Cunard vs Holland America

Why should we cruise with Cunard?

We asked Cunard why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

For over 180 years Cunard have set the bar, and then raised it. Cunard's rich history and unrivalled seafaring knowledge means that Cunard has grown into a truly iconic brand. A brand that constantly refines the definitive experience of ocean travel. The designs of Cunard's current ships have been inspired by our past but reimagined for our future. Alongside classic, art deco stylings and unrivalled craftsmanship you’ll find splashes of bold colour and contemporary comforts.

Feel free to do as much or as little as you like on board, as every read more venue has been carefully developed to provide plenty of choice. Whether your priority is relaxation, adventure, or indulgence, your Cunard ship will not disappoint.

What destinations are Cunard exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Cunard from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Cunard cruises stand out for their classic British elegance, strong evening culture, and iconic "At Sea" experiences - most notably the Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2, widely positioned as the world’s only true ocean liner. Unlike many modern cruise lines that focus on resort-style casual cruising, Cunard emphasises a “sense of occasion” with formal nights and signature traditions such as daily Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Cunard is ideal for travellers who value heritage, refined ambience and classic onboard entertainment, while those seeking ultra-casual cruising, mega-ship attractions, or fully all-inclusive pricing may prefer other cruise brands.

Who cruises with Cunard?

Predominantly couples with an international guest mix particularly from the UK, North America, Australia, Germany and Japan. Families are more common during school holidays, and solo travellers are also well catered for.

What are Cunard known for?

Traditional luxury ocean travel, iconic Transatlantic Crossings, elegant Gala Evenings, White Star Service, ballroom dancing, enrichment and the distinctive Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

Are Cunard's fares all-inclusive?

Fares include accommodation, main dining and buffets, afternoon tea, entertainment, enrichment, pools, gym facilities and children's clubs.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic drinks, beverage packages, specialty dining, WiFi, spa and salon treatments, selected classes and activities, laundry services and gratuities.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities - or as Cunard refers to them 'Hotel Service Charges' - are added to your onboard account. Current charges are USD $18 per person per day for Britannia and Britannia Club accommodation and USD $19 per person per day for Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore Experiences are purchased separately.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. WiFi is available for an additional charge, with Essential and Premium internet plans. Eligible Cunard World Club members receive internet credit.

Does Cunard have a loyalty program?

Yes. Cunard World Club has Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels, with benefits including member savings, onboard events, internet credit, laundry discounts, priority check-in and complimentary alternative dining at higher tiers.

Is Cunard a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, with complimentary supervised children's clubs, family activities and dedicated facilities across the fleet.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include theatre productions, live music, Cunard Insights lectures, ballroom and selected dance classes, swimming pools, deck games, quizzes, libraries, films, children's clubs and use of the fitness centre.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. All four Cunard Queens have casinos offering table games and slot machines, although casinos only operate where local and maritime regulations permit.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Selected fitness and enrichment classes, spa experiences, art purchases and other premium activities incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Cunard's ships?

Yes. Main dining restaurants and buffets are included according to the cabin type you select, while alternative venues such as Steakhouse at The Verandah, Sir Samuel's, Aji Wa, Aranya and Tramonto attract an additional charge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Cunard Signature Packages available on eligible voyages combine a beverage package, WiFi and dining credit. Alternative dining can also be booked and paid for individually.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Tea, coffee, water and fruit juice are complimentary throughout the day in buffet restaurants, with water at meals and coffee afterwards. Soft drinks, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the standard fare, except selected room benefits such as the complimentary minibar provided in Queens Grill Suites.

Do Cunard sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Cunard offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages, including Beverage Collection and Premium Beverage Collection options on eligible voyages.

Do Cunard offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary breakfast room service is available in Britannia Staterooms until 10am, while Britannia Club and Grill Suite guests receive a complimentary room service menu around the clock.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Mareel Wellness & Beauty offers spa, salon, barber and aesthetic services for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Cunard's ships?

Yes. Fully equipped fitness centres are available across the fleet and gym access is included in your cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Cunard's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are available. Some classes are complimentary while selected classes such as yoga, spin and other specialist sessions attract an additional charge.

