I Put Cunard's Controversial Class-Based Cruising To The Test

Cunard has the reputation of being the most class-based cruise line sailing today, keeping alive the tradition of grand old ocean liners from the Titanic era had of giving First-Class passengers, or what Cunard now call “The Grills”, a more rounded and top-notch experience vastly superior to that of all other guests.But is that the reality. I reveal what it is really like and why

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ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 101 cruises I have done to date.

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[gabrielleparis]

🌹Gary, I went on my first Transatlantic Cunard cruise last May. I stayed in the singles or solo designed cabins (still the lowest class) and my cabin was beautifully appointed. I met many other singles and we always made sure to have the largest table at the Britannia. We laughed so much and had so much fun, everyone wanted to join our table, even couples. We expanded to two large tables. Perhaps there's a lesson here: the best things in life are free: laughter, friendship and community. We werent fussy about food or waiters or who was in what class, fun and friendship really made this cruise extraordinary.

[BillPeschel]

This feels like another step up for Gary's channel. He has been on Cunard several times in various ships and classes, and he can talk authoritatively about what Cunard offers from personal experience. Great job.

[jamesbooth]

I went on several cruises back in the early 80s before they became a 'Disney' type experience. Adults, assigned dining, dress for dinner, etc.
I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to experience the 'classic ' experience. Cabins and the ships were small back then, but cabins were only for sleeping and changing. The experience was the ship, service, and fellow passengers.
Also, accompanied my parents to the Desert Inn in Vegas back when people wore jackets and ties when dining, gambling, etc. and the floor bosses comped you based on personal familiarity, not a computer 'cashback' experience.
Our predecessors knew how to experience the best in life. A real escape from the tough job of earning the experience, but worth the work.

[thomasvanantwerp]

I have been on five Cunard voyages and always in the Britannia class. All of my staterooms have been splendid (two solo oceanviews, two deluxe interiors, and one sheltered balcony). I have NEVER felt that I was getting anything less than a first-class experience. In fact, my first two voyages were magical, in my mind. I see no reason to go with the Grills. The food and wine in the Britannia Restaurant are delicious. The decor in the Britannia Restaurant is magnificent.

[familyfrost]

Consistently the best commentator on cruises. Booked 3 Cunard cruises on previous content and I have never been on a cruise before. Kudos Gary

[johntorrey]

I went on QM2 for NYC-SH in Oct '23. I had never been on a cruise before. I was blown away by the pampering and attentiveness of the staff. Despite being steerage class (Britannia) I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the cruise. I wouldn't spend the extra mega-bucks it costs for the Grills and I don't recommend it unless you are rolling in cash to burn. I loved it.

[FraserAtSea]

First off, I LOVE that jumper you’re wearing! I cruised ‘cattle class’ with Cunard on 2 ships last year, and I really didn’t feel ‘2nd class’. I found that the Grills venues did look lovely, but they were tucked away enough that I never really noticed them.

I’d feel more of a pauper if I had to walk past their dining rooms etc every day, but that just wasn’t the case!

[DexterS]

Funny thing about Cunard right now, is the transatlantic crossings for 2024 in Brittania are actually cheaper than most economy fares for transatlantic flights on the respectable Canadian Airlines, which is just insane to me.

[chuckoneill]

I believe that "luxury" is subjective. No two people asked to define it would have the same answer. My balcony cabin cruise on a premium line was certainly pricier than my inside cabin on an economy cruise. But, both would certainly be considering "Luxurious " by some standards. Certainly, I've always felt that the crew aboard any ship I've sailed on have treated us with respect and kindness. And how you're treated really is what matters.

[cynymin]

Omg you finally showed off your partner in a video!! Hi Mark!! So glad you were both able to go on a beautiful cruise together. Looks amazing.

I would happily take any class on that boat. Lol

[jo-nellmoss]

Thank you so much for the review Gary. I'm a solo traveler and I was debating between Princess grill or a sheltered balcony. I've decided the sheltered balcony will be just fine for me. I can spend the money I'll save on another cruise.

[Philippa-]

I would rather take 4 to 5 cruises a year staying in other grade cabins than take only one cruise a year in a grills. I am perfectly happy with the food offerings offered elsewhere.

[TheOnlyLilithcat]

My first time on QM2 (a transAtlantic crossing, something that had been on my bucket list), we booked Britannia Club, and very much enjoyed having a regular table which we could go to whenever we chose, with the same servers every time. (I do want to note here that there was some flambéing at table side, though we never availed ourselves of it.) Last summer, I did a trip in the regular Britannia class, and missed that! My friend and I are going on the Queen Elizabeth later this year, and booked a Princess Grill suite (primarily to give ourselves a bit more room in the cabin). Although I enjoyed the food in Britannia, I am looking forward to seeing what the PG has to offer!

[deborahworpell]

I’m English but live in America now. Everyone asked why we hadn’t sailed on Cunard before. Last May we finally did on Victoria. We have never had such a rude, unfriendly maitre ‘d before in all our cruises. The ocean view cabin was a regular carnival cabin with two cushions that said Cunard . Whoop de do!

[xkr]

We took the QE2 for a trip from Southampton to New York for our 25th wedding anniversary. Got yelled at when my wife and I sat on deck chairs “NOT FOR US”. There were no signs indicating this. Never been so embarrassed in our lives. It could have been handled without the yelling. I swore then I would never travel with them again. We have used Seabourn ever since, including Transatlantic. Better attitudes from staff, better service, wonderful food and NO THROW IT IN YOUR FACE CLASS SYSTEM. Seabourn includes caviar service and it is wonderful. The staff make a great effort to speak with you by name. I will never consider travelling with Cunard again.

[co]

Perhaps there is another factor worth mentioning, one I stumbled upon during my Transatlantic on QM2: the Grill's dining room locations. It may not be relevant for everyone, but they are on Deck 7. The Britannia Dining Room spans Decks 2 and 3. When the sea is rough and I was spending time in the Carinthia Lounge, same deck as Grills Restaurants, I felt sea sick, down on decks 2 and 3 I didn't. The food may be the best there is, but if you can't enjoy it, it's wasted. People prone to seasickness are better off in Britannia. Not Grill.

[datavortex]

A Transatlantic on Cunard is bucket list for me. Must do. This video in particular answered a question I knew I had, and had sat open for years. Extremely useful info for me. Thanks Gary. Looking forward to making use of this.

[jkbgl]

I cruised the QE2 high end and loved it. Dressing up every evening for dinner was wonderful. The whole experience was amazing.

[ToddRileyRealEstate]

I was on Queen Victoria 2019 Baltics Princess Grills. Absolutely loved it. We had our same table breakfast lunch and dinner. And we had the drinks package - just delightful. Food and Service were just amazing. I loved the room as well.

[scottatkins]

Always great videos covering topics that most people have never considered inquiring about. Again…

Thank you Gary !