queen elizabeth cruise ship gratuities

Cunard Gratuities: Everything You Need to Know

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If you’re looking to cruise with Cunard, it’s wise to know about the onboard gratuities – also known as tips – before you set sail.

Cunard charges gratuities at a daily rate which is automatically added to each passenger’s account throughout the sailing, plus an extra charge for each drink or spa service purchased.

It isn’t always easy to find information about how much Cunard gratuities are, so read on if you wish to avoid a surprise bill at the end of your cruise!

What Are the Gratuities on a Cunard Cruise?

Gratuities (also known as tips) are service charges that are added to your onboard account when sailing with Cunard. When guests pay gratuities, it enables the service staff, including waiters and stateroom stewards, to be rewarded for the work they do, in addition to their wage.

Gratuities are the same price for all three of Cunard’s ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. However, there is a difference in price depending on your accommodation category. This is outlined in more detail below.

There are two types of gratuities on Cunard cruises:

Gratuities for hotel and dining services – Calculated daily
Gratuities for drinks and spa services – Calculated per purchase

It’s worth noting that casino staff do not receive any automatic gratuities, as not all passengers use their services. The tips are shared amongst the hotel, restaurant, bar and salon staff, including those who work behind the scenes.

Every dollar of the gratuity charges goes directly to the crew in these areas and there is no administrative fee.

Gratuities are typically paid off at the end of your cruise, the night before you disembark. You can check your onboard spend using the Cunard free WiFi to into your account.

How Much Are the Gratuities on Cunard?

In 2024, Cunard’s daily gratuities are $14.50 per person, per night for guests staying in Britannia Staterooms and $16.50 per person, per night for guests staying in Grill Suites. The charge is the same for adults and children.

On Cunard cruise ships, all bar, wine and salon services have an additional 15% charge for each purchase made too. This is in addition to the daily gratuities.

If you buy a Cunard drinks package , you don’t have to pay the 15% gratuity – it’s included in the price of the package.

The gratuities on Cunard are pretty reasonable, and as fellow travel blogger Karen said in her review of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth , the gratuities are “the lowest in the industry”.

Are Gratuities Compulsory on a Cunard Cruise?

On a Cunard cruise, the gratuities added to each drink and spa service are compulsory. The daily gratuities for hotel and dining services are recommended but can be removed. You can also tip above and beyond the recommended amounts if you wish.

Cunard gratuities for bar, wine and spa services are added to your onboard account automatically along with each purchase. The hotel and dining service charge will appear on your onboard account as a daily charge.

Can I Get My Gratuities Taken Off on a Cunard Cruise?

On a Cunard cruise, you can opt to remove or adjust the daily gratuities (hotel and dining service charge). This can be done at the Guest Services desk once you’re on board the ship.

While some people like to remove daily gratuities and instead tip cash to certain crew members, this isn’t recommended. As well as waiters and staterooms stewards, there are many crew members who offer support behind the scenes, working in the kitchens, laundry rooms and other areas.

If you remove gratuities from your onboard account, the people who work hard that you may never see will lose out financially.

If you have had a bad experience with the service on your cruise and wish to remove the gratuities, you should speak to the staff at Guest Services, who will be able to remove them from your account.

Can I Prepay Gratuities on Cunard?

You cannot prepay for your Cunard gratuities before your cruise. However, you can pre-purchase onboard spending money, which can be used against your hotel and dining service charges, as well as bar, wine and salon service charges.

Log onto your My Cunard account to manage your cruise before you sail.

Should I Tip Extra on a Cunard Cruise?

Whether to tip extra on top of the standard gratuities on your Cunard cruise is entirely down to personal preference. If you feel there is a member of the crew who has gone above and beyond what is expected to make your time on board memorable, you are welcome to reward them individually for doing so.

Each Cunard stateroom has its own steward assigned to it – usually, you will see them making up rooms up and down the ship throughout your sailing. The same steward will make up your stateroom and will likely introduce themselves on your first day of embarkation.

Many people tip their cabin stewards personally, leaving money in an envelope for them in their room on the morning of disembarkation or tipping them personally on their last day. The guest services desk will supply envelopes to those who ask for them.

Other members of staff you will see around the ship on a regular basis include your dining team. When visiting the main dining room, in particular, you will notice the same faces seating and serving you. Many people will also be assigned an area or specific table throughout the cruise, so you will see familiar faces as the cruise continues.

These are also members of staff who people like to personally tip due to them being seen regularly and shown to make their cruise experience special.

Cunard Cruises With Free Gratuities

For those sailing on Cunard world cruises, promotions are sometimes available, which include complimentary hotel and dining service charges. Look out for these, as they can save you a lot of money.

In some promotions, Cunard offers free on-board spending money. You can use this free spending money to pay for some or all of the gratuities incurred on your cruise, depending on the amount of free credit and the gratuity charge.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Cunard offers…

Final Thoughts

People often have differing opinions towards paying gratuities. While paying tips comes naturally to Americans, Brits and Australians aren’t used to paying a lot for tips. And the daily gratuities on a cruise can certainly add up to a hefty sum.

Some cruisers like to tip on their own terms and will remove all gratuities to award individual members of staff. Others remove them to save on costs as soon as they step aboard. However, most people will be glad to pay the daily gratuity charge to ensure that every member of staff is rewarded fairly for their hard work.

It’s important to know which you prefer, so you can factor in the cost before you set sail and know where your onboard account will end up at the end of your sailing.

Cunard Drinks Package Guide: Worth It Or Not?
Can You Refuse To Pay Gratuities On A Cruise?
Best & Worst Cunard Line Ships (Ranked By Reviews)

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

25 thoughts on “Cunard Gratuities: Everything You Need to Know”

Has anybody done the sums with the gratuities. 2000 people paying approx$15 a day to 800 staff is approx. $37 a day per staff member. This doesn’t take into account the 15% surcharge on drinks etc. which I believe is quite a large sum also. At these rates the cruise line could almost do away with paying their staff ( joke ) but maybe the crew deserve a company pay increase to subsidize the passengers haha.

We have always paid recommended daily gratuities when on a cruise – however it would be much more transparent if Cunard ( and every other cruise line that adds gratuities) were a bit more open and honest on which staff get the gratuities – and how they get them. As others have noted, gratuities on a 2 week cruise can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seems to work on a whole lot of smoke and mirrors – all I would like to see is some guarantee that the money we are giving to stewards and crew is actually getting to them as a reward (and not just included in their pay)

I was a chef on QE2 and don’t recall receiving grats. I’m soon to cruise on QM2 for first time as a passenger. Thoroughly looking forward to it.

15% service charge which Cunard fleet charge for each drink . This 15% doesn’t go to bar server any more after pandemic. Company have fixed their salary and which is very low .

Lacking where these commenters are from -I conclude: cheap Brits….or cheap wherever theyre from. I have a suspicion that these people wishing staff were paid appropriately, would be leaving alot less than $14 if the tipping was up to them.

My wife and I are very experienced “Frequent Floaters,” and we are just about to embark on our first Cunard Cruise, so I have been reading all the different comments posted here with great interest. We will be cancelling our daily gratuity charge, as that is our normal practice, and that is OUR decision. We tip well all those who look after us face to face on a daily basis, and who put themselves out for us. My own belief is also that the Cruise Companies should pay their staff more money if that’s an issue. However, over many years, I have still yet to find a staff member who has actually received these gratuities, most claim they have never even heard of this scheme!! As MD says, Cruise jobs are highly sought after in the so called “poorer” Countries, and the staff tend to be considered amongst the “elite” in terms of being “high earners,” whether we agree with that or not. They are able to support not just their own family, but also Mum, Dad, and brothers and sisters as well. Do they work hard?? Of course, but the biggest hardship is being away for so long, but they believe they are well rewarded. Just my thoughts.

If you are in a Grills room the gratuities are added to your account, but then there is a credit in the same amount. This makes sure money goes into the crew gratuities rather than just not posting it to your account at all.

We just came back from a 10 day Alaska trip on the Queen Elizabeth and left a supplemental tip for the wine steward and our room butler for exceptional service and helpfulness.

OK, I’ve read the comments and I’m appalled. Save your nasty rejoinders for your own behavior. I just returned from a trans-Atlantic on QM2. Traveled Queens Grill. The cost of my trip was over fifteen thousand dollars (US). Fourteen dollars a day for all the excellent service I received is a joke. Two waiters, a captain, Maitra ‘d, Assistant Maitre ‘d, two room stewards, and an evening steward breaks down to about $2.00 a day. If you can’t afford a $15 a day tip for these people, you should NOT travel Queens Grill. That’s right! All the excuses that are listed above only reinforce my thoughts that you are just plain cheap. Next time, take a plane in third class.

I’m cheap; I fully admit it. (Though I prefer the term “value-conscious.”) But I agree 100% with your comments Robert. I’ve always paid the gratuity charges and will often leave envelopes.

Seeing how hard these people work; the smiles on their faces; the pleasant greetings; the dedication to my family having a fantastic holiday — day in and day out: I can’t imagine not providing a little extra.

Sure, we’ve had negative experiences. People sometimes forget, and everyone has a bad day sometimes. But these are isolated and don’t materially affect our time onboard.

I’m happy to care for the people who work hard to take care of me. And I’m extremely grateful for their hard work!

Thank you for your reply. I thought you would get a kick out of my asking at the Purser’s office for tip envelopes: Me: “Hi, may I please have 10 tip envelopes?” Female Clerk: “The tip is added to your room charges every day.” (Patronizing smile.) Me: (Look lift, look right, look behind me.) “Yes, may I please have ten tip envelopes?” Clerk: “Sir, all tips are added to room charges.” Now another clerk is watching. Me: (Cupping ear as if deaf.) “Who, exactly, are you talking to?” Other clerk, reaching for tip envelopes and nudging aside original female clerk. “Sorry, Sir, we’re all burdened by interns.”

Well said sir.

It’s a real problem planning a cruise with these tipping cost’s ! P&O finally have removed tipping, it’s no wonder they give you spending money “its the tips”. Plus you get nothing for free these days. But you do have to ask why do these cruise lines not pay the staff the correct level of wages ? 12 night = $200 each really is the service experience that good ?

Hi , just back from Queen Victoria and all service charges have been increased by $3 per day per person, ie $ 14.5 Britannia and $16.5 Grill about time it was scraped and pay the crew the correct wages, lots of people cancelling at pursuers desk.

The lowest gratuity these days is now provided by P&O cruises in the U.K. with both cruise lines being part of the Carnival and they’re a big fat ‘0’ with gratuities supposedly built into fares!

I feel the same as the majority above. I paid a lot for the cruise, I shouldn’t have to fork out anymore unless somebody goes out of their way for me. If Cunard need to raise their prices to pay their staff a fair rate so be it. I was quoted a total price, I didn’t get a break down so if the price had been too high I wouldn’t have booked the cruise. Note: Before retiring I drove trains for a living, usually carrying over 1,000 passengers a day. I don’t recall ever receiving a tip!

We’re sailing on the Qe around Japan and Alaska soon. Total number of nights exceeds 35. At $11.50 pppd this is going to add a hefty bill to our already expensive cruise! But I’ll feel guilty removing this sum!!

I wouldn’t feel guilty. The crew go home to their own countries millionaires, owing to the exchange dollar/sterling rate to their home currency. For example the exchange rate is 99 Indian rupees to the pound sterling. Philippines works out at 66 Philippine peso to the pound. If you have ever been to these countries you will know that the cost of living there is half of what it is in USA.

We are about to go on the QM2 and I strongly object to subsidising the pay of any staff. If Cunard are so concerned that the hard work of staff is recognised, then why don’t they pay them appropriately? Every passenger is required to pay this money, to the same people for the same job! Someone, somewhere is getting very rich!!

It was the Victorian British who invented tipping a brown envelope was given to crew members who went out of their way to make one’s cruise memorable, then along came Yanky doodle Dandy and splashed the cash in all directions . If the cruise lines paid their staff a living wage, there would be no problem with tipping.

DRINKS package looked at it worked out over £1,000 for the wife and I FOR 14 DAYS SOME ONES GETTING RICH QUICK. BUT NOT US !!1

We started Cunard Cruising in 1996, And after our first cruise we have Never paid the Daily charge. IF we are to believe that ALL the money goes to The staff then I will come out of retirement and get a job with Cunard. Do your sums, the amount of money collected if we all paid the daily charge is HUGE. We have NO intention of lining the pockets of the gready Cunard elite. We are more than happy to reward ALL levels of the staff, as we know that in the main their wages are Very Very poor

I believe a gratuity is a bonus for good service provided by the crew member to me . In which case it’s down to me to decide how much I appreciated their attention. I don’t need Cunard to tell me how much I should pay daily and to whom.

The argument that people won’t pay the gratuities, even though they represent part of the salary make up, on the basis that crew members should be “paid appropriately” is a fallacy. If they paid the crew “appropriately” the cost of the cruise would go up , appropriately! The way it is now, is offering people a chance to auto pay and ensure all staff get the appropriate cut of the funds, and reduce them in rare cases where service was a disappointment. So, to those who think they are making a moral choice (while simultaneously saving themselves money ahem ahem) , just pay the gratuities and ensure you don’t stiff the crew, cos that is what you are doing to all the crew behind the scenes.

I would prefer to pay gratuities to individuals that earn them . Cruise staff should be paid an appropriate wage for their job , not expecting their wages to be topped up by passengers who are already paying good moneyed for their holiday .

I find these hidden charges unacceptable and would much prefer that all crew members were paid appropriately and that this was then reflected in the cruise purchase price

Everything About Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024 (Amounts, Etiquette, and More)

If you’re a first-time cruiser, then there’s little doubt that you have questions about gratuities and tipping on your cruise. We’re here to help.

First of all, if you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry — you aren’t alone. In fact, we can’t think of a place where gratuities are handled the same way as they are on a cruise ship.

Gone are the days of simply slipping a waiter some cash or leaving a couple of bills for the room steward at the end of your trip (although you can still do that if you want).

Instead, gratuities on a cruise ship are highly automated, with most people just electing to prepay or being charged a set amount for each day on the ship.

While this is intended to make things easier, the honest truth is that having automatic gratuities can actually lead to more questions. Who gets the tips? How much is charged? What if service is bad?

If you’ve never cruised, then there is no doubt that these questions and more might be floating through your head. To help explain everything about cruise line gratuities, we’ve answered a number of common questions that will make everything clearer before you set sail.

In This Article...

Explained: What Exactly Are Cruise Ship Gratuities

While the name sounds fancy, gratuities are nothing more than a tip paid to the staff members for service during the cruise. The staff works hard to ensure that your vacation is a great one. As a thanks for their service, it’s customary to provide a tip.

The gratuities go to staff that provide passenger-facing services. That means people like the room steward who cleans your cabin and the dining staff. Some cruise lines distribute them even wider to the staff.

These days, the gratuities are set daily amounts paid by each passenger. Instead of one passenger paying a lot and another paying hardly anything, these set amounts ensure that everyone pays the same. The cruise line then distributes the payment to staff.

My Cruise Line Calls it a Crew Incentive or Service Charge. Is that the Same Thing?

Depending on your cruise line, you might find different language used than the word “gratuities.” We’ve seen these charges called tips, gratuities, crew incentives, or service charges .

No matter the language, they all end up being the same thing — a set daily charge to passengers that’s passed on to the crew.

How Much You’ll Pay in Cruise Gratuities

The amount you pay will vary by cruise line, but they are all in the same ballpark. You can expect to pay about $15-$20 per person, per day. Most lines charge $16 at the moment, but it steadily rises each year.

A couple traveling together will see about $30-$40 per day in gratuities, or about $200+ over the course of a week-long cruise.

Below, we’ve listed the current tip amounts charged by major cruise lines as of the time of this writing:

Carnival : $16.00 per person, per day. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. Guests under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
Celebrity : $18.00 per person, per day. $18.50 per person, per day for those in Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins. $23.00 per person, per day for guest of The Retreat. Source .
Disney : $14.50 per person, per day. $15.50 per person, per day for those staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites. Source .
Holland America : $16.00 per person, per day. $17.50 per person, per day for guests in suites. Source .
Norwegian : $20.00 per person, per day. $25.00 per person, per day staying in suites and The Haven. Guests under 3 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
MSC Cruises : $16.00 per person, per day. Guests over 2 years old and under 12 years old pay $8 per day. Passengers under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
Princess : $16.00 per person, per day. $17.00 per person, per day staying in mini-suites. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. Source .
Royal Caribbean : $16.00 per person, per day. $18.50 per person, per day for guests in suites and higher. Source .

How Are Cruise Line Gratuities Paid?

How do you actually pay tips on the cruise ship? In the past, the process used to be that the cruise line would put envelopes in your room on the last day of the cruise. Passengers would then put cash in the envelope for the crew members. These days, everything is automatic.

When you book the cruise you’ll have the ability to prepay gratuities . You are charged a set amount, per person, per day. You simply pay this extra amount in full for your cruise as part of your cruise fare.

If you don’t decide to prepay the tips, then the amount is automatically charged to your onboard account each day. When it comes time to settle your final bill at the end of the cruise, you’ll have the gratuity charges to pay as well.

Want to tip more? You can still hand out cash to individual members of the staff that you appreciate, although it’s not required.

Is Every Passenger Charged Gratuities?

The vast majority of passengers are charged these tips, no matter if they are young, old, have special requests, eat in the main dining room, or only hit the buffet.

That said, some cruise lines make exceptions for small kids. For example, Carnival does not charge tips for kids under two years old. Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t charge gratuities for kids under three. However, for the most part you can expect that every passenger on your trip will see a charge.

Here are the policies for major cruise lines:

Carnival : Guests under 2 years old aren’t charged gratuity.
Disney : All guests pay gratuities at their discretion.
Holland America : All guests pay gratuities.
Norwegian : Guests under 3 years old don’t pay gratuity.
MSC Cruises : Guests under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Guests over 2 years old and under 12 years old pay half amounts.
Princess : All guests pay gratuities.
Royal Caribbean : All guests pay gratuities.

How Can I Know How Much I Will Be Charged in Tips?

When you book your cruise, the gratuity amount is usually disclosed in full for your trip, with an option to prepay the amount with your cruise fare.

If you’d like to calculate exactly what your gratuity amount will be before you book your trip, then you can use our calculator here . Simply enter the cruise line, length of trip, and the number of passengers and it will show you precisely how much you’ll be charged.

Can I Adjust the Amount of Gratuities?

For most people, the service they receive on a cruise is outstanding. They recognize that the staff goes above and beyond to make their vacation enjoyable. But that’s not always the case. With millions of passengers sailing every year, there’s inevitably going to be someone who feels they received poor service.

If that’s the case — and you decide you want to change the amount you are charged for tips — then you can do that. Gratuity charges are typically not mandatory and can be adjusted. To do so, simply head down to Guest Services on the ship to tell them that you want to change your tip amounts.

That said, it’s unusual to adjust the gratuity amount, and the staff works extremely hard to make your trip enjoyable. If you have a major issue, however, you can change your gratuity amount accordingly.

What If I Don’t Pay Gratuities on my Cruise?

With the introduction of automatic gratuities, it’s much more difficult to avoid paying tips on your cruise. That said, in theory you could request that tips be removed from your account and not tip at all.

So what will happen? As far as your trip, likely very little. The staff isn’t likely to treat you any differently or even know that you aren’t tipping (after all, some people still like to pay cash at the end of the cruise). They will still go out of their way to make your cruise comfortable and enjoyable.

That said, if you don’t pay gratuities, then it’s the staff that will be hurting — not the cruise line. The cruise line collects the tips and then distributes them accordingly. Without your contribution, the compensation for the staff members will decrease. For staff members that rely on these dollars, that can be a major blow.

How to Pay Extra (If You Want)

Want to pay more in gratuity? That’s allowed. In fact, the staff will love that you want to give them more money. If you want to pay extra, we suggest simply handing cash directly to the people you want to recognize for their service. This happens regularly for passengers feeling generous or thankful for the staff’s work during their trip. In fact, your cruise line might leave a few envelopes in your room exactly for this purpose.

Should I Prepay the Gratuity Charges?

When you book your cruise, you’ll be given the opportunity to prepay the gratuities. In this case, you can simply choose to have them lumped in with your cruise fare, paying them all at once.

The advantage is that you get your payment out of the way ahead of time. So when you’re on the ship, it’s one less charge to worry about.

On the other hand, many people choose to instead pay the gratuity charges automatically through their onboard account once on the ship . Each day there will be a gratuity charge — or a lump sum added at the end of the trip.

The advantage here is that you get to hold on to more of your money for longer. Instead of handing over the charges well in advance of your sailing, you can keep it until you’re actually on your cruise.

Bottom line is that it comes down to personal preference. You can get the charge out of the way early, or hold onto your money until you actually sail.

Who Gets the Gratuities That You Pay?

From the passenger perspective, the gratuity amount is simple — pay a set amount per person, per day, and be done.

On the cruise line side, that money gets cut up to be distributed. The tips are spread out between the room steward, dining staff, and others that have customer-facing positions. That said, cruise lines are quiet on exactly how the charges are distributed.

The good thing for passengers about gratuities is that this distribution is done automatically by the cruise line instead of having to give tips to several different staff members at the end of your cruise.

Why Aren’t Gratuities Just Included in the Price of the Cruise?

For some cruise lines (usually luxury lines), gratuities actually are included in the fare — you don’t pay anything extra apart from your cruise fare.

However, for the majority of mass market cruise lines the gratuities are extra charges on the price of your cruise. These can be a surprise to some people, especially first-time passengers.

While the cruise lines might say differently, we think that gratuities aren’t included in the headline price for marketing purposes. There’s little doubt that the extra tips can be expensive. The cost for two people on a week-long cruise can be well above $200.

Meanwhile, cruise fares are often shown as dirt-cheap prices. They are often expressed as the rate for a single person (despite having to pay for double occupancy) and don’t include port fees or taxes. Having to add in gratuity costs to these advertised rates could make them less attractive to potential cruisers.

How Often Do the Gratuity Rates Increase?

The tipping rates charged change from time to time. We’ve seen instances of multiple increases in a year and other times when rates won’t change for a year or two. Just like the price of anything else, you should expect over time for these rates to continue to rise slowly but surely. Typical increases are around $1 per person, per day and seem to happen about once a year.

One perk of pre-paying gratuities is that if you pre-pay and the rate later increases, you aren’t charged the higher rate.

Who Else to Tip While On the Ship

You would think that paying a hefty daily tip would cover everyone on the ship. In fact, there are a couple of instances where paying additional gratuity is recommended or automatic.

