There’s something timeless about a Cunard cruise. It’s one of the few cruise lines that still captures that grand, elegant charm that once defined ocean travel.
Whether it’s the formal dress codes, white-glove service, or afternoon tea traditions, Cunard knows how to make cruising feel truly special.
If you’re drawn to that classic cruise style, you’ve probably looked at Cunard’s iconic fleet and wondered, which ship delivers the best experience?
Even though the Cunard fleet is relatively small, each ship has its own unique vibe. So we dug into real reviews from actual passengers to rank the best and worst Cunard ships — and let’s be honest, there’s really no “bad” one in this bunch.
How This List Was Compiled
Let’s be upfront — I haven’t personally cruised on every Cunard ship (yet!). So, rather than relying on one opinion, I pulled together feedback from real cruisers who’ve actually sailed with Cunard.
The rankings are based on average scores from three of the most trusted cruise review websites: Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor.
These platforms have thousands of reviews, which helps balance out any one-off opinions or extremes.
Then, I crunched the numbers and averaged the scores to see which ships stood out. The final scores were surprisingly close — even the “lowest-rated” ship still scored well above 3.7 out of 5.
Translation? Every Cunard ship offers a solid experience. But a few rise just a little higher.
What’s the Best Cunard Ship?
According to cruise passenger reviews, the crown jewel of Cunard is Queen Mary 2. But don’t count out Queen Victoria — she’s barely a hair behind in the rankings.
Let’s break it down ship by ship, starting from the top.
1. Queen Mary 2 – The Elegant Ocean Liner
If you’ve ever dreamed of that romantic transatlantic journey — crossing the ocean in refined style — Queen Mary 2 is your ship.
She’s not just the flagship of the Cunard fleet; she’s the last true ocean liner still in service today.
Built to handle the choppy Atlantic, Queen Mary 2 isn’t just pretty — she’s powerful. With a top speed of 30 knots and a smooth ride, she can outrun most cruise ships.
Her size is impressive too, yet she carries fewer guests (around 2,695), which means more space to relax and less crowding onboard.
What really sets QM2 apart, though, is the kennel service. Yes — you can actually bring your dog (or cat) along for the voyage.
The ship has dedicated kennel staff and spaces for pet visits, making it perfect for travelers who can’t stand to leave their furry friends behind.
The atmosphere onboard is often described as “magical” by repeat cruisers. Guests love the refined ambiance, beautiful public areas, and top-tier entertainment.
Still, a few seasoned Cunard fans note a slight dip in service in recent years, mainly due to staffing challenges. But overall, this ship earns glowing praise.
2. Queen Victoria – Intimate, Elegant, and Almost Tied for First
Coming in just a fraction of a point behind Queen Mary 2 is the charming Queen Victoria. And when I say fraction, I mean it — we’re talking about a 0.001 difference in the review average. So it’s fair to say she could’ve easily taken the top spot.
Queen Victoria is the smallest of the Cunard ships, but you’d never guess it from what’s onboard.
There are three pools, thirteen bars, seven restaurants, a full theatre, and even a grand ballroom. It feels like a boutique luxury hotel at sea.
Guests often rave about the elegant décor, which leans heavily into old-world charm, perfect for those who appreciate the golden age of cruising.
On the flip side, some negative reviews mention that the cabins feel cramped, especially the bathrooms.
One reviewer even compared the shower to a caravan stall — so taller or larger guests might want to double-check cabin layouts.
Service standards also receive mixed feedback, with some noting longer waits or less attention in certain areas. Still, these critiques are relatively minor, and the overall sentiment is extremely positive.
3. Queen Elizabeth – Stylish, Art Deco Flair with a Modern Edge
Next up is Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria’s slightly younger (and slightly bigger) sister. While they share the same basic design, Queen Elizabeth sports a few key differences.
For one, the décor has a striking art deco theme, paying homage to the original Queen Elizabeth liner from the 1930s. The ambiance feels a touch more modern, but still rooted in traditional luxury.
In terms of features, the two ships are nearly identical, though Queen Elizabeth swaps Victoria’s sliding roof in the Winter Garden for a static glass-covered Garden Lounge.
One small upgrade that frequent cruisers might appreciate is the Britannia Club dining area for solo travelers, which Victoria doesn’t offer.
Most complaints about Queen Elizabeth echo those of the other ships — mainly, longtime guests lamenting the gradual phasing out of certain classic Cunard details.
A few also mention the ship feeling understaffed in restaurants or lounges. But overall, she still delivers a refined cruise experience with consistently good reviews.
Special Mention: Queen Anne – Cunard’s Newest Addition
Cunard welcomed its newest queen to the fleet in May 2024 — the dazzling Queen Anne. She’s a fresh take on classic cruising, blending the line’s heritage with modern amenities and design.
Queen Anne sails through Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring a brand-new venue called the Bright Lights Society, contemporary décor throughout, and a wider range of dining options.
Early feedback from cruisers is promising, but since she’s so new, she hasn’t built up enough reviews to rank fairly yet. Stay tuned — she could easily rise to the top once more guests share their experiences.
Cunard FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q – Which Is the Biggest Cunard Ship?
Ans – The largest ship in the Cunard fleet is Queen Mary 2, weighing in at 149,215 gross tons and stretching 1,132 feet long. She’s the last true ocean liner sailing today.
Q – What’s the Newest Cunard Ship?
Ans – The newest ship is Queen Anne, launched in May 2024. Before her, Queen Elizabeth (launched in 2010) held the title.
Q – Which Cunard Ship Feels the Most Luxurious?
Ans – It depends on your style. Queen Anne boasts the newest interiors, modern touches, and the most up-to-date spa and accommodations. Queen Mary 2, however, exudes classic luxury and traditional grandeur that’s hard to beat.
Q – Do Cunard Ships Have Single Cabins?
Ans – Yes! All Cunard ships offer solo cabins, making them a great choice for solo travelers. However, only Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth have dining setups that let you eat solo without needing to book a suite.
Q – Can I Bring My Dog?
Ans – Yes — but only on Queen Mary 2. She’s the only ship in the fleet with onboard kennels, allowing dogs (and cats) to sail along, though they aren’t allowed in cabins or public areas.
The Final Word: Which Cunard Ship Should You Choose?
When it comes to Cunard, you really can’t go wrong. All three main ships deliver a unique mix of elegance, tradition, and charm.
Queen Mary 2 gets the edge for her ocean liner heritage and onboard pet perks, while Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth offer a more intimate experience with classic style.
And with Queen Anne entering the mix, Cunard’s future looks just as refined as its past.
So… do you have a favorite? Let us know which Queen you’d crown as the best!
