cunard line cruises 2024

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Queen elizabeth, queen victoria, queen mary 2, review of cunard.

Cunard Line (cunard.co.uk) is a British-American cruise shipping company and travel brand operated by Carnival UK and since 2005 owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies . In 2020 was celebrated company's 180th anniversary. Australia is Cunard's 3rd source market (following the UK and North America) and the company's 2nd (after the UK) for Around The World voyages .

Company History

In 1839, Samuel Cunard (1787-1865, shipping magnate from Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada) was awarded the first British transatlantic steamship mail contract. In 1840, he and Robert Napier (Scottish steamship engine designer and builder) formed the "British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company". The "cruise line" operated four paddle steamers on the UK-Canada-USA Transatlantic route Liverpool - Halifax - Boston .

Cunard Line's current President is Katie McAlister (previously employed by TUI UK & Ireland as CMO/Chief Marketing Officer, with TUI since 1998), who in August 2023 succeeded Simon Palethorpe. Carnival UK's current President is Paul Ludlow, while Carnival UK's CEO is David Dingle (managing both P&O UK and Cunard).

In the 1870s the line fell behind its rivals, White Star and Inman Line. To meet the competition, in 1879 Cunard was reorganized into Cunard Steamship Company, Ltd in order to raise capital. In 1902 the British Government provided the line with substantial loans and subsidies to build a couple of superliners needed to retain Cunard's competitive position. In the late 1920s, Cunard faced another competition when the Italians, French and Germans built large ocean liners.

Because of the USA's Great Depression (1929-33), the company was forced to suspend the construction on its new superliner. In 1934, Cunard was offered loans by the British Government to finish Queen Mary and to build its second ship, Queen Elizabeth. The condition was for Cunard to merge with the White Star Line and form Cunard-White Star Ltd. Cunard purchased White Star's 1/3rd shares in 1947. The company's name was changed to "Cunard Line" in 1950.

Cunard regained its position as the biggest Atlantic passenger line upon the end of World War II. By the mid-1950s, the line operated 12 ships to Canada and the United States. After 1958, trans-Atlantic liners became increasingly unprofitable due to the introduction of jet airliners. In 1968 Cunard Line withdrew from year-round service to concentrate on cruising and summer transatlantic sailings for vacationers. The Queens were replaced by QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2), which was designed for her special dual role.

In 1998, Carnival Corporation acquired Cunard. In 2003, RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was replaced on its Transatlantic service by QM2 (RMS Queen Mary 2). The company also operates MS Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Queen Victoria (QV). Currently, Cunard is the only shipping company operating a scheduled passenger service between North America and Europe.

With the opening of Carnival House in 2009 in Southampton, executive control of Cunard was subsequently transferred from Carnival Corp. in the US, to Carnival UK, a primary operating company of Carnival plc. Carnival plc, as the UK-listed holding company of Carnival Group, had executive control of all activities of the group in the UK, with headquarters of all UK-based brands, including Cunard Line, in offices at Carnival House.

The 36-year-old Queen Elizabeth 2 was replaced in 2004 on the North Atlantic by QM2 (Queen Mary 2). QE2 continued cruising until her retirement in 2008. Cunard added a big cruise ship, Queen Victoria (QV) in 2007. QV is not a sister for QM2, being ordered as a Vista-class cruise ship by Carnival for Holland America Line (HAL). To reinforce the traditions of Cunard, Queen Victoria has a small museum onboard. In 2010 Cunard Line commissioned a 2nd Vista-class cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth.

In 2011 the three Cunard vessels in service changed their ship registry to Hamilton, Bermuda. For the first time in the company's 171-year history, it had no ships registered in the UK. The captains of cruise ships registered in Bermuda can marry couples at sea.

On May 25, 2015, the three Cunard ocean liners - RMS Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth - sailed down the Mersey into Liverpool and commemorated the 175th anniversary of Cunard. As The Red Arrows performed a flypast, the trio performed exciting manoeuvers including 180-degree turns.

In 2015, Cunard Line was awarded best in the categories "Transatlantic Itineraries" and "World Cruise Itineraries" of Porthole Cruise Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards. The magazine's readers participate in an annual contest that evaluates the world's largest cruise shipping companies and determines the industry's leaders in several categories.

Cunard Line inaugurated the company's ever first regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossing in 1840 with RMS Britannia. Cunard launched its first World Cruise itinerary in 1922 with RMS Laconia.

