Travelore Cruise Tips: 10 “Hidden” Fees Cruise Lines Are Adding in 2026

Cruise fares may appear clearer thanks to new pricing transparency rules, but 2026 brings a different challenge. Several major cruise lines are introducing new onboard charges, service limits, and booking restrictions that reshape what a base fare actually covers.

Credit: Getty Images

These confirmed changes affect dining, room service, island visits, and reservation terms, which add costs that travelers may not expect when booking next year’s sailings.

Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing a $5 fee for any entrée ordered beyond the first two in the main dining room on 2026 sailings. The company frames the policy as a measure to reduce food waste. Passengers accustomed to unlimited ordering now face direct per‑plate charges in standard dining venues.

Norwegian is also reshaping in-cabin dining. Breakfast orders include one hot and one cold item per guest. The all-day menu allows two items per order. Delivery fees stay the same. Additional food means placing another order and paying another delivery charge.

Specialty dining reservations on Norwegian cruises now come with a new consequence. A $10 per-person fee applies if guests skip a reservation without canceling in advance. Specialty restaurants already carry cover charges. This adds a reservation accountability fee on top. It mirrors airline no-show penalties and signals a more structured dining system at sea.

Cunard is adjusting a long-standing tradition. Complimentary room service will only run through breakfast hours until 10 a.m. starting in 2026. Orders later in the day will include service fees. Cunard built part of its brand on old-world luxury touches. This marks a shift toward modern cost control even in premium cruising.

Beginning March 1, 2026, Norwegian beverage packages will no longer be valid on Great Stirrup Cay. Guests with prepaid drink plans must purchase beverages separately once ashore.

Silver Cove villas on Great Stirrup Cay will cost $950 per person per day in 2026. A group of four pays $3,800 for one day of private access. The rate covers the space and exclusivity. Food, drinks, and other island services remain extra.

Princess Cruises now makes non-refundable deposits the standard choice for 2026 sailings. Guests get a lower upfront fare. They lose deposit protection if plans change. Refundable bookings still exist but cost more.

WiFi, gratuities, spa access, and specialty dining are increasingly being excluded from base fares on major lines. Advertised cruise prices may remain stable, but travelers must budget separately for services that were once included in the core fare.

Norwegian’s delivery fees stay at $4.95 for breakfast and $9.95 for the all-day menu in 2026. The new item limits mean those fees now cover fewer dishes. Guests pay the same delivery price for smaller orders and pay again for second deliveries.

Major cruise brands are expected to follow Princess by tightening refund rules for 2026 bookings. Flexible cancellation is now available only for higher-priced fare tiers. Travelers who want peace of mind must pay more up front. Budget fares come with stricter commitment.

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Cunard Partners With Michelin-Starred Chef Nathan Outlaw To Debut Outlaw's Fish Kitchen On Queen Victoria For Mediterranean Voyages

Cunard, renowned for delivering exceptional luxury at sea, is proud to announce a new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw. Together, they will bring the celebrated Outlaw's Fish Kitchen* to life on select Queen Victoria Mediterranean voyages.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive culinary experience as Nathan Outlaw brings his award-winning Outlaw's Fish Kitchen to sea. Outlaw will personally oversee a series of intimate, five-course seafood tasting menus, featuring the finest Mediterranean ingredients, crafted with his signature flair.

The intimate, 60-guest dining events will offer an elevated seafood experience, combining Outlaw's culinary vision with the exquisite setting of the Mediterranean coast, ensuring every meal is a special occasion.

The trailblazing restaurateur and esteemed Rick Stein protégé will collaborate with the luxury cruise line to exclusively deliver a quartet of Outlaw's Fish Kitchen residencies aboard Queen Victoria during her Mediterranean season next summer.

The four-voyage series kicks off aboard a 14-night sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 7, with Outlaw sailing on the first seven nights of the voyage.

The wider collaboration

Whilst on board, Outlaw will host live cooking demonstrations and appear as an Insights Speaker in the Royal Court Theatre for a series of intimate Q&As focused on his rise to culinary stardom.