First, any time that you buy a drink from the bar, you will be charged an extra tip, usually 18%-20% of the menu price, depending on the cruise line. This happens automatically and will be tacked on to the price. So a $10 menu price on a cocktail is actually around $12.

Be aware that when you sign the receipt there will be another line for an additional tip. Unless you are feeling generous, there’s no need to tip more .

Second, any time that you purchase anything service related — such as dinner at a specialty restaurant or a service at the spa — expect there to be a tip added on to the cost. Again, this normally runs around 18%, but can range from 15% to 20%, depending on the cruise line.

Finally, if you order anything from room service, then it’s expected that you give a couple of bucks to the staff member that delivers the food.

Other than that, your gratuity charges cover the housekeeping and dining staff. So when you leave the room you don’t have to put down any extra cash (unless you want to). And when you leave the dining room, no need to drop down any money on the table.

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We have just returned from a Cruise on NCL around the Canaries and Med The Crew was 65% Philipino and were on minimum wage. Although I appreciate that NCL is a USA Company that has no respect for its workers it is why they recruit from Asia, instead of paying a decent living wage they charge the passenger’s outrageous gratuities to compensate for their bad business practices. The only reason they will not add the Gratuites to the original brochure price or remove them like P&O has is then they would have to pay their crew a living wage. In the UK we tip for good service not to prop up the wages of poorly paid employees.

The employer has to pay its employees their salaries And we thé customers should not be worried about this. We pay the Cruise and that’s it. This tipping business is getting out of control and is shifting responsibility from the employers to the clients using our guilty conscience from being on a cruise? Also in the restaurants, hair salons, all businesses …this is all wrong

The baggage porters at the port do not work for the cruise line, but for the port itself. You customarily tip $1 – $2 per bag (more if you want) OR you can NOT tip and risk that the one guy you didn’t tip handles your bag with care and the bag actually makes it on the ship and doesn’t “accidently” get left behind. The risk to me isn’t worth the $5 tip we give for 2 bags. On another subject, what makes Miami the worse port? We just booked a cruise out of Miami for the first time in 10 years. What makes it “the worse”, other than your bad experience with the porters dictating what you should tip, which is 199% wrong, in my opinion.

I don’t understand why we are paying the salaries of the teams and not the cruise line. I know Tui and P&O don’t charge gratuities, it’s actually the choice of the person if they wish to give a tip. I have booked with NCL next year because I’m advised taking my money can either be pre paid or can opt out. I so hope that’s true.

I think this was an excellent way of looking. Have a set routine payout and adjust accordingly to the level of service.

This abuse of tipping allows companies to pay their workers a lower wage and pocket the profits. Whatever happened to just doing the job you’re paid for? Housekeeping is supposed to make up rooms, servers are supposed to serve food… But I’m supposed to pay a hundred bucks a day for a family of five, in the same room, and after I’ve already paid five grand for the cruise? Ridiculous.

All of you have great advice. I too pay in cash and at times have given extra. What do you do about the porters at the ports. I gave always given them money to take my bags to the ship. Tipping is out of control everywhere. In Miami the worst place to board the ship. I have stepped out of the shuttle seeing the conveyer a short distance away. The porter stands there counts the luggage and has told the price for a handling fee. Really, do they get an hourly wage that’s so low they need tip to survive? Are tips required? What the real deal? If tips are not required, do their supervisors know about this up charge?

If I travel with my family of 4, and I pay the waiting $20 ($5 per person) staff each time we eat in the dining room, which would be for dinner only, over 7 days, that would $140. Then if I pay another $5 per person each day for room clean-up, that’s another $140, for a total of $280. I think these amounts are reasonable. But RCCL wants to charge $448. That doesn’t seem fair.

Thank you! You were extremely helpful for my upcoming cruise!

When we researched tipping policy on a recent Princess cruise, we found that the cruise line pools that money and uses it for bonuses, etc. over all its ships, not just the cruise we were on. I find this to be an outrageous ploy to hide the true costs of a cruise. We nearly always opt out of tips and tip whom we want directly.

We are cruising with NCL later this year & we have a beverage package included & gratuities included does that mean we will not pay any more gratuities at end of cruise?

Yes, except if you are sailing in the U.S., then NCL tacks on the gratuities on the amount of the beverage package even though the package is free. So the $99 per day package is free, but you are charged about $20 per day still for the drink package gratuities.

I Agree, we always opt out and give tips to our steward and waiter/waitress at the end of the cruise.

We always hand our tips in cash to the person whose service we wish to commend. We never use a credit card for our on ship account. We deposit cash to use for our onboard account. If gratuities show on our account when we settle at cruise end, we ask for them to be removed. We want the people who earned the tip to receive, not the lousy,greedy, uninvolved government! We rarely buy anything on the ship of value. We use prepaid drink cards to purchase beverages.

Great advice. This is my first cruise. I didnt know I could have the tips removed from my room charges. I detest the idea of: A. not knowing who my tip is going to B. Paying a tip twice C. Paying a standardized tip for poor service. I want the employee to know they received a tip from me. Not to split them across all the employees equally. All service isn’t created equally.

What sucks is the workers then have to pay a tax on the “tip” where we would rather give the workers a “gift” of cash.

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Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise And Ship Review

Cunard Queen Elizabeth docked in Icy Strait Point, Alaska

A Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise transports you to the age of elegance and nostalgia. Guests enjoy British traditions like afternoon tea and breakfast with British back bacon and blood sausage.

We had booked an 11-day Cunard Alaska cruise in 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the cruise line canceled our booking. Fast-forward to 2022, and we rescheduled a 10-day Alaska cruise on Queen Elizabeth.

A 10-day itinerary gave us five ports of call and two days cruising to glaciers. We spend a whole day in Glacier Bay National Park and five hours cruising to Hubbard Glacier.

So, this is my Cunard Queen Elizabeth review of our journey to Alaska.

About Cunard Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth liner belongs to Cunard Cruise line. She sailed her first cruise in 2010 and is the sister ship to Queen Victoria. She’s actually the third vessel built bearing the same name. Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Elizabeth II were previous versions.

Carnival Corporation owns Cunard, and all of Cunard’s vessels are homeported in the UK. Cunard is best known for its Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary. However, they also offer UK voyages and world itineraries.

While the Queen Elizabeth ship can carry up to 2092 guests, there were only 994 passengers and 900 crew during our cruise. Since we were sailing during the pandemic, I was interested to know where the guests arrived from.

Our trip had 384 Americans, 329 British, 235 Canadians, and 46 Germans. It surprised me that so many had flown from Europe.

Like in the United Kingdom, life on board is based on a tiered class system. The Queen’s Grill suites are the top tier, followed by Princess Grill and the Britannia Club.

The standard staterooms fall in the Britannia class, and each tier has a dining area corresponding to its cabin type.

Cunard caters to an older crowd, which is also true of our itinerary to Alaska. Travelers should choose Cunard if they like tradition, don’t mind dressing for dinner, and prefer sailing with fewer children and the absence of a party crowd.

Cunard Extras

Cunard gratuities are the lowest in the industry at USD 11.50 a day for Britannia class and USD 13.50 a day for Grill suites.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship and Lido pool area

Cunard was the only cruise line I’ve sailed that didn’t have a real app. Instead, guests can access “My voyage” using the Cunard Guest WiFi. It will ask you for your cruise card’s last six digits, first and last name, and birth date.

Once logged in, you can book shore excursions, view your onboard account, purchase Cunard WiFi, and book specialty restaurants and spa treatments.

For those who love their specialty coffees, Cunard charges USD 10 a day for hot drinks. These included tea infusions, specialty coffees, and hot chocolate.

Soda drinkers could purchase a soft drink package for USD 10 a day. This deal included squash, selected fruit drinks, cordials, and soda.

The Cunard drinks package cost USD 69 per day, which entitles you to drinks up to USD 12 a serving. This included specialty hot drinks, wine by the glass, beer, cocktails, and mineral water. Beverages over USD 12 were billed with a 20% discount.

For a reduced price of USD 29 a day, you could enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, specialty hot drinks, and freshly squeezed juices.

Cunard WiFi plans have two tiers. The essential or basic is USD 15 per day for the entire cruise or USD 20 for 24-hour usage. The faster package costs USD 5 more per day or USD 30 for 24 hrs.

Since we heard Cunard internet was slow and spotty, we opted to upgrade our smartphone package for days in port. Once onboard, crew members confirmed the slow WiFi.

Embarkation At Canada Place

Before our cruise, we can generally log into the cruise line’s website and book an embarkation time. However, Cunard assigned us a time of 3:15 pm, with an all-aboard time of 4 pm.

Since there were three ships in port and knowing check-in can sometimes be slow, we didn’t want to chance going so late. So, we arrived at the Vancouver cruise port at noon on July 1st (Canada Day) to mass crowds and a parade.

Thankfully, there was no line-up, and the port staff allowed us to do an early Cunard cruise check-in. We were welcomed by a red-carpet entrance.

My Cunard check-in set a record boarding time of an impressive 30 minutes to clear security. Two staff members in their signature red uniforms greeted us.

Red carpet welcome on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth

Even more impressive was we could access our stateroom immediately. So, we went to drop off our carry-on bags and were stunned to see our luggage had already been delivered.

One of the things we noticed about Cunard was there was zero upsell. The staff did not ask us to purchase a drinks package, book a specialty restaurant, or buy a soda package.

On our embarkation day on RCI’s Serenade of the Seas two months earlier, we had been asked about ten times during lunch to book a specialty restaurant which annoyed us.

Balcony Stateroom Review

While you can book 2,000+ sq. foot grill suites, we had a mid-ship Britannia stateroom on deck five. Cunard rooms are impressive with rich royal blue colors (although some cabins have red), decorative embroidered pillows, and a comfy feel.

While the bathroom was small, I appreciated that Cunard gave all guests upgraded bathroom toiletries. The Penhaligon toiletries on Cunard smelled terrific, and I wished I could purchase them onboard.

Cunard stateroom, with embroidered cushions, cozy robes, and slippers

We also received cozy robes, slippers, and a rain poncho in the drawer if needed. Inside our fridge, a small complimentary bottle of champagne welcomed us on board.

The closet was large and contained 40 hangers, more than we needed. However, it had only three shelves for folded items.

Although coupled with the bedside table drawers and those on the desk, we found it was plenty of space for a 10-day cruise.

Cunard staterooms have a tea or coffee station. We loved this extra and used it every day. Our room steward kept us stocked with tea, and we also received daily replenishments of cookies or shortbread.

There were no plugs to charge our electronics next to the bed. There were two North American sockets at the desk, one UK and one European. So, if you bring a travel adapter, you can use more than one socket type.

We found our bed incredibly comfortable and the duvet quilt light and fluffy. Our pillows were soft, so our steward immediately brought us firmer ones.

We received a printed “Daily Programme” each day, as well as “The Canadian,” Cunard’s media for local Canadian news.

For those who cruise alone , the Queen Elizabeth has studio cabins in the interior and oceanview categories. At 133 to 168 sq. feet, they are more spacious than the competition.

Grill Suite Amenities

Guests staying in a Queens Grill suite or Princess Grill suite have exclusive dining areas. Those in the Queen’s suites eat in the Queen’s Grill, while Princess Grill is reserved for the Princess suites. Both have access to an exclusive lounge and terrace.

Grill suites are quite luxurious, with spacious living areas separated from the sleeping quarters. Guests in grill suites also have a personal butler and perks like a stocked mini-bar.

On embarkation day, we took a peek at the exclusive areas and were unimpressed by what we found. Located on decks eleven and twelve, the lounge was inviting, but the outside courtyard felt closed in.

Since grill guests pay much more than Britannia passengers, I expected the areas to be more luxurious. However, if you’re looking for exclusivity, a suite is the way to go.

On Board Amenities

For me, the grand lobby was quite lovely with its wooden staircase, reminiscent of the Titanic. The grand lobby spanned three decks.

Afternoon tea, dance classes, and other events were held in the Queens Room on deck 2. The casino was relatively small and never attracted a crowd. Above it, the Royal Arcade features the vessel’s shops with a grand clock at one end.

At the bow, the Royal Court Theatre reminded me of the Royal Albert Hall, with its private boxes on either side. These boxes had two to four seats and a curtain to close off the private space.

The two-story library with a spiral staircase looked like it should be featured in a Harry Potter movie. Outside the library, an area held games and puzzles. Several times during our cruise, we worked on a few puzzles.

Spiral staircase in Cunard's Queen Elizabeth's library

There are two outdoor pools on deck 9 with four adjoining hot tubs. Deck 9 also has a small gym, but during our cruise, it was only open from 7 am to 8 pm. I felt 7 am was a late start for all those who wanted to work out before breakfast.

Adjacent to the Pavilion Pool (main pool), the Garden Lounge provided a light-filled area for events and singers. At selected times, a naturalist was on hand to answer questions on Alaskan wildlife, scenery, and landscape.

A whiteboard was updated each day with wildlife sightings. I was astonished to see 350 dolphins, 96 sea otters, 102 humpbacks, and a shark on the board.

The promenade deck has a complete walking track and features plenty of padded loungers. On glacier viewing days, it was an ideal location to see the glaciers away from the crowds on the upper levels.

Cunard also provided wool blankets, and we snuggled under them a few times.

Comfy loungers on the promenade deck of Cunard Queen Elizabeth

The children’s indoor and outdoor spaces were one deck up. Deck 11, the games deck, features a giant chess board, except there were no pieces to play. Adjacent to this area, guests could play croquet or bowls in an under-covered area.

While the Cunard amenities lack the amusement-type venues of mega-ships, it attracts a different crowd.

The Décor

Like all Cunard’s vessels, Queen Elizabeth’s décor is very traditional, with rich wood tones and mellow upholstery, all geared towards the Art Deco style.

The art deco décor is evident the moment you step on the ship. The grand lobby features marble flooring and mahogany railings against a giant art deco ocean liner mural.

The theme continues on the stained glass, chandeliers, and artwork. Even the Verandah, Queen Elizabeth’s only specialty restaurant, had beautiful art deco whimsical clown and carnival wall art.

Instead of formal nights, Cunard hosts very formal gala nights. The Cunard theme nights were fun and we enjoyed dressing for our “Roaring 20s” evening.

My husband, Brian, wore suspenders and a fedora with his tuxedo. While I didn’t have a flapper dress, I created a 1920s look by adding a headband accessory, long white gloves, and a few strands of beads.

The spa, which Canyon Ranch had previously operated, is now run by Mereel. Due to the change, some treatments and packages have increased significantly in price.

The spa offers all the standard treatments, from massages and skin care to acupuncture and hair care. We wanted to try the aquatherapy spa, featuring heated tiled loungers, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, and an aquatherapy pool.

Guests could purchase a complete pass (10 days) for USD 199.99, USD 149.99 for five days, or a day pass for USD 39.99. Since we had only two sea days, we didn’t think we would get much use from an extended pass.

So, we opted to try the Cunard spa day pass during our day in Glacier Bay National Park. However, when we went to book, the spa staff told us the access was only good for two hours and not an entire day.

We were allowed to break up the time, so we chose one hour in the morning and the other later at night. While the pool looked lovely, it lacked the powerful jets I’d come to love in other spas.

The steam rooms had options for four different aromas, but none of them worked.

However, the heated loungers with panoramic views were heavenly, and we spent one hour in the evening enjoying the scenery outside.

One thing we noted, the spa reception area was away from the aquatherapy pool. So, some guests walked in during our cruise and used this area without paying.

During our Alaska cruise, Cunard line didn’t offer a fee for laundry service. Instead, there were self-serve laundry rooms near the bow, on decks with passenger staterooms.

Amazingly, the washers and dryers were FREE, and the cruise even provided laundry detergent. During the first few days, the machines were out of service. A sign said it was to conserve water and comply with Alaskan environmental protocols.

However, when we spoke to staff at guest services, the machines were shut off due to ongoing maintenance. Partway through the cruise, the laundry room became operational for a few days before turning them off again.

Knowing they had self-serve laundry meant we packed half as many clothes. Then, we did one load of washing halfway through our cruise.

Since we completed our cruise, readers have told me Cunard offers a fee for laundry service on longer itineraries.

Restaurant And Bars

Queen Elizabeth is a mid-sized vessel with fewer dining options and one specialty restaurant. Unlike the competition, Cunard has a dress code , so guests can’t come to the dining room in jeans or shorts.

Complimentary dining areas included the Britannia Restaurant, Golden Lion Pub, and Lido. The Cafe Carinthia offers snacks throughout the day. The ship provided a pizza station in the Lido and served afternoon tea.

Cunard held the British tea event every day in the Queens Room. The room filled up on the first day, but it was sparsely attended on subsequent days.

The Steakhouse at the Verandah was fantastic, from the White Star service to the presentation and flavors. We found Cunard restaurant and dining choices limited in the way of venues.

However, they delivered on taste and presentation and even catered well to my food allergies. In fact, their buffet had an allergy section, and they carried four types of milk (regular, rice, almond, and lactose-free.)

There were many places to grab a drink, from the Commodore Club to the Lido bar. Surprisingly, there were few drinkers on our sailing, and some venues remained empty.

Entertainment

During our Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise, entertainment flowed in the grand lobby, loungers, and Queens Room. There was a mix of piano players, vocal harmonies, folk music, and ballroom dancing.

We attended many of the presentations in the Royal Court Theater. Some of the entertainers gave two shows, and each one was different.

Most evenings, the theater was empty, and we felt privileged to get a coveted box each time we attended.

The duo, Chanteuse, the “Be Our Guest” production, and the female trio “Heat Wave” were fantastic. However, trumpet player Nathan Samuelson was a big miss, so we didn’t attend his second show.

During the presentations, we couldn’t take pictures or take videos. This surprised me as most cruise lines encourage guests to share on social media.

During the day, there were inciteful talks on Alaska ports and an introduction to Alaska. It surprised me that most guests were on their inaugural Alaska cruise.

Special speakers gave presentations on Everest, life on distant planets, the science behind Sci-Fi, and much more.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship and Lido pool deck

The Pros And Cons Of Sailing Cunard

We had a fantastic experience on the Queen Elizabeth ship and would happily choose Cunard again. Here are the reasons to select Cunard and the areas they excelled.

Their White Star service is fantastic.
They offer great itineraries and longer cruises to Alaska.
The food is superb, and they cater to allergies very well.
There was no upselling of anything.
Their gratuities are the lowest in the industry.
Staterooms have a coffee/tea station.

All guests receive complimentary champagne, slippers, and a rain poncho.

Here are areas that could use improvement.

Cunard’s website is not so user-friendly. To log in, book guests must type in a booking number, name, and birthdate.
Their WiFi doesn’t compete with faster speeds on other lines.
There’s no actual app to view daily activities.
Guests can’t choose embarkation or disembarkation times.

Although there were almost 1,000 passengers, most of the time, it felt like there were 250. Many areas of the ships were void of people, even on sea days.

The uncrowded areas added to the enjoyment of our time onboard, and I wished every cruise could be that way.

Happy travels ~ Karen

Ann-n - Fre

Sunday 30th of July 2023

Great Review, Thank You, Gives me a good idea of what to look forward to on our Alaskan cruise next year. We have done many cruises, but this is our first Cunard, and first Alaskan. We are booked in a Queens grill corner aft cabin, so get good views for the back of the ship and the side of the ship. Can't wait.

Forever Karen

Monday 31st of July 2023

Out of the 7 Alaska cruises I've done, Cunard was the best. You'll have the best views from the aft. Enjoy!

Thursday 4th of May 2023

Can you please share the top tours and excursions in each port in Alaska for the QE? Thank you!

Ketchikan - Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour. Skagway - White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Sitka - Bears, Raptors & Totems. Victoria - Butchart Gardens. Juneau - Whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier. Dog sledding if your budget allows.

Friday 24th of March 2023

Hi, this will be our first time on Cunard, on the QE in July for the Alaskan cruise. I have been looking at the excursions but with quite a bit of choice I am having difficulty in deciding. Is there a forum or website that has reviews of all the excursions?

Lisa whitman

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

@Forever Karen, hi 👋 We are doing our first Cunard cruise in July to Alaska and also wondering what are the excursions you would recommend.

Elaine, I sent you an email with the top tours and excursions in each port. Enjoy your cruise on Queen Elizabeth.

Sunday 12th of March 2023

Went on her in January. Absolutely loved it. Food was exceptional. Ship is old world gorgeous. Crew are wonderful. Spa massage was terrific and compared to Sydney prices I found it cheap.

Thursday 2nd of March 2023

Good afternoon, thanks for your review I am going on my 1st cruise in June to Alaska. 12 nights. Can you tell me what you packed clothes wise. And any advise for 1st time cruiser. Thanks so much.

Friday 3rd of March 2023

Wow, awesome itinerary with three glacier viewing days. You can find a printable packing list on this post https://foreverkaren.com/cruising/packing-list-cruising-alaska/

Privacy Overview

Review: Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship

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Queen Elizabeth cruise ship facts

2,081 guests
2010 launched
2018 refurbished

The MS Queen Elizabeth is a large cruise ship that embraces Cunard's British heritage. This Queen Elizabeth review explains what makes it unique.

In this review

Our review ratings
Queen Elizabeth deck plan
About Queen Elizabeth
Food on Queen Elizabeth
Accommodation onboard
Queen Elizabeth nightlife
Fitness on board
Onboard activities
What’s included on Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth dress code
Fellow guests
Review conclusion

This review of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship explains the pros and cons of a cruise vacation on board. It rates the restaurants and bars, as well as the nightlife. There are also video tours and insiders tips to help make the most of your time on board.

British traditions like champagne afternoon tea.
Ballroom dancing and fencing
Great art deco vibe.
No beverages included.
Service can be patchy.

The Queen Elizabeth deck plan is mostly easy to get around. There are a total of 12 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 12.

Reception : Deck 1
Accommodation : Decks 1 to 8
Main dining room : Deck 2
Theatre : Deck 2
Observation lounge : Deck 10

It is worth noting the lowest deck is -3 (a crew deck).

Queen Elizabeth is a Vista-class cruise ship in the Cunard fleet. She was built in Italy and debuted in October 2010. Queen Elizabeth is 289 m. / 964 ft. long with room for 2,081 guests. That’s almost the same as her sister-cruise ship Queen Victoria, but somewhat less than the famous ocean liner Queen Mary 2. Interestingly, because Queen Elizabeth is not a true ocean liner the bow has extra steel plating so it can cope with rough ocean crossings.

