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Cunard has lost our custom thanks to the Queen Anne

We were once loyal Cunard travellers before our recent cruise on Queen Anne. The whole "luxury ethos" that Cunard promote is sadly missing on this ship. The Cunard TV ad misrepresents the reality. Too many passengers; delays in restaurant with staff inexperienced and little command of English; crowded pool areas; cabin with squeaky noisy wall panels; whistling sound from air conditioning; very little seating in the overcrowded pub; food in restaurant was mediocre. All in all a very sad cruise that has completely put us off ever cruising again . Think twice before parting with your money. It's not luxury and it's not what cruising with Cunard used to be like .

Date of experience : 28 July 2024

Great Ship and crew

We went to Alaska on the Queen Elizabeth at the beginning of August. It was fabulous. Loved our room with a balcony. Steward very friendly and did an awesome job of keeping our room clean. Itinerary was fantastic. Food and waiters were wonderful. Sea kayaking near Mendenhall Glacier was outstanding. Ballroom dance teachers and performers were awesome. We had a wonderful time and we're looking at future Cunard cruises.

Date of experience : 01 August 2024

Recently returned from a 14 day cruise…

Recently returned from a 14 day cruise on Queen Victoria around the Adriatic. No real complaints about the ship, the food was good, entertainment good most nights, rooms decent, shower small. The whole experience was ruined by horrendous flights supplied via Cunard with TUI - now getting stone walled by Cunard who say the complaint should be with TUI - as far as I am concerned I booked cruise with flights so a package - Cunard need to take responsibility and not offer to send me a hamper as good will

Date of experience : 22 July 2024

We went on an Alaskan cruise on Cunard…

We went on an Alaskan cruise on Cunard Queen Elizabeth Aug 2025. I loved the old world charm and elegance of the ship, the food and entertainment venues were lovely. The food was good as was the service. It was an overall splendid experience and I will happily travel on Cunard again. I feel Cunard is best suited to adults, who prefer the dining room to buffet or quick sandwich type fare, the room service is also excellent. Best for someone who enjoys simple shows rather than grand productions, likes old world rather than modern design, like dressing up rather than dressing down, might enjoy ballroom dancing and afternoon tea rather than bumper cars and zip lines. It is what it is, and for those looking for such an experience it is fantastic! Make sure Cunard is for your taste first though.

Just back from a two week cruise around…

Just back from a two week cruise around the Med on the Queen Anne, firstly extremely disappointed we didn’t stop at Cadiz, we then had problem with soot presumably from the faulty engine that caused soot on balcony, clothes, on the sunbeds and also meant we couldn’t sit at the back of the ship due to the pollution! Pools were too small, swimming was virtually impossible! Entertainment was mediocre although the comedian was excellent! Food was very good, staff were fab, rooms were beautiful, shower was spacious! Impressed there was Thatchers Gold! This was our first cruise, wanted it to be superior experience, the price did not match the expectation, sadly this experience has put me off cruising! Just to note, you don’t need to buy the drinks package, this is extortion!

A great holiday

A great holiday - I’ve seen amazing sights, enjoyed traversing countries by sea and made wonderful new friends. Cunard staff are fantastic and keen to make your holiday special. The only downside were tours - many tour descriptions were inaccurate or misleading when it came to “low” level. A review of how tours are described is recommended.

Date of experience : 04 July 2024

First ever cruise and will book again with cunard

Just returned from Alaska cruise on the Queen Elizabeth. It was our first ever cruise. I had always been apprehensive about cruising but my wife was desperate to go on an Alaskan cruise. The ship, cruise and queens grill experience were all brilliant and I am now "converted" and have already been looking at booking our second cunard cruise. Other guests we met who had been on several cruises told us that the Cunard Queens grill was their best cruise experience to date. Maria, our butler was brilliant as was the cabin and balcony. Nice also to see a cruise line maintaining some dress standards for dinner and gala events.

Satisfied customer

Having just returned from a weeks cruise I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment on board and enjoyed the trips too. However I will think twice about booking a fly cruise - being sent out from one airport and delivered back to another by different airlines is not ideal. I much prefer a round Robin trip from Southampton.

Date of experience : 05 August 2024

Magical experience

We have just returned from a fantastic voyage to Alaska on the Queen Elizabeth. It was our first cruise and won’t be our last. The ship was beautiful and the staff wonderful, I felt special and valued every day. The scenery was breathtaking and the expert knowledge made it a very special experience.

First with Cunard, good but almost ruined by bad apple

Our first experience with Cunard Queen Elizabeth! Great service crews, excellent food, above expectation entertainments. To top it all we happen to have good sunshine weather the entire journey, calm sailing which made onboard and excursion experience easier and more enjoyable. The only negative was customer service; Oliver, who had bad attitude when we misplaced my hat. As a customer service representative who didn’t help but made a smart comment as you shouldn’t misplaced your hat if it’s your favorite one…

Date of experience : 10 August 2024

A wonderful family cruise on Queen Anne

We have just returned from a 2 week cruise around the Mediterranean on Queen Anne. This was our first cruise and wow it exceeded our expectations! We were a bit apprehensive going on our first cruise with 2 young children but we needn't be. Queen Anne definitely catered for families and was enough for children to do without it feeling like a kids holiday. The small kids club onboard was great and the youth staff were so lovely! The food both in the buffet and restaurant were fantastic and the staff on board were so friendly and attentive. We will definitely be doing another cruise on Queen Anne.

Returned from my first Cunard cruise

Returned from my first Cunard cruise (not my first cruise I have been on 7 previous) to Alaska on the Queen Elizabeth. Generally, the experience was top-notch and the service was second-to-none! We stayed in a Queens Grill penthouse suite. It was bigger than my first apartment!! Loved the food and all the excursions. Don't miss kayaking in Sitka! Our butler and his assistant gave us superior service every day, all day. Because I read about the dress code policy and took it seriously, I packed 9 dresses and 3 pair of dress shoes. I dined in the Queens Grill dining room, and looking around at dinner, I was surprised to see a number of men in jeans (yes jeans!). After going to the concierge with our concerns, the issue wasn't dealt with. Why impose a dress code at all if you are not going to enforce it? I don't care how much $$ you have. Play by the rules or don't play. This may not sound like a big deal, but people sail on Cunard for an elevated experience. Also, just because I have the drink package, does not mean you have to bring a bill for each drink. Ask me if I'll be ordering anything else. Save some paper. And offer BINGO every day, people love it!!!

Made us feel special

Made us feel special, plenty of space to wonder about the ship. Medium sized ship about 2000 passengers and about 1000 staff. Plenty of stops on our Italy and the Adriatic cruise. Excursions all reasonable priced. Food very good in main dining room. Would definitely go on Cunard again and would recommend to friends. A good four star experience .

Cunard's. Queen Anne.…

I have just completed a cruise on Cunard's Queen Anne.She is a most beautiful and modern vessel.The service, food, entertainment and Stateroom were First Class If you haven't yet cruised then I highly recommend you consider this Ship.I have cruised many times with Cunard and other Cruise companies.It is also a ship that caters for the younger generation and children.

Date of experience : 27 July 2024

maiden voyage not my last

I recently returned from my maiden cruise on Queen Victoria. Booked for my 60 th Birthday as a once in a lifetime trip. Combined it with a few days stay in Rome to complete the Holiday. It was perfect from beginning to end - The Cunard sales team organising all of our flights even after Rome, and smooth transfers between airports and the Liner. Queen Victoria didnt disappoint - she truly is magnificent. Having been blessed with a complimentary upgrade to a balcony suite, it was perfect - although the amount of time i spent in the suite was minimal, so i feel it wasnt essential. The food and entertainment were perfect, and the choices immense. Loved every minute, and cant wait to return

Date of experience : 29 July 2024

Recently returned from a short cruise

Recently returned from a short cruise, my first, on the Queen Mary 2. I'm not keen on the water so was anxious beforehand but I absolutely loved it. No seasickness at all. The ship is beautiful, so elegant and I loved the nostalgia of it. Getting dressed up for dinner, afternoon tea with a harpist playing, evening drinks with a jazz band just wonderful. The staff and the food was superb. We're already thinking of where to next ...

Date of experience : 04 August 2024

We have just returned from our first ever cruise and was to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. We found our inside stateroom to be very comfortable and the wardrobes were big enough for us. The staff were all excellent and it was nice to have the same steward and waiters throughout the voyage so we got to know them. We didn't get to Cadiz but managed to get to all our other ports on time. We were allowed to embark early and disembarkation was excellent 15 minutes from ship to picking up luggage and then car will definitely be using cunard again

Our first cruise -- and not our last!