The news follows August's announcement that Cunard will reunite with two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux for a new series of Le Gavroche at Sea takeovers across four Fjords voyages in 2025.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "At Cunard, we take great pride in curating exceptional dining experiences and this collaboration with Nathan Outlaw is no exception. Nathan's reputation for excellence and his mastery of seafood perfectly complement our commitment to delivering the finest in luxury travel. We're thrilled to offer our guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy Outlaw's Fish Kitchen while sailing on these beautiful Mediterranean itineraries."

Nathan Outlaw added: "Teaming up with Cunard is a really exciting opportunity and I can't wait to get on board Queen Victoria to showcase the very best of Outlaw's. Being able to cook vibrant seafood dishes as guests overlook stunning sun-kissed locations on the continent will allow us to deliver a fully immersive experience of Mediterranean cuisine. I am hugely passionate about this style of food and I am looking forward to elevating luxury dining at sea to create something really special for Cunard."

To learn more about Queen Victoria's Mediterranean voyages and experience the Outlaw's Fish Kitchen at sea, visit www.cunard.com:

Cunard Names City Of Liverpool as Godparent Of Queen Anne With Five Liverpudlian Icons

Cunard is excited to announce the City of Liverpool as Godparent of its newest ship Queen Anne in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic crossing departing 184 years ago in July 1840, and it was the company's headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of Liverpool still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey.

This is highlighted by two of the largest crowds ever to gather for a maritime event – a million people for QE2 in 1990 and over a million for the Three Queens Salute in 2015. This was also the year when Cunard was awarded the honor of The Freedom of the City.

On behalf of the City of Liverpool, the luxury cruise line has selected five distinguished Liverpool icons* to represent the city and officially name Queen Anne.

These distinguished women, who embody the heart and future of Liverpool, just as Queen Anne does for Cunard, have been chosen for their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.

All proud Liverpudlians, they are Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson.

Queen Anne Naming Ceremony

Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the waterfront to witness the time-honored naming ceremony, a tradition believed to bestow good fortune upon the new vessel.

The proceedings will open with a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra before event hosts, Matt and Emma Willis, take to the stage to oversee the ceremony.

The icons will join Cunard President, Katie McAlister, and Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge for a special naming ceremony, where they will officially introduce the most beautiful ship at sea to its spiritual home, continuing the seafaring tradition by smashing a bottle of champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name.

Formal proceedings will conclude with a stunning performance by operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli, including his iconic song 'Time to Say Goodbye'.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we are therefore delighted and feel it very fitting that the City of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne. It is a testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool Waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building. We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony. All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture."

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council said: "It's an incredible honour for the City of Liverpool to be chosen as the Godparent of Queen Anne. This city shares a treasured bond with Cunard dating back to 1839 when we were the original home of the world-famous line. The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight, and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world. We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard."

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

Cunard To Offer Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours For Guests Visiting Alaska This Summer

Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering guests the opportunity to experience the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train when they sail through Alaska on Queen Elizabeth this summer.

Guests will be able to extend their Alaska voyage with either a four-night pre-voyage train experience or a three-night post-voyage package, depending on the sailing date. The three-night Rocky Mountaineer tour takes guests on an eastbound journey from Vancouver to Calgary, while the four-night train tour goes the opposite direction and gives guests an additional day of sightseeing in Banff, where the highlight is an impressive trip on the Banff Gondola.

Rocky Mountaineer Pre- and Post-Cruise Tours:

The three-night post-voyage tours starts at $2,850 per person based on double occupancy, available on two Japan to Alaska voyages (Q318A, Q319) and four Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from 10 to 11 nights (Q323, Q324, Q325, Q326). The four-night pre-voyage tour starts at $3,250 per person based on double occupancy, available on three Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from seven to 10 nights (Q321, Q322, Q323).

Guests traveling on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train – the only passenger rail service on this historic rail route – will experience expansive glass-dome windows and luxurious coaches. Breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes and winding canyons are offered from all angles. Renowned for its GoldLeaf Service, Rocky Mountaineer offers an onboard dining room where guests can indulge in culinary delights inspired by the region with a new 2023 menu as well as full complimentary bar service.

