Cunard is known for offering a classic cruise experience, complete with elegant interiors, exceptional service, and the world’s last remaining ocean liner. With a fleet that includes iconic ships like Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, the cruise line offers passengers a taste of the golden age of ocean travel combined with modern comforts.
But not all Cunard ships are the same, and choosing the right one for your next voyage can be tricky. To help, we’ve ranked Cunard’s ships based on their features, atmosphere, and overall guest reviews.
How I Ranked Cunard’s Ships
To rank Cunard’s ships, I reviewed feedback from a variety of sources, including cruise review websites, social media discussions, travel forums, and expert opinions. This helped give valuable insight into the experiences of real passengers who have sailed with Cunard.
Queen Victoria
Class: Vista
Maiden Voyage: 2007
Capacity: 2,061 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
The Queen Victoria is a classic Cunard ship that many passengers love for its elegance and old-world charm. The ship’s art deco design and grand public spaces give it a timeless feel, with plenty of quiet spots to relax and unwind.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional cruise experience, with afternoon tea, formal evenings, and ballroom dancing being some of the highlights on board.
Photo by Richard N Horne, Wikimedia Commons
Guests often mention the Royal Court Theatre as a standout feature, offering West End-style shows and live performances. The Winter Garden, with its light-filled space, is another favorite spot to enjoy a peaceful moment while taking in the ocean views. The ship’s spacious promenade deck, perfect for leisurely strolls, is another highlight.
While the ship has its positives, some passengers feel that Queen Victoria is starting to show its age. There have been mentions of rust spots, dated cabin furnishings, and slow Wi-Fi, which can feel outdated compared to newer ships. That said, many cruisers still appreciate the ship for the warm service, beautiful decor, and relaxed pace.
What People Liked:
- Many passengers admire Queen Victoria’s classic ambiance, noting that “the ship is elegant and beautifully maintained inside,” offering a refined and traditional cruising experience.
- Grand Royal Court Theatre with quality shows
- Traditional afternoon tea service
- Guests frequently commend the attentive service on board, with one reviewer sharing, “The crew were pleasant… our room steward was among the best ever encountered, and all waiters in the Britannia Restaurant were friendly and accommodating.”
- Relaxed and quiet atmosphere
What People Didn’t Like:
- Some passengers feel that Queen Victoria is showing her age. As one review pointed out, “Queen Victoria is an old ship with outdoor rust issues… After two weeks the outside windows were partially cleaned in Malta.”
- Limited entertainment options, particularly for younger cruisers
- Some cabins experience noise and vibration issues
- Dining variety and food quality could be improved
- IT services and onboard Wi-Fi are outdated and expensive
Read more reviews and experiences from past passengers here.
Queen Elizabeth
Class: Vista
Maiden Voyage: 2010
Capacity: 2,081 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
The Queen Elizabeth is one of Cunard’s most stylish and classic ships, offering passengers a timeless cruising experience. With its art deco décor, wide-open promenades, and grand ballroom, the ship has a feel similar to a floating British country house.
On board, guests can take part in classic Cunard traditions like afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room, formal gala nights, and ballroom dancing. The Royal Court Theatre is another highlight, offering live shows and musical performances that rival Broadway productions. Whether you want to relax with a book in the Winter Garden or stroll the wide decks, the ship offers plenty of peaceful spots to unwind.
If you’re looking for comfortable accommodations, the ship offers plenty of staterooms and suites. Inside rooms, balcony cabins, and the more luxurious Grill Suites are all available, ensuring there’s something to fit different preferences. Guests staying in Grill Suites can also enjoy exclusive dining and priority services.
The Queen Elizabeth is perfect for anyone who prefers a more relaxed, quieter cruise. With traditional charm, elegant surroundings, and a touch of luxury, it’s a great option for cruisers seeking a peaceful, slower-paced voyage.
What People Liked:
- The Queen Elizabeth is praised for its timeless and elegant interiors. One reviewer remarked, “The ship is absolutely beautiful. The public areas, in the art-deco design, are stunning and well-maintained.”
- Many passengers loved the onboard dining options, especially the traditional afternoon tea. As one cruiser shared, “Tea Time is a must, with white-gloved service and delicious pastries — a highlight of the cruise!”
- Spacious promenade decks with scenic views
- Attentive and professional crew
- Relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere
What People Didn’t Like:
- Dining spaces can get busy during peak hours, causing frustration for some guests. As one reviewer put it, “The Lido buffet was almost impossible to find a seat in at peak times. It felt cramped and overcrowded.”
- Entertainment options could be more varied
- Some areas of the ship feel outdated
- Slow service in main dining rooms during busy hours
- Onboard technology lags behind other cruise lines
Read more reviews and experiences from past passengers here.
Queen Mary 2
Class: Ocean Liner (RMS)
Maiden Voyage: 2004
Capacity: 2,691 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.3/5)
Queen Mary 2 is one of the most iconic ships at sea, standing out as the only ocean liner still in service. Its art deco design, with sweeping staircases and a grand ballroom, reflects the golden age of cruising rarely seen today. The ship’s classic style and elegant atmosphere make it feel like a floating piece of history.
