Royal Cruise with Cunard Line

The Cunard Line ships are very different from being aboard a standard cruise ship. Cunard is like the best kept secret in the cruise industry. Although, they are now owned by Carnival Cruise Lines and are a major player, they don't advertise on television. It seems their advertising dollars are well spent instead on maintaining these luxurious ships, servicing and pampering their passengers instead during these Transatlantic voyages.

What It's Like

The ships include a lot of the grand, historical, maritime traditions of ocean liners. The ambience of the lines is cosmopolitan with a variety of public rooms, facilities, dining rooms and lecture programs. There are several spa and fitness centers to enjoy. The Cunard Line ships also have full libraries with professional librarians that are not cruise staff. For those who love to relax with a good book as I do on vacation, this is a dream come true. Book shops are available to purchase memorabilia about the ship's line. The Cunard Line lecturers specialize in several aspects of life enrichment.

Cunard Line also graciously provides male social hosts. There is no excuse for single ladies not to spend an evening dancing and having fun. Another fantastic perk that is unique to the Queen Mary 2 ship is that animal lovers can take their pets with them on the ship. This is a huge relief to know that your dog or cat is well taken care of in an air conditioned kennel on the ship enjoying a little vacation of their own with real British lampposts and New York fire hydrants for the dog's benefit.

An interesting and valuable service is also provided for children, parents or both really. On both the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria, there are terrific facilities for kids with real English nannies supervising them. The kids can explore and have fun while you do you.

Cuisine

The ship has what are called "grill rooms" that make you feel like Royalty. The Maitre d'Hotel welcomes you by name. The waiter is very attentive. A sommelier recommends your wine selections. Your selections are prepared table-side to add flair and elegance. This experience can also be enjoyed in the privacy your suite as the ocean cascades by for a relaxing and romantic experience as a butler attends to you.

If you are not in the mood for the completely upscale experience, other dining venues are available. The ship has many traditional, large restaurants and casual self-service or buffets as well. Regardless of the venue, the food is excellent with a choice of traditional British favorites, French dishes and regional specialties.

Service

The concierge service is unsurpassed. The personal attention during the dining experience only scratches the surface on the level of quality service provided from the time of embarkation to disembarkation with Cunard Line. Fresh flowers, champagne, canapes and more arrive at your suite making you feel pampered and special.

Entertainment

The shows are very vibrant and fun. The shows available to see are cabaret acts, which are usually magicians, singers, comedy jugglers, mimes, and comedians. There are also a variety of bands and small musical groups for listening pleasure and dancing.

Gratuities

The currency is either the US dollar or British pound based on the operating area. Gratuities are charge automatically to your onboard account. There is a 15% charge added automatically to all bar and wine, and spa/salon bills.

Travelers looking for a special or very different cruise experience can find it when sailing aboard the Cunard Line cruises. It is an unforgettable experience being treated like Royalty when traveling on the Cunard Line cruise.