Things to do on Cunard

Cunard – elegant leisure and intellectual pursuits

Fairly Good

Waterparks & Slides

Pools & Splash Zones

Sports & Activities

Shows & Movies

Kids’ Clubs & Teens

Wellness, Spa & Fitness

Enrichment

Adult-only Areas

A Cunard voyage feels like stepping into a more graceful era of travel. Life on board is cultured and unhurried, favouring the civilised pleasures of a string quartet and a grand ballroom over the noisy thrill of waterslides.

The daily programme is built around enrichment, elegant spaces, and the simple joy of being at sea. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, filled with opportunities for quiet relaxation, intellectual discovery, and social connection, all wrapped in Cunard’s signature British charm.

Shows and movies

Evening entertainment on a Cunard ship is a polished and sophisticated affair. The grand, two-tier Royal Court Theatre is the centrepiece, staging impressive West End-style productions with lavish costumes and talented casts. The repertoire is varied, ranging from spectacular musicals to classic dramas. Beyond the main stage, the ship’s lounges and bars host a refined programme of live music, with classical recitals, jazz ensembles, and pianists creating an elegant soundtrack for the evening. For a more relaxed night, film screenings present a mix of contemporary blockbusters and timeless classics, often thoughtfully curated to match the voyage’s theme or destination.

Enrichment, lectures and workshops

The celebrated enrichment programme is a hallmark of the Cunard experience, transforming sea days into moments of genuine discovery. The line is famous for its ‘Insights’ lecture series, inviting distinguished guest speakers from the worlds of history, exploration, literature, and politics to share their expertise. It is not uncommon to find a celebrated author discussing their latest novel, a former ambassador reflecting on world affairs, or an astronomer guiding guests through the constellations from the ship’s deck. These events are complemented by creative workshops, where guests can learn new skills like watercolour painting, photography, or even fencing, guided by professional instructors.

Wellness, spa and fitness

The Mareel Wellness and Beauty spa is a sanctuary of calm designed to soothe and rejuvenate. Inspired by the healing properties of the ocean, its thermal suite is a highlight, featuring a hydrotherapy pool, aromatic steam rooms, and a Finnish sauna. After a treatment, guests can unwind on heated loungers with expansive ocean views, making it a perfect escape. The adjacent fitness centre is equally impressive, offering a full range of modern Technogym equipment for daily routines, along with studios for yoga, pilates, and energising fitness classes. The wrap-around promenade deck also encourages a classic form of maritime wellness: a brisk walk in the fresh sea air.

Revel in Cunard’s afternoon tea

If I could only pick one thing that truly defines the Cunard experience, it’s the afternoon tea. Served daily in the Queens Room, it’s a bit of a ceremony in itself. Properly dressed waiters glide across the room, balancing silver trays of freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and sweet patisseries.

What’s particularly lovely is the live music that accompanies the event. A harpist gently strumming or a string quartet adds that extra touch of refinement. It’s a rite of passage on board, and one I always make time for.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a good seat, especially on sea days. Afternoon tea tends to fill up quickly for obvious reasons.

Adult-only areas

While the entire ship maintains a composed and grown-up atmosphere, several spaces are specifically designed for adult-only tranquillity. Quiet lounges like the Commodore Club, with its panoramic forward-facing views, provide a peaceful setting for reading a book or enjoying a quiet conversation over a gin and tonic. Sun-drenched terraces and calm corners of the deck are easy to find, furnished with comfortable loungers that are ideal for an afternoon nap or watching the sun set over the horizon. These serene hideaways ensure that moments of quiet reflection are always within reach.

Pools

The pools on a Cunard ship are classic and elegant, surrounded by ample deck space with plenty of sun loungers and attentive poolside service. The main outdoor pools are social hubs on warm sea days, yet they rarely feel crowded. On cooler itineraries, the Pavilion Pool on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, with its retractable glass roof, offers a pleasant all-weather swimming option. By design, there are no waterslides or large splash zones; the focus is on sophisticated relaxation rather than high-energy family fun, preserving the ship’s tranquil ambience.

Sports and activities

Onboard activities honour the grand traditions of ocean travel. The open-air decks are home to classic games like shuffleboard, deck quoits, and paddle tennis, inviting a touch of friendly competition. Guests can take a leisurely stroll around the wide, uninterrupted promenade deck, a beloved Cunard ritual. For something a little different, fencing classes are often available, offering a unique opportunity to learn a new and elegant sport. The activities are designed to be engaging but never intrusive, complementing the relaxed and civilised pace of life on board.