The Steakhouse at The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship had a major refurbishment in November 2018. During that time the Royal Spa got an extensive renovation. Also the Royal Arcade and Golden Lion Pub had a spruce up, while elsewhere on the vessel the decor was updated to make it “more British”.

On Queen Elizabeth there are four different classes of service:

Britannia Club.
Princess Grill.
Queens Grill.

These can be likened to economy, premium economy, business and first class. It’s worth noting that Princess and Queens Grill guests have exclusive access to certain areas of the cruise ship.

The food on Queen Elizabeth can be outstanding, but that depends on where you choose to eat. There is a buffet and a pub, as well as cafes and fine dining restaurants. My Queen Elizabeth review rates them all. Most guests choose one of the restaurants for dinner, however some of these are reserved for Club or Grills guests only.

The Britannia Restuarant on Queen Elizabeth.

The Britannia Restaurant is the biggest dining venue and is where Britannia-class guests eat. It is a multi-level restaurant serving tempting dishes like Alpine Pepper-crusted Goose Breast, Rack of Lamb and Pan Fried Sea Trout. It has a busy atmosphere and sometimes the service can be patchy.

Britannia Club guests can eat in a more intimate venue called the Britannia Club Restaurant . The service is better, but the menu is almost identical.

Princess Grill guests dine in their own elegant restaurant which has a more de luxe menu. While Queens Grill guests dine in the most exclusive venue, the Queen’s Grill Restaurant . As a matter of fact it serves some of the best food at sea, like White Sturgeon Caviar and Duck L Orange. Queens Grill guests can even order off-menu.

The Steakhouse At The Verandah is a specialty restaurant on Queen Elizabeth. It’s a glamorous, upmarket venue with a fascinating heritage, but the menu is a bit unadventurous with options that include a burger and seafood platter. That said, it’s a great dining alternative and is open to everyone, but it costs extra:

Lunch: US$25 per person.
Dinner: US$39 per person.

The Lido Restaurant on deck 9 is a sprawling buffet venue which is especially popular at lunch time (the self service buffet my be subject to COVID-restrictions when cruising resumes in 2021). In the evenings part of it becomes an alternative dining venue with waiter-service and a theme which rotates between pan-Asian (Bamboo), Indian (Coriander), Mexican (Aztec) and pizza (La Piazza). Check the Daily Programme newsletter for details. It’s worth noting that dining at Bamboo, Coriander, Aztec or La Piazza cost extra:

Dinner: US$19.50 per person.

There is also the poolside Lido Grill which serves burgers and hotdogs. Cafe Carinthia has a tempting array of sweet treats and the conservatory-styled Garden Lounge offers drinks and snacks.

In addition there is the Golden Lion Pub which is a relaxed, English-style venue where you can enjoy a quiet ale, or authentic pub food like fish & chips. In the evening there is an entertaining band.

The guest rooms on Queen Elizabeth are comfortable and practical. They range from Inside and Balcony Staterooms to spacious Grills suites , some of which have separate bedrooms. The guest rooms are spread across the entire length of the cruise ship.

A Britannia Balcony Stateroom on Queen Elizabeth.

When it comes to nightlife Queen Elizabeth has something for everyone. There is the Yacht Club disco, or the more intimate Commodore Club. A string quartet play in the Midships Bar and there is dancing in the Queens Room.

The Royal Court theatre has spectacular shows as well as entertainment by guest artists. Indeed, the standard of the performances is generally very good.

Queen Elizabeth has a great range of wellness options. There are two pools and a gym as well as Zumba, yoga and pilates classes. There is also bowls and golf on the open air decks. The onboard spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, as well as an Aqua Therapy Centre which has a hydrotherapy pool, aromatic steam room and sauna.

All the usual shipboard activities are available on Queen Elizabeth including bridge, trivia, shuffleboard and lectures from expert speakers. However, as my Queen Elizabeth review explains there are some more unusual activities too, like fencing and ballroom dancing classes.

The spectacular Queens Room on Queen Elizabeth.

There are also Watercolour Art Classes (US$35) and galley tours (usually once per voyage), as well as get-togethers for solo cruisers and friends of Dorothy.

In addition, Queen Elizabeth has a library and a shopping arcade, as well as dedicated spaces for kids and teens.

Your cruise fare on Queen Elizabeth generally only includes accommodation, meals and entertainment. Almost everything else comes at an additional cost.

Beverages are not included in your cruise fare – not even water. So I recommend purchasing a Stateroom Water Package. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages are also available.

Brochure for Cunard's Premium Non-Alcoholic Option.

Cunard cruise fares do not include gratuities. So a service charge of 15% will be added to the cost of individual beverage purchases, while a 12.5% gratuity will be added to the cost of spa and salon treatments.

It’s also worth noting that there is a daily “Hotel and Dining” charge of US$11.50 per person per day for Britannia Staterooms and US$13.50 per person per day for Grill Suites. This charge will be added to your account at the end of the cruise.

Dining in specialty restaurants also comes at an additional cost.

On the up-side, free self service laundry facilities are available. Also, in some ports there are transfers to and from downtown.

During the day you can dress as you please, but in the evening the Queen Elizabeth dress code is more traditional. Indeed, from 5:45pm the dress code will be either Smart Attire or Formal in bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. This will be advertised in the Daily Programme newsletter.

Smart Attire

For women this includes casual dresses, jumpsuits and informal evening-wear.
Men should wear slacks. Jackets are optional.

On Gala Evenings the Queen Elizabeth dress code is formal.

Women should wear a cocktail dress, smart trouser suit or formal separates.
Men should wear a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark suit with either a tie or bow tie.

There are usually two or three Gala Evenings for every seven days on board.

The Queen Elizabeth attracts a loyal following of return passengers as well as first time cruisers.

There is usually a mix of family groups and older couples on board. Indeed, during my Queen Elizabeth review sailing the guests ranged in age from teenagers to those over 80-years old.

Most guests generally come from the U.S.A, U.K, Australia and Canada.

It’s also worth noting that like all the Cunard cruise ships, Queen Elizabeth gay-friendly.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship embraces its British heritage. Indeed, traditions like afternoon tea and gin & tonic are a real treat. The West End-style shows are a great drawcard too.

The restaurants on Queen Elizabeth are generally good and it’s worth noting that the first class Queen’s Grill Restaurant is outstanding. Indeed, I rate it as one of the best restaurants at sea.

During my voyage some areas on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship felt crowded on sea days – in particular the pools and Cafe Carinthia. Also, during my review voyage I noted that service can be patchy, particularly in the busy dining venues.

Cruisers should also remember that Queen Elizabeth does not have the inclusions of some other premium cruise lines.

Read the accommodation section of my Queen Elizabeth review by clicking the button below.

The author sailed as a guest of Cunard .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Queen Elizabeth Rooms

Queen elizabeth dining, queen elizabeth nightlife, queen elizabeth wellness.

We have been on all the Cunard ships and we find little to fault. My only objection is that Cunard is now American owned and sees itself as serving the USA and Far East markets before the UK. That is globalisation and it’s the same with major companies and football teams but things might change !! We like the crew, the organisation abd the people on board and the whole ship experience and as such, are frightening to try any other cruise line and can’t see ourselves going elsewhere.

I have sailed on QE four times now and find there it to be a most pleasant ship. Those who do not enjoy dressing and a relaxed environment should perhaps look outside Cunard.

I have cruised several times before but our first Cunard cruise is in January. I find that the Cunard website is not especially informative and thank you for such comprehensive information as to what we can expect, what is an additional cost etc :)

Dear Leanne

Thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I will be cruising with the Queen Elizabeth later in the year. This will be my first cruise with Cunard. I’m just wondering, does everyone dress up for the gala nights?

Dear Therese

On my various Cunard sailings the gala nights were always very popular. And yes, most guests did dress up for the occasion.

I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Kind regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I better get some frocks then :-)

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Tipping on a Cruise: Your Complete Big-Ship Tip Guide

If you’ve been left scratching your head wondering about the ins and outs of tipping on a cruise ship, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of what to expect. Read on for your tipping guide aboard the world’s most popular cruise lines, from a complete breakdown of Royal Caribbean gratuities to Carnival, Norwegian, and every cruise lines' policies in between.

Editor’s Note: Fees are listed in USD -- unless stated otherwise -- and were accurate at time of publication.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival does not automatically add gratuities onto passengers' accounts or spa or bar bills on ships sailing in Australia. Cruisers can choose, at their discretion, to reward crew members who offer outstanding service. Travellers who wish to tip can do so by handing cash directly to the crew members they want to thank. For those who would prefer not to hand over cash, tips can be added to passengers' onboard accounts at guest relations.

If you are sailing with Carnival overseas, the line automatically adds a US$12.95 per person, per day, gratuity to onboard accounts for those booked in standard cabins. Those in suites will be charged US$13.95 per person, per day. The amount does not apply to passengers younger than 2. An automatic 18 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills and spa services.

Passengers who want to adjust the amount of their auto-gratuity in either direction can do so at the guest services desk. There are two exceptions. According to the line's website FAQs, for "cruises to nowhere" -- short cruises that do not visit a port -- gratuities must be prepaid.

Celebrity Cruises fares include the daily stateroom service for all Australian and New Zealand bookings. This also applies when Australians and New Zealanders sail on cruises departing from other countries, if the fare was booked and paid in AU/NZ dollars. An 18 percent gratuity is added to all bar, mini-bar, spa and salon services and in-room dining on ships sailing in all destinations, including Australia and New Zealand.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages

Cruise & Maritime Voyages automatically adds gratuities to the onboard account. On the Australia-based Vasco da Gama, total of AU$12 per person per night (AU$10 per person per night for cruises longer than 16 nights duration) is debited to your onboard account daily. CMV Additions packages allow guests to book and pre-pay gratuities at a reduced rate. If you wish to adjust the amount you pay, this can be done by contacting the reception desk toward the end of the cruise. There are no extra service charges.

Cunard charges US$11.50 per person, per day, to the shipboard account of passengers in Britannia accommodations. The amount is US$13.50 for passengers in Grill Class accommodations. This charge is for adults and children. To adjust the amount of your automatic tips or to tip independently, see the purser's office. An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills and spa treatments and services.

Holland America will automatically charge US$14.50 per person, per day to passengers in interior, ocean-view and balcony cabins and US$16 to suite passengers. Gratuities apply to both adults and children. See the front desk if you wish to adjust your automatic gratuities. An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to bar and dining room wine purchases.

Each adult is automatically billed US$14.50 per day for the service staff. Passengers booked in any suite category or The Haven are billed US$17.50 per person per day.

Two exceptions are the all-inclusive Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun (Port Canaveral departures only), which include beverages in the fares, so gratuities on these ships are US$19.99 per person, per day for those in standard cabins and US$22.99 per person, per day for those booked in suites. There is no charge for children younger than three.

On Norwegian Joy, the charge is US$25.50 per person, per day for Concierge and Haven suites; US$14.50 per person per day for all other stateroom types.

Guests sailing to Hawaii will be charged an additional 4.275% Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax.

Tipping above and beyond the service charge is not necessary or expected. Also, should you wish to adjust the charges, you must contact the onboard reception desk.

A 20 percent gratuity is added to bar bills, specialty and entertainment dining, and spa services. Norwegian suggests that passengers who use concierge or butler service provide a gratuity "commensurate with the services rendered."

P&O Cruises Australia does not automatically add gratuities onto passengers' accounts or spa or bar bills. Cruisers can choose, at their discretion, to reward crew members who offer outstanding service. Travellers who wish to tip can do so by handing cash directly to the crew members they want to thank. Passengers need not carry cash if they don't want to, as they can add the tips to their onboard accounts.

Princess Cruises does not automatically add gratuities onto passengers' accounts or spa or bar bills on ships sailing in Australia and New Zealand. Cruisers can choose, at their discretion, to reward crew members who offer outstanding service. Travellers who wish to tip can do so by handing cash directly to the crew members they want to thank. For those who would prefer not to hand over cash, tips can be added to passengers' onboard accounts at guest relations.

If you are sailing with Princess Cruises outside Australia and New Zealand, the line automatically adds US$13.50 per day to each passenger's account to cover hotel and dining service. Passengers in mini-suites and club class will be charged US$14.50 per day, and suite passengers will pay US$15.50 per day. The amount is the same for children and adults, and it can be prepaid up to six days prior to the start of your cruise.

You can adjust your automatic gratuities upward or downward, or eliminate them altogether, at the purser's office. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills and spa services. Casino staff do not receive a cut of auto-gratuities.

Royal Caribbean includes daily service charges in the fare for all Australian and New Zealand bookings. This includes Australians and New Zealanders sailing overseas (in Europe, Asia, Alaska and beyond) as long as the fare was booked and paid in AU/NZ dollars. An 18 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills, mini-bar, salon and spa services and in-room dining on ships sailing in all regions, including Australia and New Zealand.

Are gratuities included on Celebrity Cruises ? Technically, yes, though Celebrity -- like most mainstream cruise lines -- insists these tips are only suggested. Expect gratuities added to your account in the amount of $18 per guest, per day, staying in Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda cabins on Celebrity ships; $18.50 for Concierge Class and AquaClass cruisers and $23 per person, per day for The Retreat (suite) passengers. If you wish to adjust the amount you pay, this can be done onboard at guest relations.

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service, mini bar purchases, and spa & salon purchases.

Costa Cruises applies a fee of €11 euro per passenger, per night for all travelers aged 15 and over. Children aged 4 to 14 are charged €5.50 per passenger, per night. A charge is not applied to children under the age of 4.

Gratuities are added automatically to each passenger's onboard account. Be warned: Costa states that "the service charge is an integral part of the total price of the cruise and therefore the amount cannot be altered." Aside from that, you are not expected or required to tip extra while onboard, though a 15% gratuity is added to beverage purchases.

On Cunard , daily gratuities vary depending on the cabin category and date of sailing.

For voyages departing up until April 25, 2024, on Queen Elizabeth , and April 27, 2024, on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria , the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites is $16.50 per person, per day, and for passengers in Britannia cabins it is $14.50 per person, per day.

For voyages departing on or after April 26, 2024, on Queen Elizabeth, and April 28, 2024, on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites will be $18 per person per day, and Britannia Staterooms will be $16 per person per day

Cunard 's gratuities apply to both adults and children. To adjust the amount of your automatic tips or to tip independently, see the purser's office.

Casino dealers do not receive a cut of Cunard's automatic gratuities, so consider tipping deserving staff. An automatic 15% charge also applies to spa treatments and services as well as all bar bills.

Disney's new Worlds of Marvel is the line's most ambitious dining venue to date.

Disney Cruise Line gratuities start at $14.50 per person, per night for regular cabins and rise to $15.50 per person, per night for Concierge-class and Suite guests. This applies to all guests.

Tips can either be prepaid up to three days prior to the start of your Disney cruise or will be automatically charged to onboard accounts. To adjust the amount of your automatic tips or to tip independently, see the purser's office.

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to Disney's bar, beverage, wine, spa and deck service tabs. It is suggested that cruisers tip a couple of dollars for room service as it's delivered, as this is not included.

Fred. Olsen's Borealis at sea. Photo: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen gratuities are entirely at the discretion of each passenger. The recommended amount is £5 per passenger, per day, to be divided equally between the cabin stewards and waiters. This amount is automatically added to passengers' onboard accounts toward the end of the cruise, but it can be adjusted at reception at any point during the sailing. There is no charge for children under 12 on Fred. Olsen cruises .

Passengers are at liberty to tip staff members personally if they wish to do so, and envelopes for this purpose are available at reception. All bar bill gratuities are included in the cost of the drink.

Holland America gratuities are automatically charged at $17 per person, per day for regular cabin passengers and $19 for suite passengers. Gratuities on HAL apply to both adults and children. Passengers should visit guest services to adjust these if they want. An automatic 18% gratuity is added to beverage packages, specialty dining, spa services, bar packages and main dining room wine purchases.

Although MSC Cruises removed auto-gratuities for U.K. & Ireland passengers from October 2019, gratuities are still applied to U.S. cruisers' bills. Auto-gratuities vary by destination and onboard currency (USD or euros).

Amounts are as follows (per person, per night):

Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada & New England: $16 for passengers ages 12 and over and $8 for 2 to 11 year olds.

South America and Grand Voyages from Caribbean (northbound): $14.50 for ages 12 and over and $7.25 for children 2 to 11 years.

Grand Voyages from Caribbean (southbound): €12 euro per night for passengers aged 12 and over and €6 per night for children 2 to11 years.

South Africa cruises: $10 for ages 12 and older and $5 for ages 2 to 11 years.

Grand Voyages from South Africa (Northbound): $14.50 for ages 12 and older and $7.25 for ages 2 to 11 years.

Grand Voyages to South Africa (Southbound): €12 per person, per night, and €6 per night for children 14 and older.

Europe (Mediterranean, Canaries and Northern Europe) cruises, "Antilles" and "Emirates" voyages of eight nights or less: €12 per person, per night, and €6 per night for children 14 and older.

Asia: $16 for adults and children.

MSC does not permit adjustments to the amounts listed above; however, if you deem service unsatisfactory, you can have the charges removed from your onboard account by contacting the guest relations manager while onboard. An automatic 15% gratuity is added to bar purchases. Gratuities are not added to spa bills, so passengers can tip at their discretion.

N C L P R I M A Ship exterior Marion barbier

Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the highest gratuities at sea with passengers staying in all regular cabins and Club Balcony cabins automatically billed $20 per day; Suite passengers are $25 per day. There is no charge for children younger than 3.

Passengers sailing to Hawaii are charged an additional 4.275% Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax.

Should you wish to adjust NCL's service charges , you must contact the onboard reception desk. A 20% gratuity is added to bar bills, specialty and entertainment dining, and spa services. Norwegian suggests that passengers who use concierge or butler service provide a gratuity "commensurate with the services rendered."

In May 2019, P&O Cruises scrapped its daily service charge. Passengers are welcome to tip cruise line crew as they see fit.

P&O Cruises Australia Alcohol Policy (Photo: Cabeca de Marmore/Shutterstock.com)

P&O Cruises Australia does not automatically add gratuities onto passengers' accounts or spa or bar bills. Cruisers can leave tips for crew members who offer outstanding service by handing cash directly to the crew members they want to thank. Passengers need not carry cash if they don't want to, as they can add the tips to their onboard accounts.

Balcony Stateroom on Pacific Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

Princess Cruises gratuities are automatically added to passenger accounts. They start at $16 per day to cover cabin and free dining crew. Passengers in mini-suites and club class are charged $17 per day, and suite passengers pay $18 per day. The amount is the same for children and adults, and it can be prepaid up to six days prior to the start of your cruise.

You can adjust your Princess automatic gratuities upward or downward, or eliminate them altogether, at the purser's office. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all specialty dining, bar bills and spa services. Casino staff do not receive a cut of auto-gratuities.

Royal Caribbean automatically added for passengers. Royal Caribbean last hiked gratuities in November 2023. These start at $18 per person per day for Junior Suite passengers (and categories below that). Tips on Royal Caribbean rise to $20.50 per person per day for passengers in Grand Suites and above. The daily gratuities are applied to all passengers, regardless of age.

The tips, which can also be prepaid, are shared by dining services staff, cabin attendants and other housekeeping personnel. Passengers who opt for Royal Caribbean 's flexible My Time Dining must prepay gratuities. Guidelines are the same for all passengers, regardless of age.

Passengers can request to adjust the daily amount if they have not received satisfactory service by visiting guest services onboard. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills, including the mini-bar, and 20% for salon and spa services.

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Queen Elizabeth

Fodor’s Expert Review

Ship overview.

Insider Take

The current Queen Elizabeth is the third Cunard ship to be named Queen Elizabeth. It is a sister ship to Queen Victoria. It is also the third ship to be built for Cunard since the line was acquired by Carnival Corp. The first was the larger flagship Queen Mary 2 in 2004 followed by the Queen Victoria. Read More

At 90,000 tons, Queen Elizabeth (and the Queen Victoria), is smaller than the Queen Mary 2 (151,000 tons). But she has all the same service amenities and more. The ship’s theme is the Elizabethan Era in England, which began the same time as the founding of Cunard in 1837.

Cunard ships always make me puff with pride – and I am not even part of the “maritime historian” crowd that practically worships the line. Peter Knego of Maritime Matters says, “Cunard’s ships have a mystique that excites even the people who normally don’t pay attention to passenger liners. Just look at the turnout when one of their vessels, especially the QM2, makes a maiden port call. It’s like a thousand foot celebrity has come to visit.”

It isn’t a stretch to equate the elegant scenes in Titanic (never mind how it ends) with Cunard. Titanic was built by White Star Lines, another British company that tried but couldn’t compete with Cunard. White Star was known for its first class Service, while Cunard was the workhorse that carried the international mail. But when White Star Lines started to go under in 1934 Cunard was asked to bail them out.

The new company, Cunard White Star, adopted White Star Service and it is on the Cunard calling card to this day. Founded in 1840, it is now the longest running passenger shipping line in existence. Even in this modern age, when bigger is synonymous with better; Cunard chooses to grow carefully rather than quickly. One of its ships is the fastest and most powerful ocean liner ever built. The second one is in keeping with the line’s consistent strategy to always have separate cruisers for pleasure voyages.

Peter Knego adds, “Cunard was not only a transatlantic icon but a major early player in the cruise industry. Vessels like the Franconia of 1923 and the “Green Goddess” Caronia of 1948 were pioneers in worldwide cruising. Historically, Cunard is a vast and varied maritime company, with liners, cruise ships, combination passenger cargo ships and even cargo liners. It’s OK for them to admit that they actually have one liner (QM2) and two very nicely appointed cruise ships (Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth). They “own” both markets.”

Queen Elizabeth sailed into service on October 11, 2010.

Best For People Who Want

To experience the classic style of the famous ocean liners of yesteryear or who want a truly elegant cruising experience not normally found on most mass market ships.

Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer

Budget cruising; pool-side games; a party atmosphere, lots of singles dancing late into the night.

While most ships are an amalgam of non-related design themes, the decor on Queen Elizabeth is dedicated to the style of the two original Cunard sister ships, Queen Elizabeth (the first) and Queen Mary (the first) both introduced in 1938. It is pure 1930s-era Art Deco from bow to stern.

Art Deco, from the 1920s and 1930s, remains a hugely popular style. It was inspired by the application of new industrial materials to the previous Art Nouveau era of craftsmanship. New York’s Chrysler Building and the “Flying Lady” Lalique glass Packard sedan hood ornaments are well known examples, but if you “wiki” Art Deco one of the prime examples named is the original Queen Mary.