Do Cunard offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundrettes with washing machines, dryers, detergent and ironing facilities are available on all four ships.

Do Cunard offer a laundry service?

Yes. Professional laundry and specialist cleaning services are available for an additional charge, with discounts available to higher-tier Cunard World Club members.

Why should we cruise with Holland America?

We asked Holland America why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, exquisite dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements we bring to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over.

What destinations are Holland America exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Holland America from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line known for classic, refined cruising with a strong focus on destination immersion, live music and quality dining. Its “Savour the Journey” positioning emphasises a slower, more meaningful travel style, appealing to couples and travellers who prefer relaxed sophistication over water-park-style thrills. Holland America is particularly compelling for Australia & New Zealand cruises and for bucket-list Alaska itineraries, with it's Glacier Bay permits. With value-focused options like their "Have It All" package and a strong food-and-seafood sustainability story, Holland America suits travellers wanting read more a premium experience that feels comfortable, culturally rich and unhurried.

Who cruises with Holland America?

Couples, solo travellers and families, with Holland America particularly appealing to adults who value destination-focused itineraries, traditional cruising, dining and enrichment.

What are Holland America known for?

Destination-focused cruising, longer itineraries, Alaska and worldwide voyages, live music, culinary experiences and a more traditional premium cruising style.

Are Holland America's fares all-inclusive?

No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining, entertainment and many onboard activities.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

On standard fares, expect to pay extra for gratuities, alcoholic and specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, personal training and selected fitness classes and laundry. Have It All fares bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursion credit.

Are gratuities included?

No. Crew Appreciation is normally added to your onboard account. It is included when specifically offered with eligible Have It All Early Booking Bonus fares.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions cost extra. Have It All fares provide shore excursion credit, with the amount determined by cruise length.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase. Have It All includes Surf Wi-Fi, while eligible Early Booking Bonus fares may include Premium Wi-Fi.

Does Holland America have a loyalty program?

Yes. The Mariner Society has five membership levels, with benefits based on accumulated cruise-day credits and onboard spending.

Is Holland America a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Holland America welcomes families and provides supervised youth activities, although its overall onboard style is generally more adult-focused than many large resort-style cruise lines.

Are any onboard activities included?

Complimentary activities include destination-focused Up Close presentations, live entertainment, trivia, game shows, arts and crafts, pickleball, pools and hot tubs, use of the fitness centre and selected wellness classes.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Holland America ships offer casinos with slot machines, table games and tournaments.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Additional charges apply for activities and services such as spa treatments, personal training and selected instructor-led fitness classes.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Holland America's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants include venues such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Tamarind, depending on the ship. Charges apply unless dining is included through an eligible package or fare.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Have It All includes between one and three specialty dining nights depending on cruise length, with availability varying by ship.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Selected basic beverages are included with meals, but soft drinks and specialty coffees generally cost extra. Beverage packages and Have It All can include a wider range of non-alcoholic drinks.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not generally included with standard fares. Have It All includes the Signature Beverage Package, while eligible Early Booking Bonus fares may include the upgraded Elite Beverage Package.

Do Holland America sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Signature, Elite and non-alcoholic Quench beverage packages are available, while Have It All bundles the Signature Beverage Package with other cruise amenities.

Do Holland America offer room service?

Yes. In-room dining is available, with some menu items and beverages attracting additional charges.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Greenhouse Spa & Salon services include massages, facials, hair and nail treatments and, on selected ships, thermal facilities. Charges apply.

Are there gyms onboard Holland America's ships?

Yes. All Holland America ships have a fitness centre with cardio equipment, strength equipment and free weights.

Are fitness classes available onboard Holland America's ships?

Yes. Classes can include yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling, stretching, meditation and circuit training. Some wellness classes are complimentary while selected instructor-led classes cost extra.

Do Holland America offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No. Holland America ships do not have self-service laundries.

Do Holland America offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee, with laundry packages also available. Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests receive complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning.