Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on most Cunard voyages, including Transatlantic Crossings and international itineraries, generally require a valid passport book. Many destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Visas & Entry Requirements: Depending on your itinerary, certain countries may require visas, electronic travel authorizations, vaccinations, or other entry documentation. Review all requirements well before your departure date.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for Cunard's international voyages and World Cruises. Comprehensive coverage can help protect against medical emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage delays, and other unexpected travel expenses.
• Research Your Ship: Cunard ships feature elegant public rooms, grand ballrooms, traditional lounges, refined dining venues, and enrichment spaces that reflect the line's rich maritime heritage. Reviewing your ship's deck plans before sailing will help you become familiar with its restaurants, theaters, library, spa, and other amenities.
• Dress Code: Cunard maintains one of the most traditional dress codes at sea. Smart attire is expected during most evenings, while Gala Evenings call for formal wear, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of classic ocean liner travel.
• Cunard World Club: Cunard's loyalty program rewards returning guests with exclusive events, priority privileges, onboard benefits, and additional amenities based on your membership level.
• Packing: In addition to comfortable daytime clothing, pack appropriate attire for Gala Evenings and elegant dinners. If sailing on a Transatlantic Crossing or World Cruise, also prepare for a variety of weather conditions.
• Carry-On Essentials: Pack medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.

My Voyage App

• Your Cruise Companion: The My Voyage App helps you manage your cruise before and during your voyage. Download it before departure to access your reservation, voyage details, and onboard information.
• Before You Sail: Use the app or Cunard's website to complete online check-in, review travel documents, reserve shore excursions, purchase beverage packages, and prepare for embarkation.
• Once Onboard: The app provides access to your daily schedule, dining reservations, onboard account, deck plans, enrichment programs, and other voyage information throughout your cruise.
• Daily Planning: Cunard offers lectures, live music, dance classes, afternoon tea, theater performances, enrichment programs, and numerous daily activities. Reviewing the app each morning helps you plan your day.
• Shore Excursions: Browse excursion descriptions, review meeting times, and manage many of your onboard reservations directly through the app.

Tipping / Gratuities

• Hotel & Dining Service Charges: Gratuity policies vary depending on your stateroom category and booking. Many fares now include hotel and dining service charges, while others automatically add daily charges to your onboard account. Review your booking confirmation for the details that apply to your voyage.
• Queens Grill & Princess Grill: Guests staying in Grill Suites often receive additional inclusions depending on their fare, including gratuities on many sailings.
• Additional Service Charges: Beverage purchases, spa treatments, salon services, and certain specialty experiences may include an automatic service charge where applicable.
• Exceptional Service: While never expected, many guests choose to provide additional cash gratuities to crew members who deliver exceptional White Star Service throughout the voyage.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the My Voyage App or Cunard website before arriving at the terminal. During check-in you'll verify travel documents, receive your boarding pass, and review your embarkation details.
• Arrival Time: Arrive during your assigned embarkation window for the smoothest boarding experience. Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests generally receive priority embarkation where available.
• Carry-On Wine: Cunard permits guests to bring a limited amount of personal wine onboard at embarkation. Corkage fees may apply when consumed in onboard restaurants. Review Cunard's current policy before your voyage.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, and a change of clothes with you. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.
• Embarkation Lunch: Buffet and casual dining venues are typically open shortly after boarding, providing a relaxing place to enjoy lunch while waiting for your stateroom to become available.
• Explore The Ship: Take time to familiarize yourself with the Britannia Restaurant, Queens Room, Commodore Club, theater, library, spa, and other elegant public spaces before sailaway.
• Airplane Mode: Switch your phone to Airplane Mode before sailing and connect only through the ship's Wi-Fi if you've purchased internet access to avoid international roaming charges.
• All-Aboard Time: Cunard strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published departure time.

