Cunard

Best for

Anglophiles and those wanting to relive the glory days of ocean liners. Cunard's passengers are mostly seniors, but over holidays and in summer, more families seek affordable elegance.

Not for

Sea-day haters and those who get seasick easily — Cunard does more ocean crossings than any other.

We love

• Daytime activities (including lectures, classes, and movies in real theaters) are outstanding, especially on crossings.
• The Queen Mary 2’s planetarium is out of this world.
• Cunard's large, wood-paneled libraries are the best at sea, with thousands of volumes and comfy leather couches that lend a clubby feel.
• Traditional design hallmarks include wraparound teak decks and double staircases (for grand entrances) in the Britania Dining Rooms.
• Proper afternoon tea includes a full orchestra and white-gloved waiters, who serve finger sandwiches and scones with cream.
• Parents of babies 12-23 months old can have adult dinners thanks to Cunard's night nursery.
• Passengers gather outside the Queen Mary 2’s dog kennel to watch the pooches being walked.

We could live without

• The old-fashioned segregation of passengers according to their cabin categories means the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants, a private lounge, and a sun terrace are only open to suite guests.
• The lack of nightlife: After dinner, the discos are often empty, and the bars get a few nightcappers at most.