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LuxurySouthampton, United Kingdom Founded 1840

Cunard Cruise Line Guide

Fleet, flagship, dress code, US homeports, and who Cunard fits best for 2026. Facts are cited to the line's own website, with unverified fields flagged rather than guessed.

4 ships tracked

Quick answer

  • Category: Luxury
  • Fleet size: 4 ships
  • Flagship: Queen Mary 2 (149,215 GT)
  • Ship classes: Queen
  • Parent company: Carnival Corporation & plc
  • Formal nights: Yes
  • Baggage limit: 50 lb per bag

Cunard fleet and ship classes

Cunard operates a fleet of 4 ships across 1 class: Queen. The current flagship is Queen Mary 2. We track 4 ships below, 1 of them with cabin dimensions we could confirm.

ShipClassYearGross tonsLengthPassengers
Queen Mary 2Queen2004149,2151,132 ft2,691
Queen AnneQueen2024113,0001,058 ft2,956
Queen ElizabethQueen201090,400964 ft2,081
Queen VictoriaQueen200790,000964 ft2,079

Cunard cabin sizes by category

Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite square footage across Cunard ships we track. Ranges reflect the smallest and largest stateroom in each category across the fleet.

ShipInteriorOceanviewBalconySuite
Queen Mary 2Not publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Queen AnneNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Queen ElizabethNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Queen VictoriaNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedup to 1,555 sq ft

For a full breakdown by subcategory with balcony square footage and max occupancy, see the Cunard cabin size checker.

Cunard dress code

Most evenings call for smart attire, such as a cocktail dress, a dress shirt with trousers, or a stylish skirt and top. Formalwear is not required every night. On Gala Evenings guests are invited to dress up in tuxedos, evening gowns, or whatever makes them feel their best. Swimwear is not permitted in indoor dining areas.

Formal night frequency

On voyages of three nights or more, at least one Gala Evening has an elevated dress code and is entirely optional. Gala Evenings are often themed, including Black and White, Red and Gold, Roaring 20s, and Masquerade Ball. Themes are posted in advance in the calendar on My Cunard.

Full Cunard dress code guide with packing tips →

Confirm current policy at https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack.

Cunard alcohol policy

Cunard allows one bottle of wine or champagne per person, no larger than 750 ml. A corkage fee applies if you drink it in a restaurant or bar.

Corkage fee
$25 per bottle
Drink package
Offered
Drinking age
21

Full Cunard alcohol policy: corkage, packages, drinking age →

Cunard gratuities

Cunard adds a daily Hotel Charge to each guest's onboard account, set by accommodation grade: $18 per person per day for Britannia and Britannia Club, and $19 for Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites. A separate 18% service charge is added to each bar or restaurant beverage purchase and to spa and salon purchases.

Daily gratuity
$18 per guest per day
Bar service charge
18%

Full Cunard gratuities: daily rates, prepaid, and how to adjust →

Cunard smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas, which are clearly posted, plus Churchill's Cigar Lounge, which is reserved for cigar and pipe smokers. Churchill's is the only indoor exception; all other indoor areas are non-smoking.

Cabins & balconies
No smoking
Casino
Non-smoking
Cabin fine
$250

Full Cunard smoking policy: where you can smoke, casino, and fines →

Cunard baggage allowance

Cunard does not restrict the amount of luggage guests bring, beyond asking that each case stay below 23 kg (about 50 lb) for health and safety reasons. Individual items over 23 kg are not permitted on board and guests may be asked to repack. All luggage is scanned at the cruise terminal before it is loaded onto the ship. Guests attach a Cunard-issued luggage label, printed from My Cunard, to each piece they want to check in.

Full Cunard baggage rules: bag limits, weight in lb and kg, and carry-on tips →

Official policy: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cunard-stories/luggage-guide

Cunard Wi-Fi

Cunard offers an Essential Internet plan and a Premium Internet plan, available by the day or for the entire voyage. A plan can be shared across several devices, but only one device can be connected at a time. Guests who want multiple devices online at once need to buy additional plans.

