Cunard vs Royal Caribbean

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?

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 Royal Caribbean?

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

Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise holidays since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry 'firsts' – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous holiday-makers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most-popular read more destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.

What destinations are Royal Caribbean exploring this season?

Who cruises with Royal Caribbean?

Families and couples, including semi-retired and retired travellers.

What are Royal Caribbean known for?

Entertainment-packed ships, state-of-the-art onboard experiences and thrills.

Are Royal Caribbean's fares all-inclusive?

No.

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

Budget for alcoholic beverages, WiFi, specialty dining, shore excursions and selected onboard activities or experiences.

Are gratuities included?

Yes for Australian and New Zealand guests only.

Are shore excursions included?

No.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply.

Does Royal Caribbean have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Royal Caribbean a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Royal Caribbean is a genuinely family-friendly cruise line with comprehensive children’s programs and facilities for families, including accommodation for large groups.

Are any onboard activities included?

Sports courts, rock-climbing walls, waterslides, surf riders, language, dance and craft classes, select onboard thrills, skydiving simulators, observation capsules and on some ships - games spaces and ice-skating rinks. Activities vary by ship.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars may incur a charge. Video arcade games incur a fee, and some onboard thrills may offer only one complimentary use. Some themed dinners and in-suite movies also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available; charges apply and the range may differ between ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Basic non-alcoholic drinks are included for free in your cruise fare, but specialty non-alcoholic beverages like soda, mocktails, and premium coffee cost extra unless you buy a drink package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased.

Do Royal Caribbean sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Packages are available for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Do Royal Caribbean offer room service?

Yes. A convenience charge applies to each order except continental breakfast items. Grand Suites and higher categories do not pay the convenience fee.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply.

Are there gyms onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although selected special training classes may incur additional charges.

Do Royal Caribbean offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Royal Caribbean offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.