"We are excited to partner with Rocky Mountaineer so our passengers can enjoy the spectacular scenery and Alaskan wildlife in the utmost of luxury both by land and by sea," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard, North America.

Queen Elizabeth's summer in Alaska will be a season full of adventure and discovery, with the onboard Insights program featuring experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, TV personality Bear Grylls, and famed explorer Mensun Bound, to name a few. Other highlights on Queen Elizabeth include the bespoke Alaska Afternoon Tea, the elegant Ice White Ball and a new dining concept called Frontier, which offers a taste of Alaska.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

Cunard Announces 'Treat Yourself, On Us' Wave Season Offer On A Variety Of 2023-2024 Sailings

Luxury cruise line Cunard launches the "Treat Yourself, On Us" wave season offer, kicking off the new year with savings. Available on 2023 and 2024 voyages across Cunard's fleet – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the line's newest ship Queen Anne.

From January 3 through March 28, 2023, the promotional offer includes onboard credit up to $2,000 per stateroom and discounts of up to 30% for all fares. Onboard credit may be used for shopping, shore excursions, spa, restaurants and other services. The drinks package and hotel & dining service charge are included when booking any Princess or Queens Grills Suite.

The "Treat Yourself, On Us" offer is available on select voyages seven nights or longer between May 16, 2023 and January 3, 2025. Itineraries include:

2023 Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, and Transatlantic Crossing 2024 Asia, Australia, Europe, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Transatlantic Crossing, and World.

Guests can enjoy some of Cunard's signature sailings including:

The line's newest vessel Queen Anne will sail the Western Mediterranean on a variety of eight to 16-night voyages featuring a mix of days at sea and time in port, offering guests the chance to discover the fascinating histories of Lisbon, Cadiz and Rome.

Summer in Alaska on Queen Elizabeth: In 2023 Cunard will offer seven to 12-night voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver. Itineraries include scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord, as well as full days in several ports including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point. New in 2023 is a partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society featuring experts from the Society on select voyages.

East and Westbound Transatlantic Crossings on flagship Queen Mary 2. This iconic voyage sails New York to Southampton, England with seven nights at sea to luxuriate across the North Atlantic providing time away to disconnect and revitalize. Queen Mary 2 will also make Crossings between New York and Hamburg, Germany in 2023 and 2024.

The Norwegian Fjords on Queen Victoria: roundtrip out of Southampton, June 25 - July 2, 2023, will feature mesmerizing blue fjords and unbelievable waterfalls, with calls at Kristiansand, Bergen, Geiranger, and Haugesund.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

Cunard Offers Holiday Savings With Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals On 2020 Voyages

Up to 50% off Launch Fares and only $100 non-refundable deposit

 --Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering travelers Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, available on many 2020 voyages all over the world on all ships including flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

The promotion is valid November 20 through December 4, 2019 on new voyage bookings and guests will receive up to 50% off Launch Fares with only $100 non-refundable deposit on various itineraries including the brand's signature Transatlantic Crossings, Full World Voyages, Australiasia, Africa, New England & Canada, Europe, Asia, Alaska, and South America.

Cunard's popular Transatlantic Fashion Week Crossing is included in the promotion. The fifth annual voyage on Queen Mary 2, May 24-31, 2020, will feature Badgley Mischka who will launch their 2021 resort collection in an exclusive runway show onboard. The designers will also be creating a capsule collection exclusively for Cunard and offer a Q&A with guests during the seven-night voyage.

The Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers are also available on Queen Elizabeth's itineraries in Alaska. Queen Elizabeth will return to the region for a full season in 2020 to sail ten voyages, ranging from 9 to 12 nights, roundtrip from Vancouver. Port calls include Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria with scenic cruising through the famous Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and the breathtaking Glacier Bay National Park.