We took the Alaska cruise return from Vancouver. We live only an hour from Vancouver, so the attraction was that we could take an Uber to the terminal. Now that I'm home, I think back and miss that beautiful Queen Elizabeth! Such a gorgeous ship -- not too large, with lots of places to find peace and quiet. The cruise to Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm were magical. Staff were smiling and friendly and helpful. A few things were less than great, but did not detract from our overall feeling of happiness with our trip.

Living in Southampton cruising is a…

Living in Southampton cruising is a first choice holiday for us and we have enjoyed Cunard many times. Just today returned from 2 weeks on Queen Anne cruising in the med. The ship is beautiful and the food and service impeccable, staff very friendly and courteous, but the Cabins are smaller than expected and wardrobe space minimal which for ladies and 4 Gala nights, was slightly disappointing. On the other hand the Shower is enormous enough for the whole family. We also had to miss Cadiz due to engine trouble - we won't be compensated because our insurance doesn't cover this. No need to go to the Gym as all the walking on this large ship is exercise enough but we didn't mind this as we had 5 sea days before reaching Barcelona. We love Cunard but have to mention afternoon tea is not the elegant experience it is on the other Queens and the Queens Room here is not a beautiful ballroom. We are certain it will undergo many refits and changes as they sort out teething troubles but until that time we will remain faithful to the "old " Queens. Carry on Cruising shipmates!!

Superb cruise..Appalling Charted flights by Tui.

The Chartered flights organised by Cunard through TUI were a nightmare both arriving and leaving with over three hour baggage claim at Rome, delayed departure of 2 hours to Rome and over 5hours from Rome. We are always told never travel on embarkment day yet Cunard decided to arrange travel on the same day which i was concerned with before we travelled. Once on board though the cruise was great, Calm seas and perfect weather which always helps. Had little issues with the stateroom but these were rectified immediately. The ship is showing signs of age around the edges but did not impact on quality of cruise. The staff were superb as always and were a credit to the cruise line. The ship never felt crowded even on sea days with plenty of places to sit or lounge. The only problem i have is with shore excursions hence the 4 star, we took three separate excursions and we had issues with all three due to quality, quantity and value for money. Not once did we feel enriched by our excursions they seemed to be just away of charging money for little to no experience. In closing the flights were a nightmare, the shore excursions were a waste of money but the Ship, the on board experience and the destinations were superb.

What is it like to cruise on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship - Here is our Review!

We cruised on the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship in September 2021 on one of the first cruises from the UK. Here we describe our experience on board which will give you an insight into what cruising with Cunard is really like.

We booked our cruise on the Queen Elizabeth using my Blue Light Card  which gave us a discount and a fantastic price of £369 for the 4 nights cruise. In this post we describe our experiences on board this ship so you can decide if a Cunard cruise on the Queen Elizabeth is for you.

Relevant reading –

Cunard Drinks Prices and Packages

Cunard Dress Codes – What to pack for a Cunard Cruise

Cunard Cruises WiFi Packages – How much do they cost?

Cruising at Christmas with Cunard – What do the ships look like?

Embarkation and our first day on board - Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review

After a very slick testing experience and embarkation process at Southampton, we were on board by 1530. 

As we walked on to the ship we were welcomed by staff in traditional Cunard Uniform and a stunning peacock floral display. Looking around the beautiful wooden interior of the ship it certainly felt like we had been taken back to a different era of cruising.

We had booked a guaranteed standard balcony cabin and had been allocated a cabin on deck 8 towards the aft of the ship. To comply with the safety regulations we headed to our cabin to watch the safety video and report to our muster station which was really easy to do. First impressions of the cabin are really good, spacious with a sofa and decent sized balcony and lots of storage. We filmed a cabin tour which can be found at the end of this post.

After a walk around the top deck we met our friends at the Commodore Club situated right at the front of the ship on deck 10. A stunning lounge full of Cunard pictures and nostalgia. 

As we hadn’t eaten since breakfast we  decided to go and find a snack. We headed  to the Golden Lion Pub which serves food but it was fully booked. So we went to the buffet to be told it had just shut at 4pm. We headed to the restaurant to also be told that food had finished there too and there are no other options for dining on the ship until 6pm. This was disappointing and a first for us as food on all our other cruises has never been hard to find!

While we were in the Britannia restaurant we decided to see where our table was for dinner and found that even though we had linked our bookings with our friends we were not sat on a table for 4 but 2 tables for 2 which were only inches away from another table. There were no closing of tables to promote social distancing that we had experienced on our previous cruises post pandemic. 

We decided to try to speak to the Maitre’d to see if we could change to a table of 4 but unfortunately this proved impossible. We asked the staff in the restaurant if we could speak to someone and we were told in a very rude and dismissive manner that we couldn’t be helped and that we had to come back at 6om. After such a frosty response we decided to find someone else to speak to and was met with not only another rude response but also a shrug of the shoulders, and told to come back at 6. In all the 25 cruises (with the exception of MSC Opera in 2018!) we have been on we have never been spoken too like this. Appalled and pretty angry we decided to head to a bar!

At the aft of the ship on deck 9 is the Lido Pool. Here there was a celtic duo Shane Moran and Cameron Ross performing who were very good and we enjoyed a drink in the sunshine. Unfortunately the wind picked up and we were getting cold so we heading inside and found the Gin and Fizz bar. Must say after our dealings with the disappointing dining staff the bar service we recieved at both these venues was exceptional which was a relief. 

6pm arrived and we returned to the Brittania restaurant and spoke to a lady at the entrance. We explained our concerns regarding our allocated table but were told that she couldn’t change it maybe we could sort it out tomorrow….a little exasperated we asked were there any other tables available at all in the whole restaurant that we could be moved too and after a few minutes she did reluctantly come up with a solution and we were allocated an empty table for the 4 of us.  That was hard work but we got there in the end!

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Our table 515 was next to the window over looking the promenade and our waiter Dave was a delight. We enjoyed a fabulous meal, starters of Rissoto of Wild Mushroons, Crab and Shrimp Skagen, Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Mains of  Medallions of Pork and Palliard of Beef went down a treat. For dessert we had Sticky Mango Rice and Chocolate Marquise. We must say our actual dining experience as we sailed away from Southampton in the Britannia was superb and we left there very contented and full.

After dinner we found the Queens Room where house band Alchemy were playing. What a fabulous venue this is. We had a lovely time, listening to the band and watching some fabulous dancers too. So good to see dancing is back!

Excellent service in the Queens Room too and we had our first Perfect Serve Gins – Queen Victoria – which were delicious! The Bloody Mary’s were good too. 

Then we went to the Golden Lion Pub to watch the live music and the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra were playing. Well we thought Cunard would be a quiet, stuffy affair but how wrong were we, the pub was rocking! Singing and playing a selection modern and old hits they had the majority of people in their feet. It was such a fun end to a fabulous night.

Believe it or not it was now nearly 0100 and Paul sniffed out some food. The  Lido Buffet has snacks which are available until 0100 and Paul enjoyed a Cheese, Tomato, and Pesto panini and Chocolate pudding. Thankfully I spotted some cookies which I took back to the cabin ready for day 2!

After a disappointing start to the day, we have had the best evening and laughed so much with our friends Deb and Steve. Service has been exceptional and our first day definitely ended on a high.

Entertainment on board Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review

I woke up at 0700 just in time to see the end of a lovely sunrise and managed to drag Paul out of bed 2 hours later in time to make it to the Lido for the buffet breakfast before it closed at 10:30. The choice and standard of food available was excellent, we both had a cooked breakfast with Paul finishing with what he described as the the most chocolaty chocolate muffin he’d ever had.

We then headed to reception to change some reservations as the app was being a tad unresponsive. This was quickly resolved so we then went to find the garden lounge which was showing the football. This was a decision that Paul would later regret as his beloved spurs sank to a miserable 3-0 defeat.

However, on a positive note the Garden Lounge is a lovely venue on deck 9, mid ship, just between the Lido Buffet Restaurant and the Pavillion Pool. We received fabulous service by Gary and Bogden with the added bonus of bowls of crisps and nuts provided with drinks.

Bingo was next, and our investment of $30 won us nothing! So we decided to try our luck at the quiz. Unfortunately another poor result with a dismal 11/20.

It was now time to get ready for the Black and White Gala Night. We put on our finery and went to the Britannia Restaurant for dinner. Starters of Madeira Duck Parfait and Golden Beetroot were delicious. I went for Beef Wellington which was cooked perfectly and Paul had venison with roast vegetables and creamy cabbage which he throughly enjoyed. The meal was finished with an excellent lemon soufflé with lemoncello sauce, and a chocolate brownie and service was excellent throughout.

With dinner done it was time for the Top Hat show at the Royal theatre. It was an enjoyable show but we were eager to get to the Queens Room as soon as it finished to watch the Big Band.

