While not as well-known as cruise giants like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, those looking for a more upscale voyage might be considering Cunard, as they're known for providing a luxurious cruise experience by emphasizing elegance and high-quality services.
With that, however, you'll find that Cunard fares tend to be more expensive than those on other lines. From the moment you step onboard, you'll be immersed in a world of sophistication that highlights exclusive amenities, gourmet dining, and personalized service
Cunard won't appeal to everyone, but if you're seeking a voyage marked by a commitment to traditional elegance with a shower-paced and more refined environment, it might be worth it to invest in a Cunard cruise for your next voyage.
Here are 8 reasons as to why Cunard is so expensive.
Cunard offers a more traditional cruising experience compared to most mainstream cruise lines
Onboard, for instance, you'll find different restaurants designed for certain cabin categories.
While this is becoming more common today with the suite experience (i.e., guests in Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class can dine at Coastal Kitchen), this is simply part of the Cunard experience fleetwide. The Princess Girl is available exclusively to those who book Princess Suites, whereas the Queens Grill is for those who are staying in a Queens Grill suite.
Additionally, you should expect stricter dress codes that are enforced shipwide. If you choose to sail, for example, on Celebrity or Princess, while still more upscale than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the dress code is far more relaxed.
On gala nights, they encourage guests to be as lavish as they'd like. Their website does state that it's your choice whether you'd like to participate or not; however, many guests choose to sail with Cunard because they look forward to these events.
You're paying for their historic reputation
Cunard is one of the oldest lines in the world, dating back to its founding by Sir Samuel Cunard in 1839 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. One year later, their first ship, RMS Britannia, made its maiden transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to Halifax in a little over 12 hours, effectively marking the beginning of regular transatlantic sailings via steamship.
In 1934, nearly one century after their founding, Cunard merged with the White Star Line, and yes, THE White Star Line behind the ill-fated RMS Titanic, to become Cunard White Star Line. While not the only reason for their merger, both companies faced some economic challenges during the Great Depression.
Two years later, RMS Queen Mary was launched. She ended up receiving the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing three months after making her debut; however, she lost the title to SS Normandie in 1937. The following year, she recaptured the title and held it until 1952.
Following World War II, the ocean liner industry began to struggle due to the rise of air travel. In an effort to revitalize its fleet and stay competitive, Cunard introduced the iconic QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2) in 1969. This ship became a symbol of luxury and style, serving as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship during the off-season. She served as Cunard's flagship vessel from 1969 until 2004, when is when Queen Mary 2 debuted.
In 1998, Carnival Corporation purchased 62% of Cunard for $425 million. Following this acquisition, Carnival went on to acquire the remaining shares the following year for an additional $205 million.
In comparison, the majority of mainstream cruise lines' histories date back no more than 65 years. Of course, this isn't the case for every line. Holland America Line, for instance, was founded in 1873.
Cunard's ships aren't your average modern-day cruise ships
Cunard's three (soon-to-be four) ships are more akin to ocean liners than cruise ships like Celebrity Reflection or Discovery Princess. In fact, Queen Mary 2 is the last remaining ocean liner at sea. Queen Mary 2 is also their largest ship, measuring slightly over 149,000 gross registered tons.
The remaining three vessels — Queen Victoria (2007), Queen Elizabeth (2010), and Queen Anne (2024) — all measure under 115,000 gross registered tons.
You won't find any major thrills onboard, either. Royal Caribbean, for instance, is known for building some of the most innovative ships at sea that feature record-breaking water parks, ice skating rinks, Broadway-style productions, sky diving simulators, bumper cars, and more.
Cunard's ships lack all of these amenities. That, however, doesn't mean that you will be bored on their ships; they're simply catering to a different crowd.
Read more: What it's like on the world's last ocean liner: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
They're the only cruise line with regular transatlantic voyages
Most cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises at the beginning or end of their seasonal deployments. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, might sail from Florida to Barcelona before offering summer voyages around Europe.
At the conclusion of the season, the ship will make a singular transatlantic trip back to the United States to, most likely, spend the winter in/around the Caribbean. Because of that, if you want to take a transatlantic cruise, there's usually not too much flexibility. Plus, they tend to be lengthier, usually falling somewhere between 10 and 14 nights.