Art Deco was perhaps the last design era where artisans’ style still exceeded function – before mass production took over completely.

While the decor and certain structural aspects of Elizabeth are entirely different from Victoria, both of these ships borrow the grandest elements of the Cunard flagship, Queen Mary 2. There are common rooms done in a similar style on all three ships. The Queens Room, Britannia Restaurant, Golden Lion Pub and Royal Court Theater are hallmark rooms on all of the Cunard ships.

Entertainment

Queen Elizabeth is offering a brand new focus on entertainment for Cunard. All together, this ship has more than twice the amount of entertainment as presented on Queen Victoria and even more than Queen Mary 2. If you love Cunard entertainment then this is the ship for you.

The Royal Court Theater is one of the largest theaters at sea, spanning three decks and with 800 seats, with absolutely no seat with a view obstructed by a pillar (only a few Princess ships can also claim this). In honor of the Art Deco era the main colors are blue and yellow, while the same theater on Queen Victoria is decorated in the Victorian Era colors of red and gold. Like the Queen Victoria this theater has private box seats which are reserved for the suite guests on nights the production shows (listed below) are presented. During any other night they are offered on a first-come basis to anyone who wants the seats and is willing to pay $25 per person. For their money they also get champagne and chocolate strawberries.

This ship will have the biggest production show cast of any Cunard ship; 21 players including eight singers, eight dancers and five professional actors. In fact, this will be the first cruise ship ever to specifically employ actors as part of a stage show ensemble as opposed to multi-talented singers and dancers who take on acting roles.

Several all-original shows will be presented just on this ship, and none of these shows will ever be shown on any other Cunard ship. Here are the names and concepts of the original shows onboard:

“ Slice of Saturday Night ” is a popular 1960s musical from the London stages, here especially adapted for the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company by the Heather Brothers, the original writers. This show features all of the Theatre Company members, 29 in all if you count the musicians – the largest production show Cunard has ever staged.

“ The Simon Show ” will feature three scenes by Neil Simon in one show. These scenes are linked by their setting: an apartment or hotel suite, and the shows include “ Last of the Red Hot Lovers ,” “ Plaza Suite ” and “ The Odd Couple .” Another abridged play will be Shakespeare’s “ Twelfth Night .” An informal Q&A session with the actors will follow both of these shows.

“ The Piccadilly Line ” by the entire Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company will explore song and prose as characters get on and off a London-based train. The action is set in the shell of a London tube train carriage.

“ Hotel Royale ” is a musical about a “past its prime” hotel. Similarities to Fawlty Towers have been suggested. “ Sing ,” features 21 live musicians, every musician on the ship is conscripted, but just four singers on stage. The songs include influences from contemporary musical theatre, pop and other classics familiar to the audience.

“ La Danza ” will showcase the virtuoso talents of the dance ensemble and follows in the footsteps of “ Apassionata ” and “ Dance Passion ,” two popular shows running on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

A specially written panel quiz show where the Theatre Company has its own take on topical news and entertainment stories will offer an afternoon of friendly banter.

In addition, Queen Elizabeth will offer Cunard’s award-winning Insights enrichment program of lectures, Q&As, social gatherings and workshops in areas including history, world affairs, science, arts and literature.

The Queens Grill Grand Suites and Master Suites are the top tier. These suites vary from 1,920 to 2,130 sq. ft. They come with a refrigerator, safe, hair dryer, robe and slippers, personalized stationery, books, an atlas, daily shipboard newspaper, fresh fruit, champagne at embarkation, fresh flowers, a bar stocked with spirits, pre-dinner canapes and a butler and concierge services.

The Queens Grill Suites and Penthouse Suites vary from 508 to 771 sq. ft. and come with nearly all of the above except for the bar and refrigerator stocked with wine and spirits.

The Princess Grill Suites range from 335 to 513 sq. ft. They come with the same exclusive access and amenities as the Queens Grill Suites except the champagne is replaced with a bottle of wine. Dinner in the Princess Grill, adjacent to the Queens Grill, is also from 7 to 9 p.m. and open seating.

All of the above suites are given exclusive access to The Grills Lounge, the Courtyard, the Grill’s Terrace and the Grill’s upper terrace.

This ship’s superstructure is a Vista-class model which is in use by several other ships designed by the parent company. So the “standard” Britannia staterooms will look familiar to many cruisers. They come with a refrigerator, safe, hair dryer, robe and slippers, and daily shipboard newspaper. Balcony cabins range from 242 to 472 sq. ft. There is no access to any of the exclusive access rooms described above. Dinner is served in the Britannia Restaurant with assigned seating for early (6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.) dinners. Inside Britannia staterooms range from 152 to 243 sq. ft.

These standard staterooms are a little short on shelf space, while there is almost too much closet space. There is a desk, small coffee table and couch. The bed comes with six pillows and an ultra fluffy duvet. The flat-screened television is conveniently tucked away in the corner of the room. The bathroom is smallish with one sink, a shower and not much storage. Complimentary shampoos, bars of soap and all other standard amenities are provided. The shower is sadly lacking is shelf space, barely enough for the soap.

Children’s Facilities

The ship has dedicated children’s areas with nannies and babysitting services available. Chances are this ship will not appeal much to families traveling with children, as the voyages tend to be 12 days or longer and there is not much in the way of pool or sports activities.

Onboard Experience

Queen Elizabeth is 90,400 gross registered tons, 965 feet long and 106 feet wide at the hull. Her draft (depth in the water) is 26.2 feet (8 meters). She rises 186 feet from the waterline and is the second largest Cunarder ever built. She is slightly larger than sister Queen Victoria due to an extended stern on decks four through six.

Her passenger space ratio (number of square meters per passenger) is 44. She employs 997 staff members with British officers and an international crew. She is powered by six diesel engines, propelled by two ABB pods and steering-assisted by three Fincantieri Riva Trigoso thrusters. She has two stabilizers and two anchors plus a spare.

Queen Elizabeth, sister ship to Queen Victoria, is based on the exceptionally crafty “Vista-class” design by parent company Carnival Corp; also the basis for Holland America Eurodam , Costa Deliziosa and Carnival Spirit .

The public rooms are on the decks just above the water line where most ships have staterooms. But lower decks can’t accommodate the open verandah staterooms most people prefer. Plus every ship has public rooms with spectacular picture windows (that don’t need to open), so putting the public rooms closer to the water makes the sea views far more dramatic and leaves plenty of room for verandah staterooms on the upper decks.

Above the lower deck public rooms, beginning on deck four, the Vista-class has five full decks of staterooms for a higher percentage of verandah staterooms per ship. Queen Elizabeth has 1,046 cabins to accommodate 2096 passengers. 1780 of them will have ocean views; 1488 will have a verandah.

Not only is Vista my favorite ship design, but Cunard has the best Vista adaptation. The hull is actually strengthened and 11 meters longer than the average Vista-class ship. This adds stability in high seas and more space in key public rooms. Large open spaces help to define the distinctive grandeur of Cunard ships. The entire Queens Room ballroom soars two full decks and spans nearly the entire width of ship. It has an enormous wooden dance floor with a generous stage area.

The Grand Lobby is three decks tall with a magnificent staircase that would have done Titanic proudly. Nearby is the glorious two deck tall library, which, like Queen Victoria, also features a winding wooden staircase.

Public Rooms

The public rooms actually start on deck one, rather than decks four or five as on most ships, but is not the main deck. You find the lowest level of the Royal Court Theater, the bottom level of the Grand Lobby and regular passenger service desks like the purser.

The Grand Lobby features a magnificent work of art specially commissioned to David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon. He is Her Majesty The Queen’s only nephew. The work shows the original Queen Elizabeth executed in the rare technique of marquetry inlay, with nine individual panels made of various types of wood.

This deck is the lower chamber of the heart of the ship. In the bow is the main entrance to the Royal Court Theater . Walking aft you meet the Empire Casino bordered by the Golden Lion Pub, separated by a solid wall of small square windows in classic pub style. The Golden Lion Pub serves traditional British pub food such as Kidney Pie, fish and chips, beer, ale and cider. There is no extra charge for the food.

Next comes the bottom floor of the beautiful “ Queen’s Room .” This elegant, two-story ballroom is the location for the “Ascot” and “Black and White” balls. With an eight-piece orchestra and a dance floor big enough for hundreds of people, this is the room where social interaction thrives. Every Cunard cruise has at least four gentlemen hosts to dance with the single ladies.

One of the best elements of Cunard design is that one is rarely required to walk through any public room to traverse the ship. Alongside the Queen’s Room is the Queen’s Arcade , a collection of shops with a separate corridor. More shops and the Art Gallery do the same on the upper level of the Queen’s Room. The upper walkway offers a commanding balcony view of the ballroom from above.

Aft of the Queen’s Room is Cunard Place , a museum of Cunard memorabilia including historic pieces recovered from the original Queens. While guests can buy certain collectible Cunard pieces, Cunard’s capable Art Manager, Amy Lucena, scoured the world for the kind of Cunard memorabilia that is priceless from previous Cunard liners and special exhibits. Two rooms on Queen Elizabeth, Cunard Gallery and the Cunarder’s Place , are dedicated to displaying these authentic pieces.

Next we meet the Cafe Carinthia. This coffee and pastry bar, in rich yellow, orange and reddish gold tones, overlooks the Grand Lobby. Across the open span of the Lobby you see the lower level of the two-story library.

Next door to the Library is The Verandah restaurant. This restaurant replaces the Todd English restaurant on Queen Victoria. Queen Mary 2 has this restaurant as an alternative dining spot, reserved for the Princess Grill and Queens Grill passengers only. On Queen Elizabeth is it open to all passengers serving French cuisine in a la carte portions and prices.

Moving aft there is a long corridor leading to the bottom floor of the Britannia Restaurant , the main dining room for all the non-Princess and Queen’s Grill guests. There is a Britannia Restaurant on all Cunard ships.

In a separate room to the left of this corridor is a new social stratum for Cunard passengers – a special dining room called the Britannia Club . A mere 78 people share this exclusive dining room, residents in 39 special staterooms situated on deck eight. The menu is the same as the main dining room, but without the assigned dining times. They can use their assigned tables anytime during regular dinner hours – the same as the Princess and Queen’s Grill guests. The room has marble floors and glass-inset ceilings.

Finally, in the stern of deck two is the lower level of the Britannia Restaurant . This main dining room spans Decks 2 and 3 at the stern of the ship. Art Deco flourishes include a sweeping staircase and a backlit decorative ceiling. Giacomo Mortola, who designed this room as well as the Royal Court Theater , says it was inspired by the main dining room, the first-class dining room and the smoking room of the original Queen Mary.

Deck Three:

A full wrap-around outdoor promenade deck is accessible from many doors on deck three. Towards the bow of Deck Three is the balcony and private box level of the Royal Court Theater .

Moving aft, the next area is the Royal Arcade , the main shopping district for Queen Elizabeth. There are five different shops all surrounding a public walkway which itself overlooks the Casino on deck two.

Next (moving aft) is the top level of the Queen’s Room . This is an open ballroom two decks high, but from the walkway fronting another shop and the art gallery on deck three, starboard, you can look down on the dance floor and stage from this upper level. It presents a lively but convenient way to traverse the ship without walking through the ballroom crowds.

A small but important section follows – the Cunarders’ Gallery displays captioned black and white photography from the line’s Stars Aboard collection of previous celebrity guests on Cunard liners. On the port side is the “Connexions” Internet lounge.

Next you reach the top level of the Grand Lobby. To the starboard side is the Midships Bar , the room where this Queen Elizabeth pays tribute to the original Queen Elizabeth with the most impressive displays of original artifacts. There is a telephone, dinnerware, a model of the ship, several authentic telegrams and other official documents.

Where did Any Lucena get these pieces? “I found a lot of them on Ebay,” she says, along with other places she found through the Internet. She also mentions antique stores in Southampton and in Scotland where the original ship was built (on the River Clyde). One last place was the Cunard Shop on the original Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, which I can attest is an amazing collection if you also want to be a Cunard collector.

To the port side is the upper level of the library. Unlike the Queen’s Room , you can also enter the Library from deck three. The winding staircase makes it possible to access the books from any height. Next to the Library top level is the Card Room .

Deck three also has a long corridor leading to the Britannia Restaurant . This corridor borders the open photo gallery displays. As you enter the Britannia Restaurant you find yourself at the top of another grand staircase adorned with a mixed media piece by artist Javier Saturtan of Argentina. This massive three-dimensional work includes bronze, marble, mirror and glass.

Decks Four through Eight:

These decks have the staterooms. Each deck has a single launderette located between the forward and midships elevators. The staterooms on decks four and eight have to largest verandahs. Deck eight has the suites and the bridge; deck four has the obstructed view staterooms (with lifeboats outside your windows). The standard rooms with the largest balconies are 6090, 6095, 7056, 7071, 8074 and 8075.

Deck Eight Bridge:

The bridge is 85 feet above sea level and is 14 feet wider than the hull for visibility. In addition to communication equipment, the bridge houses displays for radar, sonar, speed and maneuvering information. Close circuit television displays will monitor all areas of the ship to maintain safety.

The Cunard Health Club & Spa takes up the forward section of deck nine. There is a full thermal suite with ceramic chairs, a thalassotherapy pool, steam rooms and dry sauna. The hydro-suite is available on a day pass basis. Midships on Deck Nine is the Pavilion Pool .

The Garden Lounge , a glass-enclosed oasis behind the pool, is a very special area found only on Queen Elizabeth. The same area on Queen Victoria is not enclosed and is called the Winter Garden. The concept, based on Kew Gardens in London, is an open room two decks tall and fully glass enclosed with a vaulted glass ceiling. It will be temperature controlled in all climatic conditions and has tables for dining and a bar. Like Kew Gardens there will be hand-painted murals on the walls, and handmade tiles from Italy, Mexico and the United States.

At night the Garden Lounge becomes a supper club with varying culinary themes that will change every few nights. One concept is “Jasmine;” an Asian fusion style, another is “Aztec;” featuring authentic regional Mexican cuisine (not Mex-American food) and “Asado” is an Argentinean Churrascaria. There is ample seating for 60 or more couples.

Aft of the Garden Lounge is the Lido Restaurant . Significantly, Queen Elizabeth plans to keep some freshly cooked food available 24-hours a day. The food is provided from serving stations, which generally provides more convenience and shorter lines.

In the stern of deck nine is the Lido Pool and Grill with a pool and hot tub available. There is a stage for outdoor entertainment, a secluded bar and grilled food such as hamburgers and pizza available. This space is unique to Queen Elizabeth and will be used for garden parties.

The Commodore Club is all the way forward, above the bridge. This ample room provides a near 360-degree view over the front, sides and towards the back of the ship. There are many tables and chairs here with a bar and a round stage in the center of the room for another pianist entertainer. This room equates with the Crow’s Nest on other Vista-class ships.

Off of this room is the Admiral’s Lounge for fine whiskey and cognac. Next door is the Churchill’s Cigar Lounge where ladies and gentlemen can enjoy freshly rolled tobacco. Aft of the Commodore Club is the Yacht Club , a nautical dance club which replaces “Hemispheres” on the Queen Victoria.

The rest of Deck Ten is given over to the children’s facilities including indoor and outdoor play areas for kids of all ages from toddler to teens.

Deck Eleven:

The exclusive Queen’s Grill and Princess’ Grill restaurants are midships on this deck. These dining rooms reserved for the exclusive use of Queens and Princess Grill suite residents. Adjacent to these dining rooms is the Grill’s Lounge , a private cocktail area for these guests. This lounge will also have a “tea sommelier” offering 12 varieties of Twinings Tea (different teas have different brewing methods). There is also a private concierge on duty in this room to aid suite guests with special requests. The Courtyard is an outdoor al fresco dining area for both suite guest categories. It is completely surrounded by walls on four sides. Available by stairs and lift is the Grills Upper Terrace for private sunbathing for suite guests.

At the front of deck eleven is the Games Deck. Here you see lawn bowling, croquet and lawn tennis. No, it isn’t real grass, artificial grass is more efficient (though less authentic) for these games. There is also a massive chess board (approximately 16-feet square). This entire games area is open-air but behind windscreens and under a roof to keep away the glare of sunlight.

The Princess Grill suites measure 335-513 sq. ft. – these guests dine in the Princess Grill.

The Britannia Club Balcony Cabins measure 242 to 472 sq. ft and these guests dine in the new Britannia Club Restaurant .

The rest of the passengers all dine in the Britannia Restaurant (main dining room):

Britannia Balcony – 242 to 472 sq. ft.

Britannia Oceanview – 180-201 sq, ft.

Britannia Inside cabins – 152-243 sq, ft.

The international cuisine gets very high marks for variety, and high quality of preparation and presentation. Because most cruises are 12 to 18 days, the menus have a much longer cycle than on most ships. At lunch time, there are fresh prepared pastas in the main dining room, and special item stations in the lido offering, for example, smoked herring in the Baltic or fresh tuna in the Mediterranean. At breakfast and lunch, there is ample fresh fruit either cut up for a salad or sliced in the case of mango, paw paw and melon. A chef prepares omelets to order. The wine list is extensive with prices beginning in the low $20 range.

Queen Elizabeth has proper wine service in all the dining rooms with sommeliers to open and pour, and to make sure white wines and champagnes remain properly chilled in ice-buckets.

In charge of the culinary offerings on all Cunard ships is Michelin-starred chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann who has designed the menus and recipes for all of Cunard’s restaurants. Queen Elizabeth offers the same selection of restaurants as the other Cunard ships with the exception of Todd English being replaced the “ The Verandah ” restaurant.

Restaurants

The Britannia Restaurant:

This main dining room has assigned seating, assigned dining times (early and late seating) and assigned wait staff. Cunard may be the last cruise line to only offer traditional dining to most of its guests as has been practiced on cruise ships since time began. Most other cruise lines now offer “anytime dining” which is chosen by 60 to 80-percent of guests.

The Britannia Club:

This restaurant was introduced on Queen Mary 2 in 2007 but is not available on Queen Victoria. It is for guests travelling in AA category staterooms. New for Queen Elizabeth, the menus are from the Britannia Restaurant but they will enjoy single-seating, anytime dining.

The Lido Restaurants:

Open 24 hours a day, The Lido Restaurants on Deck 9 offer breakfast and lunch served buffet-style. In the evenings, the room features one of three regional cuisines with waiter table service. This is available to all guests for a small surcharge of $10 per person. Each cuisine is generally offered for a three-day period.

Will feature the traditional South American style of cooking meats on a grill. Guests may choose from a selection of dishes from the Rotisserie and Grill, such as Roasted Chimmichuri Chicken and Argentinian Lamb Chops with Pistachio.

Will feature authentic regional Mexican cuisine with the variety of spices and ingredients which are native to the country. Guests can look forward to dishes like Chile Relleno de Espinaca and Banana-Wrapped Snapper Veracruzana.

Offers Pan-Asian cuisine, drawing on influences from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Tantalizing dishes include Aromatic Crispy Duck and Char Siew Pau.

Traditional English Afternoon Tea Service:

Daily tea served by white-gloved waiters comes complete with finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. Tea will be offered in the Queen’s Room at 4:00 p.m. daily. Musicians will play soft melodies.

Many stewards have years of service aboard the ship, and a European style prevails. It is professional and attentive. The cabin staff is European, mostly Scandinavian, women. Cunard is renowned for its white-gloved “White Star Service,” named after the line Cunard acquired in the 1930s, the White Star Line of Titanic fame. Service is impeccable in the restaurants, including expert sommeliers. The menus are well rounded with meat, fish and vegetarian selections.

Top Queen’s and Princess Grill categories get butler service as well as concierge service.

Gratuities for dining room waiter, cabin steward and other personnel are automatically charged to your shipboard account at a per person (including children) per day rate of $13 for those who dine in the Grill class restaurants, and $11 for those eating in the Caronia or Mauretania restaurants. A standard “service charge” of 15% is added to all bar orders, with a space to write in an additional gratuity amount if desired. The standard “auto tip” amounts can be adjusted by visiting the front desk.

For salon treatments and services, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill. Other gratuities are entirely at the passenger’s discretion.

Fitness/Spa

Queen Elizabeth has replaced Canyon Ranch with the Harding Brothers to operate the Spa, noting their willingness to venture into more “eastern” forms of treatment than the Canyon Ranch Spa on Queen Mary 2.

The spa offers Pilates and yoga classes for a daily fee or a cruise-long pass, as well as regular aerobics classes at no charge; a large thalassotherapy pool is enclosed within the spa area to make it available in all kinds of weather.

The fitness center is similar to those on most modern ships, with a gym, weight room, juice bar, whirlpool, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, and steam room. Appointments are taken; charges include gratuities. The therapists don’t try to talk you into buying expensive body care products after your treatment, and you’re not required to fill out a health questionnaire beforehand.

This ship is decidedly formal. On a crossing, except for the night of embarkation and the night before disembarkation, all nights will be designated as formal. Generally people will dress to the nines, men in tuxedos or dark suits and the ladies in their ball gowns or fancy cocktail dresses. But, as with all ships, there will always be some exceptions. If you don’t like “gussying up,” your best option for dining would be the Lido, the casual dining venue. However, you will have to make it an early night, retiring to your cabin after dinner, since the formal dress code will apply throughout the ship, not just in the restaurants.

During a six-night Atlantic crossing or a week’s cruise, two formal nights will be the norm. Most men, especially on a crossing, will wear tuxedos rather than dark suits; other nights are designated either informal (jacket but no tie for men) or casual; casual is always appropriate during the day. On a two-week cruise, there are four formal nights, and most men to wear tuxedos or dinner jackets. Informal nights require jacket and tie, and most comply.

Fellow Passengers

Expect the crowd to be mostly Brits, or people who love British style and tradition. The food will appeal to everyone, including Americans, but expect a traditionally British dish to be available at every meal – e.g. beans and bacon at breakfast and shepherd’s pie at lunch or dinner.

Some Final Observations

I’ve only sailed the QE2 once, and that was for a crossing from Southampton to New York. It was also the last segment of the 2007 World Cruise itinerary. I found this sailing to be one of the most relaxing I have ever enjoyed. Perhaps I am getting bored with the same old, same old … as in my Holland America sailings, but I found sailing the QE2 to be a delightfully refreshing experience. From the moment we stepped onboard, we knew we were on a very special ship. Our cabin was spacious, though spartanly furnished. The furnishings were plain, but the cabin met all of our needs perfectly. Lots of closet space and a separate area for dressing made our C3 cabin perfect for two unrelated women traveling together.

