What to expect on your Cunard cruise

Updated January 2018

A cruise with Cunard can be an absolutely magnificent affair. With impeccable White Star service, and some of the best luxury ocean cruising at sea, you are guaranteed to savour every moment spent on your Cunard cruise. If you’re considering a Cunard cruise for the first time, of course you're likely to have all kinds of questions about what to expect. To give you a little guidance, we've put together this short guide with more information about just what a Cunard Cruise is like. If there's anything we haven't covered, be sure to ask our sales team any other questions you have before booking your cruise.

Embarkation

You can expect friendly smiles and warm greetings from all staff when you first arrive onboard. This short video reveals just what’s in store from the start:

It’s also worth noting that there is no limit when it comes to how much luggage you can bring with you, however all suitcases must be under 23kg due to health and safety reasons. In keeping with Cunard’s steadfast attention to luxury holidays, the cruise line offers guests a fabulous white-star service; luggage collection and delivery pre and post cruise. Simply speak to a sales agent to arrange this, to alleviate any stress at the start and end of your cruise.

Staterooms and Suites

Cunard offer a wealth of accommodation choices. For those looking for an especially luxurious cruise, there are the Princess and Queens Grill Suites, which boast exclusive facilities such as restaurants and lounges. Otherwise, there is a great variety of staterooms, suiting all guests from single travellers, to families.

Accessibility and Family Cruising

In order to enable their extra special cruising opportunities to be enjoyed by everyone, Cunard have ensured that there is ample space and accessible facilities for all guests. There are wide corridors and spacious staterooms designed for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, and a fantastic array of child-friendly features.

Onboard restaurants offer kids menus, and there is even a designated ‘Children’s Tea’ in The Lido restaurant which gives the perfect opportunity for little ones to make new friends. There are also age-appropriate Kids Clubs onboard Cunard ships, and a night nursery, where babies from 6 to 23 month can sleep between 6-11pm, giving parents a well-earned break.

Wining and Dining

Cunard boast some terrific dining choices onboard all of their ships, including some exclusive restaurants for those staying in Princess and Queens Grills suites. Dine in the main restaurant – where you can opt for traditional dining times, or ‘freedom dining’ if preferred. The buffet restaurant offers a wide range of cuisine options as well as tea, coffee, and juices during the day. Speciality restaurants inlcude The Verandah, for an extra special dining experience, The Golden Lion for a homely pub-style ambiance, and Lotus, Coriander, La Piazza, and Smokehouse for global cuisine.

When cruising with Cunard, guests are not only in for a treat where dining is concerned. There are also some beautiful and comfortable lounges where you can enjoy your favourite tipple.

Other Useful Information

• Staying in touch with loved ones back home is easy to do on a Cunard cruise. You’ll find internet stations either in The Library or ConneXions centres onboard, or you can access the ship's Wi-Fi by purchasing an internet package. Simply speak to your sales agent at the time of booking, or to a crew member once you're onboard.
• Cunard have introduced a cash-free environment on their ships, for the convenience of all onboard. At the start of your cruise you’ll be given a cruise card to use for spending (you’ll be asked to leave a credit/debit card or cash deposit when retrieving it). All pricing onboard is in US dollars, and you’ll need to settle up your bill before disembarking – either using a card or cash. It’s also possible to buy local currency on the ship.
• In order to help maintain the traditional cruising style that Cunard are renowned for, guests will be invited to adhere to specific dress codes. During the day attire should be casual – including shorts and smart jeans – and the evenings can be either formal or informal. This useful video will give you more information about what you’ll be expected to wear and when.

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