Cunard vs Viking 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 Viking?

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

A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What destinations are Viking exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.

Who cruises with Viking?

Retired and semi-retired world travellers.

What are Viking known for?

Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.

Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?

No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.

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

Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.

Does Viking have a loyalty program?

No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.

Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?

No. Children under 18 are not accepted.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?

Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.

Do Viking sell any beverage packages?

Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.

Do Viking offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.

Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?

Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.

Do Viking offer personal training?

Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.

Do Viking offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.