In 2020, Cunard Line celebrated its 180th Anniversary. The company planned a special sale on voyages between July 2020-May 2022 fleetwide. The "180th Anniversary Sale" was offered on cruises booked in 2020 (new bookings only, made between February 28-May 18). The promo applied to various itineraries, including Alaskan and Transatlantic Crossings. The promo offered 50% reduced deposit, US$180 pp in OBC (onboard credit with balcony cabin bookings), free drinks package, free gratuities (Grill Suite bookings).

In 2022, Cunard will mark its 100th World Voyage. The first was launched in 1922 when was chartered RMS Laconia (1921-1942) to sail the first continuous world circumnavigation cruise (130-day itinerary with 22 ports).

On March 9, 2023 (International DJ Day), Cunard introduced fleetwide "silent discos" (on selected evenings) which are hosted in the ships' nightclubs. To each of the venues was also added a live DJ and a party band. The "silent disco" is a customizable experience (first introduced on river cruise ships) based on wireless headphones for listening to the music played. It allows each person to switch between songs/music genres and also to control the volume.

New ship 2024

At the end of September 2017, Cunard Line officially announced the planned addition of a 4th vessel to its fleet. The investment is part of the shipowner Carnival Corporation 's fleet expansion program, adding newbuilds to the fleets of the brand companies AIDA , Costa , Princess , P&O .

Cunard's shipbuilding contract (MoA/memorandum of agreement) with Fincantieri was signed on Sept 25, 2017. The new Cunard liner MS Queen Anne (entering service in 2024-Q1) has GT-tonnage 113,000 tons (volume), max passenger capacity 3000, and is Cunard's 249th vessel since the company's establishment in 1839.

The liner was originally planned to enter service in 2022, but, due to the health crisis, was eventually postponed for 2024-Q1.

Cunard Line's cruising experience

Discerning, well-traveled British and American couples from their late 30s to retirees are drawn to the traditional style of Cunard and the notion of "a cruise aboard an ocean liner". Announcements are made in English, French, German, and, on occasion, Spanish. Travelers are older than those on crossings. However, there is enough buzz about Cunard Line as to attract a number of young passengers and families. The Kid Zone features a splash pool and a dedicated play area for kids ages one to six. Separate programs are reserved for older ages (7 to 12) and teens up to 17. Activities range from games to educational computer classes. Kids can practice social graces when served their Afternoon Teatime goodies. English nannies supervise the toddlers. Facilities are operated until midnight and group babysitting is complimentary. Infants under 12 months are not permitted. Kids ages 1 to 2 sail free (except for government fees).

The dress code on Cunard ships rotates among formal, informal and casual in about equal proportion. Typical for Cunard cruises are the glamorous evenings. Resort casual clothing prevails during the day, but Cunard's liners are dressier than most cruise vessels at night. To maintain high standards, the company requests its customers to dress for dining in fine restaurants.

Dining aboard Cunard ships is by class and dining-room assignments are made in accordance with the booked accommodation category. You can get as much luxury as you wish to pay for on Cunard liners. Passengers in ships' Junior suites are assigned to single-seating Princess Grill. Queen's Grill serves those booked in duplex apartments and the most lavish suites. The rest of the passengers are assigned to seating in the multideck Britannia Restaurant or Britannia Club Restaurant on QE.

Although Britannia's fare is reasonably traditional and frequently outstanding, off-menu requests by Grill guests are commonly granted. Menus also include low-calorie and vegetarian selections.

The most coveted reservations are those on Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 in the restaurants named for Todd English, celebrity American chef noted for his sumptuous desserts and innovative Mediterranean cuisine. Both dinner ($30 cover charge per person) and lunch ($20) are offered in this intimate restaurant.

Aboard QM2, Chef's Galley is a small restaurant, where guests can look on as their food is prepared in an open kitchen setting. Wine is the only item to be charged here. King's Court buffet is transformed into 3 no-charge alternative dining spots each evening: La Piazza is dedicated to Italian dishes (pizza, pasta). The Carvery is for carved meats, Lotus is for Asian food.

Cunard entertainment has English flavor, with cabaret-style performances, plays and nightly production shows. An authentic pub gives cruisers even more British air. Music for listening and dancing is played in other lounges and bars. In the first-ever shipboard planetarium aboard Queen Mary 2, virtual-reality shows and high-tech presentations offer a virtual ride through space.

Cunard's enrichment programs include expert lectures by top designers, artists, and master chefs. Even navigation and seamanship courses are offered to inspire novice mariners.

Jogging tracks, swimming pools, table tennis, paddle tennis court, golf driving ranges and shuffleboard barely scratch the surface of facilities dedicated to recreation. Cunard fitness centers are top-quality and boast high-tech workout equipment, a separate gym/weight room and classes ranging from healthy living workshops to aerobics.