Over 125 various voyages are included in the sale such as:

Queen Elizabeth

• 10-night Alaska voyages with fares from $1,049*
• 9-night Japan Circumnavigation, roundtrip out of Tokyo, with fares from $1,399*
• 18-night Japan Grand Voyage, roundtrip out of Tokyo, with fares from $2,569*

Queen Mary 2

• 7-night Transatlantic Crossings, with fares from $699*
• 7-night New England & Canada voyages, with fares from $769*
• 21-night Grand Norwegian Explorer with fares from $1,979*

Queen Victoria

• 12-night Canary Islands with fares from $1,159*
• 7-night Fjords voyage with fares from $799*
• 9-night Baltic Highlights with fares from $1,229*

*Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, visit Cunard.com. For travel advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

Cunard

Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2018, 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best Service,' 'Best Onboard Enrichment' and 'Best World Cruise' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2018 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

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Cunard Announces 2021 Voyages

Extended season in Japan, maiden calls in South Korea and Denmark, more Transatlantic Crossings

Early booking benefits offer up to $1,000 per person Onboard Credit on select itineraries when booked by December 4, 2019

Voyages on sale for Cunard World Club Members starting September 24, 2019 and to the public on September 25, 2019

-- Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its voyage program for the remainder of 2021, including an extended season in Japan and new voyages in Iceland, the Baltics, and North Cape. Cunard's iconic ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – will pamper travelers, offering an exquisite onboard experience as they visit remarkable cities around the globe.

Queen Victoria will offer a new 14-night itinerary in majestic Iceland, and will also sail a new nine-night Baltic itinerary with a maiden call at Aarhus, Denmark. Queen Elizabeth will spend more time in East Asia with five round trip Tokyo voyages, including a maiden call at Seogwipo in Jeju Island, South Korea, followed by two Southeast Asia sailings before heading to Australia. Flagship liner Queen Mary 2 will increase the number of the brand's signature Transatlantic Crossings in 2021, with short breaks in Europe, along with New England & Canada voyages.

"In 2021, Cunard will focus each ship in unique regions of the world to offer our guests more immersive experiences," said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. "Queen Elizabeth will offer an extended Spring season in Japan, Queen Victoria in Europe, and Queen Mary 2 will sail the unparalleled Transatlantic Crossing."

Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2 will continue to be the only ship to offer regularly-scheduled service between New York and London, making 23 Transatlantic Crossings from April through December in 2021, including Crossings from Hamburg, Germany and Le Havre (Paris), France. Queen Mary 2 will also sail her very popular New England & Canada voyages over the July Fourth holiday with an overnight in Boston, and in early October with overnight calls in Québec City. Other itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, and short break five-night voyages in Western Europe.
Queen Mary 2 voyage highlights include:

• 23 seven- and eight-night Transatlantic Crossings, including those docking at Hamburg, Germany and Le Havre, France
• Western Europe Short Breaks, which can be added to a Crossing or booked separately; are five nights in length and feature stops in Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, St. Peter Port and Cherbourg
• Three seven-night Norwegian Fjord voyages roundtrip from London, in July and August
• The Fourth of July six-night Independence Day cruise, roundtrip from New York, with an overnight stay in historic Boston
• Two seven-night New England & Canada sailings between New York and Québec City on October 1 and 8, each including an overnight stay in Québec City
• A fourteen-night roundtrip NYC New England & Canada voyage
• Two Caribbean sailings roundtrip from New York including stops at a variety of islands; of which one will be a Thanksgiving voyage, and the other voyage during Christmas and New Year's holidays

Queen Victoria Queen Victoria will sail Northern Europe itineraries from May through November 2021, interspersed with a few Southern Europe voyages in late spring and during autumn, all of which are round trip out of Southampton, England. The ship will make one maiden call in Aarhus, Denmark, and will have overnight stays on various voyages in St. Petersburg, Russia; Reykjavik, Iceland; as well as Funchal and Lisbon, Portugal. Evening departures will be offered in Liverpool, England; Tromso and Narvik, Norway; and Funchal, Portugal.

