Cunard Line

Cunard is a cruise brand whose history began in 1840 with the line founded by Samuel Cunard. According to the company, its fleet consists of four ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the newest, Queen Anne.

From mail service to transatlantic voyages

Samuel Cunard first gained experience in regional shipping and mail services along Canada’s east coast. The Britannia’s first transatlantic voyage began in July 1840. The young company thus combined passenger travel with mail carriage across long sea routes.

During the Crimean War of the 1850s, Cunard ships transported horses. In 1870, the line was the first at sea to introduce flush toilets. The Servia was the first steel ship with electric lighting. With the steam turbines of the Lusitania and Mauretania, Cunard pursued greater speed.

In 1912, the Carpathia went to the aid of Titanic survivors. During the First World War, Cunard lost 20 ships, including the Lusitania. In 1922, the Laconia began her first world cruise, completing it after 130 days. Cunard and White Star merged in 1934; the Queen Mary became one of the most iconic ships on the Atlantic and won the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing. During the Second World War, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth transported thousands of soldiers.

Cunard within the Carnival group

The Queen Elizabeth 2 made her debut in the late 1960s. During her 39 years in service, she covered more than five million nautical miles. In 1982, she carried 3,000 soldiers to the Falkland Islands; from 1986, her original steam turbines were replaced by nine diesel engines. Carnival initially acquired a 68 percent stake in Cunard in 1998 and bought the remaining 32 percent in 1999. Today, Carnival UK operates Cunard alongside P&O Cruises as a brand; at the corporate level, the line is one of several distinct cruise brands.

Queen Mary 2 as an ocean liner

Entering service in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 continues the transatlantic tradition as an ocean liner. Cunard describes the crossing between Europe and North America as the brand’s signature voyage. The transatlantic cruise is therefore a distinct focus alongside classic cruises. The current fleet also includes the Queen Anne, which Cunard identifies as its newest ship.