Read Best Cruises Methodology »
Find Cruises
Call to plan a cruise: 1-877-978-2693
with a cruise advisor
Launched in 2007 and most recently updated in May 2017, Queen Victoria features all the hallmarks of the Cunard line (personalized customer service and elegant entertainment options geared toward an older crowd), plus upgraded staterooms, new Britannia Club dining, a revamped sun deck and more. With a passenger capacity of roughly 2,000, Queen Victoria is Cunard’s smallest ship.
Queen Victoria features Cunard's standard upscale accommodation options, including Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites. The ship also offers Single cabins designed for solo travelers. All cabins feature amenities like minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Suites include walk-in closets and bathrooms with tubs.
When it comes to dining, Queen Victoria offers six options ranging from casual fare at Lido to contemporary French cuisine at the specialty Verandah Restaurant (for an extra fee). The ship also offers a variety of activities and entertainment options, including lectures, fitness classes and spa treatments.
In the evenings, guests can participate in themed galas or enjoy theatrical productions and live music. Keep in mind that there is an elegant dress code for nighttime activities. Some may find this a hassle, though many recent cruisers were pleased with this extra air of sophistication that's typically absent on other ships.
Originally launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 underwent a major update in 2016 to introduce redesigned public spaces and restaurants, renovated staterooms and suites, additional spaces and kennels for those traveling with pets (the only ones at sea) and a complete exterior facelift.
The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship, and it is known for its frequent transatlantic crossings and luxury cruising experience. Recent passengers rave about the upscale cabins, which range from Single staterooms designed for solo passengers to Princess Grill and Queens Grill cabins that offer extra perks, such as exclusive dining venues and butler service.
When travelers aren't in their cabins, they can participate in enrichment programming, visit the ship's planetarium, read in the largest library at sea and more. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy shows at the Royal Court Theatre or musical acts in various venues across the ship.
Queen Mary 2 offers six dining venues, including two specialty restaurants, as well as six bars and lounges. Overall, past cruisers were impressed with the specialty restaurants, while the main dining rooms received mixed reviews.
In 2018-19, Queen Mary 2 completes Transatlantic crossings and sails to a variety of destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Far East.
Launched in 2010 as the newest Cunard ship, Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 2,081 passengers. With 1,005 crew members on board, the ship puts an emphasis on personalized attention. Past cruisers said everyone from the wait staff to the room stewards provide five-star service.
Guests can choose from a number of lodging options, including unique single staterooms for solo travelers, special Queens and Princess Grill suites, Britannia Club and Britannia cabins. Some room categories offer extra space and access to exclusive dining venues. All cabins are outfitted with standard amenities such as room service, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.
Daytime activities include watercolor painting classes, dance lessons, fencing classes, afternoon tea and outdoor garden parties. While children's programming is provided, recent cruisers note that entertainment is decidedly adult, with evening galas and chic lounges.
Queen Elizabeth offers four main dining rooms that vary by cabin type, as well as a specialty restaurant and alternative dining at the Lido buffet. In the evenings, passengers can grab a nightcap at one of multiple bars and lounges.
In 2018-19, the Queen Elizabeth makes a variety of sailings throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and more.
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.