While our cabin was certainly comfortable, the carpeting was very worn, and there was absolutely nothing provided to make it aesthetically appealing. There was but one print on the wall, and the bathroom was exceedingly tiny. There was a full tub and shower located in there, however. An interesting touch I should mention, however, is the lack of a vacuum toilet system on the QE2. The toilet is flushed with a handle that requires some strength to push down.

The walls of the cabin were also paper-thin. When our next door neighbors turned on their television one afternoon as I was taking a nap, I thought somehow mine had switched on of its own accord. That’s how clearly I could hear the voices coming from the tv nextdoor.

My cabinmate likened the cabin to a Motel 6’s accommodations, but I wrote it off as a charming feature of sailing a ship that is close to 40 years old.

The dining experience in the Caronia Restaurant was a delight. We could go to dinner not when the cruise line told us to be ready, but when we felt like it. Certainly, there was a time window to be adhered to, but it was more than generous with often a two hour span of time in which to work one’s schedule around.. We had an assigned table for four, but for the duration of our time onboard, we were the only ones assigned to it. Best yet, the table was located in the Caronia Restaurant’s small smoking section. What a delight to be able to enjoy a cigarette between courses or with an after-dinner cup of coffee. You don’t get that luxury even in most land-based restaurants anymore.

With the absolute plethora of activities going on at any one time, both day and night, this ship provided lots of areas that were very inviting to simply relax in. While some people prefer to be kept very busy during their cruise, we simply wanted to indulge in the age-old pastime of people watching. Comfortable chairs in the Queens Room allowed for this, and once again a comfortable smoking section was provided in this venue along the port side of the ship.

The coffee on the QE2 is the best I’ve ever tasted onboard any cruise ship. The service in the dining room was personalized and we had the same team of waitstaff for all meals.

Drinks in the bars and lounges were very reasonably priced, with most cocktails costing around $5.00 before gratuity.

Unlike the drink prices, however, other prices seemed inflated. The bookstore in particular commanded abnormally high prices for most items, and a simple Cunard Pen cost $15.00. The free one provided in my cabin seemed just as nice. A book of notepaper retailed for over $20 and a simple greeting card cost over $4.00. Some of the books, most of which were based on nautical themes, commanded prices in the $40 to $50 range, and some higher. A simple 200 page book I purchased sold for $28.50.

Service throughout the ship was friendly and prompt. You didn’t have to go hunt down a bar steward if you wanted a drink. Our cabin was tidied up twice a day, though service in this area could have been better. For example, when something was reported to him that needed attention in the cabin, such as a burned out light bulb in the shower, his response would be “it’s been reported.” I would expect my cabin steward to not just report the matter, but to follow up on it as well.

The bottom line is would I sail the QE2 again? Most definitely. The ship is elegant and the environment onboard is very conducive to relaxation. As a smoker, I was not made to feel like an outcast as ample areas were provided onboard the ship to allow me to enjoy my vice while not bothering others who did not care for it.

While a TransAtlantic crossing is not my ideal cruising “destination,” the QE2 provides a very efficient way to cross the Atlantic when one needs one-way transportation to a far off destination. We took this sailing as a way to get home from a Holland America repositioning cruise which left us off in Venice. The QE2 was the perfect alternative to a dastardly TransAtlantic flight. It was also a very “civilized” way to get from point A to point B, relaxing and enjoying one’s self rather than being crammed into a Coach section airline seat. I only hope I am lucky enough to one day sail the QE2 again.

The Queen Elizabeth, which replaced her beloved predecessor, the QE2, spends the bulk of her year in Europe, sailing Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, and Norwegian coastal itineraries. Like her fleetmate Queen Victoria, she is designed more as a cruise ship than an ocean liner, but her interior still has echoes of nautical charm and reflects the best of the history of ocean cruising.

Although the deck plans for Queen Elizabeth appear to be nearly identical to her fleet mate Queen Victoria , make no mistake—this queen bears her own regal trappings. A successor to her namesake, the original Queen Elizabeth , which entered service in 1940, Cunard’s latest liner boasts touches of art deco that recall a time when the first queen ruled the waves. The newest Cunard ship to bear the name also recalls the QE2 via artwork and memorabilia and has its own nautically themed Yacht Club, named after the lively aft lounge on QE2 .

Curved staircases, geometric patterns, and spectacular artwork grace the soaring Grand Lobby, which is overlooked by the two-tier Library—a calm, wood-paneled haven bathed in natural reading light and crowned with a leaded glass ceiling. As on her fleet mates, double- and triple-height spaces play a large part in defining the grand interiors; however, there’s still the warmth of an authentic British pub, a clubby cigar room, and lounges with intimate seating areas where you might feel you’ve stumbled into a high society event of the 1930s or 1940s.

One of the world’s most distinguished names in ocean travel since 1840, the Cunard Line has a long history of deluxe transatlantic crossings and worldwide cruising. The line’s ships are legendary for their comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine, and personal service. After a series of owners tried with little success to revive the company’s flagging passenger shipping business, Carnival Corporation offered an infusion of ready cash and the know-how to turn the line around in 1998. Exciting new ships have followed.

Delightful daily events include afternoon tea and the maritime tradition of sounding the ship’s bell at noon. The line offers North Atlantic crossings and seasonal shorter cruises, including Northern European and Mediterranean itineraries.

12 passenger decks
Specialty restaurant
3 dining rooms
ice cream parlor
refrigerator
Fitness classes
2 dance clubs
Children’s programs
Dry-cleaning
laundry facilities
laundry service
Internet terminal
No-smoking cabins

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

What to expect on board, staterooms & cabins.

With more than two-dozen stateroom and suite categories to choose from, cabins really fall into eight basic configurations. At the top are the luxurious Queens Grill suites, which have the most luxurious amenities; next are Princess Grill suites; next are the Britannia Club AA balcony staterooms, standard staterooms (many with a balcony), and inside cabins, all of whose passengers dine in the Britannia Restaurant. The majority of the cabins fall into the standard categories. More than 86% of the staterooms on the ship are outside and 76% have private balconies. All are designed with adequate closet and storage space, and even the least expensive outside categories have a small seating area. Private balconies are furnished with a table and chairs, and some have loungers.

All passengers are greeted on embarkation with sparkling wine or champagne and will find a refrigerator, safe, hair dryer, fresh fruit basket, bath toiletries, slippers, and a bathrobe for use during the cruise. Butlers are on hand to attend to Queens Grill occupants, whose bars are stocked with spirits, wine, and soft drinks.

Twenty cabins are wheelchair accessible.

Food & Drink

The Britannia Restaurant serves dinner in two assigned seatings for most passengers, while those in Britannia Club, Princess- and Queens Grill–classes dine in a single open seating at an assigned table. The Verandah (reservations, fee), the alternative restaurant, serves French cuisine. In the evenings, one of three regional cuisines—such as Asian, Mexican, and South American—is highlighted, and waiter table service becomes available in the Lido restaurant for a small charge. In addition, the Lido buffet and Golden Lion Pub offer relaxed dining options, while specialty teas, coffees, and pastries are featured in Café Carinthia. A proper English tea is served daily and room service is always available.

Evening entertainments can include production shows and concerts and Cunard’s traditional themed formal balls in the Queen’s Lounge ballroom. Other options are as diverse as the clubby Midships Bar with its pianist, an authentic English Pub, or the Yacht Club, an intimate venue for dancing until the small hours with the resident DJ.

Spa & Fitness

Operated by Steiner Leisure, the spa offers a wide range of exotic and contemporary treatments. Chakra rasul and herbal steam chambers are designed for couples to indulge in ancient Eastern rituals. A relaxation room, hydrotherapy pool, and thermal suite with three steam and sauna rooms are available for the use of spa clients who’ve booked a treatment and others who’ve purchased a pass. Complimentary saunas are found in men’s and women’s changing rooms.

Key cruising tips

Quick facts, explore more ships in this line, explore more mainstream cruise lines.

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Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

How much to tip on a cruise is a question that trips up many first-timers. That's because some cruise lines tack daily service fees onto passenger bills — yet many travelers still hand out additional cash gratuities, either as a matter of course or for exemplary service.

The extra cost of the automatic gratuity charges can be a shock to first-time cruisers. At some lines, these charges run as high as $25 per day. And, unlike the typical service fee or resort fee found at a land resort, they are not per room. They are per person .

At some big lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , it's not uncommon for a family of four staying in a single cabin to see more than $70 a day in service fees added to their bills. On a typical seven-night cruise, that's around $500 in fees.

That's before you add in any additional tips you wish to give to your room service or favorite bartender or automatic gratuities tacked on to bar, restaurant and spa bills.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, not all lines have service fees that high. Some don't charge a service fee at all. In many cases, the service charges are adjustable.

Tipping on a cruise does not have to be complicated, but you need to understand the big picture to budget for your vacation appropriately. Read on to learn all about cruise ship tipping culture and how much you'll need to tip on your next cruise, based on which cruise line you're sailing.

Tipping on a cruise ship: The big picture

Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. Lines with such charges include both of the two giants of the cruise business, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line , as well as the next three biggest lines MSC Cruises , Norwegian and Princess Cruises .

That said, the total number of lines with a service fee has been shrinking over the years. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are folding tips and gratuities into their base fares.

Lines that now cover gratuities in their fares include Azamara , Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn , SeaDream Yacht Club , Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages .

For lines that do have them, service and gratuity charges are touted as a convenient alternative to the practice of cash tipping on cruise ships — something that once was common.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise lines say they pass the money collected from service charges to the shipboard crew. They say the money is shared not just with front-of-house crew, such as room attendants and waitstaff, but also with behind-the-scenes workers. In that sense, the current system is more equitable than the old system of cash tipping, which favored certain workers, lines say.

Still, some critics see the charges as a sneaky way for cruise lines to make their fares appear lower than they really are. In this line of thinking, lines with these charges are essentially breaking out a good chunk of onboard labor costs as a separate line item on your bill.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

How service charges are levied

At most lines, you can pay your service charges before sailing (at the same time you pay your cruise fare). Alternatively, you can have the charges added to your room bill on board.

The big advantage to paying cruise tips in advance is that you lock in the current rate. If your line raises the rate between the time you pay and the time you sail, you won't pay more.

Some people also like to pay their service charges in advance for budgeting purposes. It'll be one less thing on your final bill at the end of the cruise.

If you prefer to pay for tips once you're on board your cruise, you'll generally find that the gratuities automatically appear on your bill. You don't have to do anything.

That said, if you want to, you can often adjust the charges (either up or down) while you're on board by visiting the guest relations desk. If you are adjusting a gratuity charge downward, expect to be asked about the reasons behind the adjustment. The guest relations staff will want to know if you've experienced particular service issues.

If you leave the service charge on your room bill, you are not expected to leave additional cruise tips for your room attendant or waiters. That's the whole point of the service charge.

Similarly, if you're on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected.

Still, some people do leave a little extra for crew members who go above and beyond. Others tip their room service or waitstaff at their favorite bar, either early in the cruise in the hope of getting better service or at the end to thank them for enhancing the vacation experience. How much to tip extra on a cruise is entirely up to you because it is in no way required.

Related: 10 times you do not need to tip on a cruise

Included cruise tips as a booking perk

If you dislike tipping on cruise ships but can't afford to sail on an all-inclusive line, look for promotions when cruise lines with service charges throw in free gratuities as a booking incentive.

For instance, in recent years, Norwegian often ran Free at Sea promotions that included free crew tips in addition to free shipboard Wi-Fi and a free drinks package . The line hasn't been doing that as much lately, but these offers often come back at times when brands need to drum up more business.

Additionally, several major lines in the past couple of years have begun offering bundle pricing to customers who pay for cruise tips, Wi-Fi charges and an onboard drinks package all at once in advance of sailing, potentially at a discount.

Princess, for example, has added a Princess Plus plan as a booking option. It gives passengers prepaid gratuities (Princess calls these "crew appreciation" fees), a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a single bundled price of $60 per person, per day.

Don't worry: When lines offer such deals, it doesn't mean the crew will receive fewer tips the week you cruise. The lines that offer these deals say they'll pay a normal gratuity to the crew on your behalf.

Related: The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

Additional cruise ship tipping

Daily service charges are not the only cruise tips you will pay on board. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments.

The included tip amount varies by cruise line but is typically 15% to 20% of the bill. Be warned that the receipt often includes a line for an additional gratuity, even when one is automatically added. This can trick many cruisers into tipping twice. Never feel pressured to add an extra tip when you've already paid one.

Note that if you purchase a dining or beverage package, most cruise lines will charge you gratuities based on a percentage of the package price. If you get one of these packages for free as a booking perk, as with Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion, you might still be required to pay the gratuities on the free perk.

For example, Norwegian offers a complimentary Open Bar drinks package for travelers who book its Free at Sea promotion. The cost of that package is typically $109 per person, per day. The mandatory 20% gratuity comes out to nearly $22 per day. That means two people sharing a room on a seven-night cruise would pay $308 in tips for an otherwise free drinks package — on top of their daily service charge fees.

Cruisers should also bring cash to tip the porters who bring their bags onto the ship (usually $2 per bag), as well as tour guides in port ($5 to $10 per person for half-day tours, $10 to $20 for full-day excursions and $2 for non-guide drivers). Piano bar regulars know that a cash tip will increase the chances of the pianist choosing and performing your song request.

How much should you tip on each cruise line?

If you're wondering how much you should tip on the specific cruise line you're considering or have already booked, we've compiled that information here. Below is a line-by-line look at policies for automatic gratuity charges (called service charges or "crew appreciation" charges at some lines). The rates listed are per person, per day. They were accurate as of the publishing of this story.

Remember that all additional tipping is at your discretion. Any amount is fine and will be appreciated by the hard-working crew.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Automatic gratuity charge : None.
Details : Gratuities for the crew are not included in the fare and are at the discretion of travelers.
Details : Gratuities for the crew are included in the fare. One area of exception: An 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Carnival Cruise Line

Automatic gratuity charge : $16 to $18 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16. Those in suites pay $18. Children younger than 2 are exempt from the charges. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, the cover charges for the Chef's Table and Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurants and the a la carte fee at Bonsai Sushi, Emeril's Bistro, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Seafood Shack.

Related: Cruise giant Carnival joins Princess, Norwegian in sharply hiking service fees

Celebrity Cruises

Automatic gratuity charge : $18 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in Concierge Class pay $18.50 and, for bookings made after Oct. 4, 2023, passengers in AquaClass cabins also pay $18.50 (for AquaClass bookings made before that date, there is no charge for gratuities). For bookings made after Oct. 4, 2023, passengers in The Retreat suites pay $23 (for The Retreat bookings made before that date, there is no charge for gratuities). Note that passengers who book a Celebrity cabin under the line's pricier All Included rate plan also do not pay gratuity charges. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added when a passenger orders a drink that's not included in the line's All-Included rate plan, as well as when purchasing a minibar item. An 18% gratuity will be added for spa and salon services.

Celestyal Cruises

Details : Gratuities for crew and bar staff are included in the fare.

Costa Cruises

Automatic gratuity charge : $12.50 to $17.50 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers on ships operating on the U.S. dollar generally pay $12.50. Ships operating on the euro have an 11 euro charge ($11.60 at current exchange rates). On cruises departing from China, Japan and Singapore, the charges range from $13.50 to $17.50, depending on the cabin category. Passengers younger than 4 are exempt from the charges. Gratuities for children between 4 and 14 (up to 12 on cruises departing from Japan, China and Singapore) are half the adult rate. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to beverage purchases.

Cunard Line

Automatic gratuity charge : $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $14.50. Passengers in Grill Class suites pay $16.50. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to bar, wine and salon bills.

Disney Cruise Line

Details : While Disney doesn't add an automatic gratuity charge, it suggests that passengers staying in most cabins pay $14.50 per day in total when tipping various dining staff and room attendants. The suggested amount for passengers staying in concierge cabins and suites is $15.50. Passengers can prepay the amount in advance or on board. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills, and an 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Holland America Line

Automatic gratuity charge : $17 to $19.00 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $17 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge. Passengers staying in suites pay $19.00. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and dining room wine purchases.

Related: Is this love? Holland America chooses Valentine's Day for service charge price hike

Lindblad Expeditions

Details : Gratuities are included in the fare for passengers on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Orion. On other ships, gratuities are at the passenger's discretion.

MSC Cruises

Automatic gratuity charge : about $13 (12 euros) to $16.
Details : Gratuity charges are $16 on voyages from and to the U.S., with the exception of sailings with pricing in euros, which have a gratuity charge of 12 euros ($12.66 at current exchange rates). Gratuities for children between 2 and 11 are half the adult rate on most cruises. Gratuities are not charged for children younger than 2.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Automatic service charge : $20 to $25 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $20. Those in suites or The Haven pay $25. Passengers younger than 3 are exempt from the charges. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas. Cruises to Hawaii will also pay a 4.275% prepaid service charge called a general excise tax.

Oceania Cruises

Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $23 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers staying in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in top suites with butler service pay $23. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, the extra-charge La Reserve restaurant and at ship spas.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Details : Gratuities are included in the fare.
Details : Gratuities are included in the fare. However, passengers can give more at their discretion; Ponant recommends $10 to $12 per passenger, per day.

Princess Cruises

Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge . Passengers in mini-suites pay $17, while those in bigger suites pay $18. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, dining room wine purchases and Lotus Spa services.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal caribbean.

Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $20.50 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers staying in most cabins, including junior suites, pay $18 per day. Passengers in higher-level suites pay $20.50. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean quietly raises automatic gratuity charges

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Seadream yacht club, silversea cruises.

Details : Gratuities are included in the fare, except for beauty salon and spa treatments.

Star Clippers

Details : The line recommends that passengers pay 8 euros ($8.44 at current exchange rates) per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion. There is a 15% gratuity added for bar purchases.

UnCruise Adventures

Details : UnCruise recommends that passengers pay $35 per person, per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion.
Automatic gratuity charge : $17 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers pay $17 in gratuities for all cabin types. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills.

Virgin Voyages

Windstar cruises.

Automatic gratuity charge : $16 per person, per day.
Details : Passengers pay a "hotel service charge" of $16 for all cabin types. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills. Alternately, Windstar cruisers can upgrade their bookings with an all-in package that includes unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi and the hotel service charge for $89 per person, per day.

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The complete guide to cruise gratuities

Tipping and gratuities is one of the most debated topics amongst seasoned cruisers, and sometimes it can be a shock for first-times..

Unlike in America, where those in service and hospitality rely on tips to supplement low wages, Aussies are often not accustomed to tipping.

Most lines have gratuities itemised at the end of your bill, while luxury lines include it in the price and pay staff a better rate.

Cruise lines based in Australia don’t add gratuities to your bill but guests are always welcome to give cash to the crew.

If you’re going on a cruise overseas, make sure you budget for the extra gratuities.

Does it hurt to pay a bit extra, to get some special attention from crew like the bar staff, the cabin stewards and your dining room waiters?

Here is a guide of how to tip and how much is appropriate.

Why you should tip on some cruise lines

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it is considered as a thank you to crew that serve you while you’re on holiday. According to Job Monkey, an average cruise ship employee earns roughly around US$1,200-$1,500 per month, while some of the top service jobs may earn around US$2,500 a month. So most of the time on big cruise lines, crew rely heavily on the guests’ tips for a large portion of their income. Cruise lines try and find a balance between keeping the guests happy while paying crew accordingly. Most American cruise lines will itemise the gratuities on your final bill and guests have the option to remove or change the figure if they wish.

Here are a number of reasons why cruise lines have created this automated system.

There are a rising number of international travellers are cruising around the world, and many are not accustomed to tipping. The automated system means that at least some money is distributed to the crew, but remember, you can always change this figure or remove the figure or pay individual crew members accordingly.
There are now a prolific number of dining venues aboard all ships from all cruise lines. Gone are the days where it was just the buffet and main dining room where you would be seated at the same table with the same server every evening. You would then tip your server and maître d at the end of the cruise. But with flexible dining plans and lots of eateries to choose from, sometimes you might not see the same waiter again.
With automated tips, it means that the money is then dispersed across the entire staff including cabin attendants and restaurant wait staff. This includes also crew members who you might not see – the cooks and chefs, the cleaning crew and more.

Luxury and boutique lines like Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and more will include the price of gratuities in the fare. Cruise companies that have fleets based in Australia and New Zealand like Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line Australia also build in the cost of tips to the fare pricing and then crew are paid accordingly.

Who to tip on a cruise and how much to tip them

Cruise gratuities average out to be roughly around US$14 per day (or US$98 for a weeklong cruise). But if you want to remove the automated gratuities and pay your individual cabin staff according to the level of service provided, that is up to your discretion. If you want to pay the staff extra, here is a breakdown of some appropriate sums.

Cabin Stewards and Butlers

These are the people you will interact with the most during your cruise and it’s generally good to tip them a bit extra, even with the automated gratuities. A good tip is to slip them an extra $US15 at the beginning of the cruise to make sure your stateroom gets some special attention (and lots of extra soap and shampoo) and an additional US$15 at the end. It works out to be roughly US$2 per person per day. The same applies if you’re in a suite with a butler. Butlers have more duties like bringing champagne, hors d’oeuvres, shining shoes and stocking fridges, so it’s customary to tip an additional US$3-$5 per night per person.

Room Service Stewards

Generally, it’s customary to provide room service stewards a few dollars when they deliver your hamburger and fries. In Australia and New Zealand, Carnival, P&O, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have factored in the cost of gratuities in your room service charge.

Most large cruise lines will have a gratuity on the cheque when you sign for your drink. But if you’re planning to plonk yourself at one particular watering hole, it’s not such a bad idea to give Steve the barman a crisp US$20 to make sure that you don’t have to waive your hands like a chimpanzee to get his attention. If Steve has been excellent, no harm sliding him a bit more dosh at the end of the cruise.

Maitre D’s, Head Waiters and Dining Room Waiters

Gratuities are included in your final bill, but if your dining room waiter, maître d or head has been fantastic like they’ve organised a special cake or danced every evening in the Carnival dining room, US$10-$20 is appropriate.

Shore Excursion

Tour operators are independent of the cruise line and if you’ve been on a half-day shore excursion, give the guide around US$2 or US$4 or $5 for a full day excursion. Also, don’t forget to tip the bus or coach driver a few dollars.

