Cunard
Line
The last of the Ocean Liners. Cunard is not just a cruise line; it is a British institution. Built for speed, stability, and the rigors of the North Atlantic crossing.
The Mission:
Atlantic Mastery.
Cunard operates on a different set of physics than modern cruise lines. The flagship, Queen Mary 2, is the only true "Ocean Liner" currently in service. She is designed with a thicker steel hull, a razor-sharp bow, and massive power reserves to cut through 30-foot North Atlantic swells on schedule, regardless of weather.
The experience is steeped in the "Golden Age" of travel. This is the only line where "Gala Evenings" (tuxedos and ballgowns) are strictly enforced in main venues. White-gloved service, afternoon tea served by waiters in tails, and the largest ballroom at sea define the onboard atmosphere.
"Cunard ships categorize guests by dining class. Booking a 'Queens Grill' suite grants you access to a private restaurant, lounge, and terrace that are completely off-limits to the rest of the ship."
Target: The Traditionalist
For those who believe travel should be an occasion. If you pack a tuxedo or an evening gown for your vacation, you belong here. The demographic skews older, wealthier, and British/American.
Target: The Pet Owner
The Queen Mary 2 is the only long-distance passenger ship in the world with a dedicated Kennel. You can cross the Atlantic with your dog or cat, visiting them throughout the voyage.
Value Proposition
A Transatlantic Crossing (7 days, no ports) is a bucket-list travel experience that costs significantly less than a business class flight to London, yet includes lodging and dining.
Global Fleet Inventory
The 4 Queens. Royalty at Sea.
| Vessel Identity Deck Plans | Class Designation | Max Capacity | Commissioned | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary 2 | Ocean Liner (Unique) | 2,691 | 2004 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Queen Anne | Pinnacle Class (Mod) | 2,996 | 2024 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Queen Elizabeth | Vista Class | 2,081 | 2010 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Queen Victoria | Vista Class | 2,061 | 2007 | VIEW SAILINGS |
Engineering Profile
The Ocean Liner Hull (QM2)
The Queen Mary 2 is structurally unique. Her hull steel is significantly thicker than standard cruise ships, and her draft is 34 feet (10.3m)—compared to 26-28 feet for similar sized cruise ships. This deep draft acts as a keel, providing exceptional stability during high-speed Atlantic crossings.
Quad-Pod Propulsion
To achieve a top speed of 30 knots (needed to outrun weather systems), the QM2 uses four massive Rolls-Royce Mermaid pods. Two are fixed (for thrust efficiency) and two swivel (for steering). This configuration delivers 157,000 horsepower, nearly double that of a standard cruise ship.
Gas Turbine Boosters
Beneath the funnel of the QM2 sit two gas turbine engines (derived from aircraft technology). These are not used for normal cruising but are fired up when the ship needs a burst of speed to maintain schedule against strong headwinds, providing instantaneous power.
Operational Data
- Service Speed 24-28 Knots (QM2)
- Draft 10.3 Meters (Deep)
- Propulsion 4x Mermaid Pods
- Guest Density Low (Space Ratio 50+)
- Registry Bermuda
- Bridge Height High Clearance (Atlantic)