Big Band Night in the magnificent ballroom was such a wonderful experience. A 12 piece orchestra played Big Band Tunes from a bygone era and it was just magical. The dance floor filled up with excellent dancers and the professional dancers on the ship put on spectacular performance too. This was a very special moment!

Up next was Shaun and Cameron the Celtic Duo who were not only fabulous musicians but very funny too!  It was their last night on the ship as they were getting off in Liverpool tomorrow, which was a shame as we would of loved to see them again.

After a late night wander around the lit up Lido and Upper Deck we decided to have one for the road at the Commodore Club. A very stylish and comfortable area, with the added bonus of bring entertained by Clarolyn Maier, a very talented pianist and singer who covered Hits of Broadway to the Great American Songbook.

After such a fantastic night, we couldn’t resist a little visit to the late night snacks at the Lido, where again the little pies and paninis went down well.

We are loving our time on the Queen Elizabeth and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Liverpool and our third day on board.

I woke at 0530 to find we had already arrived in Liverpool. Unfortunately the sky was drab and grey, so no sunrise photos to be had. However it was great to look just to the right and see the iconic Liver Building! 

On the Queen Elizabeth you can have breakfast delivered to your cabin free of charge. You just need to tick the items on the menu card and indicate the time you want it and hang it on the door by 0100.  Our breakfast arrived as requested at 0930 and was thoroughly enjoyed.

We are planning on uploading a full tour of this beautiful ship to our You Tube Channel so after our leisurely breakfast we started filming some footage. We got as far as deck 2 and spotted Deb and Steve in the Golden Lion Pub. Feeling it would be rude not to say hi, we popped in. Steve pointed out that there were 6 types of Bloody Mary’s on the menu. Not needing a lot of arm twisting we sampled one each and they were superb.

We dragged ourselves away from the pub and filmed some more for our ship tour and headed off to afternoon tea, we had booked this at reception the previous day as our app was not playing ball. 

We had heard such good things about the afternoon tea on Cunard but have to say we were fairly underwhelmed by what was on offer. No afternoon tea stand just a menu with a choice of sandwiches and cakes that came on small plates. The service was quite cold too. There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with anything but it was just not what we expected, we could have gone to the buffet and got exactly what we had been served. Talking to friends there are occasions where afternoon tea is served in the Queens Room with Silver Service but unfortunately that didn’t happen on our cruise.

The other frustrating thing was the dining room was virtually empty but they still sat two other couples about two feet away from our table. We understand it is more convenient for staff but with post covid social distancing being encouraged elsewhere, we thought this was a bit odd.

It was nearly time for sail away so we headed back to our cabin. We had a small bottle of bubbly as a welcome gift, every cabin receives one on Cunard. Deb and Steve bought their bottle up too and we enjoyed a sail away with bubbles from Liverpool on our balcony. 

As we were sailing out to sea we went to the Lido deck as a Saxophonist and DJ were playing a set. It was great music to listen too but a little bit nippy. We were all given blankets and had a fab time! 

For dinner we headed to our usual table 515 and again recieved fabulous service from Dave and Michael. We started with Salt Beef Hash and Horseradish, followed by White Radish and Asian Slaw Salad. Then mains of Lemon Sole and Spinach, Feta and Mushroom Strudel. All just simply delicious. The sun was starting to set so I went for a walk around the decks to capture some photo’s while Paul enjoyed a warm Bakewell Tart and Vanilla Custard. 

I met Paul, Deb and Steve in the Garden Lounge so we could watch the Dixieland Band. Great tunes from the deep south kept us entertained. Next stop was the  Yacht Club on deck 10 where Amethyst Duo were playing. This is another a beautiful venue with a huge chandelier in the centre that changes colour.  

On the daily programme we noticed there was a quiz due to start in the Golden Lion Pub so decided to head to deck 2 to join in but unfortunately the pub was packed and there were no seats available. 

We walked next door to the Queens Room where the Orchestra where joined by the vocalists Jack and Ester. In hindsight we were so glad we couldn’t get in the pub as we had a wonderful end to the evening. There was a table for 4 free just to the side of the orchestra which gave us a fabulous view of the dance floor and of the band. 

Playing popular songs in the style of the different genres of dances, they even inspired us to get up and Waltz! We had been practising in our small kitchen at home, we didn’t disgrace ourselves but we definitely need more practice! 

The orchestra are just superb, they play such diverse music and are such fun to watch. We just loved the trombone version of Macerana! Tonight was such a fabulous night. 

By the time the entertainment finished it was the early hours again and guess what the boys were peckish! So up to the late night buffet which we just managed to catch before it closed where they enjoyed  pannini tuna melts and a cheese platter.

Cruising with Cunard has surprised us in so many ways and unfortunately this cruise is going way to fast.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Our last day on board.

We put the alarm on for 8 so we could get up for breakfast but quickly turned it off and woke up at 10! Still the Coffee and Godiva chocolates which are left on our bed each evening started the day well. 

John Peters was doing a talk this morning called ‘Tornado Down’. For those that don’t know of John he came to the worlds attention in January 1991 during the first Gulf War when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world. His description of his experience was horrific, how he managed to keep mentally positive and how we can overcome even our worst fears and nightmares, is a true lesson to us all in what is important in life. It was an emotional and thought provoking presentation and I am glad I had some tissues in my hand bag! Cunard have enrichment talks every day and we are so glad we got the chance to see this. He was actually in the Theatre but the talk was televised throughout the ships bars and lounges which was great. 

Lunch today was in the Golden Lion Pub. Paul and I both had Ploughman’s lunch and Deb and Steve both had Fish and Chips, which we all agreed was really tasty, The food in the pub is all included at no extra charge, it does get very busy so we recommend getting in early. 

As it was our last day on board it was sadly time to pack. Suitcases that you want to be taken off the ship have to be outside your Cabin between 5pm and 11pm. 

Packing done the boys decided that we should have another go at the bingo, as today was Snowball Jackpot Bingo Finale. So we headed to the Garden Lounge on deck 9. After a very tense time, we had 1 number on two tickets to win the jackpot of $760…..alas a lady on the next table got her number before us and won! 

Next up was the quiz where we scored a respectable 15, but sadly missed out on  winning a Cunard pen! Feeling a bit peckish the boys popped to the Lido restaurant and came back with a pepperoni pizza and some cakes and scones from the Lido Buffet Restaurant next door. It all went down very well.

After the fabulous evening we had last night we all decided we wanted to get to the Queens Room early to get our front row seats by the band for Dancing in the Streets.While we were waiting we decided to play Crib, after a tense time the score was 1:1 then the band started! 

The Band with Jack and Ester played and sang hits of Motown, Soul and just really great party music. The dance floor was packed with everyone strutting their stuff, and the four of us happily joined them. The band did 4 sets over 3 1/2 hours and even after all that the whole of the Queens Room, including us were shouting for more.  It was such a fun night that had sadly come to an end. 

Hungry again we paid our last visit to the late night snack buffet. More pies and cheese plates were consumed, as we all discussed what a fabulous time we had all had!

Our Verdict of our Cruise on the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship - Will we cruise with Cunard again?

Our cruise on the Queen Elizabeth has been full of surprises. After a frosty start we all agreed that we had had a very enjoyable time on board. The ship is elegant and sophisticated and takes you back to a bygone era which we loved. We knew that the standard of food and service was going to be excellent but what surprised us the most was the variety of entertainment on board and how much fun it was. We also filmed a vlog series on board which you can watch below.

We also were very impressed with the cabins that we booked. We stayed in a standard balcony cabin and our friends booked a deluxe inside cabin and you can have a look around both of these cabins in the videos below.

We had such a great time on the Queen Elizabeth that we have booked another cruise on this ship for December, we are also planning a transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2 too! We are looking forward to seeing what this ship will look like at Christmas and we can’t wait to be back on board!

View more video blogs on YouTube > > >

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Cabins

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our Cunard You Tube Playlist here .

Visit Cunard’s Website Here.

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Cruising with Cunard

Cunard's three ships – Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth  and Queen Victoria (with a fourth set to launch in 2024) – receive praise for their stylish accommodations and elegant facilities, including upscale dining areas and opulent ballrooms. Keeping with its legacy as a traditional, old-world ocean liner, U.K.-based Cunard Line is one of the only luxury cruise lines to offer secluded dining areas for select passengers, meaning guests staying in standard staterooms dine in a different restaurant than passengers staying in suites. Outside the luxurious lodgings, you can enjoy lounging and dining options like the Golden Lion pub and a specialty steakhouse restaurant on all three ships.

Cunard offers one-way, round-trip and transatlantic sailings to major cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and Australia and the Pacific Islands. Available shore excursions depend on the cruise's itinerary and duration (future voyages range from two to 123 nights). Excursions include a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb in Sydney , traditional Portuguese tile painting in Lisbon, Portugal , and more. What's more, all of Cunard's ships feature a casino, a spa, an art gallery and a wide range of enrichment programs, such as art classes, ballroom dance tutorials and lecture series.