On board, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, from insightful lectures to traditional afternoon tea in the Queens Room. The ship also features a planetarium and one of the largest libraries at sea, perfect for passengers looking to relax and learn. There’s a sense of space and calm on QM2 that appeals to those who prefer a quieter cruise.
Photo by Gary Bembridge, Flickr
That said, some reviews mention that the ship could use some updates. Passengers have noted maintenance issues like worn-out furniture and plumbing problems. The dining experience also gets mixed feedback — some love the formal dining options, while others find the casual dining areas could offer more variety.
Queen Mary 2 is popular among those who value tradition and elegance in their cruise experience. While there’s room for improvement, the ship’s unique history and classical decor make it stand out from more modern ships.
What People Liked:
- The ship offers a unique ocean liner experience. As one guest shared, “The ship is something special on her own… she becomes a bucket list experience.”
- Unique transatlantic experience
- Spacious public areas and promenade deck
- Excellent afternoon tea service
- Interesting guest lectures and classical entertainment
What People Didn’t Like:
- Embarkation has been a common issue for some passengers, especially those with mobility challenges. A passenger shared their frustration, saying, “Embarkation was a nightmare at Southampton… waited in 2 lines for more than 90 minutes to board, and no assistance even though I was disabled.”
- The dining experience onboard Queen Mary 2 is a mixed bag, with some passengers noting that food quality and service could be better. One guest shared, “The menu in the Britannia now gives the option of paying a considerable supplement for lobster or a steak.”
- Declining service quality
- Maintenance issues (plumbing, rust, worn furnishings)
- Lack of modern amenities and onboard technology
Read more reviews and experiences from past passengers here.
Queen Anne
Class: Pinnacle Class
Maiden Voyage: 2024
Capacity: 3,000 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Queen Anne is the newest addition to Cunard’s fleet, featuring classic elegance with modern touches. The ship features art deco-inspired décor, spacious staterooms, and several new dining and entertainment options. Guests can enjoy traditional Cunard experiences like afternoon tea and Gala Evenings, but there’s also a fresh, contemporary vibe throughout the ship.
Dining on Queen Anne includes everything from formal meals in the Britannia Restaurant to more casual options around the ship. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room is a popular highlight, offering a classic Cunard experience. The ship’s promenade deck is a favorite for scenic strolls, and the Games Deck lets guests enjoy traditional outdoor activities like shuffleboard and croquet.
Entertainment on board caters to both traditional and modern tastes. The Royal Court Theatre hosts a variety of shows, while intimate performances and live music can be found in the ship’s lounges. Guests can also enjoy Cunard Insights guest lectures and themed events during their voyage.
While many passengers enjoy the new ship’s stylish interiors and upgraded amenities, some have voiced concerns. There have been reports of crowded dining areas, slower service during peak times, and inconsistent food quality. Some guests also feel Queen Anne lacks the old-world charm of Cunard’s older ships.
What People Liked:
- Many guests praise Queen Anne’s fresh, modern interiors while still appreciating its classic touches. One guest described it as “a beautiful ship with a modern look that might appeal to younger passengers.”
- Improved shower spaces in cabins
- Friendly and attentive crew
- The Bright Lights Society (Queen Anne’s exclusive show bar) has become a standout feature, as one reviewer shared, “It was so good we went twice. We struggled to find seats the second time!”
- Family-friendly amenities
What People Didn’t Like:
- Several passengers expressed frustration with overcrowding in dining areas. One guest shared, “The buffet is atrocious, with large queues being the order of the day. You get to the front of one queue only to find another!”
- Some passengers felt that Queen Anne’s service didn’t meet the high standards expected from Cunard. One reviewer stated, “The quality of service has noticeably dropped. It felt more like a Carnival experience rather than the usual Cunard luxury”
- Inconsistent food quality
- Smaller wardrobe space in cabins
- Lack of cabaret shows and reduced entertainment options
Read more reviews and experiences from past passengers here.
Which Cunard Cruise Ship Should You Choose?
With Cunard’s smaller fleet, it’s much simpler to find a ship that matches your preferences. Depending on your preferred travel dates and departure location, you may only have limited options to pick from.
Keep in mind that most Cunard ships are rated fine overall—nothing stands out as extraordinary or terrible, but each appeals to slightly different types of travelers.
If you’re drawn to the grandeur and nostalgia of classic ocean liners, Queen Mary 2 is the perfect choice. Known as the last true ocean liner, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace, elegant surroundings, and enriching activities like guest lectures or a trip to the onboard planetarium. It’s a great pick for history buffs or those considering a transatlantic crossing.
For cruisers looking for a more traditional yet slightly smaller ship, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are excellent options. They’re ideal if you enjoy a calm atmosphere, classic art deco interiors, and Cunard’s signature offerings like afternoon tea and ballroom dancing. On the other hand, if you want a modern experience with updated amenities, consider Queen Anne as the ship of your choice.
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