Essential Internet plan
Not published
Premium Internet plan
Not published
Free Wi-Fi
Limited free access
Starlink
Onboard
Devices per plan
1 device

Cunard's My Voyage onboard planner is free to use on any compatible smart device by joining the ship's Wi-Fi, with no internet plan required.

Cunard's Wi-Fi is powered by Starlink, and speeds depend on satellite reception. A plan for the entire voyage can be bought in My Cunard up to four days before sailing and saves 10% compared with on board prices.

Official policy: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/staying-connected

Cunard homeports

The main US ports where Cunard sails from come first, then the other ports our port guide lists for the line. Click through for terminal overviews, nearest airports, and typical itineraries.

Main US homeports

Also in our port guide

Who Cunard is best for

Travelers who value heritage, tradition, and a more formal onboard atmosphere than any other major cruise line offers. Cunard's four Queens attract Anglophiles, transatlantic devotees, and world-cruise travelers who appreciate White Star service, afternoon tea in the Queens Room, and Gala Evenings with themed dress. Queen Mary 2 is the only purpose-built ocean liner still in regular transatlantic service between Southampton and New York.

Standout features

  • Queen Mary 2 is the world's only purpose-built ocean liner operating a regular transatlantic schedule between Southampton and New York
  • Cunard's Gala Evenings are themed (Black and White, Red and Gold, Masquerade, Roaring 20s) with full ballroom dancing in the Queens Room
  • Founded in 1840, Cunard is the oldest major cruise line still in operation with an unbroken 185-year history
  • Cunard operates one of the most extensive world cruise programs, with full circumnavigations of 100+ nights departing each January from Southampton

Pack for your Cunard sailing

Build a cruise-specific packing list with formal-night guidance, port-day gear, and the magnetic hooks veterans swear by.

Cunard head-to-head comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How many ships does Cunard have?
Cunard operates a fleet of 4 ships across 1 class: Queen. We track 4 of these ships in our database, 1 of them with cabin dimensions we could confirm.
What is Cunard's biggest ship?
Queen Mary 2 is Cunard's largest ship at 149,215 gross tons. It is a Queen-class ship launched in 2004.
What ship classes does Cunard operate?
Cunard operates ships across the following classes: Queen. Flagship: Queen Mary 2.
How big are Cunard cabins?
On Cunard, the largest suites reach 1,555 sq ft. Exact dimensions vary by ship class and stateroom subcategory. Use our cabin size checker for a ship-by-ship breakdown.
Does Cunard have formal nights?
Yes. Cunard holds Gala Evenings, and how many you get depends on how long you sail.
What is Cunard baggage allowance?
Cunard does not publish a checked bag count, but each bag is limited to 50 lb (23 kg). A carry-on you keep with you on embarkation day is permitted.
Who owns Cunard?
Cunard is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, headquartered in Southampton, United Kingdom.
What US ports does Cunard sail from?
Cunard sails from US homeports including PortMiami. Our port guide also lists Cunard at Port of Seattle. Each port page on this site links back to the cruise lines that operate from it.
What kind of traveler is Cunard best for?
Travelers who value heritage, tradition, and a more formal onboard atmosphere than any other major cruise line offers. Cunard's four Queens attract Anglophiles, transatlantic devotees, and world-cruise travelers who appreciate White Star service, afternoon tea in the Queens Room, and Gala Evenings with themed dress. Queen Mary 2 is the only purpose-built ocean liner still in regular transatlantic service between Southampton and New York.
Does Cunard have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Cunard guests can get online at sea over SpaceX Starlink.
How much is Wi-Fi on Cunard?
Cunard does not publish a fixed daily Wi-Fi price. Some Wi-Fi access is included at no extra charge.
Can you stream on Cunard Wi-Fi?
Yes, on the Premium Internet plan tier.
Does Cunard use Starlink?
Yes. Cunard runs its onboard Wi-Fi on SpaceX Starlink.

Compare other cruise lines

Sources & verification

Verified Oct 2026. Cruise lines change fleets, dress codes, homeports, and baggage policies without notice. Always confirm directly with Cunard before booking or sailing.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.