Pros & Cons

Old World style appeals to travelers seeking traditional cruising experiences

Variety of cabin classes and specialty restaurants to choose from

Complimentary educational programming, including dance lessons, film screenings and a lecture series

Some onboard amenities and shore excursions cost extra

Ships lack contemporary activities and amenities of mainstream competitors

Specialty beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol, are not included in cruise fare

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 4.1
• Health Rating » 4.0

Cunard Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 9 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 9 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples

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Cunard Line Ships

Queen Mary 2

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Victoria

Before You Book

• If you book a cruise directly with Cunard, a 15% deposit is required at the time of booking.
• Cancellation policies vary by cruise length. To see Cunard's policy, visit the line's  website .
• If you have a disability, it is recommended that you inform the cruise line as soon as possible after booking. Guests can contact the medical team at 800-728-6273.

Before You Board

• All passengers are required to be on board at least one hour before the cruise's departure. Guests are advised to arrive at the embarkation time noted on their final documents.
• You must attach a Cunard Line tag to each piece of luggage. Luggage labels will be available to print from the My Cunard passenger resource center.
• You can prebook and pay for shore excursions as early as one year before your scheduled departure date.
• Cunard recommends routine vaccinations for travelers heading to specific ports of call. The cruise line suggests that travelers contact their personal physician, the Department of Public Health or the World Health Organization (WHO) for a list of recommended vaccinations.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Cunard Review

Friday, August 16th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Best for British-style luxury sailing worldwide
• Three ships in the fleet (with another debuting in 2024)
• Guests of all ages permitted (not an 18+ cruise line)
• Most dining is included (The Golden Lion gastro-pub is extra)
• Recommended gratuities ($14.50 or $16.50 per person, per night) not included in fare

Cunard is a British cruise line with a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1840. It is known for its luxurious ships, outstanding service, and elegant formal evenings. Cunard operates three ocean liners, the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, which offer a wide range of itineraries around the world.

Think British and formal

The Queen Mary 2 is Cunard's flagship and the only ocean liner in the world that regularly makes transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. It is a grand and stately ship that harks back to the golden age of ocean travel, with elegant public areas, formal dining rooms, and spacious cabins. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, art classes, and lectures by well-known experts.

More relaxed experience on the smaller ships

The Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are both smaller than the Queen Mary 2 but still offer a luxurious cruising experience. These ships have a more contemporary design and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, but still retain the high standards of service and cuisine that Cunard is known for. They offer a range of itineraries, from short breaks to longer voyages to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean.

Spring break cruises are available - just not in the Caribbean

Because of what Cunard does and doesn't specialize in, it was to be expected that there wouldn't be any March sailings in the Caribbean (which is what we used as a comparison point across cruise lines): they're just not operating in that part of the world at that time. Of course not: why would a cruise line with British heritage have anything to do with spring break timing in the US?! But, if you're trying to line up an amazing trip over that holiday, Cunard can be found going from Sydney to Hong Kong (16 nights), Sydney to Singapore (22 nights), Sydney to Cape Town (39 nights), or taking "short break" trips in Australia, from Hong Kong to Singapore, you get the idea.

Pack your tux or gown

One of the unique features of Cunard is its formal evenings, which are a throwback to the grandeur of the early days of ocean travel. On these evenings, guests are expected to dress up in their finest attire, with men wearing tuxedos or suits and women donning elegant gowns. The formal evenings include a special dinner, dancing, and live entertainment, and are a highlight of the Cunard experience.

Cunard is also known for its exceptional dining options. Each ship offers a range of restaurants, from traditional formal dining rooms to more casual eateries. Most dining choices are included in your fare, but the gastro-pub options at The Golden Lion will incur an extra cost. The cuisine is inspired by the destinations visited on the itinerary, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cunard also offers a famous afternoon tea service, which is a nod to the line's British heritage.

Luxury but not all-inclusive

Cunard is a luxury cruise line, but it's not all-inclusive. You'll have to pay for any shore excursions you choose, and your gratuities ($14.50 per person per night for Britannia and Britannia Club staterooms, $16.50 per person per night for Queens and Princess Grill suites) will be automatically added to your account. WiFi is another extra that you'll pay for, unless you reach Gold, Platinum, or Diamond World Club "frequent sailor" benefits - or if you're taking one of Cunard's exceptional World Voyages (think sailings of at least 16 nights, and ones that go up to 100+ nights and visit ports in all four continents).

Not adults-only

Also, don't expect your Cunard cruise to be child-free. Children are welcome on Cunard, and there are clubs for those young cruisers with age-specific activities offered day and night.

Wonderful cruise line but not a match for many US-based guests

For US-based vacationers looking to cruise in exotic locations around the world and have a fancy onboard experience, Cunard could be worth looking at - especially for those who love all things British and having a daily afternoon tea would be the epitome of excellence. On the other hand, if you want easy-peasy departures from US ports year-round, Cunard won't fit the bill.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above... Continued from above... -->

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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This Classic Cruise Ship Has Everything From Black-tie Galas to Fjord Kayaking Excursions – Read Our Review

Cunard's new Queen Anne is based out of Southampton, with plans to sail much of Europe — including the fjords of Norway.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where queen anne sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Christopher Ison/Courtesy of Cunard

From the damp seat of my sea kayak, the specks falling from the edge of the fjord were nearly imperceptible. There goes one, then another, then another. Suddenly, their parachutes opened. What I thought were leaves or maybe stones knocked loose by a hiker turned out to be wingsuit flyers careening down the rock face at nearly 100 miles an hour. As I paddled back to the beach, more jumpers flew over the edge before gracefully gliding to a safe landing.

I’d come to one of Norway’s adventure capitals thinking that a couple of hours paddling through a fjord would be quite the adventure. It turns out that adrenaline can always go higher.

Of course, that’s why people head to Norway’s fjordlands in the middle of summer, to soak up the sun and get the blood pumping. I’d only just arrived in Flåm aboard the Queen Anne, the newest cruise ship from the storied line Cunard, a favorite of Travel + Leisure readers.

Flåm is the sort of place where you might see, like I did, a hitchhiker carrying a sign that reads “next town” or two dozen souped-up #vanlife rigs parked along the edge of the fjord. It’s filled with kayak outfitters and bike-tour operators and serves as an adventure hub. While it’s possible to road trip yourself — the drive from Oslo takes around five hours — it’s almost certainly more comfortable and convenient to get here by ship. And, if you come by ship, you’re guaranteed a hot shower, a nice meal, and a bit of evening entertainment after a hard day of paddling.

The Queen Anne has 1,498 cabins that accommodate nearly 3,000 guests — bigger than the kinds of ships I tend to enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the space available on board during my week-long trip.

I’d met the ship in Southampton, England, and after a day crossing the North Sea, we landed in Bergen for a bit of sightseeing around Norway’s second-biggest city. Then, the drama really picked up as Captain David Hudson and their team charted a course through the fjords to Flåm. The dizzying cliffs that hemmed in our course were like nothing I’d ever seen — and, indeed, were all the more stunning from the sundeck.

“Norway is a very popular cruise destination,” said Captain Hudson as we departed. “But sailing along a World Heritage fjord on a sunny, clear evening very close to the summer solstice is an experience few people get to have.”

In these far-northern reaches, the sun would shine for 18 or 19 hours a day, and as the ship sailed away from Flåm, several dozen passengers and I enjoyed the twinkle of the piano in the Commodore Club, with a view of the rocky islets of the Sognefjord. By breakfast the next day, we’d reached the village of Olden, where e-biking, paddling, and hiking were among the adventure activities on offer.

Another scheduled stop, Haugesund, was skipped due to heavy winds. Our resourceful crew instead charted a course into the Hardangerfjord, where we spent the day slowly cruising past salmon farms, waterfalls, and villages that, from the ship, appeared to be delightfully charming bases for glacier hikes.

All the while, back on board, my fellow passengers and I could count on the sort of big-ship amenities many cruise passengers expect. The pool deck, spa, fitness center, and Golden Lion pub seemed to hum at all hours, and a series of variety shows (including a popular murder mystery called Noir ) were well attended by many. The bars and lounges were often full but not overly so, and a general sense of stately calm seemed to permeate the ship, as you might expect from a line that channels British heritage — and had a sizable number of U.K. guests on board.

Like all Cunard ships, Queen Anne retains one maritime tradition in the form of a class system. There are four main categories of travel, in ascending order of opulence: Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill. Each class of service has a corresponding dining room; the top two tiers also have their own lounges and outdoor terrace spaces. While all passengers are welcome in most areas of the ship — including its alternative restaurants, many of which come at extra cost — guests in lower-category classes can’t access the high-end amenities. The “ship within a ship” setup is roughly equivalent to what’s available in premium areas on other lines — the Yacht Club of MSC, the Haven on Norwegian — though, on Cunard, the premium passengers have fewer just-for-us amenities than top-class guests on those competing lines.