The Canyon Ranch Spa Club aboard Queen Mary 2 is a one-of-a-kind facility offering salon services, including such famous land-based spa signatures like the 80-minute Canyon Stone Massage. A large 30- by 15-foot thalassotherapy pool has a deluge waterfall, neck fountains, air tub, recliner lounges and massage-jet benches located in the pool. The thermal suite features an aromatic steam room, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, and reflexology basins. All of these special features are complimentary with a body or massage treatment; otherwise, a per-day charge is applied.

Shipboard policies

Pregnant women must have a letter from their doctor or midwife. They can't travel with Cunard Line after the 24th week of pregnancy. Kids under 12 months old are also not permitted. Kids between 12 and 24 months old travel free as 3rd or 4th person in the stateroom. A child sharing a cabin with 1 adult is charged an adult fare. Children (over 2 years of age) sharing a stateroom with 2 adults are charged as 3rd or 4th person (around half the normal fare).

A toddler-dedicated nursery is staffed by professional young nannies, and available for kids between 1 and 3 yo.

The dedicated "Play Zone" is for kids ages between 4 and 6. "The Zone" is for children up to 17 yo. Kids between 1 and 7 years old are allowed in Play Zone (free of charge) during its opening hours - 9 am-12noon, 2-5 pm, 6 pm-12midnight. Children 1 to 7 yo must be accompanied by an adult outside the Play Zone. Children 8 to 17-year-old can sign themselves in and out Play Zone and are free to wander solo throughout the ship.

Billed to the adult's onboard account is everything available for purchase on the boat - bar drinks, Internet access, shopping, spa and beauty treatments. The cabin card's total is deducted from your credit card at the end of the voyage. Bar prices have 15% gratuity (added automatically).

Mobile phone calls and Internet access are available onboard. The Internet has good download speed and is available in all public areas (including bars) and all staterooms.

Pay-per-item laundry service is available on the ship. Laundry items are collected from staterooms by cabin stewards. On all cabin decks are available small self-service (free-of-charge) laundrettes.

Cunard ships don't have baggage limits (as a number of bags). However, there is a weight limit per bag. Individual bags must not exceed 23 kg (51 pounds). Upon boarding, bags are taken at the cruise terminal and delivered to staterooms. Upon debarkation, they are transferred ashore.

Wine cruises

Since January 2017, Cunard offers shipboard wine-themed education courses via a partnership with the world's largest provider of wine and spirits qualifications WSET ("Wine and Spirit Education Trust"). WSET courses were initially available only on QM2's westbound Transatlantic crossings and world cruises, but were later offered fleetwide and on all voyages.

The 5-day course gives WSET Level 1 in wines and covers the basics (wine types, styles, sight, smell, taste, storing, serving, food pairing). The 12-day course gives WSET Level 2 in wines and spirits and explores grape varieties, styles of wines, produce, wine regions, classifications, labeling terminology, categories of spirits and liqueurs.

Classes are led by professional sommeliers and educators from Cunard Wine Academy. Each course finishes with an exam. In addition to the globally recognized WSET qualification certificates, passengers also receive lapel pins.

The first wine cruise was the Atlantic crossing Southampton-NYC (December 15, 2016). The first world cruise with WSET courses was on QM2 (January 10, 2017).

WSET's qualification program is offered to enthusiasts and wine professionals. It ranges from Level 1 Award (Wines, Spirits, and Sake) to Level 4 Diploma (Wines and Spirits).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Cunard Line canceled all cruises with pre-scheduled departures between March 14, 2020, and August 2021.

Following a 17-month break, passenger shipping operations resumed in 2021 with the liners QUEEN ELIZABETH (August 13/UK from Southampton/since October 13 - Canary Islands and Iberia), QUEEN MARY 2 (Dec 10/Southampton/follows Caribbean January thru April 2022), QUEEN VICTORIA ( June 5, 2022 /Europe-Mediterranean).

Cunard introduced an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings were given the option to cancel up to 48 hours (prior departure) without penalties.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) transferred to a booking made before December 31, 2021.

Itinerary of Cunard

NEWS: In 2024-Q1, the Cunard fleet enters the newbuild Queen Anne . Itineraries and bookings on the new liner's voyages are currently planned to open in May 2022.

Transatlantic crossings with RMS Queen Mary 2 attract British and American passengers (in equal proportions) and from all age groups. Cunard ships cruise to almost all most-popular ship travel destinations in the world, including Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal , South America, Alaska, Africa, Europe (Mediterranean and Baltic / Scandinavia and Russia), North America east coast (New England and Canada), Asia, Australia New Zealand.