Queen Victoria highlights include:

• Two new 14-night itineraries in Iceland, one featuring the British Isles ports of Belfast and Liverpool, and the other visiting the Scottish ports of New Haven and Invergordon; also calling at the Faroe Islands, Reykjavik, Inverness, and more
• A new nine-night Baltic itinerary calling at Aarhus (a maiden call) and Bornholm, Denmark; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Kiel, Germany; and Gothenburg, Sweden
• A new twelve-night North Cape voyage calling at six Norwegian ports
• A thirteen-night British Isles voyage, calling at St. Peter Port, Liverpool, Inverness, Glasgow, Belfast, and more.
• Four 7-night Norwegian Fjord voyages
• Two 14-night Western Mediterranean sailings calling at Porto, Barcelona, Cannes, Gibraltar and more; one 19-night Central Mediterranean voyage featuring calls at Dubrovnik, Zadar and Sibenik in Croatia
• Two 14-night Canary Islands itineraries calling at Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote
• A four-night Western Europe cruise visiting Rotterdam and Bruges

Queen Elizabeth In 2021, Queen Elizabeth will offer an extended season in Japan with two additional Tokyo round trip sailings in the spring. The first will visit Western and Southern Japan ports of Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Busan and a maiden call at Seogwipo in Jeju Island, South Korea. The second will circumnavigate Japan with calls in Aomori, Akita, Kanazawa, Nagasaki and Busan. After her June-August Alaska season (details to be released later this year), Queen Elizabeth will return to Japan for three Tokyo round trip voyages and then sail to Southeast Asia with overnight stays in the iconic ports of Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. In November, the ship will sail to Australia and New Zealand.

Queen Elizabeth highlights include:

• Five round trip Tokyo itineraries ranging from seven to nine nights in May, September and October
• Two Asia/Orient sailings, 8 and 10 nights; port calls include Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Da Nang, Singapore, and more
• One 15-night Asia/Australia voyage from Singapore to Sydney in November with port calls at Jakarta, Bali, Brisbane, among others
• One 11-night Australia voyage from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand with port calls at Melbourne, Dunedin, Bay of Islands, and more

2021 Early Booking Benefits Guests who book launch fares by December 4, 2019 will receive exclusive benefits including:

• Up to $1,000 per person Onboard Credit based on cabin category and voyage length; applies to the first two guests in a stateroom
• Free drinks and gratuities in Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites

Use promo code ZEB.

World Club Member SavingsWorld Club Members receive a 5% past guest discount off launch fares, available for past guests only, until February 27, 2020. Use promo code PA1.

Value FaresCunard is offering Value Fares for the 2021 Program Launch. Value Fares feature the following:

• Up to 25% off public standard fares
• Reduced non-refundable and non-transferable 12.5% deposit (required within three days of reservation)

Fares are capacity controlled, subject to change, and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest discount. Bookings are on guarantee status, meaning that a cabin assignment will not be available at the time of booking. Guests are guaranteed the category booked or higher. Offer expires April 30, 2020; promo code is KG5.

Group RatesGroup rates are available at 5% discount off the Public Standard Fares at launch. Group rates will be combinable with Early Booking Benefits. Group space will be available on September 24, 2019.

More detailed information about the above promotions including disclaimers can be found here.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273. 

CunardCunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2^®, Queen Victoria^® and Queen Elizabeth^®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2018, 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best Service,' 'Best Onboard Enrichment' and 'Best World Cruise' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2018 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

Social MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Cunard Receives 'No. 1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' in Travel + Leisure's 2018 World's Best Awards

Luxury cruise line Cunard receives the coveted award for third consecutive year

 Luxury Cruise Company Cunard has merited 'No.1 Mega- Ship Ocean Cruise Line' in Travel + Leisure's 2018 World's Best Awards readers' survey- the third consecutive year that Cunard has received this accolade. Since 1995, the readers of Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the United States, vote on their favorite destinations, hotels, spas, airlines, cruise lines and more in its World's Best Awards survey.

For 178 years, Cunard's three Queens - Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth - have sailed the world on epic voyages, offering effortless and unforgettable ways to experience the world, seamlessly connecting iconic destinations in the utmost style, all with impeccable attention to detail. Cunard holds a unique place in the cruise landscape, continuing a timeless legacy of great ocean liners and transatlantic travel.

