Overview

Cunard Line, founded in 1840, is the oldest continuously-operating ocean liner brand and is now part of Carnival Corporation. Operates four ships (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne) with the British transatlantic-and-world-cruise heritage at the centre of the brand. Headquartered in Southampton, England. Queen Mary 2 is the only purpose-built ocean liner still in service (built for North Atlantic crossings, not pure cruising).

For seafarers

Crew contracts run 4-6 months — shorter than mass-market lines — with high-tier pay. The British-heritage culture is reflected in onboard formality (full white-tie evenings still happen on Cunard), and the hotel-department service standard is among the highest in mainstream cruising. The fleet runs transatlantic, world cruises, and Northern European itineraries from Southampton.

Watch for

Onboard culture is more formal than other lines and dress standards matter even for crew off-watch. Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossings have a different schedule rhythm to cruise itineraries — fewer port days, more sea days. The British-tradition focus means UK-based crew are well represented in senior hotel positions.