Cabin

• Elegant Accommodations: Cunard staterooms feature premium bedding, comfortable furnishings, television, mini refrigerator, in-room safe, hair dryer, generous storage space, and refined décor inspired by the line's maritime heritage.
• Stateroom Steward: Your steward services your accommodation each day and can assist with additional towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your voyage.
• Room Service: Complimentary room service is available throughout the day, allowing guests to enjoy meals and refreshments in the comfort of their stateroom. Grill Suite guests receive expanded dining options.
• Princess Grill & Queens Grill: Guests staying in Grill Suites enjoy spacious accommodations, exclusive restaurants, dedicated concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and numerous additional amenities throughout the voyage.
• Storage Space: Store luggage under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space and keep your stateroom organized throughout the cruise.
• Classic Elegance: Cunard's accommodations emphasize timeless comfort and understated luxury rather than contemporary styling, reflecting the line's long tradition of ocean travel.

On Deck

• Promenade Deck: Wide teak promenade decks invite guests to enjoy leisurely walks, fresh sea air, and panoramic ocean views, continuing one of Cunard's most cherished maritime traditions.
• Pools & Relaxation: Cunard ships feature swimming pools, whirlpools, spacious sun decks, and attentive poolside service designed for relaxation rather than high-energy attractions.
• Deck Games: Traditional deck games, shuffleboard, paddle tennis, golf practice, and other recreational activities are available on many voyages, reflecting Cunard's classic ocean liner heritage.
• Chair Etiquette: Cunard asks guests not to reserve loungers for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed to make seating available for other guests.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Public spaces emphasize conversation, reading, music, and ocean views, creating a refined environment that differs significantly from the activity-focused atmosphere found on many contemporary cruise ships.
• Queen Mary 2: Guests sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 can enjoy one of the world's last true ocean liners, purpose-built for Transatlantic Crossings with unique features found on no other modern passenger ship.

Dining

• Restaurant by Accommodation: Unlike most cruise lines, your primary dining room is determined by your stateroom category. Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill guests each enjoy their own dedicated restaurant with menus and service tailored to their accommodations.
• Traditional Dining: Cunard's elegant dining experience reflects the traditions of classic ocean liners, with attentive White Star Service, multi-course meals, and refined surroundings.
• Steakhouse at The Verandah: Depending on your ship, The Verandah offers an exceptional specialty dining experience featuring premium steaks, seafood, and fine wines for an additional charge.
• Afternoon Tea: One of Cunard's signature traditions, Afternoon Tea is served daily in the Queens Room by white-gloved waiters and features fine teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones accompanied by live music.
• Dietary Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and many other dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Notify Cunard before sailing whenever possible and remind your dining team once onboard.
• Dress for Dinner: Evening dining follows Cunard's dress code, with Smart Attire on most evenings and formal Gala Evenings held throughout longer voyages.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Cunard's cruise fare includes your assigned main restaurant, Kings Court or Artisan's Foodhall buffet (depending on ship), casual dining venues, and numerous complimentary culinary experiences throughout the day.
• Complimentary Beverages: Coffee, tea, water, and select juices are available during meals, while additional complimentary beverages vary by venue and time of day.
• Specialty Coffee: Cafés and lounges throughout the ship serve premium espresso beverages, specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and desserts for an additional charge unless included with your fare or beverage package.
• Fine Wines: Cunard maintains an extensive wine cellar with carefully selected wines from around the world, offering excellent pairings for its refined dining program.
• Late-Night Dining: Casual dining venues and room service provide convenient options for guests wishing to enjoy lighter meals or snacks later in the evening.