Queen Mary 2 cruises are often mixed with destinations in the Caribbean, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Canada. Queen Victoria usually operates from homeport Southampton to Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Baltic. All Cunard liners operate around the world cruises .

Cruise itinerary changes (2024-2025)

Itinerary highlights for each liner during Cunard's 2024 season featured:

Queen Anne is scheduled to embark on her 7-night maiden voyage on January 4, 2024, from Southampton (England UK). The sailing includes an overnight in Lisbon (Portugal). On her return back to Southampton UK, the line’s newest vessel is to be joined by Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Fares start at US$1900 per person. Guests can also take in all that Cunard’s newbuild has to offer on a 35-night Eastern Caribbean & Transatlantic journey, which includes calls in St. Lucia and Barbados. The ship is scheduled to depart Southampton on January 27, 2024. Fares start at US$7800 per person. Queen Anne is also scheduled to operate a 16-night Western Mediterranean voyage with calls in Lisbon (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), and Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy), departing March 29 from Southampton UK. Fares start at US$3300 per person.

Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to operate a 10-night voyage from Sydney NSW Australia, sailing to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. The voyage is due to set sail on January 22, 2024. Fares start at US$2000 per person. A 10-night Southern Islands roundtrip cruise from Tokyo is due to take passengers to historic shrines, castles, and natural habitats (departing May 14, 2024). Fares start at US$2300 per person.

Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to depart on a 47-night voyage including 3 overnight calls, with time ashore in South Africa, Australia, and Portugal. The vessel will set sail on January 11, 2024, out of Southampton UK. Fares start at US$7,999 per person.

On January 11th, Queen Victoria is scheduled to depart Southampton UK on a 107-night world cruise. Destinations include San Francisco and Fiji, as well as overnights in South Africa and Hong Kong. Fares start at US$18500 per person.

In November 2022, Cunard announced itineraries from April 2024 through to January 2025 (190+ voyages), with scheduled visits to 133 ports/destinations (45 countries), including a maiden call in Nordfjordeid Norway . Queen Anne's maiden season features the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia, the UK/British Isles, and the Mediterranean, with itineraries 2 to 19 nights. Queen Anne makes a total of 62 maiden calls (including Dubrovnik, Gibraltar, Malaga, Oslo, Reykjavik, Rotterdam) and offers 6 overnights and 14 late-evening departures.

Queen Mary 2 offers 22 Transatlantic Crossings (2 to 30 nights) departing from Hamburg, Le Havre France, NYC New York, Quebec City Canada, and Southampton England. QM2 also sails in Northwestern Europe and to Norway's Fjords and celebrates Christmas/New Year's Eve in the Caribbean.

Queen Victoria has scheduled an extended Mediterranean season (May through October 2024), with voyages ranging from a short 5-night sailing (to Rotterdam and Bruges) to a 29-night Mediterranean Highlights (with an overnight in Istanbul Turkey).

For guests who prefer longer sea vacations, Cunard has a 29-night itinerary allowing them to sample all three queens. It begins with an eastbound Transatlantic Crossing (Queen Mary 2), from Southampton (Queen Anne) continues with a 14-night segment around the UK and Iceland, follows a flight to Italy and embarkation (Queen Victoria) to visit the Adriatic and Central Med.

Cunard's 2025 schedule (April 2025 through January 2026) was opened for booking in October 2023.

The program groups 180 voyages visiting 91 ports/destinations (24 countries).

Queen Anne's deployment is in Europe (Western Mediterranean, Western Europe, Baltic/Norwegian Fjords) with planned 19 maiden for Cunard ports.

Queen Mary 2 has planned Transatlantic Crossings.

Queen Victoria is deployed in the Mediterranean.

Queen Anne's ex-UK itineraries (Southampton roundtrips) range between 2 and 19 nights. A 12-night Norwegian Fjords itinerary starts in June, followed in July by a 16-night Mediterranean itinerary.

Queen Victoria's Mediterranean season (May through October) offers 7-14-21-night itineraries leaving from Spain (Barcelona) and Italy (Civitavecchia-Rome, Trieste).

Winter 2025 itineraries

In March 2023 Cunard announced 2025 winter program grouping 133+ voyages, 159 destinations (ports/islands in 57 countries) and all four vessels. The season features 6 maiden for Cunard destinations (in Alaska, Australia, Japan, New Caledonia, Vanuatu) as well as Queen Anne's full World Voyage  in 2025.

Also was announced Queen Elizabeth's 2024 Alaskan summer program (10 roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada ) ranging from 9- to 11-night itineraries. Queen Elizabeth's call ports/destinations include Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay NP, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point/Hoonah, plus two maiden calls - at Wrangell  and Misty Fjords.

Queen Anne's World Voyage departs on January 9, 2025. The 107-night itinerary is roundtrip from Southampton and visits 30+ ports on 5 continents) including 9 overnight ports and 3 late-evening departures. There are also two shorter itinerary segments - 17-night New York to San Francisco (January 18th, 2025) and 13-night Singapore to Dubai (March 25th, 2025).

RMS Queen Mary 2's program is traditionally divided between the Caribbean and the regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings (Europe-USA-Europe), plus some Mediterranean voyages. Itineraries range between 7-35 nights and depart from homeports NYC New York, Southampton UK, and Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy). The liner offers 4 overnights at Curacao, Funchal, Lisbon, and NYC, with 3 late-evening departures in Bridgetown Barbados, and Spain's Vigo and Malaga. Signature voyages are the 8-night Westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton UK (March 8, 2025) and the 13-night Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from New York City (March 16, 2025).

Queen Victoria's 8x South America 2025 voyages can be combined into the 85-night "South America Discovery" (B2B out of Hamburg) sailing around Cape Horn . There are 5 overnight calls in Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Callao-Lima and 5 late-evening departures. Queen Victoria's 2025 program features two ex-UK/Southampton roundtrips - the 11-night Atlantic Coast Adventure (December 5, 2024) and the 7-night Amsterdam, Bruges and Hamburg ((January 2, 2025).

Queen Elizabeth's Alaska 2024 program (June-September) is based on roundtrips from Vancouver Canada. Following a stop in San Francisco CA, the ship relocated to Australia and New Zealand (throughout the fall) with itineraries ranging from 2 to 38 nights. In February 2025, Queen Elizabeth sails to Singapore and stays in East Asia through May, visiting ports in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The season features 7 overnight ports (including Hong Kong, Hobart Tasmania, Osaka), 25 late-evening departures, and two signature sailings - the 11-night Alaskan roundtrip from Vancouver (July 11, 2024) and the 25-night Transpacific crossing San Francisco to Sydney NSW ( September 22, 2024/RepositionCruises.com).

Cunard also offers B2Bs/Back-to-Back cruises . There are two B2B opportunities to sample all four Cunard liners in one voyage. The experience commences on Queen Victoria in June 2024 when passengers sail the Mediterranean visiting ports in Malta, Croatia, and Italy. After a few days in Rome , they join Queen Anne to visit Spain and the islands of Sardinia and Majorca before disembarking in Southampton. There, guests join Queen Mary 2 on a westbound Transatlantic Crossing and then fly from NYC to Vancouver. Queen Elizabeth hosts the B2B's final leg in Alaska. A similar experience can be taken in the reverse beginning in Alaska, with an eastbound Crossing, sailing the Norway Fjords, and ending in the Mediterranean.

2025-2027 itineraries

In February 2024 were opened for sales sailings spanning from September 2025 to January 2027, inclusive of new Caribbean itineraries (leaving from  Miami Florida USA ) and two simultaneous  world voyages (starting January 2026) planned for the ships  Queen Anne  and  RMS Queen Mary 2 . Queen Anne's 109-night World Voyage departs from Southampton on January 11, 2026. Queen Mary 2's 51-night itinerary (Southampton to Sydney NSW via Panama Canal) also departs on Jan 11th.

The forthcoming program encompasses 300+ sailings across the 4-ship fleet, with visits to 184 destinations in 70 countries and encompassing 108 Unesco World Heritage sites. Additionally, the itineraries feature 37 overnight port stays and 66 late-evening port departures.

The new program entails 5 maiden port calls -  Kona Hawaii ,  Roatan Island Honduras ,  Dakar Senegal ,  Miami , and  Molde Norway .

Queen Elizabeth has a new Caribbean schedule comprising 33 departures from PortMiami to Caribbean island destinations like San Juan Puerto Rico, Montego Bay Jamaica, Georgetown Grand Cayman, Roatan Honduras, Tortola BVI, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia.

Queen Victoria is based in the Mediterranean, Atlantic islands (Azores, Madeira) and the Baltic/Norway.

Cunard Alaskan shore excursions

Cunard Line offers 140+ shore excursions in Alaska.

