What a Cunard round Britain cruise is
“Round Britain” is a descriptive term rather than a single named product. It generally refers to a cruise that sails out of a southern English port, usually Southampton, and loops around Great Britain, often with calls in England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, before returning. Cunard markets a range of British Isles and Northern Europe voyages in the summer, and some of these circle the island. Itineraries, lengths and ports change from year to year, so use Cunard’s current brochure or website to see what is actually on sale.
Which Cunard ships sail around Britain
Cunard’s current fleet has four ships, which it calls the Queens:
- Queen Mary 2: The flagship ocean liner, best known for transatlantic crossings. See transatlantic cruises from New York to France and England for her main role.
- Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth: Mid-sized ships that commonly sail European summer programmes, including British Isles itineraries.
- Queen Anne: The newest, which entered service in 2024 and has sailed Northern Europe and British Isles programmes.
Which ship runs a particular round Britain voyage varies from season to season.
Ports you might see
Cunard’s British Isles voyages have called at a variety of UK and Irish ports. Depending on the year, these may include places such as:
- Liverpool and Belfast
- Greenock for Glasgow, and ports in the Scottish Highlands and islands, such as Invergordon and Kirkwall
- Edinburgh, usually via the Firth of Forth
- Dublin and Cobh in Ireland
- Guernsey or other Channel Islands, and ports on England’s south coast
Not every sailing includes all of these, and some ports are tender ports, where passengers go ashore by small boat. Check each voyage’s list of ports, rather than relying on a general summary.
What life onboard is like
Cunard presents itself as a traditional line. Features it is known for include:
- Dining rooms separated by cabin grade, with Britannia dining for most passengers and the Grills restaurants for higher suite categories
- Formal “Gala” evenings, with a dress code that guests can plan around, though Cunard’s dress code has changed over the years, so check the current guidance
- Afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, theatre and talks
- A relatively formal atmosphere compared with resort-style lines
For cabin classes and price levels on Queen Mary 2, which are broadly representative of the line’s structure, see how much a Queen Mary 2 cruise costs.
How to find current sailings
- Check the British Isles and Northern Europe sections of Cunard’s website.
- Search for departures from Southampton in the months you can travel, and filter by number of nights.
- Read the itinerary closely to see whether the cruise actually sails fully around Britain or simply visits a few ports.
- Ask a travel agent, who can compare Cunard with other UK lines.
Common questions
Where is the Queen Anne currently cruising?
Cunard changes ship deployments by season, so any fixed answer would soon be out of date. The ship’s current location and itinerary are listed on Cunard’s website, and independent ship trackers show live positions.
Does the UK have any cruise ships?
Yes. Several cruise brands are UK-based or have a strong British following. Cunard and P&O Cruises are two of the best-known, and others include Fred. Olsen, Saga and Marella Cruises. Ships from other nations also sail from UK ports such as Southampton, Tilbury and Dover.
Is P&O Cunard?
No. P&O Cruises and Cunard are separate brands with their own ships, itineraries and styles. Both belong to the same large cruise group, Carnival Corporation (see which cruise lines fall under Carnival), which is why you may see some similarities in booking systems or corporate details.
Is the Cunard Queen Elizabeth a good ship?
That is a matter of taste. Queen Elizabeth is a mid-sized ship that carries roughly two thousand guests, and it suits travelers who like traditional ocean liner touches. Reviews vary, so read recent passenger feedback for the season you plan to sail. If you want a more casual or family-oriented atmosphere, another line may fit better.