Spa Services

The staff at the spa get between a 15 to 18 per cent gratuity, which is tacked on at the end of your spa bill so it’s not necessary to tip extra. Unless your massage is exceptional or you emerge from your facial as Jennifer Lopez or George Clooney – not many therapists are that good.

Cruise Line gratuities

Azamara club cruises.

Daily gratuity charge: None Additional charges: An 18-percent gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Carnival Cruise Line

Daily gratuity charge: US$13.99 Note: Passengers in suites pay US$15.99. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Carnival Cruise Line Australia

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Guests can tip if they wish Additional charges: None

Celebrity Cruises

Guests in Australia and New Zealand

Daily gratuity charge: None Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar and spa bills.

Guests outside of Australia and New Zealand

Daily gratuity charge: US$18 Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar and spa bills.

Celestyal Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew and bar staff are included in the fare. Additional charges: None

Crystal Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew including bar staff are included in the fare. Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Cunard Line

Daily gratuity charge: US$11.50 Note: Passengers in Grill Class cabins pay US$13.50. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Disney Cruise Line

Daily gratuity charge: US$12 Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills; an 18 percent charge is added to bills for spa services.

Holland America Line

Daily gratuity charge: US$14.50 Note: Passengers in suites pay US$16. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Lindblad Expeditions

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew are included in the fare for passengers on the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion but not other ships.

MSC Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: US$12.50 Note: For Caribbean cruises and some grand voyages. Gratuity charges vary for MSC’s other itineraries. Children pay half the adult rate. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Daily gratuity charge: US$14.99 Note: Passengers in suites pay US$17.99. Passengers on the line’s two all-inclusive ships, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun , pay higher rates. Additional charges: A 20 percent gratuity is added to bar bills, the bills at extra-charge specialty restaurants and for services at ship spas.

Oceania Cruises

Australian and New Zealand guests

Daily gratuity charge: None Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar bills, the bill for extra-charge eatery La Reserve and for services at ship spas.

Daily gratuity charge: US$16 Note: Passengers staying in top suites with butler service pay $23. Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar bills, the bill for extra-charge eatery La Reserve and for services at ship spas.

P&O Cruises Australia

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Guests can tip crew if they wish Additional charges: None

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew including bar staff are included in the fare. Additional charges: None

Ponant Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew are not included in the fare. Ponant says tipping is “entirely up to you, and you are under no obligation” to tip. Passengers who want to leave a gratuity for crew are encouraged to put it in an urn at the Reception desk at the end of the voyage. Additional charges: None

Princess Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Notes: Guests can add gratuities for staff at the end of their cruise if they wish Additional charges: None

Daily gratuity charge: US$13.50 Notes: Passengers in minisuites and suites pay US$14.50 and US$15.50, respectively. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal caribbean.

Daily gratuity charge: None Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar bills as well as services at ship spas and salons.

Daily gratuity charge: US$14.50 for guests in Junior Suites and below and USD$17.50 for guests in Grand Suites and above. Additional charges: An 18 percent gratuity is added to bar bills as well as services at ship spas and salons.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourns plans to impress australian cruiser

SeaDream Yacht Club

Silversea cruises, star clippers.

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for the crew are not included in the fare. Star Clippers suggests passengers leave crew a gratuity of $10 per day. Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

UnCruise Adventures

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuities for crew are not included in the fare. UnCruise says gratuities “are a personal matter and are entirely at the discretion of the traveler.” Additional charges: None

Viking Ocean Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: None Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Daily gratuity charge: US$15 Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

Virgin Voyages

Daily gratuity charge: None Note: Gratuity is already included in the base price (i.e., customers won’t see a “gratuity fee” on their bill). Additional charges: None

Windstar Cruises

Daily gratuity charge: US$12 Additional charges: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills.

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Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth Gratuities Question

By Kiwi_cruiser , August 9, 2014 in Cunard Line

Kiwi_cruiser

For those who have been on the Queen Elizabeth, do you know is it possible to adjusted / remove the gratuities that are charged by Cunard??? :confused:

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Yes, it is.

alibabacruisers

Yes you can adjust or remove the gratuities by visiting the Purser's Desk.

Yes, you certainly won't be alone.

English Voyager

It was stated on another thread that if one has the automatic charge removed, then any gratuity subsequently given to an individual member of staff has contractually to be handed over to go into a general fund for distribution to staff.

What I found amusing was the receipt to be signed for drinks had a section for a gratuity to be added even though a 15% service charge had been levied.

mariposa777

What I found amusing was the receipt to be signed for drinks had a section for a gratuity to be added even though a 15% service charge had been levied.

In New York after our crossing in June we found the "suggested gratuities" on restaurant bills started at 15% (then 18%, 20%) so it seems routine for US establishments to expect/receive in excess of 15%. (my first time in the US so all new to me)

Coming from a country where people(in my circle at least) tend to tip around 10% in restaurants if we tip at all - I was glad to have the tips worked out for me on the ship as well as most NY restaurants .. we had budgeted for it so had no problem paying it but prefer to avoid the mental gymnastics where possible.

I typically tip 20% in the USA, as I am sure many Americans do. Here the service people receive lower salaries, and count on making good tips. I understand this is not the case in other countries. So I tend to stick with the suggested tips on cruises, and slip extra to those who I think have gone above and beyond during the trip.

I typically tip 20% in the USA, as I am sure many Americans do. Here the service people receive lower salaries, and count on making good tips. I understand this is not the case in other countries. So I tend to stick with the suggested tips on cruises, and slip extra to those who I think have gone above and beyond during the trip .

From my understanding, cabin stewards and restaurant servers use a portion of the cash tips we give them (separate and apart from the auto gratuity) to tip those crew who support their service. It may not be the best system, but reality is what it is.

They DO keep the gratuity when the auto gratuity is removed. We asked our cabin steward if he had to pool the tip we gave him at the end of our cruise and he said no it was theirs to keep. This is the third time we enquired too.

ToadOfToadHall

I also don't agree with auto tips. However, that's what they do in America, and Cunard is an American company, so I just accept it. If I did not accept it I'd not holiday in the US, but when in Rome.

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Cruise Ship Etiquette: Breaking Down Tip Culture

Tipping on cruise ships has changed over the years. Cash used to be king, dispensed at a passenger’s whim. But nowadays, many large lines are both cash-free and have automated tipping as part of the daily dues, meaning passengers no longer need to carry around a wad of bills. But, there are caveats. For example, not all crew is included in the general tip—some are actually forbidden from accepting gratuities—and sometimes, currency matters. Below, what you need to know about tipping on a cruise, and how to make sure no onboard tip gets lost in the shuffle.

Standard tips

A large number of cruise lines, including Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney , Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean include gratuities for stateroom attendants and dining room staff in onboard charges on a passenger’s stateroom account. The amounts, starting around $11.50 to $16, are generally paid per passenger, per day, and vary among cruise lines and stateroom categories (larger staterooms and suites are generally a couple dollars per day more than standard accommodations).

These cruise lines also add gratuities as a percentage—ranging from 15 to 20 percent—to most specialty dining, bar, and spa charges; those amounts cannot be adjusted.

Who to tip and not tip onboard

So stateroom attendants, dining room and bar staff, and spa attendants are taken care of, but who else should be tipped separately? Onboard casino staff are not part of the larger tip pool, so passengers should tip as they play, in cash or chips. Many cruise lines also suggest tipping separately for room service deliveries, a few dollars per person. As most tips are cashless, just sign the receipt and add your tip amount on the line provided. And to note—shoreside porters are not cruise line employees, and many ports have signage indicating it is not necessary to tip them. But of course, that is the passenger's decision and a few bucks per bag is customary.

Cruise lines generally prefer to have tips given electronically to maintain cashless environments onboard their ships, but passengers who do prefer to tip in cash should give cash in the ship’s stated onboard currency. On most large, global cruise lines that’s US dollars, but some of those lines change onboard currencies based on the region they’re sailing. Princess, for example, uses US dollars onboard virtually all sailings—except for a select few departures in Australia, where Australian dollars are the onboard currency.

There are also staff onboard for whom it is not customary to tip. Royal Caribbean spokesperson Susan Lomax explains that gratuity systems onboard their ships are modeled after land-based resorts, adding that “guests are welcome to tip anyone,” but that “officers, the medical team, and security team are a hard ‘no’.” She also noted that some officers and crew may decline tips, and guests shouldn’t take offense. It may also be awkward if guests continue to attempt to tip after a worker has politely declined.

Tipless cruise lines

Some cruise lines eschew the practice of tipping. Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Virgin Voyages , Paul Gauguin Cruises, Crystal, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, and Ponant include tips in the cruise fares, although it’s important to note that each line does not prohibit passengers from tipping crew members personally in cash if they provide above-and-beyond service. Many of these cruise lines automatically add gratuities to bills for spa services.

Tom Baker, president of Cruise Center, notes that when guests wish to tip on a “tipless” cruise line, “this is personal and there’s no rule or guideline for this.” On some cruise lines, gratuities may go into a “staff fund” that is used to purchase equipment, events, and other things that benefit the collective crew.

It’s worth noting that cruise lines that do not add gratuities or have any expectation of tipping onboard tend to promote this. Baker further explains that the majority of passengers stick to what’s customary, whether gratuities are on the bill or not: “Most guests who prepay or pay onboard for the tips, don’t tend to tip much unless they have a butler, a favored waiter or bar staff team member.” He again notes that the desire to tip is highly personal.

Adjusting gratuities

Most cruise lines that apply gratuities automatically to shipboard accounts do allow cruisers to adjust the amount of the daily gratuity up or down depending on their satisfaction with the service they have received—but only if they haven’t prepaid the gratuities as an optional add-on with the purchase of their cruise fare. An exception is Costa Cruises, which considers the service charge integral to the cruise fare, and does not allow adjustments.

Many cruise lines are now offering fare bundles that include prepaid gratuities, so it’s worth considering when selecting a fare type, although the vast majority of cruisers do not elect to reduce the daily gratuity amounts. Gratuities that are included for free as part of a booking promotion are also not eligible to be reduced or refunded for credit.

But when should cruisers adjust the amounts downward? That can be tricky, considering the automatic charges cover services provided by stateroom attendants and dining room attendants—services the overwhelming majority of cruisers will benefit from during their voyage. Cruise lines that allow passengers to adjust the amounts downward if they’re dissatisfied with the service will have to make the request to the purser or hotel staff.

Passengers who are considering reducing the gratuity amounts due to service deficiencies should also present their concerns early during the voyage to give the cruise line ample time to address their complaints. They should also consider that gratuities are pooled across several groups, so that deficiencies in one particular area may not warrant the complete elimination or significant reduction of the gratuities.

It's also not advisable to request removal or reduction of the gratuities on principle. The cruise lines have published detailed information on how the gratuities go toward compensation packages for their staff, and train their staff to provide excellent service in any case. Rather than stiffing the hardworking crew members by reducing the charges, passengers wishing to stand on principle can always choose a cruise line that includes tips in fares, or encourages passengers to tip individually—for the experience that most closely matches their expectations.

Cruise Ship Etiquette: Breaking Down Tip Culture

CruiseMapper

Queen Elizabeth

Cruise line Cunard

Sydney (NSW Australia)
Miami (Florida)
Seattle (Washington)
Vancouver (BC Canada)
Yokohama (Tokyo, Japan Kanagawa)

Queen Elizabeth current position

Queen Elizabeth current location is at East Asia (coordinates 31.84895 N / 132.27007 E) cruising at speed of 17.6 kn (33 km/h | 20 mph) en route to BUSAN. The AIS position was reported 12 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth current cruise is 19 days, round-trip Japan Grand Voyage . The itinerary starts on 07 Apr, 2024 and ends on 26 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Queen Elizabeth

Itineraries
Review
Wiki

Queen Elizabeth Itineraries

Queen elizabeth review, review of queen elizabeth.

The 2010-built MS Queen Elizabeth cruise ship is same-designed as MS Queen Victoria (2007) and has as fleetmates the Cunard liners RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004) and the fleet's newest boat (2024-built) Queen Anne .

The vessel (IMO number 9477438) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310625000) and registered in Hamilton . The flag state/registry was changed from Southampton (UK) to Bermuda in order to be able to host onboard weddings.

On the 10th of October 2007, Cunard announced the ship's name. Cunard's last traditional-design Atlantic Ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969-built, IMO 6725418) retired in 2008 (on Nov 27th).

The cruise ship was named after and christened by HM Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). The namesake is the Royal Navy battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier (2014-built).

History - construction and ownership

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise brand, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies . In 2015, Cunard Line celebrated its 175th anniversary.

The 2300-passenger liner Queen Elizabeth is a luxurious ocean liner. QE appeared in October 2010 when she was named in a grandiose ceremony by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Reminding the rich inheritance of the first Cunarder to bear the name, her stylishness both echoes that legendary age and improves her luxury modern charm. QE- the running mate to Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria has a modified design and is slightly larger than Queen Victoria, having more vertical stern.

With her black hull, white structure and red funnel signals, externally Cunard Queen Elizabeth has the charm of the company's British heritage, following Cunard's tradition. Modern luxury and the best of Cunard's values are what guests can expect onboard.

The ship is identical in design to MS Queen Victoria, although the max passenger capacity is slightly higher because of the steeper stern. This difference is the reason why the largest suites (at the stern) have smaller balconies. The games deck is covered by a roof at the end of deck 11, which is not similar to the sports deck on Queen Victoria with her not continuous canvas covering. RMS Queen Elizabeth's original whistle was used to make a copy of it for the new ship.

Unlike previous Cunard ships, this is not a true liner, as it doesn't have a heavy plating (throughout the hull). The bow is constructed with heavier plating in order to cope with Transatlantic crossings. Also, the ship has a high freeboard.

The ship's decor is different from Queen Victoria's, although with identical interior arrangements. As a tribute to the previous Elizabeths (the original one and the QE2), this cruiser evokes the 1930s, when Cunard's first QE was launched. A feature on Queen Mary 2 (not available on Queen Victoria) is the Britannia Club section of the restaurant, featured on Queen Elizabeth. This way passengers in Britannia staterooms are allowed to use single-seating dining arrangements, not having to upgrade to the more expensive Grill cabin grades.

Decks and Cabins

Cunard Queen Elizabeth staterooms (1043 total) include 127 Suites, 611 Balcony, 146 Oceanview and 162 Inside cabins, in all 9 types and 34 categories. The ship has 20 wheelchair-accessible and 9 studios (single-occupancy cabins). The largest are the Grand Suites (1495 ft2 / 139 m2 plus 970 ft2 / 90 m2 terrace).

Cabin types include Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia, Suites (Grand, Master, Penthouse, Queen, Princess), Standard Balcony staterooms, Outside and Interior (windowless). Most cabins (Britannia Balcony) are sized 190-420 ft2 / 18-39 m2, with cabin balconies sized 70 ft2 / 7 m2.

The boat has 12 decks (all passenger-accessible) of which 7 are with cabins. Of all staterooms, ~85% are outside, with 71% of them with step-out balconies.

The Princess and Queens Grill suites are situated around the ship, with excellent views, or in the midships, where balconies are deeper. Most of the top suites are on Deck 7, in addition to Queens Grill penthouses, two Master and two Grand Suites which include huge balconies, separate dining areas, and whirlpool baths. These are named after the knighted Cunard Commodores. The Master Suites have a bath with a sea view, and the top category- the Grand Suites offer outdoor dining and a wraparound balcony. Queens and Princess Grill offer personalized stationery and marble bathrooms. The intimate Grill restaurants offer exceptional menus (with sophisticated creams and browns that glitter crystal and gold) and exciting sea views- located on Deck 11. The doors open to the Courtyard, and steps will lead you to the upper Grills Terrace, providing more exclusivity than the lower one, available for all guests.

Theoretically, MS Queen Elizabeth is a classless ship, but passengers are actually separated (like on all Cunard liners) as their onboard dining locations are according to their cabin's category/cruise fares paid. Britannia Restaurant is for regular cabins, Princess Grill - for junior suites, and the Queen's Grill is for deluxe suites. All the other public rooms are free to be used by all passengers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Four main dining rooms and the Verandah- an alternative restaurant, the Lido- a buffet and a changing specialty option, are Queen Elizabeth suggestions. The Britannia Restaurant is the main dining room on board the ship, where everyone dines except the Grills and Britannia Club cabins. You may choose between two seating- 6,00p.m. and 8,30p.m. Britannia is open for full served breakfast on sea days from 8,00a.m. to 9,30a.m., on port days from 7,30a.m. to 9,00a.m.; lunch is from 12,30p.m. to 2,00p.m., open seating at both. A wide choice is on the dinner menu- five appetizers, six entrees (two of which vegetarian choices), two salads, six desserts, including cheese.

A step up from Britannia is the Britannia Club, which is a separate room for inhabitants of top-grade Britannia cabins. The menu is as, in Britannia, the atmosphere- more exclusive, dinner is from 6,30p.m. to 9,00p.m., open seating, breakfast and lunch served also there. The two Grill restaurants are on Deck 10, accessible with special keycards, sharing the outdoor terrace with a splashing fountain, sheltered by high walls. The Princess Grill's menu is similar to Britannia, but with more items and a la carte menu. Queens Grill's menu is with bigger a la carte menu and you can have what you want.

The Verandah Restaurant on Deck 2 offers really outstanding food and is available to all passengers. It is open from 6,30p.m. to 9,00p.m., for lunch from 12,00p.m. to 1,30p.m. If you dine there you will enjoy a real luxury cruise. The Lido is a 24-hour casual dining venue on Deck 9. Breakfast is served from 4,00a.m. to 11,30a.m., and is followed by lunch until 3,00p.m., afternoon tea is at 6,00p.m., dinner- from 6,00p.m. to 11,00p.m., snacks available through the night. Other dining venues are Cafe Carinthia on Deck 3, which is open from 7,00a.m. and serves breakfast- pastries, lunch- quiches and salads, and afternoon tea. The Lido and the Queens Room offer afternoon tea and sandwiches, burgers, pasta and other, as well as the menu from dining rooms.

The Britannia Club, which is one of the four basic QE dining rooms, replaced the Chart Room bar which is available on Cunard's Queen Victoria, while the Todd English specialty restaurant, featured on both QM2 and QV, became The Verandah. This restaurant, managed by Cunard's executive chef, is remindful of the glory days of the first Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, on which The Verandah Grill was regarded as the finest restaurant at sea. The Midships Bar, which is another much-loved Cunard's feature, is back, as is the Yacht Club nightspot, which is a lounge fondly remembered by fans of QE2 for its late-night dancing. Despite that Cunard is American owned cruise company, there's no lack of British icons such as a Fortnum & Mason hamper ordering service, Harris Tweed for sale and a sunlit Garden Lounge that's spiritual by the glass houses of Kew Gardens.

When you book you may request a sitting. The Britannia restaurant has two for dinner - at 6 p.m. and at 8.30 p.m. Princess Grill and Queens Grill do not have sittings - when they are open, you can dine any time you choose. A note for confirmation sitting and table number will be left in your stateroom when you board. Lunch and breakfast do not require allocated tables or sittings.

During the day, passengers definitely tend towards country club casual dress code. At night, even when it isn't a formal-designated evening, people dress anyway. There are three dress codes in the main restaurants after 6 p.m. each evening - which one applies each night you will be told in pre-voyage documentation and daily program in your stateroom: Formal (men - dinner jacket with a black tie or dark business suit; women- evening dress); Semi-formal (men- jacket and a tie; women - cocktail dress/trouser suit); Elegant casual (men - a jacket, tie is optional; women - skirt, dress or trousers). Shorts and T-shirts or shorts are not permitted!

Follows the complete list of Queen Elizabeth restaurants and food bars.

Verandah Restaurant (French specialty restaurant at a surcharge)
Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, 2-level Dining Room; serves open-seating Breakfast and Lunch. Dinners are waiter-served, with 2 assigned sittings at 6 or 8:30 p.m. Inside is the Britannia Club which is a private dining room for Britannia Club Balcony guests)
Britannia Club Restaurant (single-seating, complimentary dining venue for AA-Balcony Room guests only)
Lido Restaurant (450-seat buffet-style restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch; In two of its sections are offered itinerary-inspired dishes for dinner)
Winter Garden Lounge (supper club/formal dining venue; features gourmet food and Afternoon Champagne Tea)
Queens Grill Restaurant (142-seat, for Queens Grill Suite guests; with regular and an a-la-carte-priced menu)
Princess Grill Restaurant (132-seat, Princess Grill Suite guests only; open-sitting, with the same menu as at the Queens Grill)
The Courtyard Restaurant (40-seat; serves Grills staterooms guests only).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Queen Elizabeth cruise liner is quite similar in many aspects to her sibling, Queen Victoria, in most of the design, cabins and enrichment programs. The decor indefinably feels lighter; chic, geometric Art Deco-inspired interiors unlike to the heavier Victoriana. There is beautiful artwork, rich Italian marble, polished wood and soft light everywhere, diffused by glittering chandeliers. The rippling sounds of a harp, soft piano or gentle jazz trio throughout the public places emphasize the whole feeling of old-fashioned glamour. There isn't neon or glitz on this vessel, and there are some gimmicks. Instead of capturing the public's imagination with water slides and high-tech discos, Cunard cruise company cashes in on its awesome inheritance, a sense of cause and old-fashioned pursuits like ballroom dancing, lawn bowls or afternoon tea in the Garden Lounge.

Live music is played all over the ship. If you enjoy evening drinks in Midships bar or Cafe Carinthia, listen to the pianist and the harpist in the Grand Lobby. The Golden Lion pub presents a singing pianist, quizzes, karaoke. Every day dancing, morning, noon and night on Queen Elizabeth- most in the Queens Room built for the purpose, gold and blue. A large dance floor and stage for band complete the picture. Single ladies are accompanied by gentleman hosts. Jazz concerts and piano recitals are also held there. Every few nights Royal Balls are organized in the Queens Room. Other evening events are shows in the theatre, with 20 V.I.P. boxes. Forward is the Empire Casino and the Golden Lion pub. The pub is cozy and modeled as a British pub, is cozy enough. Roulette, Texas Hold'em, BlackJack and numerous slots are available in the casino- a nonsmoking area. The only smokers places are on balconies, the starboard side on Decks 3 and 10, in Churchill's Lounge on Deck 10. The Midships Bar has seating around a marble bar and comfortable armchairs. In Queens Room, where a lot of people gather each evening drinks are also served. Bigger lounges and bars are on Decks 9 and 10.

