Cunard vs Princess Cruises

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 Princess?

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

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

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

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.