I was traveling as an entry-level Britannia guest, but I still felt plenty pampered on several occasions, particularly at Sir Samuel’s, an at-extra-cost steakhouse. Yet there were other moments where I must admit, I felt a bit like guest number 2,756 on board, whether trying to flag somebody down for a cappuccino at Carinthia Lounge or when the Wellness Café, which makes a point of having cold-pressed juice, was out of several menu options.

Still, the thrills off the ship made up for many of these minor flubs, some of which might have to do with how new the Queen Anne still is. After all, Cunard carries the weight of 180 years of seagoing tradition, and its ships still host black-tie gala evenings twice a week. Being the crew aboard the newest vessel in that line must be as intimidating as, well, wingsuit flying.

Here’s a closer look at the new Cunard cruise ship Queen Anne 's amenities, restaurants, staterooms, and services.

• Queen Anne is a well-appointed, 1,498-cabin ship with endless options for things to do, plentiful dining choices, and comfortable public spaces.
• Interesting itineraries travel to places like the fjords of Norway or sailing the coast of Spain — and would be hard to replicate any other way.
• There are some high-end dining choices, including Sir Samuel’s, and a stacked wine cellar with many impressive a la carte bottles.

Courtesy of Cunard

With 1,498 cabins, Queen Anne has a wide variety of choices. The entry-level rooms inside cabins without so much as a window are hyper-efficient and aggressively priced. By contrast, high-end Princess and Queens Grill suites come with butler service, balconies, and all sorts of extras. (A half-dozen Queens Grill Grand and Master suites are among the finest in Cunard’s fleet.)

About half of the rooms on board, though, were like mine, a Britannia Balcony cabin with a touch of art deco in the design. Besides the balcony, my favorite feature of room 8156 was the bathroom, which had a spacious-for-a-ship shower stall and plenty of storage and light. The rest of the room, including hanging storage and a small desk that also housed a petite minibar, was functional and clean, if not exactly breathtaking in terms of the overall vibe. One additional note: I found the onboard Wi-Fi to be pretty fast and reliable, even in the middle of the North Sea, though I did have to reload a sign-in splash page every morning.

Bring an appetite because Queen Anne is filled with fantastic dining venues and several excellent bars. Each category of travel — Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill — has its own main dining room with a corresponding name, with either set dining times or open seating, depending on guest preference. While the menus in each are ever-changing — and, at the high end, are stuffed with decadent dishes such as lobster thermidor — the overall tenor of the cuisine is continental, with heavy British influence. On my trip, meals in Britannia were multi-course affairs, served with an old-school flourish by a capable, pleasant team. An extensive buffet called Artisans’ Foodhall seemed to have almost anything you could want at virtually any hour.

Elsewhere on board, several specialty restaurants were available at an extra charge. Among my standouts were Golden Lion, a traditionally styled pub open for lunch and pints, and Sir Samuel’s, an elevated steakhouse with extraordinary raw-bar platters. Other options include Aranya, an Indian restaurant; Tramonto, a pan-Mediterannean spot; and Aji Wa, for sushi and other Japanese fare. While I loved the concept of the Wellness Café, which overlooks the pool and has a long menu of pressed juices, smoothies, and bowls, I found the execution of dishes a bit lackluster over several visits.

The cocktail bars and lounges, however, were consistently on point, with a variety of themes, whether the classic Chart Room, with Champagne and martinis; the casino bar, which specializes in Negronis; or Cabana, a rum joint with dozens of selections but, to my disappointment, limited hours. Throughout the ship, non-alcoholic options were also widely available, with NA cocktails listed on many menus.

For the time being, Southampton, England, is Queen Anne 's home port. Weeklong trips to places such as Norway, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands are among the routes available. A couple of particularly compelling itineraries for 2025 include a two-week sail from Southampton that travels around the British Isles and a 12-day itinerary that explores the fjords of Norway, which will be pretty similar to the route I traveled.

The ship is scheduled to sail a 111-day world cruise in the upcoming winter months, departing Hamburg, Germany, in January 2025. It will cross the Atlantic Ocean, transit the Panama Canal, sail the Pacific, and visit ports in Asia and the Middle East before traveling through the Suez Canal and back to Hamburg.

For all the amenities on board, Queen Anne is also a compelling way to explore interesting destinations: On my sail to Norway, Cunard had arranged numerous activities in every port, ranging from simple city-center walks to full-day active adventures to splurge-worthy excursions like a helicopter flight over a glacier. While shore excursions on Cunard come at extra cost, I found the process of choosing and booking them online very easy; compared to other cruise lines, Cunard did an excellent job of describing the tours, the activity level, and the value prop of every activity.

During my trip, I was particularly thrilled with the experience of e-biking in Olden with a local guide who took our group of 12 to his own family’s lakeside farm, where we ate wild strawberries and heard stories about rural life. Then, there was the excellent morning of kayaking alongside several paddling guides, who steered a group of about 20 passengers to a secluded beach before we turned back and saw those wingsuit fliers. Truly high-end adventures, such as an overflight of the Briksdal Glacier, are, predictably, expensive, but most of my tours were priced competitively compared to third-party options.

Cunard excels at keeping guests entertained. At any hour, there are countless things to do, whether card games, trivia competitions, archery lessons (seriously), dancing, live music, shopping, high tea, lectures, fitness classes, pickleball, minigolf, and so on. One daily program from my trip listed at least 69 different activities during a sea day when we had no stop in port scheduled. Among the highlights for me were the competitive rounds of trivia held in the Golden Lion and the sounds of live piano that filled the ship’s many bars and lounges every evening. Of course, this being a Cunard ship, there were also big band–style tunes at the Queens Room, particularly on the black-tie Gala Nights, of which there are two on week-long itineraries. Live performances in the Royal Court Theater included several musical reviews and stage shows that, as is common on ships, had brief runtimes.

The ship’s spa and fitness area were very popular on my sailing, and most passengers I spoke with were satisfied with the treatments and amenities. The wellness areas, most of which are on a lower deck, forward, didn’t have much in the way of views — but that didn’t make them any less popular. One exception is a Wellness Studio, located under a pergola near the pool, that hosted yoga and other movement classes in the fresh air. Nice.

Queen Anne has a fantastic main pool deck called the Pavilion, with tons of loungers, an excellent array of food and drinks, and a glass roof that allows for all-weather enjoyment. The outdoor Panorama Pool Club is an alternate swimming pool with views over the stern of the ship. (Princess and Queens Grill guests have their own terrace, with twin whirlpools, which I was sadly unable to visit.) As is becoming standard on new vessels, there’s also a pickleball court, along with other more traditional sun-deck sports, including minigolf, shuffleboard, and table tennis.

Cunard may have a buttoned-up, black-tie reputation, but I saw many families and groups traveling on my sailing. It makes sense: This ship offers so much that anybody can dial in what they’re looking for. (And despite the formality sometimes required in the restaurants and entertainment venues in the evenings, several spots on board are casual around the clock.)

A few kid-specific, age-appropriate hangouts are on board: the Play Zone is for those 2 to 7; the Kids’ Zone is meant for tweens; and the Teen Zone welcomes older children. Depending on the day, they’re staffed for several hours, with activities and games. Cunard also offers a Night Nursery service for very young ones, 6 months up to 2 years of age, so that parents can have an evening “out.” The main pool also welcomes all ages. Suites, in particular, have plenty of room to accommodate families, and there are 100 connecting staterooms on board.

Cunard is well-suited to individuals with limited mobility, and I noticed that many guests on my sailing used mobility aids. The line keeps a detailed guide to its many accessibility policies and procedures online. On Queen Anne, there are 33 cabins and suites designated as accessible.

On my sailing, many announcements were made over a public address system, and it wasn’t immediately apparent what alternative accommodations may have been available.

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QE Alaska Review From A First Time Cunard Cruiser

By ceilidh1 , August 9, 2023 in Cunard Line

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" Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone in the community. We'd like to encourage your to submit your review for publication to Cruise Critic as well. "

ceilidh1 was awarded the badge 'Great Review'

I recently sailed on the QE, roundtrip Vancouver-Alaska, and figured I would share some thoughts. Ordinarily, I do live reviews from the ship, but the wifi was SO bad that it had to wait until I got home! As a first time Cunard cruiser, I was quite anxious and not sure what to expect - hoping this will be helpful for other first timers!

While I have never sailed Cunard before, I am a seasoned cruiser with well over 40 cruises under my belt - almost half of which were to Alaska. The reason being - I live within walking distance of the port in Vancouver, so anything that I can do without flying is a win! I primarily sail Princess, but also enjoy NCL and my new favorite Virgin Voyages. Usually, I sail with my kids but this time it was just myself and BFF.