These tours are optional and themed as:

• "Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest"
• "Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest"
• "Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery"
• "Dogsled Adventure by Helicopter"
• "Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure"
• "Cooking in Alaska's Wildest Kitchen"
• "Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour"
• "Scenic Mountain Ascent and World's Largest ZipRider"
• ATV Expedition
• Wilderness Cruise and Silverking Lodge Seafood Feast
• White Pass Scenic Railway (Luxury Class)
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast
• Misty Fjords Seaplane Exploration
• Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour
• Exclusive Burro Creek Waterfall Lodge and Crab Feast

Cunard also offers pre- and post-cruise train tours inclusive of a 3- or 5-day hotel plus 2 full days of train travel on the Rocky Mountaineer. The tour is an extension to the Alaskan cruise. The 3-night "Rocky Mountaineer Tour" (post-cruise package) departs from Vancouver and ends in Calgary, while the 4-night train tour (pre-cruise package) is the reverse route (Calgary to Vancouver) and includes an additional day in Banff.

In 2023, the 3-night tour was priced from US$2850 per person (with double occupancy), while the 4-night tour's prices started from US$3250 pp.

The Rocky Mountaineer is currently the only passenger rail service on this historic route. The land journey offers 180-degree panoramic views of lakes, canyons and snow-capped mountains. The train itself features luxurious coaches and expansive glass-dome windows.

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Home Luxury Cruises 2024 Cunard Cruises 2024

Cunard Cruises 2024

Explore the world on a cruise with the iconic Cunard Line in 2024. Find your voyage and book with us today.

If you’re looking for a Cunard cruise sailing in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. Since 1993, we have partnered with the historic operator, allowing access to exclusive fares and value-added benefits on a wide selection of itineraries. From complimentary onboard spending money and reduced fly-cruise fares, our Cunard cruise deals for 2024 give you the opportunity to save money and enjoy exclusive benefits on your next voyage.

Whether you’re looking to set sail from Southampton, explore Asia or Alaska, or head off on a transatlantic crossing , our team of Voyage Consultants will be there every step in planning your journey. Call us on 0800 008 6677 or submit an online enquiry for your preferred Cunard 2024 cruise to find out more.

Cunard 2024 itineraries:

Cunard’s 2024 cruise itineraries will see the world-famous operator sail to all seven continents. From no-fly cruises departing from Southampton to two full World Cruise itineraries, Cunard offers an abundance of choices to suit your requirements. There are also more opportunities to explore than ever before, with maiden calls in the first part of 2024 scheduled for New Plymouth (New Zealand), Beppu (Japan) and Lautoka (Fiji).

2024 Voyage Schedule By Ship

Cunard’s four-ship fleet will offer the following itineraries in 2024:

Queen Anne 2024

The long-awaited Queen Anne will make her Cunard debut in 2024. Following her inaugural voyage from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean in January, the new vessel will spend the first half of the year cruising to various destinations, including the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Queen Elizabeth 2024

Queen Elizabeth will begin 2024 Down Under in Australia. The itineraries available range from 3-22 nights, with highlights including a 12-night intensive tour of New Zealand and an extended voyage visiting a collection of Pacific Islands. In early spring, Queen Elizabeth will head to Japan and offer a series of roundtrip sailings from Tokyo.

Queen Mary 2 2024

Queen Mary 2 will operate one of two World Cruises for Cunard in 2024. The 123-night itinerary will sail roundtrip from Southampton and call at 34 destinations throughout 22 countries, including South Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The voyage will feature overnight calls in notable locations like Cape Town, Sydney, and Hong Kong and will also transit Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Queen Victoria 2024

Like Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth will also sail a World Cruise in 2024. Sailing from Southampton, the 107-night itinerary will see the ship explore the Caribbean, the Americas, Australasia, South Africa and the Mediterranean. Upon her return to Southampton, Queen Victoria will head to Hamburg, ready for the summer season in Europe.

Included with Cunard:

Cunard Line offers fantastic value for money and is an excellent choice for both experienced travellers and those looking to book their first cruise holiday. Every Cunard cruise in 2024 includes the following:

• Spacious accommodation with ensuite facilities
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In addition, choose to book the Cunard Fare and select one of the three benefits; onboard spending money, return coach transfers to the port, or complimentary car parking.

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If you’re interested in finding out more about cruising with Cunard in 2024, or if you would like to receive a quotation for one of the cruises featured below, please call 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, please make an online enquiry for your preferred voyage.

You might also be interested in Cunard Cruises 2023 .

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Cunard Cruises 2024

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The Cunard cruise line is synonymous with luxury cruising and boasts an unrivalled maritime heritage dating back almost two centuries.

From mini cruises to round-the-world voyages and iconic transatlantic crossings, Cunard is a name that has achieved legendary status within the cruising industry.

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• Cunard Line

2024 Gala Theme Schedule

By e&mcruise , October 25, 2023 in Cunard Line

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e&mcruise

Anyone have any info or idea of when Cunard will release the Gala Schedule for 2024 cruises?

