Sailing Queen Elizabeth: Cunard experience & our personal tips for a Cunard cruise

There are cruises and then there is Cunard. Sailing aboard Queen Elizabeth is an experience that feels a little different from the typical modern cruise vacation. With her Art Deco-inspired interiors, elegant public spaces, attentive service and classic British atmosphere, Queen Elizabeth creates a sense of occasion from the moment you step onboard.

As a travel professionals, we were especially excited to experience Queen Elizabeth for ourselves and see what makes Cunard such a distinctive choice for travelers looking for something more refined.

Our first impressions of Queen Elizabeth

What immediately stood out to us was the ship's atmosphere. Queen Elizabeth feels elegant without being overwhelming. The beautiful chandeliers, classic design details, spacious decks and sophisticated lounges create an environment where you can genuinely slow down and enjoy the journey.

We particularly enjoyed the Garden Lounge, Café Carinthia, Commodore Club and Royal Court Theatre. And if you enjoy traditional cruise activities, don't miss the Games Deck, where you can play croquet, bowls or deck tennis.

What makes Cunard different?

One of the biggest differences is the emphasis on tradition and British elegance.

Cunard still embraces the idea that getting dressed for dinner can be part of the fun. Most evenings call for smart attire, while Gala Evenings provide an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a more glamorous night onboard.

Don't let the dress code intimidate you, though. You don't need an entire suitcase of formalwear. My advice is to pack a few versatile evening outfits that you can mix and match.

Our personal Queen Elizabeth tips:

1. Embrace the dress code.Rather than seeing Gala Evenings as a requirement, think of them as part of the Cunard experience. It's fun to dress up, enjoy dinner and take a few photographs.

2. Don't overpack. Cunard provides towels, bathrobes and a hairdryer, and Queen Elizabeth has complimentary self-service laundry facilities. That can make packing much easier on longer voyages.

3. Explore the ship on your first day. Queen Elizabeth has many beautiful spaces that are easy to miss if you simply follow the daily schedule. Take time to walk the decks, discover the lounges and find your favorite quiet spot.

4. Don't schedule every minute. One of our favorite things about cruising is that sometimes the best moments happen when you have nowhere to be. Enjoy an afternoon tea, listen to live music, read a book or simply watch the ocean.

5. Plan your shore excursions carefully. Don't automatically choose the longest or most expensive excursion. Think about what you genuinely want to experience - history, food, nature, culture or simply exploring independently.

6. Give yourself time to enjoy the ship. This is especially important on Queen Elizabeth. The ship itself is part of the destination.

Is Cunard right for you?

We would recommend Cunard to travelers who appreciate elegance, tradition, attentive service, quality dining and a more sophisticated cruise atmosphere. It may not be the right fit if you're looking for a non-stop party atmosphere or a very casual cruise experience. But if your idea of vacation includes dressing up for dinner, enjoying afternoon tea, listening to live music and taking your time, Cunard deserves a place on your cruise wish list.

Cunard: a cruise line built on tradition

One of the things that makes Cunard different is its remarkable history. Founded by Samuel Cunard in 1840, the company began with transatlantic mail service and became one of the most recognizable names in ocean travel. Cunard's connection to classic ocean liners, formal service and transatlantic crossings has shaped the brand for more than 180 years.

Today, Cunard operates four Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne and continues to position itself around refined ocean travel, elegant surroundings and its signature White Star Service.

For us, that's really the appeal of Cunard. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it embraces what it does exceptionally well: classic cruising with a modern touch.

What is included on a Cunard cruise?

One question we often hear from clients is, "What exactly is included in my cruise fare?"

A Cunard cruise includes considerably more than just your stateroom. Your fare generally includes:

• Your accommodation, with nightly turndown service and your own dedicated steward.

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining restaurant associated with your stateroom category.

• Buffet dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

• Traditional Cunard Afternoon Tea, one of the experiences I would absolutely recommend experiencing at least once.

• Coffee, tea, water and fruit juice at designated buffet areas, with water during meals and coffee afterward.

• Live entertainment, including theatre productions, music, dancing and other performances.

• Lectures and enrichment programs through Cunard Insights.

• Fitness facilities, swimming pools, deck games and other activities.

• Access to the ship's library and numerous public spaces.

• Cunard's renowned White Star Service.

  
  

And yes, Afternoon Tea is included. It is served daily and features sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea, traditionally presented with that unmistakable Cunard sense of occasion.

What isn't included?

It's also important to understand that Cunard is not an all-inclusive cruise line in the traditional sense.

Additional charges can apply for shore excursions, premium alcoholic and soft drinks, specialty dining, internet packages, spa and salon services, casino activities and certain classes or experiences. Cunard also adds a Hotel Service Charge ($18 per person, per day for Britannia and Britannia Club, and $19 per person, per day for Queens and Princess Grill Suites) to the onboard account for eligible crew services.

That doesn't necessarily mean you'll spend a lot more onboard. Our personal advice is to decide before sailing what is actually important to you. If you don't need unlimited drinks, premium Wi-Fi or specialty restaurants, you can enjoy a wonderful Cunard vacation without purchasing every package available.

Our final take about Cunard cruises

Sailing Queen Elizabeth reminded us that a cruise doesn't always have to be about how many activities you can fit into one day. Sometimes, luxury is simply having the time to slow down.

Our advice? Don't just cruise to a destination - enjoy the journey and the cruise experience.

If you're considering a Cunard cruise and aren't sure which itinerary, stateroom or excursions are right for you, we'd be happy to help you plan the experience around your own travel style.

Our travel tip: If you're planning to sail on Cunard, don't compare it only by price or the number of activities included. Compare the experience. If you appreciate history, elegant surroundings, excellent service, traditional cruising and time to relax, Cunard may be a wonderful match for your travel style.