I did a lot of research and video watching to prepare for this sailing, since I really had no idea what to expect. I'm not one for dressing up and I was very worried about having to dress for dinner each night. Luckily, my thoughts on what it mean to "dress for dinner" were way over the top - no, you don't need a full on ballgown each night! We had two gala nights - Ice White and Masquerade - so I treated myself to a nice white dress and a cute black dress and accessories. The other nights, we just dressed in either a cocktail type dress or nice pants and blouse.

I typically like to buy a drink package, simply because I don't want to worry about having a bill when I disembark. Sadly, Cunard priced me out of this - $70USD per day and both guests had to buy. That's $1400USD for drinks. Nope. We ended up deciding to just pay-as-you-go and it was definitely the right choice.

We did purchase the thermal suite for both sea days. The way it is set up online is that you choose a day and a 2-hour time slot. This is not the way it works once you board - the booking is actually for the entire day, rather than two hours, and it was much more to purchase on the ship than to purchase ahead of time. This worked out in our favour!

We also did the two Lido specialty dining, which we pre-purchased online for $25USD per person. I believe it was more to purchase once on the ship. 

We did not book excursions since we had both been to Alaska many times and planned on either just walking around town or enjoying the empty ship. Given that we had pretty crummy weather all trip, this turned out to be the right choice!

Embarkation

Anyone that has ever sailed from Vancouver will know what a gong show this port can be. I used to work shoreside at the port, so know the process like the back of my hand. I still hate it. We were fortunate that there were only two ships in for our embarkation - Disney and QE. We were assigned a 2pm check in time, but decided to arrive around noon (having worked there for so long I know that it's better to arrive right around boarding time). As is the usual process at Canada Place, we dropped our bags at the terminal level, took the escalator up to street level for check in, took the escalator back down to terminal level for security and US CBP, and then boarded the ship. It really is an awkward process! There was a line for check in, but it seemed to move quickly and we were headed back down to a much longer line for security. Once again, if you have sailed from Vancouver, you will know that to go through security and US CBP it's every man (or woman) for themselves. All passengers, regardless of ship or status, go through the exact same lines. It was pretty easy to tell who were on Cunard and who were on Disney - lots of frazzled parents, kids melting down, and the vacation hasn't even started. I'm always amazed at the security points when, after standing in line for half an hour, the person in front of me suddenly realises (or not) that they need to empty their pockets. Then the line gets held up even more as we wait for that person to either proceed through the metal detector with their cell phone, money, and keys in their pocket or hold up everyone behind as one by one they empty every pocket they have. Despite the line, we were still in good spirits and got through in around half an hour. Next up is US CBP - they have the same machines they use at the airport but if you aren't travelling on US or Canadian passports, you have to line up to see an officer. That line was pretty significant, but we got through to the machines quickly, punched in all the details and were on our way. This is where the ships branch off - Disney went to the left and Cunard to the right. The ship had just started boarding at this point and the rep asked if we were priority - nope. We were told to take a seat. There were a bunch of empty rows (I assume folks who had been sitting there had been called to board) and then 5 or 6 rows with people sitting in them. We asked the rep where we should sit and my BFF jokingly said "Can we sit in the first row" - to which the rep said, "Of course!". Huh? Well, we sat there and then were told to come on aboard...but all the other rows were still sitting and waiting. Confused? Us, too! From arrival to stepping foot on the ship was one hour and fifteen minutes. Not the best but definitely not the worst at this port!

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First Impressions

From the first step onto that red carpet, seeing the staff decked out in their cute red outfits and hats I knew this ship would be classy. I was right! The ship was stunning. So tasteful and elegant. I loved the fresh flowers, the art, the decor, and the feeling that you were on a traditional ocean liner as opposed to an amusement park at sea (I'm looking at you RCCL)!

We were delighted to find our cabin was available to us to drop our bags, so that was our first stop. We had an oceanview on deck one. I was initially concerned that this would be a problem as it seemed so low and it was midship next to guest services. The opposite was true! The cabin was so convenient for everything and so quiet. We felt no movement and it was a great set up. I loved the fact there was a sofa in the room!

3rdGenCunarder

Thanks for your thoughts on embarkation. Gong show? I had a different name for it a year ago when, on top of the other stages, we had ArriveCAN and proof of covid test to show! Even without those extras, I always feel like a rat in a maze embarking in Vancouver. 

But once you're on the ship, QE is worth it! She is elegant, although I wish Cunard would get over the feather arrangements. 

After dropping our bags and checking into the muster station, we headed off in search of lunch. I was hoping to find the pub open, or at least a dining room, but it seemed the only option was the buffet. And, like all buffets on embarkation day, it was madness! The food looked great but was lukewarm at best. There were no tables and, if one was vacated, there were no staff to clear them. We ended up standing next to a newly vacated table, with plates in hand, for a good 5-10 minutes hoping that someone would come clear away the remains from the last guests. No one did. In the end, I ended up holding our plates of food while BFF cleared the table and walked the dirty dishes up to the counter. Only then did someone approach and wipe down the table. Not a great first impression, especially after we had been so wowed up to this point! Not surprisingly, no one came to ask if we wanted drinks, so BFF headed off the the drink dispenser and came back with...pineapple juice!? Huh? No lemonade, out of cranberry juice, so pineapple it was. Not that I have anything against pineapple - just seemed kind of random. 

By the time we were done eating and exploring, it was around 4:30pm and time for sailaway...or so we thought. We found a place at the aft of the ship (this quickly became our favorite hangout) and settled in to watch the sailaway. My kiddos texted while we were there to say they were coming down to wave us off (we literally live a 7 minute walk from the port). It was so nice to see them and say a final goodbye...except we didn't actually go anywhere. We sat. And sat. And waved. And waved, Then it became awkward, and the kids wanted dinner so they left. We didn't. I'm not sure what the hold up was but we didn't end up leaving until close to 6pm, by which time we had headed in to find dinner!

Apologies for the upside down pictures....

Food is obviously subjective and, after the first not-very-impressive, impression at the buffet you might think I'm here to say the food was awful. Not at all. Hands down, this was the best cruise line food I have ever had - and I've been on my fair share of cruises. The buffet is never my favorite place, but the buffet on QE had some great options - afternoon tea was outstanding, as was the pizza station. I didn't love breakfast, simply because it never changed. The sushi station was wonderful. The food in the dining rooms was consistently great, and don't even get me started on the pub lunch - awesome! We did the Lido specialty - Frontier and Coriander - and loved both. So good and so worth the upcharge. We also enjoyed some good food on deck at the Lido Grill and had some nice pastries at Cafe Corinthia. The room service menu was outstanding - and complimentary. Honestly, I would have been happy to just to have every meal off there! The only problem we had was deciding where to eat as we didn't want to miss anything! I really can't say a bad thing about the food on this ship.

Service in the dining rooms was hit and miss - it often took forever to get drinks (if you were even lucky enough to have a drink server come over). Which leads me to another observation - as two females, we found that we were largely ignored in terms of drink service. It started out amusing but by day three I was mad! We would sit in a lounge and get completely ignored, while a male/female couple would sit on the next table and get approached immediately. In the dining room, I asked our waiter and the food server to send over someone to take a drink order - never came. Is this normal? It became kind of embarrassing having to constantly flag down someone to get us drinks - I felt like they thought I had a drinking problem. The only place this wasn't an issue was in the pub, so we spent much of our time in there!

Pictures of some of the amazing food we had

Entertainment

Like food, I feel that entertainment is somewhat subjective. While I appreciated the pure talent of every entertainer on this ship, the offerings were just not my style. That's not to say they weren't excellent. I just don't want to listen to classical music, pianists, violinists, or harpists every night and I don't have any interest in ballroom dancing, so I felt like I was always wondering what to do. Luckily for me, the pub and the Garden Cafe had the Irish Duo Cula each night and they were fantastic! Have I mentioned how much I loved the pub? I should also say that the production shows we watched were excellent and I really enjoyed them. However, overall, the lack of things that I, personally, am interested in would likely make me think twice about cruising on Cunard again - this trip was great in that it served its purpose of me just relaxing and doing nothing. Most trips I like to go-go-go and experience everything. I didn't feel as if there was enough for me to experience.

Ports on this ship were the usual Alaska ones - Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. We had been to all multiple times so just roamed around. In Alaska we went to our fave places - The Asylum and Jellyfish Donuts, in Skagway we got caught in a torrential downpour, in Juneau we just walked through town, and in Sitka we went to our fave thriftstore. We got closer to the glaciers in Glacier Bay than I have been in many years, so that was pretty cool! I feel guilty being so ambivalent about ports that many experience as a "once in a lifetime" thing - I really am spoiled. Also of note is that we saw whales from the ship several times, many eagles, otters, and a bear off in the distance. Once again, I am spoiled - these sightings are a daily occurrence where I live...