"On behalf of Cunard, we are honored to receive the No.1 position by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Award in tBest cruisehe Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line Category for the third consecutive year," said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America. "Cunard continues to innovate our award-winning guest experience including significant investments in our young fleet, enhanced White Star Service training, and extraordinarily popular event cruises that celebrate the worlds of fashion, astronomy, and genealogy. We are grateful to the readers of Travel + Leisure for recognizing Cunard with this honor."

Since January 2018, Cunard has implemented enhancements to its legendary White Star Service which included innovative retraining for over 3,000 crew and shoreside employees. With today's rapidly evolving society, tastes and needs in mind, Cunard has continued to commit itself to providing its guests an unprecedented level of service at sea.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

CunardCunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2^®, Queen Victoria^® and Queen Elizabeth^®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2018, 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

Queen Mary 2 Guests To Be First To Board The QE2 Hotel In Dubai

Queen Elizabeth 2 is now permanently docked in Dubai.

Queen Mary 2

Dubai will welcome the most famous ocean liners in the world when the arrival of Queen Mary 2 coincides with the opening of the Queen Elizabeth 2 hotel.

Guests travelling on QM2 will have the opportunity to join VIPs and local media at the opening of the QE2 on 18^th April.  Future guests will also have the chance to visit when QM2 returns to Dubai in January and April 2019 as part of her World Voyage.

QE2 was launched by Her Majesty the Queen in 1967 and was the Cunard flagship liner (a role she relinquished to Queen Mary 2 in May 2004), undertaking 25 world cruises, crossing the Atlantic more than 800 times and carrying more than 2.5 million passengers.  QE2 is owned by PCFC Hotels - part of the Dubai government's Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation and will reside permanently at Mina Rashid, Dubai.

"On behalf of Cunard, we are so excited for our guests sailing on Queen Mary 2 to be of the first to board the QE2 Hotel in Dubai," said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America. "QE2 holds a very special place in Cunard's history, and we hope that the ship will continue to be enjoyed by many guests to come."

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

CunardCunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2^®, Queen Victoria^® and Queen Elizabeth^®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

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Cunard Welcomes Same-Sex Marriages On Its Iconic Three Ships #Cruise

The ruling means that Cunard, which has offered weddings on its ships for the past five years and has married over 250 couples, is one of the first British cruise lines to be able to conduct same-sex wedding ceremonies at sea.

“Cunard is proud to become among the first cruise lines to offer same-sex marriages at sea,” said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America. “Cunard has brought people together through travel for over 175 years, and we’re proud to mark another milestone in our company’s history as we welcome our first gay marriage booking and many other marriages to come.”

Wedding ceremonies will be performed by the ship’s Captain* and the marriage license will be issued by Bermuda.

Same-sex couples can now purchase a Cunard Wedding at Sea package, which includes:

• A romantic ceremony at sea conducted by the Captain*
• Wedding ceremony venue with floral arrangements
• Traditional wedding music
• Services of the on-board Wedding Coordinator
• Attendance of a professional photographer at the ceremony
• Commemorative wedding certificate
• An official copy of the marriage certificate
• The cost of the license fees
• A bottle of Champagne in the cabin on arrival
• Champagne for a toast after the ceremony
• Invitations and thank you notes
• Wedding outfit pressing service

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

*If the Captain is unable to conduct the ceremony, the Deputy Captain will be asked to conduct on their behalf.

CunardDefining true excellence at sea with over 176 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2^®, Queen Victoria^® and Queen Elizabeth^®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury on a grand scale in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodation. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

Awarded ‘#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line‘ by Travel + Leisure’s 2017 and 2016 World’s Best Awards and ‘Best World Cruise Itineraries’ and ‘Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries’ by Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

Social MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
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Cunard Launches The 2017 Voyage Program

Cunard announced its largest launch ever – the 2017 Voyages and 2018 World & Exotic Voyages Programme - featuring a greater number of voyages and more destinations than ever before. 