Family-oriented in terms of facilities, Queen Elizabeth has the look of a "grown-up" ship. For that reason, families might feel better on P&O or Princess lines. The Zone on Deck 10 is a teenagers' room for computer games, air hockey, Xbox, and for the smaller ones QE suggests a colorful children's playroom full with toys. Outdoor deck space is featured, as well. These operate on port days only, but you better book in advance.

Cunard cruise ship weddings, ceremonies, and parties could be held in some of the QE's lounges. There is no chapel on board the QE ship.

Follows the complete list of Queen Elizabeth lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

Royal Court Theatre (832-seat, 3-deck, with a giant movie screen; hosts high-tech visual programs, grand musical productions, and shows, as well as theatrical spectacles, performances by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
iStudy (Cunard ConneXions; separate meeting rooms featuring Internet computers); Internet Centre
Grand Lobby Atrium (with a grand piano, grand sweeping staircase, interior glass-wall lifts)
Golden Lion Pub (116-seat traditional British pub bar; features a large selection of the UK and international beers, large-size TVs, live entertainment, small dance floor)
Empire Casino (222-seat, 6000 ft2 / 610 m2; with 115 slots and 11 gambling tables, served by Casino Bar)
Queens Arcade (quiet area for relaxation with panoramic views)
Cunard Place (nautically themed museum); Clarendon Fine Art gallery; Images Gallery (photo gallery)
Cunard ConneXions (a complex of 3 rooms which host onboard events)
Chart Room (cocktail bar with live jazz)
Queens Room (2-level formal dancing ballroom; hosts evening dancing parties and daily dance lessons)
Veuve Cliquot (Champagne Bar); Cafe Carinthia (patisserie, specialty teas and coffees bar); Midships Bar & Lounge
Royal Arcade (boutique shops, top name brands); Fortnum and Mason Shop
The Alcove (a quiet room with a big jigsaw puzzle); Card Room
Royal Spa & Fitness Centre (size 20000 ft2 / 1860 m2, 2-level; with a Spa, Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite, Finnish and Herbal Saunas, Treatment Rooms, Relaxation Lounge, Aromatic Steam Room, Beauty Salon)
Fitness Centre (Gym Room and Weights area; with exercise bikes, Elliptical machines, treadmills, steppers, rowing machines, yoga mats; has Aerobics Room for classes)
The Library (with a large book selection - over 6000 volumes)
Pavilion Pool (with 2 Whirlpools and poolside Bar); Lido Pool (with 2 Whirlpools, Bar and Grill)
Commodore Club (indoor observation lounge with panoramic windows and live piano music)
Admiral's Lounge (premium liquors)
Churchill's Cigar Lounge (smokers room with a selection of fine liquors and cigars)
The Yacht Club Lounge & Disco (nautically themed, glass-domed)
The PlayZone (indoor/outdoor kids area for children 7+ yo); The Zone (for children 8 to 12 yo); Teen Zone (teenagers club area)
Games Deck (glass-domed; with tennis court, shuffleboard, croquet, quoits, giant chess, golf simulators, first time at sea complimentary fencing lessons)
The Terrace (private outdoor area, Grill passengers only); The Grills Lounge (Grill Suites guests only).

Itineraries

Queen Elizabeth itinerary program each year has a World Cruise leaving roundtrip from Southampton UK , with several one-way itinerary segments. The liner also sails in Europe (Canaries, Mediterranean and UK mini cruises), leaving from Southampton.

In February 2018, Cunard announced that for season 2019-2020, the cruise liner will be deployed in Australia to serve a 101-day program. During this season (December 2019 through March 2020), the ship had scheduled 6 roundtrips from Melbourne and 2 roundtrips from Sydney NSW on itineraries to Tasmania, New Zealand, South Australia, Papua New Guinea (14-day from Sydney, with maiden port calls to Conflict Islands and Kiriwina / Trobriand Islands).

For season 2019 (February-March), the ship had a 54-day long Australian season with homeporting in Sydney NSW and Melbourne. In 2019 and 2020, the liner offered a unique for Cunard Alaskan program based on roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada (read more in the Wiki section).

In summer 2021 (July through October), Cunard scheduled for Queen Elizabeth an ex-UK season with 10 "British Isles Voyages" and 3 "Sun Voyages" (3- to 12-nights itineraries). "British Isles Voyages" offered scenic coastal cruising including Jurassic Coast (Dorset England), Land's End (Cornwall England), Scotland's Isle of Arran , Kintyre Peninsula, Sound of Mull. Four ex-UK voyages visited Belfast Ireland , Greenock , Invergordon , Liverpool , Newcastle , Holyhead Wales (first-time for Cunard). Balcony cabin prices per person (with double occupancy) started from GBP 600/EUR 700/USD 830 (4-night British Isles Voyages), GBP 900/EUR 1050/USD 1240 (7-night Sun Voyages), GBP 1300/EUR 1520/USD 1790 (10-night British Isles Voyage). Bookings were opened only for UK residents.

In late-October 2021, Cunard canceled Queen Elizabeth's Asia 2022 program (a total of 19 itineraries planned between Feb 20 - May 17) which was based on homeporting in Yokohama Japan . The revised 2022 schedule included roundtrips from homeport Southampton to Norway, Spain's Canary Islands, and Western Mediterranean ports, ending with a Grand Voyage (westbound Transatlantic crossing and Panama Canal transit) ending in Vancouver (BC Canada) .

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Other Cunard cruise ships

Queen Mary 2
Queen Victoria

Queen Elizabeth Wiki

The Fincantieri Monfalcone -built Queen Elizabeth as vessel design is similar to P&O UK's Arcadia , Princess' Coral and Island , and Costa's Luminosa and Deliziosa . HM Queen Elizabeth II is the ship's Godmother. The naming ceremony was on October 11, 2010. The British monarch also christened Cunard's RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004), and in 1967 - Queen Elizabeth II (QE2 ship ceased operations in 2008).

The inaugural cruise/maiden voyage started on October 12, 2010, leaving from homeport Southampton to Canaries (Spanish autonomy territory). The itinerary visited Lisbon , Cadiz , Tenerife , Santa Cruz de la Palma and also Funchal (Madeira Island, Portugal) . For its first year of service, Queen Elizabeth did around 142,000 mi (230,000 km) of cruising to 100+ different destinations. Among the many celebrities who participated in the onboard show programs were Ruth Scott, Lord Jeffrey Archer, Brian Hoey.

The ship's first birthday was celebrated in Malta (Port Valletta) on October 12, 2011.

On January 13, 2011, the 3 Cunard liners met in the USA ( New York City ) on a second "Royal Rendezvous" to commemorate the second year after the first Royal Rendezvous. On this occasion, Elizabeth and Victoria crossed together the Atlantic Ocean. All Cunard ships gathered again in Southampton on June 5, 2012, to celebrate HM's diamond jubilee. A month later (on July 15), for the first time ever, Queen Elizabeth and QM2 docked together in Hamburg (Germany) .

In October 2011, the vessel changed its registry/flagstate from the UK to Bermuda, which allows cruise wedding ceremonies to be held on the ship. The word “Southampton” on the stern was replaced with “Hamilton”.

On March 12, 2013, the liner passed by RMS Queen Mary - an earlier Cunard fleet member. QM is now permanently docked at Long Beach CA (Los Angeles) , serving as a ship hotel. On March 13, 2017, the ship departed on its ever first cruise leaving roundtrip from Japan ( Kobe-Osaka ). The 7-day itinerary (March 13-20) came after the local municipal government asked Cunard to schedule a Kobe-based cruise as in 2017 Port Kobe celebrated its 150th anniversary. The voyage included the Japanese ports Kagoshima , Busan , Hiroshima and Kochi . This "surprise cruise" became part of the 2017 world voyage. CLIA's "2017 Summit at Sea" conference (May 9-17, 2017) was held onboard the ship. The itinerary (May 8-12) was roundtrip from Southampton to Hamburg .

In 2019, Cunard repositioned the liner for a 2-month long season in Australia (February-March), with departures from homeports Melbourne and Sydney on 7 cruises to NZ, South Australia, and Tasmania. For the liner's Australian deployment, Cunard partnered with 4 local brands (R.M.Williams / fashion, Akubra Hats, Starward Whisky/distillery, and Australian Dance Theatre). Under the Starward distillery partnership, the ship carried "The Seafarer" (a 225-litre barrel of the boutique whisky). It was loaded in Sydney NSW and positioned on the top deck to spend 12 months around the world, and will be opened in February 2019 at the Australian season's start. The partnership with Australian Dance Theatre will result in live performances, along with onboard dance classes and workshops.

Operated regularly and starting in January each year, Queen Elizabeth offers Cunard World Cruise deals with affordable pricing, popular destinations, and big-city ports to visit around the world.

Cunard cruises Alaska 2019-2020

In 2019, MS Queen Elizabeth had scheduled Cunard's first-ever Alaskan cruise season in over 20 years. The 27-day Pacific Ocean crossing itinerary (Asia-Alaska repositioning, May 5-31, 2019, Yokohama to Vancouver ) included as call ports Aomori , Tomakomai-Sapporo , Kodiak , Juneau , Anchorage , Skagway , Sitka , Ketchikan , Icy Strait Point . Cunard's 2019 Alaskan program included all four 10-night long roundtrips out of Vancouver to Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier .

On Queen Elizabeth, Cunard offers culturally-rich shipboard programming for all 2019 cruises to Alaska. The program includes four 10-day roundtrips (themed ‘The Last Frontier") with departures from Vancouver BC (2019 departure dates - May 21 and 31, June 10 and 20), with call ports Icy Strait Point , Juneau , Ketchikan , Sitka , Victoria BC , Skagway . Highlights include scenic cruising through Inside Passage , Hubbard Glacier , Tracy Arm Fjord . Cunard’s 2019 Alaskan program includes the following special onboard amenities:

Lectures by Dr. Rachel Cartwright - a naturalist with 20+ years of experience in Alaska
Live performances by Alaska Native Voices and members of Huna Tinglet tribe
Presentations by LaDonna Rose Gundersen - cookbook author and commercial fisherwoman
Dedicated in-cabin TV entertainment, including the documentary series “The Ketchikan Story”
Complimentary hot cocoa and blankets provided on Sun Deck
Live Navigation Bridge commentaries

On Queen Elizabeth, Cunard also planned a full 2020 Alaskan season (June through September). Due to high demand, the Alaskan 2020 program was doubled (in comparison to 2019) with 10 roundtrips from Vancouver (ranging 9 to 12 days) plus one roundtrip to San Francisco (overnight on Independence Day).

Each Alaskan voyage offers popular destinations along the coast of British Columbia (Canada) and Alaska (USA), and longer port times in Juneau , Ketchikan , Skagway , Sitka . In addition, these voyages offer scenic cruising in Inside Passage , Hubbard Glacier and along Sawyer Glacier ( Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm ). Cunard customers also can combine these itineraries into B2Bs (back-to-back cruises) . Cunard's 2020 Alaskan cruises include:

10-day "Alaska Voyage" roundtrip from Vancouver (June 2-12, 2019), fares start from USD 1600 pp.
3-day "Independence Day Celebration" from Vancouver to San Francisco (July 2-5), fares start from USD 600 pp.
16-day repositioning from San Francisco to Vancouver (July 5-21), fares start from USD 2660 pp.
29-day repositioning from Vancouver to Tokyo (August 29-September 28), fares start from USD 4460 pp.

Cunard Line offers for booking over 140 shore tours in Alaska, including "Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest", "Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest", "Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery", "Dogsled Adventure by Helicopter", "Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure", "Cooking in Alaska's Wildest Kitchen", "Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour", "Scenic Mountain Ascent and World's Largest ZipRider".

Other Alaskan shore excursions are themed as ATV Expedition, Wilderness Cruise and Silverking Lodge Seafood Feast, White Pass Scenic Railway (Luxury Class), Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast, Misty Fjords Seaplane Exploration, Ghosts, and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour, Exclusive Burro Creek Waterfall Lodge and Crab Feast.

Cunard also offers pre- and post-cruise rail tours, that include 3- or 5-day hotel plus 2 full days on the train. Rocky Mountaineer train travels through scenic destinations, such as the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, mountain passes, tunnels, and river canyons.

MS Queen Elizabeth refurbishments review

The ship's last drydocking was in 2023 (March 16 thru April 3) in Singapore , conducted at Sembawang shipyard (owned by Sembcorp Marine Ltd). The project was for regularly scheduled maintenance works, including hotel upkeep, technical overhauls, steel works, minor machinery updates.

The ship's 12-day drydock refurbishment in 2018 (November 15-27, at Damen Shiprepair Brest in Brest France ) resulted in the following changes:

All staterooms (cabins and suites) were upgraded.
(deck 3) Royal Arcade was redesigned.
(deck 1) Royal Court Theatre (main show lounge) was completely overhauled (its audio and video equipment was upgraded).
(Lido deck 9) open-deck spaces on Sun Deck were upgraded with new furniture, shaded seating areas were expanded.
(deck 9) ship's wellness complex "Mareel Wellness & Beauty" (Spa, Beauty Salon) was extensively refurbished, and its treatments menu was upgraded via partnership with Canyon Ranch.

Maintenance works included stabilizers, ABB Azipods (azimuth thrusters), water-ballast tanks, EGCS (scrubbers/exhaust gas cleaning system), piping and ducting, safety equipment (lifeboats, liferafts), tender boats, renovations of hallways and corridors, cleaning and repainting the hull. All works were conducted at Damen Shiprepair Brest shipyard.

The boat's drydock 2014 was conducted by Blohm+Voss (in Hamburg Germany ) and resulted in the following changes:

hull works (cleaning and repainting) and routine maintenance
technology enhancements: filter system upgrade, scrubbers (new eco-friendly technology to lower exhaust gasses and bettering the fuel efficiency), Azipod (Azimuth thruster) propulsion modifications
onboard enhancements: new carpeting in all public spaces, passenger cabins (new mattresses and flat TVs), restaurant renovations (plus new coffee-tea makers), new jewelry shops (on Promenade Deck 3), restyling of the Lido buffet area (Deck 9), Photo Studio upgrade (new touch screen photo processing system), new sun-awning systems (on open decks 9 and 12)
9 new single cabins were added on Deck 2 (8 Oceanview, 1 Standard Inside) taking some of the Casino space.

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Queen elizabeth.

Onboard Experience

The Queen Elizabeth Reigns Cunard

Named by Her Royal Majesty herself, the Queen Elizabeth offers elegantly appointed guest rooms in soft hues — and even staterooms for single travelers. What is there to do while you sail to your next destination? Play croquet or paddle tennis on the Games Deck. Or soothe your cares away in the Royal Spa with Elemis Spa amenities and a thermal suite. Shop for souvenirs or goodies at the Royal Arcade, featuring the Cunard Signature Collection and brands such as Harris Tweed Fortnum and Mason. The Queen Elizabeth offers a number of dining choices for when hunger strikes. Listen to soft, live music with your meal at The Commodore Club, indulge in afternoon tea at Queen's Room, or go casual at The Garden Room or Cafe Carinthia. Dance the night away aboard the Queen Elizabeth at The Yacht Club; you can even sign up for dance classes. Kids and teens onboard have their own hangout areas and activities, including pizza parties, bingo, and discos.

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Entertainment & Attractions

The Commodore Club
The Golden Lion
Royal Night Theme Balls
Royal Court Theatre
Empire Casino
Queens Room
Garden Parties

The Commodore Club provides magnificent views across the ocean or your delightful port-of-call for that day. Sink into leather chairs or sofas and relax while enjoying a delicious martini, cocktail, or whatever takes your fancy. This is a perfect location to watch the world go by during the day, or enjoy a post-dinner drink while listening to the mellow sounds of a pianist or singer in the evening.

Venture into the Yacht Club in the after hours and dance the night away. Named after the lively QE2 venue, with its quirky nautical features, including the compass shaped dance floor, this exciting addition to the Queen Elizabeth provides the scene for lively evenings and relaxing days.

A Cunard favorite, choose from a wide selection of beer, cider, and wine to compliment the delicious gastro pub style menus in a comfortable, traditional setting. Enjoy all the British pub essentials such as quizzes, live music, and screens showing your favorite sporting events.

The Queens Room Ballroom is host to Cunard’s magnificent Royal Night Theme Balls. Practice your newly acquired dance steps at the Cunard Ball, and show off your cloaks and caps or velvet gowns and high collars during the Elizabethan Ball. Or enjoy a traditional waltz, all to the sound of the wonderful orchestra.

The resident Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company presents an imaginative repertoire in the Royal Court Theatre, which includes stunning musical productions and abridged Shakespeare classics. You can also enjoy a first-run feature during your voyage in the spectacular setting of the Royal Court Theatre.

Each evening, the Midships Bar welcomes you with soft relaxing music from the resident pianist. The string quartet is the perfect accompaniment to white-gloved Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room and also sets the tone for the sparkling Royal Night Theme Balls.

This elegant casino will set your heart racing as you spin the roulette wheel, play the slots, or try your hand at blackjack. If you are not sure how to play then take part in our complimentary gaming lessons.

A magnificent Grand Ballroom whose artwork and murals reflect Cunard Line's cherished royal links. The setting for Royal Nights Themed Balls and white-gloved Afternoon Tea.

Guests may enjoy a country club-style gathering beneath clear blue skies on the expansive aft deck, as the wake follows behind.

Dining Options

Princess Grill Restaurant
Verandah Restaurant
Café Carinthia
Brittania Restaurant
Afternoon Tea

The sophisticated, intimate Princess Grill restaurant serves up unerringly excellent cuisine for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner whenever it suits you between 6.30pm and 9pm each evening. To match your choice, the sommelier will gladly talk through the impressive wine list. In warmer weather the courtyard offers al fresco dining, wonderful in more exotic parts of the world.

The Verandah is Queen Elizabeth's formal alternative dining venue and is your invitation to savor contemporary French cuisine that uses ingredients sourced in France, along with an ambiance that recalls the legendary Verandah Grill aboard the original Queen Elizabeth.

Café Carinthia is the perfect place to sit and relax, watching the world go by. Sip specialty teas and coffees with an accompaniment of delicious pastries.

Your table reservation is at Britannia Restaurant, where grandeur and occasion combine with exceptional service. Breakfast and lunch always feel special here and, whether you've chosen to take your seat for dinner at 6pm or at 8.30pm, you can arrive with a flourish, down the steps of the curved staircase.

Indulge in this truly British tradition. White-gloved waiters serve decadent fresh scones with cream, finger sandwiches, and premium tea in the Queens Room.

Other Features

Garden Lounge
Royal Arcade
Clarendon Fine Art
Cunarder's Gallery

Enjoy some fun in the sun with traditional Ocean Liner games from shuffleboard to quoits. With daily tournaments to hone your competitive edge, you’ll be an expert before you know it!

A light and sociable room, inspired by Kew Gardens. Spend a lazy afternoon reading a book or relaxing with a Garden Lounge Smoothie, or return in the evening for live music, dining, and dancing under the stars at the occasional ‘Supper Clubs’.

Whichever shores you seek out in the company of Queen Elizabeth, her Royal Spa by Elemis invites you on a blissful journey thanks to its range of innovative and indulgent treatments, massages, and fitness services.

The very traditional Royal Arcade presents famous brands and chic designer boutiques in uncrowded elegance.

Clarendon Fine Art specializes in British and international contemporary painting and sculpture, and has an international reputation for numerous leading artists working in a wide variety of styles and genres.

Shop at the intimate bookshop and souvenir shop specializing in nautical literature, posters, postcards, collectibles, and memorabilia.

Gaze at the famous faces that have traveled on iconic Cunard ships, as fascinating black and white photographs tell their stories.

In warm weather, choose from one of the two inviting swimming pools, The Pavilion and The Lido, as well as four whirlpools.

Stay trim in the fully equipped gymnasium at the luxurious Royal Spa. All fitness center facilities are complimentary.

Choose from one of the most impressive collections at sea in serene, stately ambiance. Browsing the 6,000 titles is a real pleasure, and warm mahogany woodwork, the ornate spiral staircase, and leather sofas invite quiet contemplation.

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3 NIGHT PACIFIC COASTAL Cruise

Departing From: Vancouver

Duration: 3 nights

Ship: Queen Elizabeth (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Vancouver, Bc, Canada, Day At Sea, Day At Sea, San Francisco, Ca, Usa (View Itinerary)

3 Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Best For: Gourmet, Honeymoon, Luxury, Ocean Cruise, Romantic, Senior, Wedding

$499

as little as $166.00/night

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Your Cunard Cruise Package Includes:

Comfortable accommodations
Ocean transportation
Fabulous entertainment and daily activities
On-board meals
Some beverages
Port charges

It does not include travel protection, shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, specialty dining, wifi or alcoholic beverages.

Cunard's Health & Safety Protocols allow you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate safety.

Visit Cunard to learn more about their Health & Safety Protocols.

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10 NIGHT ALASKA Cruise

Duration: 10 nights

Port of Call: Vancouver, Bc, Canada, Day At Sea, Ketchikan, Ak, Usa, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Haines, Ak, Usa, Juneau, Ak, Usa, Glacier Bay, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Sitka, Ak, Usa, Day At Sea, Victoria, Bc, Canada, Vancouver, Bc, Canada (View Itinerary)

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9 NIGHT ALASKA Cruise

Duration: 9 nights

Port of Call: Vancouver, Bc, Canada, Day At Sea, Sitka, Ak, Usa, Glacier Bay, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Juneau, Ak, Usa, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Ketchikan, Ak, Usa, Day At Sea, Victoria, Bc, Canada, Vancouver, Bc, Canada (View Itinerary)

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7 NIGHT ALASKA Cruise

Departing From: Seattle/Tacoma

Duration: 7 nights

Port of Call: Seattle, Wa, Usa, Day At Sea, Ketchikan, Ak, Usa, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Juneau, Ak, Usa, Sitka, Ak, Usa, Day At Sea, Victoria, Bc, Canada, Seattle, Wa, Usa (View Itinerary)

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Port of Call: Seattle, Wa, Usa, Day At Sea, Sitka, Ak, Usa, Glacier Bay, Ak, Usa (cruise-by), Ketchikan, Ak, Usa, Day At Sea, Victoria, Bc, Canada, Seattle, Wa, Usa (View Itinerary)

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Queen Elizabeth

Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage.

Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to savor a flawless Cunard experience. Immerse yourself in endless entertainment, luxurious accommodations, and an array of dining choices. Her Art Deco features and gleaming chandeliers mix with contemporary attractions to ensure a remarkable vacation. Enjoy croquet on her Games Deck, stunning entertainment in her Royal Court Theatre, or relax in her elegant conservatory. The choice, as always with Cunard, is yours.

Featured Queen Elizabeth cruises

Life on board, on board queen elizabeth.

Become enthralled by entertainment or relax in art deco grandeur on board this elegant Cunard queen. From spellbinding live piano music over a splendid cocktail to the tranquillity of her spacious open decks, the possibilities are endless.

Main dining

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Devote an indulgent hour every day to a Cunard tradition: our signature Afternoon Tea.

A man and a woman in formal dress sip champagne and look at one another on deck as the sun sets behind them

Gala Evenings

An invitation to dress in your finest black tie for a spectacular evening of music and celebration.

A woman sits with her back to the camera and plays the violin as part of a string quartet

Evening performances.

Alternative dining

A bottle of Queen Victoria gin on the Midships bar on board Cunard's Queen Victoria., with a gin cocktail garnished with citrus and star anise

Gin & Fizz

Enjoy an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement at this stylish midship bar.

Children's facilities for every age group, including toys, games, books, sports, movies and other activities

Children's activities

Our ships are ideal family vacation destinations with plenty to keep our younger guests entertained.

Select a deck to explore the ship

View detailed deck plan

Queen Elizabeth cruises for every year

2024 cruises on Queen Elizabeth

Fly to Sydney and sail the Australian coast, or take part in Queen Elizabeth's Alaska season for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

2025 cruises on Queen Elizabeth

Experience Ice White Balls and talks by local experts in Alaska, or sail around the beautiful Japanese isles.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth in Kodiak, Alaska, at night

2026 cruises on Queen Elizabeth

Join Queen Elizabeth for an extended Caribbean season, departing Miami for year-round sun and sand.

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Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth

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60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Instant Savings + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

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Up to 45% OFF + Up to $1,000 Onboard Crerdit + 50% Reduced Deposit + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE

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About Queen Elizabeth

Elegant yet chic, step aboard the regal Queen Elizabeth and you feel like royalty as you experience Cunard Line's legendary White Service — the ultimate in British hospitality. Majestic and refined, the beautiful 90,900-ton ship accommodates 2,092 guests in the ultimate of comfort with unobtrusive pampering. Touches of Art Deco combined with modern features create a décor of classic elegance sure to delight the most discerning traveler. Gleaming polished woods, rich Italian marble, artwork and sparkling chandeliers provide the perfect setting for this luxurious ship. Gracing the three-deck Grand Lobby's magnificent staircase is the ship's centerpiece, a bespoke wood panel artwork, created by renowned craftsman David Linley.

Peaceful days of leisurely pleasures and enchanting nights can be yours on the majestic Queen Elizabeth. Award-winning Cunard Insights offer enriching courses and expert guest lectures. Delightful entertainment choices range from lavish high-tech musical productions to classic refined garden parties and legendary grand balls. Relaxation opportunities include everything from the simple pleasures of the reading at the two-deck-high 6,000-book (in various languages) library, to the Cunard Royal Spa & Fitness Center, where you can indulge in a variety of soothing treatments. Feel part of history at Cunard Place, displaying exhibits and memorabilia of the line's two-century history. Join in delightful traditional English pastimes on the Games Deck, such as lawn bowls and croquet and log on at the Internet Centre. World class shopping is featured at The Royal Arcade, with such quintessential British stores as Fortnum and Mason and Harris Tweed. Watch the world go by from a comfortable chair or sofa with your favorite cocktail during the day at the Commodore Club, the perfect venue for a pre- and post-dinner drink while listening to the delightful sounds of a pianist or singer.

Considered some of the finest haute cuisine at sea, enjoy several dining options , including the two-deck Britannia Restaurant. Exquisite culinary masterpieces are also served at the Queens Grill and Princess Grill. Enjoy al fresco dining in The Courtyard and buffet-style fare at the casual Lido Restaurant. Delicious French cuisine is served at The Verandah, a formal alternative restaurant. Casual dining venues include the Lido Café for indoor/outdoor seating and delicious themed buffet items. Evenings, it is transformed into regional venues, such as the Asada, for authentic South American grill fare, Jasmine, serving mouthwatering Asian cuisine and Aztec, for Mexican classics with a twist. Savor a traditional ploughman's lunch, as well as other classic British meals, at the authentically English Golden Lion Pub. Relax and enjoy the experience traditional Afternoon Tea, poured by white-gloved servers in the lovely Queens Room. Take advantage of 24-hour Room Service.

Receive the highest level of service in a variety of different accommodations, from the lovely inside cabins to the outsides, suites and penthouses. Stylishly decorated and designed for your comfort, they will make you feel pampered. Those in the Grills Suites receive such exclusive amenities as complimentary canapés, butler service and a bottle of champagne waiting for them upon embarking. Indulge in the luxurious Queens Grill Suites and Princess Grill Suites, designed to provide exquisite comfort, as well as spacious Balcony Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms and Inside Staterooms.

Step out and join in the nightly onboard celebrations. Dine, dance or take a romantic stroll under the stars in the fresh sea air as you enjoy the many entertainment choices, including spectacular production shows, cabaret singers and classical performances. Glamorous nights on the Queen Elizabeth also include unforgettable Royal Nights Theme Balls. Dress in fabulous costumes for magical theme balls, including the Black and White and Royal Ascot, Never feel left out if you are traveling alone, Gentleman Dance Hosts will accompany you. Experience all these exciting features and many more on the unrivaled Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth cruises to worldwide destinations, including a full world cruise.

Grand Suites

Spacious lounge area with seating, Dedicated entertaining area with room to host guests, Pillow concierge menu with seven pillow types to choose from, Marble bathroom with twin washbasins, bathtub and walk-in shower, Spacious private balcony with seating and sea views, Satellite TV with movie and music channels in bedroom and lounge areas, Feature vanity with hairdryer, Workspace with a set of personalised stationery, Binoculars and world atlas to track your travels, UK, USA, European and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Luxury bathrobes and slippers, Speciality tea and coffee making facilities, Pre-dinner canapés, Welcome bottle of Champagne, Dine in-suite from the exclusive Queens Grill menu, Concierge service for on board reservations and shore experiences, A dedicated butler and steward to keep your suite in fine order day and night and host the perfect soiree.

Master Suites

Spacious lounge with seating and dedicated dining area, Pillow concierge menu with seven pillow types to choose from, Marble bathroom with twin washbasins, bathtub and walk-in shower, Spacious private balcony with seating and sea views, Satellite TV with movie and music channels in bedroom and lounge areas, Feature vanity with hairdryer, Writing desk with a set of personalised stationery, Binoculars and world atlas to track your travels, UK, USA, European and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Luxury bathrobes and slippers, Speciality tea and coffee making facilities, Pre-dinner canapés, Welcome bottle of Champagne, Dine in-suite from the exclusive Queens Grill menu, Concierge service for on board reservations and shore experiences, A dedicated butler and steward to keep your suite in fine order day and night and host the perfect soiree.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code Q3 (Penthouse)

Spacious lounge area with seating, Pillow concierge menu with a variety of types to choose from, Bathroom with bath and shower and separate dressing area, Spacious private balcony with seating and sea views, Satellite TV with movie and music channels in bedroom and lounge areas, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, Binoculars and world atlas to track your travels, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Luxury bathrobes and slippers, Speciality tea and coffee making facilities, Pre-dinner canapés, Welcome bottle of Champagne, Dine in-suite from the exclusive Queens Grill menu, Concierge service for on board reservations and shore experiences, A dedicated butler and steward to keep your suite in fine order day and night and host the perfect soiree.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code Q4 (Penthouse)

Queen Suite

Princess Suite

Private balcony with seating and sea views, Spacious lounge area with seating, Pillow concierge menu with a variety of types to choose from, Bathroom with bath and shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels in lounge and bedroom areas, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Luxury bathrobes and slippers, Feature mini-bar with speciality tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, Dine in-suite from the exquisite Princess Grill menu, Concierge service for on board reservations and shore experiences, A dedicated steward to keep your suite in fine order day and night.

Club Balcony

Private balcony with seating and sea views, Lounge area with seating, Bathroom with walk-in shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Pillow concierge menu with a variety of types to choose from, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Speciality tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, Bathroom with a walk-in shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code BB (Balcony)

Balcony (partially obstructed view)

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, Private balcony (obstructed view) with seating, Lounge area with seating, Bathroom with walk-in shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, Lounge area with seating, Bathroom with a walk-in shower, Window with sea view, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code EC (Oceanview)

Oceanview (obstructed view)

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, Lounge area with seating, Bathroom with a walk-in shower, A window offering a slightly obscured outside view, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Single Oceanview

Deluxe Inside

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, Bathroom with a walk-in shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity and desk with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

Standard Inside

Single Inside

Choice of Early, Late, and Open Dining in the Britannia Restaurant, desk with stationery, Bathroom with a walk-in shower, Satellite TV with movie and music channels, Feature vanity with hairdryer, UK, USA, European, and USB power sockets, Penhaligon's toiletries, Bathrobes and slippers, Tea and coffee making facilities, Mini-bar packages available for purchase, A dedicated steward to keep your stateroom in fine order day and night.

View Deck Plan

Britannia Club

Britannia Club.

Britannia Restaurant

If you are a Britannia guest, your table reservation will be in the Britannia Restaurant where grandeur and occasion combine with exceptional service. Breakfast and lunch always feel special here and whether you've chosen to take your seat for dinner at 6.00pm or at 8.30pm; you can arrive with a flourish, down the steps of the curved staircase.

Princess Grill

Our sophisticated, intimate Princess Grill restaurant serves up unerringly excellent cuisine for breakfast and lunch, whilst dinner is served whenever it suits you between 6.30pm and 9.00pm each evening. To match your choice, our sommelier will gladly talk through the impressive wine list.

Queens Grill

Guests staying in our Queens Grill Suites have a table reserved in the world-renowned Queens Grill restaurant. Here you'll be greeted with a warm welcome before you sit down and experience our exemplary White Star Service. Dine in the Queens Grill restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dinner being served at a time that suits you between 6.30pm and 9.00pm.

Queens Room

The elegant tradition of Afternoon Tea is a Cunard signature not to be missed. White-gloved waiters serve delightful cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones and tea accompanied by the sounds of the orchestra in the magnificent Queens Room ballroom.

The Courtyard

The Courtyard.

The Golden Lion

Darts, karaoke, live sports and ale – everything you’d expect of an authentic English pub. There’s even a traditional pub lunch served every day, with classic favourites such as fish and chips, curry, and cottage pie.

The Lido Restaurant

Enjoy a casual breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night buffet in the relaxed self-service Lido restaurant. With cuisine options that take inspiration from around the world, you’ll always find something to tempt you; no matter what time you feel peckish.

The Verandah Restaurant

The Verandah offers contemporary French cuisine that makes use of seasonal ingredients of exceptional provenance. Designed to create a genuine dining experience that lasts the whole evening, The Verandah takes design inspiration from the original Verandah Grill on board Queen Mary. A cover charge will apply for this restaurant.

Royal Court Theatre

Decks: 1 2 3

Find a wide range of musical styles, as live musicians play throughout the day and late into the evening. Each evening, join our hugely talented cast of singers, dancers and performers in the stunning Royal Court Theatre.

Empire Casino

Empire Casino.

The Library

Admire the flowing spiral staircase and striking geometric patterns as you select from 6,000 titles.

Spa Reception

Occupying an imposing position overlooking the Pavilion Pool, the Yacht Club comes to life in the evening. A central dance floor is the perfect place to show off your footwork into the early hours, accompanied by the resident live band or DJ.

Children's Outdoor Area

Our young passengers are well catered for with activities through the day and into the evening, all age appropriate and fully staffed.

Pavilion Bars

The Lido and Pavilion bars serve Queen Elizabeth’s two main pools, which means that you’re never too far from a refreshing drink. During sail-away parties, the bars serve champagne and cocktails as the resident band plays.

Whirl Pools

When the warm weather entices you on to the spacious Games Deck, you’ll notice a definite English country garden ambience, with the gentle clunk of croquet balls, traditional bowls or paddle tennis in the welcome shade of its canopy.

Promenade Deck

Promenade Deck.

Queens Arcade

Royal Arcade

Royal Arcade.

Art Gallery

Gaze at the famous faces that have travelled on iconic Cunard ships, as fascinating black and white photographs tell their stories.

Teen's Outdoor Area

Aerobic Area

Cunard Spa and Fitness Centre

Thermal Suites

Thermal Suites.

The Play Zone

Inside and outside areas for children aged 1-12.

Photo Gallery & Studio

Launderette

Decks: 8 4 5 6 7

Decks: 2 3 10

Cafe Carinthia

Cafe Carinthia.

Midships Bar

Midships Bar.

Admiral's Lounge

Churchill's Cigar Lounge

Commodore Club

Cunard’s signature Commodore Club majestically overlooks the bow of Queen Elizabeth and provides glorious panoramic views as you sail towards the horizon. An extensive selection of Martinis are available and you may even be tempted to try our Martini Mixology or Whisky Tasting classes..

The Garden Lounge

A relaxing space in which to enjoy the sun, the Garden Lounge is designed to have the feel of a Kew Gardens conservatory. Perfect for enjoying an informal breakfast or a refreshing cocktail, the Lounge also shows live sports events.

The Grill Lounge

The Grill Lounge.

The Grills Terrace

Decks: 12 11

The Grills Terrace.

Grand Lobby

Grand Lobby.

Connexions.

Pavilion Pool

Spa Treatment Rooms

Spa Treatment Rooms.

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Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth Gratuities Question

By Kiwi_cruiser , August 9, 2014 in Cunard Line

Kiwi_cruiser

For those who have been on the Queen Elizabeth, do you know is it possible to adjusted / remove the gratuities that are charged by Cunard??? :confused:

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Share on other sites.

Yes, it is.

alibabacruisers

Yes you can adjust or remove the gratuities by visiting the Purser's Desk.

Yes, you certainly won't be alone.

English Voyager

What I found amusing was the receipt to be signed for drinks had a section for a gratuity to be added even though a 15% service charge had been levied.

mariposa777

What I found amusing was the receipt to be signed for drinks had a section for a gratuity to be added even though a 15% service charge had been levied.

I typically tip 20% in the USA, as I am sure many Americans do. Here the service people receive lower salaries, and count on making good tips. I understand this is not the case in other countries. So I tend to stick with the suggested tips on cruises, and slip extra to those who I think have gone above and beyond during the trip .

ToadOfToadHall

I also don't agree with auto tips. However, that's what they do in America, and Cunard is an American company, so I just accept it. If I did not accept it I'd not holiday in the US, but when in Rome.

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Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise And Ship Review
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COMMENTS

Cunard Gratuities: Everything You Need to Know (2024)
In 2024, Cunard's daily gratuities are $14.50 per person, per night for guests staying in Britannia Staterooms and $16.50 per person, per night for guests staying in Grill Suites. The charge is the same for adults and children. On Cunard cruise ships, all bar, wine and salon services have an additional 15% charge for each purchase made too.
Service charges
For voyages departing up until 25 April 2024 for Queen Elizabeth, and 27 April 2024 for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites will be US$16.50 per person per day, and Britannia Staterooms will be US$14.50 per person per day. For voyages departing on or after 26 April 2024 for Queen Elizabeth ...
Full Guide to Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024 (Amounts, Etiquette, and
A couple traveling together will see about $30-$40 per day in gratuities, or about $200+ over the course of a week-long cruise. Below, we've listed the current tip amounts charged by major cruise lines as of the time of this writing: Carnival: $16.00 per person, per day. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise And Ship Review
Our review of a cruise on Cunard Queen Elizabeth. Cunard's ocean liner vessels exude nostaglia and elegance, and superb White Star service. ... While the Queen Elizabeth ship can carry up to 2092 guests, there were only 994 passengers and 900 crew during our cruise. ... Cunard gratuities are the lowest in the industry at USD 11.50 a day for ...
Tipping on a Cruise: Your Complete Big-Ship Tip Guide
On Cunard, daily gratuities vary depending on the cabin category and date of sailing.. For voyages departing up until April 25, 2024, on Queen Elizabeth, and April 27, 2024, on Queen Mary 2 and ...
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review
Check out Cruise Critic's expert review of Cunard's Queen Elizabeth cruise ship from a member of our editorial staff while on-board. ... Not Included in Cruise Fare. Gratuities ($11.50 per person ...
Hotel and Dining Service Charge Policy
There is no need for additional "tipping" for our hotel and dining crew. Should you wish to individually reward any other crew members who have made your time on board particularly memorable, we welcome them to do so. Pre-payment of these charges is available prior to boarding the ship. Please contact Cunard at 1-800-728-6273.
Queen Elizabeth cruise: Review, ship tour & deck plans
The MS Queen Elizabeth is a large cruise ship that embraces Cunard's British heritage. This Queen Elizabeth review explains what makes it unique. ... Cunard cruise fares do not include gratuities. So a service charge of 15% will be added to the cost of individual beverage purchases, while a 12.5% gratuity will be added to the cost of spa and ...
Tipping on a Cruise: Your Complete Big-Ship Tip Guide
On Cunard, daily gratuities vary depending on the cabin category and date of sailing.. For voyages departing up until April 25, 2024, on Queen Elizabeth, and April 27, 2024, on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites is $16.50 per person, per day, and for passengers in Britannia cabins it is $14.50 per person, per day.
Queen Elizabeth
Insider TakeOverviewThe current Queen Elizabeth is the third Cunard ship to be named Queen Elizabeth. It is a sister ship to Queen Victoria. ... Tipping. Gratuities for dining room waiter, cabin ...
Gratuities on a Cruise: How Much to Tip? (18 Cruise Lines)
On average, onboard gratuities amount to about $210 USD per couple per cabin for a one-week cruise; more for a suite. As well, a tip of 15% to 18% is typically added onto drinks purchases. This is in addition to the $15 to $20 p.p. a day gratuity that's usually added to your bill.
Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities
Automatic gratuity charge: $17 to $19.00 per person, per day. Details: Passengers in most cabins pay $17 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge. Passengers staying in suites pay $19.00. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and dining room wine purchases.
The complete guide to cruise gratuities
Daily gratuity charge: US$14.99. Note: Passengers in suites pay US$17.99. Passengers on the line's two all-inclusive ships, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, pay higher rates. Additional charges: A 20 percent gratuity is added to bar bills, the bills at extra-charge specialty restaurants and for services at ship spas.
Cruise Gratuities An Honest Guide To Cruise Ship Gratuities
Gratuity Rates Per Person. The amount of gratuity charges varies by cruise line, but it's usually around $14 to $20 per person, per day. Gratuities for children are usually slightly lower. This means that if you're traveling with a partner or family, you'll be charged this amount for each person in your cabin, every day of your cruise.
Cruise questions
Queen Elizabeth has 16 lifeboats which can carry 150 people per boat and 2 dual purpose lifeboats.rescue boats which can carry 27 people. There are also 47 life rafts, which can carry 35 people per raft. Queen Elizabeth is certified to carry 3,272 people (2175 guests and 1,097 crew). Life boats are located on deck 4.
Queen Elizabeth Gratuities Question
December 30, 2008. Melbourne, Australia. #3. Posted August 9, 2014. Kiwi_cruiser said: For those who have been on the Queen Elizabeth, do you know is it possible to adjusted / remove the gratuities that are charged by Cunard??? :confused: Yes you can adjust or remove the gratuities by visiting the Purser's Desk.
What currency on board Queen Elizabeth
Cruise Lines "A - O". Cunard Line. We will be sailing on Queen Elizabeth in December from Australia cruising around New Zealand, my question is what currency is used for excursions/onboard expenses. As Cunard is owned by Carnival, an American company, will we be charged in US dollars or Australian dollars as the ship will be based...
Another Carnival-Owned Cruise Line Increasing Service Charges
"For voyages departing up until April 25, 2024 for Queen Elizabeth, and April 27, 2024 for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites will be $16.50 ...
Cruise Ship Etiquette: Breaking Down Tip Culture
A large number of cruise lines, including Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean include gratuities for stateroom attendants ...
Queen Elizabeth Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review
The 2010-built MS Queen Elizabeth cruise ship is same-designed as MS Queen Victoria (2007) and has as fleetmates the Cunard liners RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004) and the fleet's newest boat (2024-built) Queen Anne.. The vessel (IMO number 9477438) is currently Bermuda-flagged (MMSI 310625000) and registered in Hamilton.The flag state/registry was changed from Southampton (UK) to Bermuda in order to ...
Queen Elizabeth: Luxury Cruises Aboard the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship
Book with CruiseDirector to experience life-changing views from the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. Talk with a Cruise Expert (888) 409-2784. Free Travel; Saved Cruises (0) ... It does not include travel protection, shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, specialty dining, wifi or alcoholic beverages. ...
Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship
Length964.5ft. 964.5ft. Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage. Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to savor a ...
Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship from Cunard Line
About Queen Elizabeth. Elegant yet chic, step aboard the regal Queen Elizabeth and you feel like royalty as you experience Cunard Line's legendary White Service — the ultimate in British hospitality. Majestic and refined, the beautiful 90,900-ton ship accommodates 2,092 guests in the ultimate of comfort with unobtrusive pampering.
Queen Elizabeth Gratuities Question
For those who have been on the Queen Elizabeth, do you know is it possible to adjusted / remove the gratuities that are charged by Cunard??? :confused: Jump to content Write a Review
Cunard Line Officially Takes Delivery of New Queen Anne
The line's Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth also were constructed by Fincantieri, launching in 2007 and 2010, respectively. Top executives of the shipyard were on hand to mark the historic ...

Cunard Gratuities: Everything You Need to Know

What Are the Gratuities on a Cunard Cruise?

How Much Are the Gratuities on Cunard?

Are Gratuities Compulsory on a Cunard Cruise?

Can I Get My Gratuities Taken Off on a Cunard Cruise?

Can I Prepay Gratuities on Cunard?

Should I Tip Extra on a Cunard Cruise?

Cunard Cruises With Free Gratuities

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Insider Take

Entertainment

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Food & Drink

Spa & Fitness

Key cruising tips

Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

Tipping on a cruise ship: The big picture

How service charges are levied

Included cruise tips as a booking perk

Additional cruise ship tipping

How much should you tip on each cruise line?

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Celestyal Cruises

Costa Cruises

Cunard Line

Disney Cruise Line

Holland America Line

Lindblad Expeditions

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line