Cunard, however, offers transatlantic voyages far more frequently. In 2025, for instance, the only month they aren't offering any is February. Some sailings are as short as 6 nights, too. Of course, you can book a roundtrip voyage if you want more time onboard.
Read more: How much does it really cost to take a luxury cruise?
Typically, their other ships offer more interesting itineraries
In addition to regular transatlantic crossings, Cunard ships often sail to more unique ports of call, allowing guests to see more of the world than they otherwise would.
According to their website, they offer cruises to Africa & the Indian Ocean, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, the British Isles, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Northern Lights, Norway & Norwegian Fjords, South America, South Pacific, Transatlantic, USA & Canada, Western Europe, and even World Voyages.
Perhaps the only downside is that since their fleet is so small, the majority of deployments to each region are fairly short. In 2025, for instance, Cunard only has three cruises in/around Asia, whereas Celebrity has options every month of the year.
Read more: Wondering Where to Cruise? Here's How to Choose a Cruise Destination
They have complimentary room service, as well as a traditional afternoon tea
Since Cunard is deemed a luxury line, you won't have to worry about paying extra for room service. Whether you want your breakfast delivered first thing in the morning or would prefer a leisurely lunch on your private verandah, it's all included in the cost of your cruise fare.
On most cruise lines, the only room service that's included is a continental breakfast during specific hours. If you want any hot items, such as eggs, you'll likely have to pay extra. Moreover, lunch and dinner aren't included, so, even if you don't have to pay for each item individually, you will be subject to a service charge.
One tradition on Cunard sailings is their complimentary signature afternoon tea, which occurs daily from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. You'll be served by white-gloved waiters who will present a yummy array of treats, including finger sandwiches, scones, and elegant patisserie. Note, though, that the menu does change daily. Plus, their afternoon tea is served on fine bone china with live music played by their resident pianist or harpist.
Read more: Cruise ship room service: What you should know
Cunard is the only cruise line with a kennel onboard
Did you know that Cunard ships have previously transported an elephant, raccoon, and monkey?
While you won't find any exotic animals on your sailing, you should know that Queen Mary 2 has 24 kennels onboard to help your furry friend travel in style from the UK to the United States! They won't be cooped up the entire time, either, as there's tons of space to play, as well as a dedicated owner's lounge.
According to their website, Cunard ships have always had animals onboard. There, for instance, is a photograph from Cunard's staff magazine that dates back to 1917 and depicts Captain Rostron’s cat and her kitten. The animals of the affluent guests were equally pampered, as it's stated that, after being purchased by Mrs. Earl Hoover, Chow Coonam Brilliantine used to eat raw eggs on Aquitiana in 1925.
They're known for providing exceptional service
While this doesn't mean that you won't get great service on other cruise lines, they tend to maintain a favorable passenger-to-crew ratio to be able to ensure more personalized attention. Their website states that they "...believe great service is warm and sincere – it is not stuffy or hurried. It is always friendly, but never over familiar."
Queen Mary 2, for instance, can carry around 3,800 people, comprised of 2,691 guests and 1,173 crew members. In comparison, Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600, with a total of 2,350 crew members.
Like other mainstream lines, you're still charged a daily gratuity. For voyages departing through late April 2024, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites is $16.50 per person, per day, while those in Britannia staterooms will be charged $14.50 per person, per day. The rates will increase to $18 per person, per day for Queens and Princess Grill Suites, as well as $16 per person, per day for guests in Britannia cabins.
Read more: Cruise ship cabin stewards: who are they and what do they do?
How much does a Cunard cruise start at?
While Cunard is certainly more expensive than other cruise lines, you can find some amazing deals depending on when and where you're sailing. According to their website at the time of writing, the cheapest advertised fare was for a 2-night cruise onboard Queen Anne, their newest ship, in June 2024. This specific sailing started at $240 per person.
Of course, many cannot justify sailing to Europe for a 2-night cruise. Plus, Cunard is well-known for their (nearly) year-round transatlantic cruises. They have transatlantic voyages ranging from $799 per person for a 7-night cruise all the way up to $3,599 per person for a 23-night sailing from Southampton, England to New York, Norway, and Iceland, concluding in Hamburg, Germany.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