From classic Transatlantic Crossings, epic World Cruises and exotic voyages, to Mediterranean explorations and convenient New York roundtrip itineraries, Cunard has a wide selection of voyages to choose from to make sailing a truly memorable experience.

2017 Voyage Programme 

Cunard's distinction lies not only with its fleet – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – but also with its deployment. In 2017, the Cunard fleet will travel over 207,000 nautical miles, visit 93 destinations in 32 different countries, and will include four maiden calls for the current fleet. These maiden calls will include: Souda Bay, Greece; Sibenik, Croatia; Brindisi, Italy; and Praia da Vitoria, Portugal.

Highlights include:

• Overnight calls in 8 cities including St. Petersburg, Venice and Barcelona
• 18 evenings in port including Dublin, Monte Carlo and Boston
• 14 roundtrip New York sailings
• 2 World Voyages - one on Queen Mary 2 and one on Queen Elizabeth
• South America exploration with 22 ports around the continent on Queen Victoria

As the only cruise company to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings, Cunard expertly bridges the gap between the old and new worlds in the most luxurious of ways. Queen Mary 2 will enter 2017 with every stateroom on board refurbished as part of the ship's dramatic remastering taking place this year, and she will cross the Atlantic 24 times, from May to December, in seven-to-eight night voyages between New York and either Southampton or Le Harve.

Queen Mary 2 will also offer roundtrip New York and Southampton cruises to New England & Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Cunard's truly flexible Mediterranean cruise season on the refurbished Queen Victoria will allow guests the opportunity to embark from one of four ports on voyages lasting from seven to 21 nights:

• Embarking in Rome, Venice, Athens and Barcelona, Queen Victoria will visit 29 different ports in the Mediterranean from July to November. Overnight stays will include Venice, Istanbul and Barcelona, with late evening departures in Cephalonia, Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Queen Victoria will also offer select voyages from Southampton both to European destinations and to the Caribbean.
• Queen Victoria will be fresh from her refit for the 2017 Mediterranean season and will offer Britannia Club dining and accommodations for the first time.

Queen Elizabeth will operate regular roundtrip Southampton voyages that visit locations such as The Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, British Isles, Canary Islands and Iberia. New this year for Queen Elizabeth are 4 roundtrip voyages sailing from Rotterdam, to the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland and the British Isles.

2017 Special Event Cruises

Cunard is pleased to announce new theme cruises that will feature landmark celebrations and cultural experiences around the world, from the oldest open-air opera festival in the world at the Arena di Verona, to a celebration marking the city of Le Havre's 500th Anniversary in France, to Kiel Week, the largest annual sailing event in the world.

Cunard's award-winning Insights programme will bring together renowned thought leaders from a wide variety of industries to curate in-depth discussions on topics ranging from fashion to astronomy.  

Highlights to look forward to in 2017 are:

• Queen Mary 2's World Space Week (M737), a Transatlantic Crossing to celebrate the United Nations International World Space Week, featuring top space experts: Astronaut, Scientist and former Shuttle Pilot, Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman; Charles Barclay, of the Royal Astronomical Society; Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director of Virgin Galactic; and Ken Taggart, NASA historian.
• Queen Elizabeth's Arts and Literary Tour of the British Isles (Q723), an exploration of the artistic side to the British Isles in the company of actor Robert Powell, and Louise West, Trustee of the Charles Dickens Museum and Former Senior Curator of the Jane Austen House.
• Queen Elizabeth celebrating QE2's 50th Anniversary (Q729), a special cruise honouring the 50th anniversary of Cunard's best-loved ship, the iconic QE, which will feature a commemorative dinner and Insight speakers QE2 expert and historian, Chris Frame, former Captain of QE2.
• Queen Victoria's Festival of Flowers (V714), an itinerary that includes an overnight stay in the floral paradise of Madeira, excursions to many beautiful gardens and flower markets of the Canary Islands, and an evening dinner at Madeira's botanical garden hotel, Quinta Jardins do Lago.

Cunard will also be hosting the spectacular "Big Band Ball" on board Queen Elizabeth (Q727) and Queen Victoria (V726), a magnificent 13 piece Big Band Orchestra, for guests who like to dance and sing to the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra.

