arranged before sailing or through the Spa Concierge onboard, subject to availability and additional cost.
  • Classes: Depending on the voyage, activities can include yoga, spin, aerobics, stretching and other fitness classes. Some are complimentary while others require payment.

Families & Kids

  • Children's Clubs: Cunard provides complimentary supervised children's and teen programming, with activities divided into age-appropriate groups.
  • The Play Zone: The Play Zone is designed primarily for children ages 2-7. Children ages 6-23 months may also use designated facilities and activities when accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.
  • The Kids' Zone: The Kids' Zone provides age-appropriate activities for children ages 8-12.
  • Teen Activities: Cunard offers dedicated activities and social opportunities for teenagers ages 13-17.
  • Pre-Registration: Children's club registration generally opens through My Cunard 14 days before sailing.
  • Onboard Sessions: Eligible children's club sessions can be booked onboard through My Voyage, subject to availability and the programming offered on the voyage.
  • Night Nursery: Cunard's complimentary Night Nursery is available for eligible children ages 6-23 months, generally between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. where offered. Space is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ports / Shore Excursions

Cunard cruise ports and destinations
  • Shore Experiences: Cunard calls its organized shore excursions Shore Experiences. Options can include sightseeing, history, culture, food and drink, scenic touring, active adventures and private experiences.
  • Book Through My Cunard: Shore Experiences can generally be booked through My Cunard well before departure, with many becoming available up to a year before sailing.
  • Advance Savings: Eligible Shore Experiences booked through My Cunard currently receive a 10% saving compared with purchasing the same experience onboard.
  • Book Early: Popular experiences can sell out, especially on itineraries with limited-capacity tours or major attractions.
  • Private Experiences: Selected ports offer private vehicles or guides that allow guests to create a more personalized itinerary.
  • Independent Exploration: Guests may explore independently where local rules and port conditions permit. Research transportation, distance from the berth, attraction hours and return times before leaving the port area.
  • Late Departures: Some itineraries include later evening departures, providing additional time for dining, sightseeing or evening activities ashore.
  • Tender Ports: Certain destinations require tender transportation between the ship and shore. Allow extra time when planning independent activities.
  • All-Aboard Time: Always follow the ship's stated all-aboard time. Guests exploring independently are responsible for returning before departure.

Complimentary Extras

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: Cunard's signature Traditional Afternoon Tea is included in the cruise fare.
  • Main Dining: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant associated with your accommodation category are included.
  • Buffet & Casual Dining: Buffet dining and selected casual venues, including applicable Golden Lion food service, are included.
  • Breakfast In Bed: All accommodation categories can order from Cunard's complimentary breakfast-in-bed menu.
  • Cunard Insights: Standard guest-speaker lectures and enrichment presentations are included.
  • Theater & Live Entertainment: Most standard theater productions, live music, ballroom dancing, guest entertainers and scheduled entertainment are included.
  • Children's Clubs: Cunard's standard age-appropriate children's and teen programs are complimentary, subject to registration, capacity and scheduled operating periods.
  • Gym: Standard access to Cunard's fitness facilities is included for eligible guests, although selected classes and personal training cost extra.
  • My Voyage: Access to Cunard's onboard My Voyage digital planner is complimentary and does not require an internet package.
  • Shoe Shine: Complimentary shoe-shine service can be arranged through your steward or butler.
  • Daily Activities: Many quizzes, games, dance instruction, enrichment activities and other scheduled events are included, although premium classes, tastings and special experiences can carry additional charges.

Disembarking

  • Departure Instructions: Cunard provides disembarkation instructions before the end of the voyage. Review your assigned procedure, luggage instructions and meeting location carefully.
  • Checked Luggage: If using Cunard's luggage-handling process, follow the onboard instructions for tagging and placing bags outside your stateroom the night before departure.
  • Keep Essentials With You: Keep passports, medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, chargers and anything needed overnight or the following morning in your carry-on.
  • Final Account: Review your onboard account before leaving the ship and address any questions while the appropriate guest-service staff remain available.
  • Service Charge Adjustments: If you intend to discuss or adjust Cunard's discretionary Hotel and Dining Service Charge, do so before disembarkation.
  • Customs & Immigration: Arrival procedures differ by country and terminal. Follow instructions from Cunard and local authorities regarding passports, immigration, customs and luggage collection.
  • Onward Transportation: Allow adequate time between leaving the ship and flights, trains, transfers or other onward travel. Immigration, customs, luggage collection and local traffic can cause delays.
  • Final Stateroom Check: Check the safe, closets, drawers, bathroom, charging outlets and area beneath the bed before leaving, paying particular attention to passports, medications and electronics.

Plan with Confidence

Every cruise is different, and successful trip planning often means researching more than one topic. Explore additional Cruising Earth travel planning resources for information on cruise lines, cabins, dining, beverage packages, gratuities, ports of call, packing, budgeting, weather, and more. If you have questions, would like to share your experiences, or have information that could help improve these guides, we invite you to join the discussion in our Community Forums.

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