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Most of the 2023 dress code and theme schedules were first posted in My Cunard on November 24, 2022. If Cunard keeps to a similar schedule this year, we may have about one month to go until they post the 2024 dress code and theme schedules.

Thanks Bluemarble. Seems quite close for those travelling in January but we are in March so will be enough time to organise, theme dependant. 🙂

maggielou362

Good Evening/Morning Fellow Cunarders,

I am very excited to discover just now that it looks like we will be enjoying THREE gala nights on our ten-day QM2 voyage around the Great Australian Bight (Fremantle to Sydney in Feb 2024) We have a "Black and White" on night 2, then a non-specified "Gala Evening" on night 6, and a "Roaring Twenties" theme on day 9. I am going dress shopping!

1 hour ago, maggielou362 said: Good Evening/Morning Fellow Cunarders, I am very excited to discover just now that it looks like we will be enjoying THREE gala nights on our ten-day QM2 voyage around the Great Australian Bight (Fremantle to Sydney in Feb 2024) We have a "Black and White" on night 2, then a non-specified "Gala Evening" on night 6, and a "Roaring Twenties" theme on day 9. I am going dress shopping!

Thank you very much for that heads up about the 2024 schedules. I'm seeing the schedule for my 2024 QM2 crossings in June as well. Looks like it's time for me to start a project to compile the 2024 dress code and theme schedules. I'll start a new thread for that. 

Time for Cunard to introduce new Evening Gala Themes 

Roaring 20's is and opportunity for some gentlemen to climb into the loft to bring the dressing up box down.

Trilby hats and the Gangster look is childish and ridiculous. How about "Red Carpet and Hollywood Glam.  

7 hours ago, Bell Boy said: Time for Cunard to introduce new Evening Gala Themes  Roaring 20's is and opportunity for some gentlemen to climb into the loft to bring the dressing up box down. Trilby hats and the Gangster look is childish and ridiculous. How about "Red Carpet and Hollywood Glam.  

Cunard already markets the “inner James Bond” so we should have a James Bond/Miss Moneypenny theme. 

3 hours ago, NE John said: Cunard already markets the “inner James Bond” so we should have a James Bond/Miss Moneypenny theme. 

Any theme is asking for fancy dress from some passengers so why not go retro on the Vistas and just call it a Black Tie  Gala evening'? 

If Mary can have Black Tie [formal suit], then so can her sisters.

2 hours ago, Victoria2 said: Any theme is asking for fancy dress from some passengers so why not go retro on the Vistas and just call it a Black Tie  Gala evening'?  If Mary can have Black Tie [formal suit], then so can her sisters.

What a startling suggestion.

14 hours ago, sfred said: QE, Feb 20-Mar 05, 2024 (voyage Q408, Sydney-SouthPacific-Sydney) Feb 21: Black and White Feb 27: Masquerade Mar 03: Roaring Twenties

We are on the cruise after you, can I ask how you found out your schedule? Not showing yet in MyCunard for Q409A.

7 hours ago, exlondoner said: What a startling suggestion.

Novel or what!!! 😁

10 hours ago, e&mcruise said: We are on the cruise after you, can I ask how you found out your schedule? Not showing yet in MyCunard for Q409A.

Dress codes for our Q408 voyage are in MyCunard, shown under "Your Calendar".  Screen shot pasted below.  Strange that your Q409A isn't showing yet. 

2 hours ago, sfred said:   Dress codes for our Q408 voyage are in MyCunard, shown under "Your Calendar".  Screen shot pasted below.  Strange that your Q409A isn't showing yet.    . 

Thanks sfred. Hoping it will pop any moment but based on your schedule, have to assume we are getting the Red & Gold theme if the cruise prior that you are on has Black and White, Masquerade & Roaring Twenties. Any Cunard regulars......do they rotate the theme nights in the same order? 

6 minutes ago, e&mcruise said: Thanks sfred. Hoping it will pop any moment but based on your schedule, have to assume we are getting the Red & Gold theme if the cruise prior that you are on has Black and White, Masquerade & Roaring Twenties. Any Cunard regulars......do they rotate the theme nights in the same order? 

No, they don't necessarily rotate the themes. They do rotate them on back-to-back transatlantic crossings where a significant number of passengers book round trip crossings.

Looking at the schedule for QE's last Australia/New Zealand season, they mostly scheduled Black and White along with either Roaring Twenties or Masquerade (or both) for the themes. I only see one Red and Gold theme scheduled during all of the last Australia/New Zealand season and that was relatively early in the season during December 2022.

It's a similar situation with the QE Alaska season where the themes were Ice White and Masquerade for each of the Alaska cruises this year.