Beverage Packages

• Flexible Options: Cunard offers several beverage packages that may include wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks. Available packages vary depending on your voyage and departure region.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Beverage packages purchased before sailing often provide better value than purchasing onboard.
• Wine With Dinner: Guests who primarily enjoy wine or cocktails during lunch and dinner should compare package pricing with expected onboard purchases to determine the best value.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• My Voyage App: The app provides your daily schedule, dining reservations, onboard account, deck plans, and other voyage information throughout your cruise.
• Cunard Insights: Cunard's enrichment program features guest lecturers, historians, authors, scientists, performers, and subject experts who present informative talks throughout the voyage.
• Royal Court Theatre: Enjoy West End-style productions, classical performances, guest entertainers, and live music presented throughout your cruise.
• Planetarium: Guests sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 can experience Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea, offering fascinating astronomy presentations, films, and educational programs.
• Daily Programme: Review the daily schedule each evening to organize the following day's enrichment activities, shore excursions, dining, afternoon tea, and evening entertainment.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Worldwide Voyages: Cunard sails throughout Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and on its famous Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton.
• Shore Experiences: Cunard offers a wide selection of guided excursions including historical tours, cultural experiences, scenic drives, culinary adventures, and active outdoor excursions.
• Independent Exploration: Many guests enjoy exploring ports independently, particularly during Cunard's longer port visits. Always verify the published all-aboard time before leaving the ship.
• Transatlantic Crossings: Unlike traditional cruises, Transatlantic Crossings focus on the onboard experience with multiple consecutive sea days, making enrichment programs, dining, and entertainment central to the voyage.
• Return Early: Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving guests.

Casino

• Empire Casino: Cunard's casinos feature slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other popular table games while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Elegant Atmosphere: The casino reflects Cunard's refined style, offering a quieter and more traditional gaming experience than many contemporary cruise ships.
• Gaming Hours: Casino operations are limited to times when the ship is outside territorial waters and comply with local regulations.
• Onboard Account: Eligible gaming transactions may be charged directly to your onboard account, providing a convenient cashless experience.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Cunard's cruise fare includes your assigned main restaurant, Kings Court or Artisan's Foodhall buffet (depending on ship), casual dining venues, and numerous complimentary culinary experiences throughout the day.
• Complimentary Beverages: Coffee, tea, water, and select juices are available during meals, while additional complimentary beverages vary by venue and time of day.
• Specialty Coffee: Cafés and lounges throughout the ship serve premium espresso beverages, specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and desserts for an additional charge unless included with your fare or beverage package.
• Fine Wines: Cunard maintains an extensive wine cellar with carefully selected wines from around the world, offering excellent pairings for its refined dining program.
• Late-Night Dining: Casual dining venues and room service provide convenient options for guests wishing to enjoy lighter meals or snacks later in the evening.

Beverage Packages

• Flexible Options: Cunard offers several beverage packages that may include wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks. Available packages vary depending on your voyage and departure region.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Beverage packages purchased before sailing often provide better value than purchasing onboard.
• Wine With Dinner: Guests who primarily enjoy wine or cocktails during lunch and dinner should compare package pricing with expected onboard purchases to determine the best value.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• My Voyage App: The app provides your daily schedule, dining reservations, onboard account, deck plans, and other voyage information throughout your cruise.
• Cunard Insights: Cunard's enrichment program features guest lecturers, historians, authors, scientists, performers, and subject experts who present informative talks throughout the voyage.
• Royal Court Theatre: Enjoy West End-style productions, classical performances, guest entertainers, and live music presented throughout your cruise.
• Planetarium: Guests sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 can experience Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea, offering fascinating astronomy presentations, films, and educational programs.
• Daily Programme: Review the daily schedule each evening to organize the following day's enrichment activities, shore excursions, dining, afternoon tea, and evening entertainment.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Worldwide Voyages: Cunard sails throughout Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and on its famous Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton.
• Shore Experiences: Cunard offers a wide selection of guided excursions including historical tours, cultural experiences, scenic drives, culinary adventures, and active outdoor excursions.
• Independent Exploration: Many guests enjoy exploring ports independently, particularly during Cunard's longer port visits. Always verify the published all-aboard time before leaving the ship.
• Transatlantic Crossings: Unlike traditional cruises, Transatlantic Crossings focus on the onboard experience with multiple consecutive sea days, making enrichment programs, dining, and entertainment central to the voyage.
• Return Early: Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving guests.

Casino

• Empire Casino: Cunard's casinos feature slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other popular table games while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Elegant Atmosphere: The casino reflects Cunard's refined style, offering a quieter and more traditional gaming experience than many contemporary cruise ships.
• Gaming Hours: Casino operations are limited to times when the ship is outside territorial waters and comply with local regulations.
• Onboard Account: Eligible gaming transactions may be charged directly to your onboard account, providing a convenient cashless experience.