Oops I forgot Victoria! We stayed on the ship!

As mentioned previously, drink service was a bone of contention throughout the cruise. I have never had such an issue getting a drink before - and it's not even as if I had the drink package, so Cunard actually lost money with me!

For the most part, service on this ship was good - I was actually expecting a little more, given what I had read beforehand. Staff definitely did not fall over themselves or go above and beyond (there were a few exceptions to this) and I did find myself faced with the word "no" several times. I was shocked to witness a waiter tell guests in the Commodore Club that they couldn't eat their food from the buffet in there (glacier day and everyone had staked out tables there), I was shocked to hear a bartender in Cafe Corinthia tell a guest that she could not take her pastries up to her room, and I was shocked to be told by guest services that the crappy wifi we had purchased was "out of their control" (by far the worst wifi we have had on any ship). Now, there were exceptions - two staff from the Bookstore giftshop were wonderful, a waitstaff in the pub became a firm friend, the host at Britannia was fantastic, and waitstaff we had in Lido alternative dining were excellent. Our cabin steward was also great!

28 minutes ago, ceilidh1 said:

Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

Disembarkation

The worst day ever is when you get the info telling you that you have to leave! We received the usual Canada customs forms prior to arriving in Victoria. I was also surprised at a blurb from Cunard informing guests that they could not leave the ship in Victoria as embarking in one Canadian port and disembarking in another violated the PVSA. I'm pretty sure that isn't true - this is an American law, no? We were given the option to walk off with our bags, or do the usual route of putting them out the night before. We chose the latter as we had nowhere to be and planned on taking our time. We ended up with a disembarkation time of 10:00am - perfect. We had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room and were pleasantly surprised with the lack of people around the ship - disembarkation morning is usually survival of the fittest and involves hurdling over luggage and pushing through people waiting in the hallways. None of that on this ship. We heard disembarkation groups getting called as we were eating and then it seemed to stop. Around 9:30, we gathered our stuff and headed down to the gangway - we asked what colour they were calling and were told everyone could get off. So off we got. Bags were right where they should be, and I was home by 10:15! Easy peasy.

5 minutes ago, NE John said: Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

That's dinner -fish and chips was only lunch!

As mentioned previously, we had pre-purchased thermal suite passes. This worked out well as, not only did we save a fair amount of money, but we had access for the entire day rather than just 2 hours as we thought. The spa was nice but very small - only 6 heated stone loungers (and they weren't that hot), two steam rooms, a sauna that was out of order (but there was a working one in the change room), and the hydrotherapy pool. I was most looking forward to the pool, but it turned out to be like a warm bath. There were no jets other than the huge firehose type ones that knocked you off your feet, and it was really dark in there. The stone loungers had a great view but needed to be hotter. The steam rooms were nice, as was the sauna in the change room. It should be noted that anyone can use this sauna, as well as the showers in the change room - you didn't need to pay for the spa to do so.

Final Thoughts

We had a great time on this ship and really enjoyed the elegant, traditional feel of it. I'm not sure I'm quite the typical demographic that Cunard is designed for - I somewhat missed the cheesy, tacky gameshows and I prefer disco to ballroom. As someone that typically sails with kids, I can't say I would rush to take them on this line - they would LOVE the food, but not sure there would be enough to keep them entertained. For a girls/adults trip it was perfect!

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Best solar eclipse cruises for 2026

Whether you're in the process of creating your bucket list or you've already checked off most experiences, you'll likely want to add another one: watching the total solar eclipse from a cruise ship deck.

Trust me on this. A total solar eclipse trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — even if you're not an astronomy geek.

On Aug. 21, 2017, I climbed to the top of the Green Ridge Lookout in Bend, Oregon's Deschutes National Forest in the early morning hours to wait for the moon to pass between the sun and Earth. At approximately 10:19 a.m. PDT, I witnessed one of the most amazing events of my life while donning solar eclipse glasses and sipping Champagne on a mountaintop as the sky darkened around us.

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This awe-inspiring experience is even better at sea, and travelers hoping to view the 2026 eclipse from a ship have plenty of options. The 2024 total solar eclipse that moved across North America, passing over Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, prompted a surge in astrotourism. The boost included a new crop of cruise itineraries targeting the eclipse's path of totality.

Whether you missed your chance to view the eclipse at sea in 2024 or want to add a second eclipse viewing to your travel wish list, read on for more details on how and where to make it happen in 2026.

When and where is the total eclipse in 2026?

The total eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal. A partial eclipse will be visible in Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It will be Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999. Greenland is predicted to be the first locale to experience totality at 1:07 p.m. ADT.

The path is expected to be around 182 miles wide and stretch about 5,133 miles long. The moon's shadow is predicted to cross the Greenland ice cap, clip the western edge of Iceland — including the capital city, Reykjavik — then cross over the North Atlantic Ocean to northern Spain, crossing the entire peninsula from the north coast to the Mediterranean Sea.

Why book a cruise to watch the eclipse?

If you can witness the eclipse from land, why would you want to head out to sea to watch it?

First, you'll sail with a small group of like-minded eclipse enthusiasts and have access to astronomy and space exploration experts. You can also avoid the crowds and traffic on land with people driving to the viewing spots and jockeying for the best places to park and watch the show.

Additionally, a cruise ship positioned off the coast of Reykjavik will provide up to two minutes and 18 seconds of totality, close to the maximum viewing anywhere along the eclipse path.

"Many people think that a large ship rocks too much to view a solar eclipse. But they're actually steady enough to do high-quality photography," said J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope, a print and online magazine for avid sky and stargazers.

Beatty explains that a ship's maneuverability and weather instrumentation are essential since they provide the flexibility to sail to another location for optimal visibility. Also, if you're sailing with astronomy experts, they can help guide the crew on the bridge to reposition the ship so all passengers have the best views of the eclipse.

Solar eclipse cruises 2026

Only a few cruise lines are planning festivities for the big event, and some cruises are already sold out. If you're setting your sights on a stargazing cruise in 2026, don't wait to book. If 2024 was any indication, these sailings will likely be snatched up faster than a shooting star.

Below are the best solar eclipse cruises for 2026.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

You can choose between two ships and itineraries for solar eclipse sailings with Atlas Ocean Voyages in 2026. Both itineraries were tailored to position the ships in prime eclipse-viewing locations.

The seven-night World Traveller itinerary will sail from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco, departing Aug. 9. The vessel will be at sea Aug. 12 for the phenomenon.

Passengers sailing World Navigator will view the solar eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland. This nine-night round-trip sailing from Reykjavik departs Aug. 11.

These solar eclipse sailings will feature expert astronomers serving as expedition guides. They will share insights into the solar eclipse during the day, as well as provide detailed descriptions of the night-sky views in the evenings. On board, guests will enjoy special lectures and engaging conversations about the cosmos with fellow explorers.

These sailings are expected to be popular and will likely sell out quickly. Fares for the seven-night World Traveller sailing start from $5,499.50 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares for the nine-night World Navigator voyage start from $8,899 per person, based on double occupancy.

Want to get a head start on your sky-watching skills before 2026? Atlas is also adding stargazing and astronomy workshops to select eight- to 13-night sailings in fall 2024 and summer 2025. Onboard discussions and lectures led by renowned astronomers will cover topics like recent astronomical discoveries and the birth of the universe.

Among the itineraries available is an eight-night Reykjavik to Amsterdam voyage that departs Sept. 12, 2024 (from $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin). Additionally, a 13-night Las Palmas, Spain, to Rio de Janeiro sailing will depart Oct. 14, 2024 (from $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin). A 12-night voyage from Leith, Scotland, to Trondheim, Norway , will depart June 10, 2025 (from $6,199.50 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin).

Albatros Expeditions

The 12-night Greenland Solar Eclipse expedition aboard Ocean Albatros will set sail Aug. 10, 2026, from Reykjavik and disembark in the remote village of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

On eclipse day, Aug. 12, 2026, guests will watch the total solar eclipse from the precise center of the phenomenon as it reaches the isolated Blosseville Coast in East Greenland at 4:37 p.m. local time. The quiet landing beach will offer unobstructed views during totality.

Other highlights of the voyage into one of the world's most remote destinations include glacier viewing along the east coast of Greenland and the strait of Prince Christian Sound; experiencing the East Greenlandic culture in Tasiilaq; seeing the ancient remains at the farmstead of Erik the Red; and visiting the world's smallest capital, the town of Nuuk.

Fares start at $17,695 per person, based on double occupancy and including all taxes and fees. Pricing includes Zodiac landings; all meals, with beer, wine and soda served at dinner; informative lectures by expedition teams; a complimentary parka; and transfers between Kangerlussaq and Copenhagen. Gratuities, other beverages and excursions, and extra expenses (not specified in the fare) are at an additional cost. Contact a cruise specialist for specific cabin pricing.