Have just received a response from Facebook....... Thought all Gala Nights had a theme?

1 hour ago, e&mcruise said: Have just received a response from Facebook....... Thought all Gala Nights had a theme?

No, gala evenings do not always have a theme. Most do but not always.

During the world voyages, they scatter a few gala evenigs without themes into the schedule probably to attempt to avoid overload from repeating the same four themes over and over. They may include gala evenings with no themes on some of the other longer cruises presumably for the same reason.

New Year's Eve is another occasion when they schedule a gala evening with no theme. In the past, they sometimes called it a New Year's Eve Ball but that's gone by the wayside since they only use the four standard themes now (plus Ice White on QE Alaska).

They also tend to have gala evenings with no themes during the short 2-night segments between Southampton and Hamburg. They usually also designate those as optional gala evenings for those disembarking the next morning.

No-theme formal nights do come up from time to time.  We had a "Gala night (unspecified)" during the transatlantic portion of our recent QE San Francisco to Barcelona trip, on the middle sea day between Bermuda and Madeira.  We searched our luggage and scoured the ship's shops, but never did find anything "unspecified" to accompany our regular formal kit. The moment we identified or pointed to something, it became "specified".  😄 (*sorry*)

1 hour ago, e&mcruise said: Have just received a response from Facebook....... Thought all Gala Nights had a theme?

On our last sailing, we had A Gala Evening - Unspecified and all those we knew Dressed Gala but selected their own theme.

Surprisingly most on board were dressed in a Red Theme color on their own.

Both Females and Men...

How disappointing. On our first 5 night cruise on Cunard with certain expectations based on extensive researching and as per their own website:

Gala Evenings follow one of four themes – either Black and White, Red and Gold, Masquerade or Roaring 20s. 

Very First World Problem I know but I am the sort of person that expects to get what is published by the company, regardless of situation, in this case Cunard.

Makes me worry about what else won't be as "promised". Just call me "Nervous Nellie" based on previous bad experiences with Azamara & RCCL.

6 minutes ago, e&mcruise said: How disappointing. On our first 5 night cruise on Cunard with certain expectations based on extensive researching and as per their own website:   Gala Evenings follow one of four themes – either Black and White, Red and Gold, Masquerade or Roaring 20s.    Very First World Problem I know but I am the sort of person that expects to get what is published by the company, regardless of situation, in this case Cunard.   Makes me worry about what else won't be as "promised". Just call me "Nervous Nellie" based on previous bad experiences with Azamara & RCCL.

I suspect the gala evening for your 5-night cruise (voyage Q409A) is going to be on the evening of your sea day between Sydney and Melbourne. If that's the case, the situation you are facing is that there is also a 2-night cruise being sold from Sydney to Melbourne (voyage Q409), "Australia Short Break". That's similar to the situation I mentioned earlier where gala evenings on the 2-night cruises between Southampton and Hamburg often don't have a theme. I'm not entirely sure what the logic is, but I suspect it's because a significant number of passengers will be ending their cruise the next morning in Melbourne so they won't be much interested in participating in a full blown gala evening with a theme.

Sorry you have been caught up in one of the exceptions to the rule that gala evenings follow one of four themes.

12 hours ago, Victoria2 said: I know. Novel or what!!! 😁

Revolutionary . . . 

2 hours ago, bluemarble said:   Sorry you have been caught up in one of the exceptions to the rule that gala evenings follow one of four themes.

Not sure where they list "exceptions to the rule" but understand what you are saying. Cunard are more than happy to quote T&Cs for any inquiry but are happy to make "exceptions to the rule" wherever they see fit obviously. This does not bode well for our first Cunard experience. 😞

4 minutes ago, e&mcruise said: Not sure where they list "exceptions to the rule" but understand what you are saying. Cunard are more than happy to quote T&Cs for any inquiry but are happy to make "exceptions to the rule" wherever they see fit obviously. This does not bode well for our first Cunard experience. 😞

Good heavens. Don't let a perceived hiccup on a Gala theme pre influence you on Cunard.

1 hour ago, Victoria2 said: Good heavens. Don't let a perceived hiccup on a Gala theme pre influence you on Cunard.

Unfortunately it is more than that. Reading about Champagne being subbed for sparkling. 1 bottle in mini bar, not two. Booked direct with Cunard and found a cheaper price on a 3rd party site but despite Cunard offering UK guests a Price Promise....not available to Aussies. Website not working/ not updated & links not working for Cunard and MyCunard. Just got a feeling in the pit of my stomach and so want it to be the cruise experience we have planned for and expect. 😞

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