Loungers on the upper Grills Terrace on board Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, with the famous Cunard red funnel in the background

On board with Cunard New to cruising

Fact or fiction?

Cunard, and cruising in general, may bring about several pre-conceived notions. Read on to put your mind at ease as we bust myths and misconceptions about activities, socialising and space on board.

4 min 01 Sep 2022

Cunard

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If you are yet to travel on a Cunard Queen, you may have a few concerns that need addressing before making the decision to book. The truth is, once you’ve tried it, you may well realise that a Cunard voyage is the holiday you’ve always wanted. From a wealth of dining choices to an ever-expanding list of destinations to visit, there are plenty of temptations waiting to be discovered. Allow this article to dispel any misconceptions and bring about a new perspective to cruising.

If you're worried the ship will be too crowded...

One of the most common misconceptions about Cunard is that our ships are too busy and crowded. While this may be the case with some cruise lines, our Queens have been expertly designed to offer plenty of space for every guest. In fact, guests have been known to ask whether we are sailing at full capacity or not, because they haven’t experienced crowds or queuing!

To give you an idea, our longest ship is Queen Mary 2, with a capacity of just 2,691 guests, compared to almost 7,000 guests on other cruise ships of similar sizes. What's more, our staterooms have more space than many other cruise lines, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible. With Cunard, revel in plenty of space throughout the ship. Feel a sense of freedom and ease knowing that you’ll always be able to find a peaceful nook in which to relax.

If you're worried you won't fit in...

Another belief is that a Cunard cruise only suits a certain kind of person, when really, you’ll find something for everyone on board thanks to a wide array of choices in every aspect. Where dining is concerned, you can enjoy unfussy pub fare at the Golden Lion one night and don your finest attire for a night of glamour another. You could take in an elegant show at the Royal Court Theatre or put your pipes to work at karaoke. As always with Cunard, the choice is yours.

On a voyage with Cunard, you can be as reserved or as social as you prefer, with plenty of opportunities for a private date, or to meet like-minded people. Our Event Voyages are especially popular for those looking to find new friends, attracting guests with similar passions such as literature, ballet, and gastronomy.

If you're worried you'd get bored...

Transatlantic Crossings with Cunard includes six days at sea, and even on these our guests find that they don't have enough time to try everything on board. Whist there is ample opportunity to relax and unwind, if you’re looking for a little more liveliness you’ll be delighted by the options on board. Our Gala Evenings are the perfect opportunity to don your finest eveningwear and commemorate your getaway.

And that’s just on board. Each time you arrive into a new port find more opportunities to do something new, or maybe take part in a favourite hobby. Once you've booked your voyage, you can browse a broad list of Shore Experiences to try in the destinations you’ll visit, from zip-lining and wildlife watching in the Caribbean, to walking and cycling tours in Denmark. These Shore Experiences are available for booking via My Cunard once you have a voyage booking reference.

If you're worried that there's a class system...

Many potential guests think of Cunard as synonymous with the Golden Age of cruising, and imagine a class system on board. This is simply not the case. Although stateroom types have their own restaurants, all offer an exceptional dining experience covered by our White Star Service. Regardless of which stateroom or suite you choose, you’ll be treated to a range of thoughtful added touches. From luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries to sumptuous slippers and a dressing gown, no guest goes unspoiled.

Discover for yourself!

The variety of dining, bars, entertainment, activity, and accommodation choices available mean that a voyage with Cunard could quickly become your favourite kind of holiday. Know that you can always enjoy the freedom to do what you want, when you want on board – ultimately, the choice is yours! Whether you’re completely new to cruise, or you’d like to travel with a mixture of companions who have different tastes and interests, a Cunard voyage will provide. But in the end, the best way to make a decision about holidaying with Cunard is to try it. Browse our selection of voyages and find your next adventure...