Choose among three vessels and voyages for a solar eclipse sailing with British cruise line Cunard in 2026. According to the line, solar eclipse-specific activities and events are in the works and will be released at a later date.

The 14-night westbound transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 will depart Southampton, England, on Aug. 4, 2026, and end in New York City. Passengers will have the chance to see the solar eclipse during an overnight stay in Reykjavik on Aug. 12. Additional itinerary highlights include stops in the picturesque towns of Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland. Fares start from $5,998 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Passengers can also board Cunard's Queen Anne in Southampton for a seven-night round-trip Spain and France itinerary departing Aug. 9, 2026. Guests can explore the Spanish ports of Santander, A Coruna and Gijon before visiting the charming town of Pauillac, France. Cruisers can savor an eclipse view from the deck of Queen Anne as the ship leaves the Spanish harbor. Fares start from $4,098 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

A seven-night sailing aboard Queen Victoria departs Aug. 10, 2026, from Civitavecchia (near Rome) and sails to Barcelona. This Western Mediterranean cruise stops in Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Villefranche and Toulon, France. On Aug. 12, after a day of exploring the historic town of Tarragona, guests can view the eclipse from Queen Victoria's deck or one of the ship's open-air venues. Fares start from $3,018 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Cunard Line cruise ship

Holland America

Holland America Line offers three sailings where the ships will be positioned within the path of totality.

The line's 13-night Mediterranean Solar Eclipse itinerary on 1,964-passenger Oosterdam sails from Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 9, and ends in Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Barcelona. Other port calls include Alicante, Spain; Ajaccio and Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro. Passengers will be able to view the eclipse from the ship as it sails from Alicante to Barcelona. Fares start from $2,619 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Cruisers seeking longer sailings can choose between Holland America's 28-night Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland and the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse.

The 28-night Scandinavian Solar Eclipse journey departs July 24 for a round-trip sailing from Dover, England, aboard 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam. The itinerary features stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland, and the vessel will be at sea during the eclipse. Passengers can enjoy a bit more time in Scotland thanks to an overnight stay in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fares start from $5,594 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Departing July 18, the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings aboard 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam sails from Boston. It arrives in Grundarfjordur, Iceland, on the day of the eclipse. The round-trip journey will cross the Atlantic Ocean twice and will include stops at Portland, Maine; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Red Bay, St. Anthony and St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; and Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as the aforementioned ports in Greenland. The ship will dock overnight in Reykjavik and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Fares start from $8,149 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

All three itineraries feature onboard lectures from scientific experts, solar eclipse-themed events and other activities. Passengers will also receive eclipse glasses to safely view the phenomenon.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises will offer two itineraries that will provide an opportunity to witness the 2026 solar eclipse at sea. The 14-night Spain and Portugal sailing departs Aug. 7 aboard Ventura. It will dock on Spain's northwestern coast for the solar eclipse in Ferrol.

The round-trip voyage leaves from Southampton and includes calls at Santander and Gijon in Spain and Madeira and Lisbon in Portugal. Stroll along the cobblestone streets in the medieval town of Alfama and soak up some sun along one of Santander's numerous beaches, among other diversions. Fares for an inside cabin start from about $1,813 per person, based on double occupancy.

The line's adults-only Arcadia will embark on a round-trip, 16-night sailing from Southampton on Aug. 4. Ports of call in Iceland include an overnight in Reykjavik. The ship will be docked in Isafjordur on Aug. 12, the day of the eclipse.

Other stops include the charming town of Akureyri, situated on Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, and Belfast, where you can tour a castle, learn about Titanic history or visit a local pub for a pint of Guinness. Fares for an inside cabin start from about $2,284 per person, based on double occupancy.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' 14-day Spain, France and Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse cruise aboard 3,660-passenger Sky Princess will include a total eclipse viewing while the ship sails off the coast of Spain.

The round-trip voyage will depart Southampton on Aug. 8, 2026, and stop at seven European ports. Guests can soak in art and history in Cherbourg, France; explore the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao; and stroll among Roman ruins in Cartagena, Spain.

During the eclipse, passengers can gather on the top decks to view the celestial event with provided safety glasses. The sailing will also include lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night and solar system trivia.

Prices for the Total Eclipse Sky Princess voyage start from $4,197 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. Suites and oceanview cabins are already sold out.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages recently announced the line's first-ever Eclipse Voyages for August 2026 as part of a new series of sailings dubbed Marvelous Voyages.

The 12- and 14-night solar eclipse sailings will follow the eclipse's path of totality. The 12-night sailing will take place on board the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady , featuring stops in Dublin; Glasgow, Scotland; and Reykjavik. A 14-night sailing aboard the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady will include port calls in Mallorca, Spain, and Cannes, France.

Details of the itineraries, including pricing, are still in the works. However, Virgin promises that "galactic grandstands outfitted with telescopes and binoculars will transform the ship's upper decks into observation viewing spaces with astronomers on standby." Additionally, Sailors (the line's moniker for passengers) can expect special solar eclipse-themed programming, such as new moon ceremonies, starry symphonies and cosmic culinary creations (think Milky Way milkshakes). They'll also snag a pair of solar eclipse shades and a commemorative guide as a fun takeaway.

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club members will have first dibs on the solar eclipse sailings and will be able to book from Aug. 14-21, 2024 (the date you can book depends on your loyalty status). Bookings will open to the general public beginning in September. Check back here for updates.

Windstar Cruises

For an intimate solar eclipse sailing, consider Windstar Cruises ' seven-night Around Iceland: A Total Solar Eclipse sailing aboard 312-passenger Star Pride . The all-suite yacht departs from Reykjavik on Aug. 10, 2026. The round-trip voyage includes port calls at Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Akureyri and Heimaey, Iceland. The ship will overnight in Seydisfjordur. Along the way, passengers can explore historic Viking villages, hike to waterfalls and lava fields and seek out wildlife.

The sailing will feature special solar eclipse programming, such as an eclipse watch party and solar eclipse-centric onboard presentations about the phenomenon. Details will be announced at a later date, according to the line.

While on board, passengers can take advantage of Windstar's open bridge policy, which allows guests to visit ship bridges and chat with officers while vessels are underway. (Note that access will sometimes be limited when ships are undergoing tricky maneuvers.)

Fares for Windstar's solar eclipse cruise start from $3,899 per person, based on double occupancy.

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Cunard reunites with chef Michel Roux in Norway

Two Michelin-starred chef to host Le Gavroche at Sea residences

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Cunard is welcoming back two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux to Norway in 2025 for another exclusive series of Le Gavroche at Sea residencies.

The esteemed chef will oversee four Le Gavroche residencies across four exciting Fjords voyages next year – two on the new Queen Anne and flagship Queen Mary 2 between April and August.

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Queen Mary 2 will host the first five-night takeover with Le Gavroche at The Verandah on the seven-night roundtrip Fjords sailing on 6 April . Guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu infused with all the flavours of the sea, elegantly finessed using the very best produce – designed by one of the world’s most decorated chefs.

Michel will then host a residency aboard Queen Anne – Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels – for her Fjords voyage on 11 May , where guests can also expect a beautiful variety of Michel’s signature seafood specialities and elevated culinary classics.

On 15 August , Michel will return to Queen Mary 2 for another intimate takeover of The Verandah, before completing his quartet of Le Gavroche residencies on board Queen Anne from 31 August .

Le Gavroche at Sea reservations will be an additional charge for guests, with venue takeovers catering for up to 60 diners in The Verandah and up to 50 diners in Sir Samuels each evening.

Elevated experience

As well as hosting these exclusive residencies, Michel will be launching another elevated seafood concept.

Oysters at The Champagne Bar ( Queen Mary 2 ) and Oysters at Carinthia Lounge ( Queen Anne ) will be serving exquisite Norwegian seafood every night of their respective voyages, available by walk-in only.

During each voyage, Michel will also host a live cooking demonstration in the Royal Court Theatre, as well as appear as an Insight Speaker – regaling guests with stories from his distinguished 40-plus-year career in the hospitality industry.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard , said: “We’re thrilled to continue our successful Le Gavroche at Sea residencies. Our guests expect exceptional experiences, and having one of the world’s most celebrated chefs on board to create special menus and host exclusive events is truly special.”

“It is always a privilege to revive the essence of Le Gavroche and I am thrilled to be collaborating with Cunard for a second series of takeovers next year,” Chef Michel Roux added.

“This project is incredibly rewarding and allows me to craft signature menus that capture the spirit of adventure as well as the art of accessible fine dining. I am hugely excited to get back on board and showcase the beauty of Norwegian seafood to Cunard guests.”

See www.cunard.com .

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