2018 World & Exotic Voyages Highlights

Ever since inaugurating the first world cruise in 1922, Cunard has undertaken more world voyages and taken more passengers around the globe than any other cruise line and is the undisputable world voyage expert. In 2018, Cunard will continue this grand tradition and will visit 93 unique ports in 46 countries, have 17 ship maiden calls and visit nine new ports for the current fleet.

Queen Elizabeth will operate a full 122 night world circumnavigation calling on 39 ports in 25 countries and featuring overnight stays in New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong and Cape Town. Her voyage will offer guests the chance to experience the classic world voyage, a westbound circumnavigation of the globe featuring a transit of the iconic Panama Canal. Queen Elizabeth will have six maiden calls: Hamilton, Bermuda; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Kochi, Japan; and Malacca, Malaysia.

• 112-night round trip Southampton, fares from $19,999
• 72-night New York to Hong Kong, fares from $11,799
• 22-night San Francisco to Sydney, fares from $3,799
• 16-night Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco, fares from $2,399

Queen Mary 2's 120-night East-West voyage will call on 46 ports in 24 countries and will feature two maiden calls in New Zealand, as well as overnight stays in Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai. Her 2018 World Voyage will allow for full immersion in destinations in Australia and New Zealand, with experiences featuring the Margaret River, Kangaroo Island and New Zealand's South Island. On departure from Australia Queen Mary 2 will visit Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand, providing access to a wide array of exotic Asian cultures. On her return leg, Queen Mary 2 will call on Aqaba for the ancient site of Petra before transiting the Suez Canal and calling at the classic Mediterranean destinations of Rome and Barcelona.

• 134-night round trip New York, fares from $22,399
• 120-night round trip Southampton, fares from $19,999
• 13-night round trip Sydney, fares from $2,299

For the first time ever, Cunard will offer a 2-3 month exotic mid-duration voyage on Queen Victoria for guests seeking a winter escape round trip experience that offers an in depth exploration of South America. This voyage will offer more immersive destinations and scenic cruising in the Magellan Straits, Chilean Fjords and Cape Horn. Her voyage will also feature nine maiden calls, ports in the Caribbean, a transit of the Panama Canal, and overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

• 50-night round trip Fort Lauderdale, fares from $7,999
• 34-night Fort Lauderdale to Valparaiso, fares from $5,499
• 15-night Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro, fares from $2,299

"We are proud to announce a robust 2017 Voyages and 2018 World & Exotic Cruise Programme," comments Richard Meadows, president, Cunard North America. "With the remastering of our flagship Queen Mary 2 this year, and Queen Victoria's planned refit in 2017 – which includes the significant addition of Britannia Club accommodations - Cunard's iconic vessels will be more luxurious than ever offering new and richer experiences for our guests."

Early Booking Benefits

2018 Full World Voyage - Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth
Cunard offers guests on Full World Voyages (89 nights or longer) on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth a number of benefits for bookings made by December 31, 2016: these include: Reduced Deposit, Free Gratuities, Gala World Voyage Special Event, Commemorative Gifts, an exclusive invitation to the World Voyage Cocktail Party, an Onboard Credit of up to $3,000 per stateroom, and a host of other amenities based on category.

Early Booking Onboard Credit on Exotic Voyages (25 to 88 Nights)
Guests booked on exotic voyages between 25 and 88 nights on any of our three ships will receive Onboard Credit up to $1,500 per stateroom. Offer applies to bookings made by December 31, 2016 for the first and second guests only.

World Club Member Savings

For 2017 Programme, members of the Cunard World Club will benefit from an additional 5% discount off launch fares effective at programme launch. This 5% Cunard World Club discount is applicable on all cruises, for past guests only, until August 31, 2016. Not applicable to third and fourth berth guests.

For 2018 World and Exotic voyages, Cunard World Club members receive discounts up to $4,000 per stateroom on bookings made by December 31, 2016.  Discounts apply to 1st and 2nd berth guests only.

Source: www.cruisediscuss.com