For 185 years, Cunard has set the standard for luxury ocean travel. Since its founding in 1840, the iconic cruise line has been at the forefront of cruising innovation, offering guests unparalleled service, grandeur, and adventure at sea. From the early days of transatlantic crossings to the golden era of ocean liners and modern luxury cruising, Cunard’s legacy continues to inspire.
As Cunard celebrates this remarkable milestone in 2025, guests are invited to take part in special anniversary voyages and exclusive onboard events. All designed to honour the past while embracing the future.
A Storied Legacy
Founded by Canadian shipping magnate Samuel Cunard, the company launched its first voyage in 1840 with the paddle steamer RMS Britannia, sailing from Liverpool to Halifax and Boston in just 14 days. This voyage marked the beginning of regular transatlantic crossings, revolutionising global travel and communication.
Cunard quickly became synonymous with safety, reliability, and innovation, earning prestigious contracts to carry mail and passengers across the Atlantic. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cunard had built some of the most famous ships in history, including RMS Lusitania, RMS Mauretania, and the legendary RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth.
White Star Service
One of the most defining aspects of Cunard’s legacy is its White Star Service. A tradition of excellence inspired by the highest standards of hospitality. This concept, rooted in impeccable attention to detail, personalised service, and an unwavering commitment to elegance, continues to define the Cunard experience today.
From the white gloved bellhops and afternoon teas served on fine bone china to the sumptuous Gala Dinners and grand ballrooms, Cunard’s dedication to timeless sophistication remains unparalleled.
Cunard Through the Decades
- 19th Century: The first line to offer regular, scheduled transatlantic steamship crossings.
- Early 20th Century: Introduced the world’s largest and fastest ocean liners, including Mauretania and Lusitania.
- 1930s–1960s: The golden era of ocean travel, defined by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, carrying celebrities and royalty
- 1970s–1990s: The rise of cruising as a leisure industry, with Queen Elizabeth 2 becoming an icon of transatlantic travel.
- 2000s–Present: Cunard continues to innovate with the launch of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the newest ship, Queen Anne (2024).
Cunard’s 185th Anniversary Celebrations
To honour 185 years of maritime excellence, Cunard is rolling out a spectacular lineup of anniversary voyages, onboard celebrations, and historical exhibitions. These once in a lifetime experiences will allow guests to relive the grandeur of Cunard’s past while creating unforgettable memories at sea.
Anniversary Voyages Across the Fleet
Each of Cunard’s four Queens; Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, will host dedicated 185th Anniversary Voyages. Featuring special guest speakers, themed gala evenings, live entertainment, and historical exhibitions showcasing Cunard’s illustrious history.
1. Queen Mary 2
- Voyage Name: Transatlantic Crossing
- Date: 24 June – 1 July 2025 (7 nights)
- Route: New York to Southampton
- Highlights:
- Insights from naval architect Stephen Payne (designer of Queen Mary 2) and cruise historian Mensun Bound.
- Sailaway Celebration with live music and Laurent Perrier pop up bar.
- Gala Dinner featuring a commemorative keepsake menu.
- Charlie and Stan Show, a comedic entertainment residency.
- Big Band Night featuring swing and jazz classics from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Bublé, and Jamie Cullum.
2. Queen Anne
- Voyage Name: British Isles
- Date: 18 May – 1 June 2025 (14 nights)
- Special Event: A return to Liverpool, one year after Queen Anne’s naming ceremony.
- Highlights:
- Talks from cruise historian Eric Flounders.
- Sea of Glamour Exhibition at Liverpool’s Liver Building.
- Sailaway Party, Big Band Night, and Gala Dinner.
3. Queen Victoria
- Voyage Name: Central Mediterranean
- Date: 30 June – 7 July 2025 (7 nights)
- Route: The stunning Mediterranean coastline.
- Highlights:
- Insights from cruise historian Roy Paul.
- Sailaway Celebration, onboard heritage exhibition, Gala Dinner, and Big Band Night.
4. Queen Elizabeth
- Voyage Name: Western Caribbean
- Date: 9 December – 18 December 2025 (9 nights)
- Route: A sun soaked Caribbean itinerary.
- Highlights:
- Talks from renowned historian Bill Miller.
- Gala Dinner, Sailaway Party, and Big Band Night.
Bailey the Bellhop
A unique part of Cunard’s legacy is the bellhop uniform, which has seen only six design changes in 185 years. In 2024, with the launch of Queen Anne, Cunard updated the bellhop uniform to reflect both tradition and modern craftsmanship.
To commemorate this, Bailey the Bellhop, a limited edition collectible teddy bear, will be available onboard. Dressed in the iconic bellhop uniform, Bailey is a cherished keepsake for guests celebrating Cunard’s milestone year.
Join Cunard for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration
Cunard’s 185th anniversary is more than a milestone. It’s a celebration of history, luxury, and adventure. Whether you embark on a transatlantic journey aboard Queen Mary 2, explore the British Isles on Queen Anne, soak up the Mediterranean on Queen Victoria, or bask in the Caribbean sun on Queen Elizabeth, you’ll be part of something truly historic.
Feeling Inspired?
CALL OUR TEAM TO BOOK ON 02380 658 386