Cunard cabins explained: Which cabin should you choose?

Last updated: 30/09/2026

Choosing the right cabin is one of the most important decisions when booking a Cunard cruise. But with several accommodation grades available, it’s not always obvious which option is best. 

From Britannia Staterooms and Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms to the exclusive Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites, each category offers a slightly different experience. The differences can influence everything from how much space you have to where you dine and the benefits you’ll enjoy throughout your voyage.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different Cunard cabin types, what’s included, and how to decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for the best value, travelling solo or considering the Grills experience for the first time, this will help you make a confident choice before you book. 

Choosing the right cabin is one of the most important decisions when booking a Cunard cruise. While all guests can enjoy the same famous Cunard traditions, your accommodation choice will shape your onboard experience. 

Unlike many cruise lines, Cunard cabin grades are linked to the onboard dining experience. As you move through the different grades, you’ll gain additional space, benefits and access to different restaurants and levels of service. 

The five main accommodation categories across the Cunard fleet are Single Staterooms, Britannia Staterooms, Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms, Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites. 

Designed specifically for solo travellers, Cunard single cabins offer a comfortable place to relax without paying for accommodation intended for two guests. They’re ideal for independent travellers who want to enjoy everything a Cunard cruise has to offer while having their own private space to retreat to at the end of the day. 

Britannia Staterooms form the core of Cunard’s accommodation offering and come in a variety of categories, including Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony Staterooms. Guests staying in Britannia accommodation dine in the Britannia Restaurant and enjoy all the signature elements of the Cunard experience. Britannia Staterooms are a popular choice for first-time guests and experienced cruisers alike. 

Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms offer a more premium experience while remaining firmly within Cunard’s Britannia category. Alongside a private balcony, guests can dine in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant, which offers a more intimate setting and added flexibility throughout the voyage.

Princess Grill Suites combine spacious accommodation with access to the exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant. For many guests, this is where the experience becomes noticeably more personalised, with additional benefits and a more elevated level of service that creates a more luxurious feel throughout the voyage.

At the top of Cunard’s accommodation offering are the Queens Grill Suites. These are the most spacious suites on board. They come with access to the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant and a range of additional benefits. For travellers seeking the most refined and personalised Cunard experience, Queens Grill is the highest level of accommodation across the fleet. 

The main difference between Cunard’s cabin types isn’t simply room size. While additional space is certainly a factor, each step up introduces different dining experiences, benefits and levels of service. As a result, choosing the right cabin is as much about the holiday experience as it is about the accommodation itself. 

While all Cunard cabins include the essentials for a comfortable stay, important differences depend on the accommodation grade you choose. These largely relate to space, dining arrangements and any additional benefits that come with your cabin. 

Here’s a quick comparison: 

^{*Subject to ship and suite category}

Every Cunard cabin includes the essentials you’d expect for a comfortable stay, including accommodation, housekeeping and access to the ship’s facilities. The main differences come down to space, dining experience and the additional benefits available at each accommodation grade. 

For a more detailed breakdown of cabin features, layouts and inclusions, take a look at the individual ship pages on our website. 

Queen Anne Cabins | Queen Elizabeth Cabins | Queen Mary 2 Cabins | Queen Victoria Cabins 

The biggest differences between Cunard’s cabin types come down to space, dining and the level of service you’ll receive.

The first distinction is between Single Staterooms and Britannia Staterooms. While both offer comfortable accommodation, Britannia Staterooms come in a wider range of categories, including Oceanview and Balcony options, giving guests more choice in space and natural light.

Next are Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms. Alongside a private balcony, these cabins include access to the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant. For many guests, this is where the experience begins to feel a little more personalised. 

The biggest jump comes when you move into the Grills Suites. Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodation offer more space, enhanced benefits and access to their own exclusive restaurants. The difference here isn’t just the suite size, but the overall experience. There’s a greater emphasis on personalised service and additional privileges. 

While every Cunard guest can enjoy the cruise line’s famous traditions, from afternoon tea to Gala Evenings, the accommodation grade you choose can shape other aspects of your voyage, particularly where you dine and the level of exclusivity you’ll experience onboard. 

The best cabin for you depends on how you like to cruise, your budget, and what you want from your time onboard. There’s no single “best” option, but some cabin types suit certain travellers better than others.

If you’re travelling independently, a Single Stateroom is often the most practical choice. Designed specifically for solo guests, these cabins let you enjoy the Cunard experience without paying for accommodation meant for two people.

A Britannia Stateroom is often a good starting point for guests new to Cunard. You’ll enjoy all the signature elements of a Cunard cruise, including dining in the Britannia Restaurant, while gaining a feel for the cruise line’s unique atmosphere and traditions. 

For many couples, a Britannia Club Balcony Stateroom strikes an appealing balance between comfort and value. The private balcony provides your own outdoor space to relax together, while the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant adds an extra touch to the dining experience. 

On longer cruises, additional space can make a noticeable difference. A Britannia Club Balcony Stateroom or Princess Grill Suite gives you more room to relax, along with a private balcony where you can enjoy sea days and scenic sailings from the comfort of your accommodation.

Princess Grill Suites offer a more premium experience, combining spacious accommodation with access to the exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant. For many Cunard guests, this accommodation grade offers a worthwhile balance of comfort and service.

If you’re looking for Cunard’s most exclusive accommodation, Queens Grill Suites sit at the top of the range. Alongside the most spacious suites on board, guests benefit from additional privileges and access to the Queens Grill Restaurant, creating Cunard’s most personalised and luxurious experience. 

Yes, cabin location can make a difference to your overall cruise experience. However, how much it matters depends on your personal preferences and what you value most in your accommodation. 

One main thing to consider is movement. Cabins located midship and on lower decks generally feel more stable, which may matter if you’re concerned about seasickness. Cabins toward the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship can experience more movement, particularly during ocean crossings or in rougher conditions. 

Noise is another factor. Cabins located close to lifts, staircases or busy public venues may experience more foot traffic throughout the day. If you’re a light sleeper or prefer a quieter environment, it may be worth choosing a cabin away from high-traffic areas such as theatres, restaurants, lounges, and pool decks. 

You may also want to think about convenience. A cabin close to the lifts can make it easier to move around the ship, particularly on larger vessels such as Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2. However, cabins located further along the corridor are often a little quieter. 

For many guests, cabin location isn’t the deciding factor when booking a Cunard cruise. However, taking a few moments to consider where your cabin is situated can help ensure it suits how you like to travel and makes your time onboard even more enjoyable. 

Choosing the right cabin doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple considerations can help you find the accommodation that best suits your travel style and budget. 

Before choosing a cabin, think about what you’ll value most during your cruise. For some guests, having a private balcony is a priority. For others, dining arrangements or additional benefits may play a bigger role in their decision. 

On Cunard, your cabin category influences more than just where you’ll sleep. Moving from Britannia to Britannia Club or into the Grills experience changes aspects of your onboard experience, especially dining and service.

Some itineraries naturally lend themselves to spending more time in your accommodation. Scenic sailings, longer voyages and Transatlantic Crossings can make a balcony or suite feel particularly worthwhile, while port-intensive itineraries may mean you spend less time in your cabin. 

If you’re sensitive to movement, consider a midship cabin on a lower deck. If a quieter environment matters to you, look for accommodation away from lifts, staircases, and busy public venues. 

While it can be tempting to choose the highest accommodation grade available, consider whether you’ll use the extra space and benefits. The best cabin isn’t necessarily the most expensive; it’s the one that fits the type of holiday you’re planning.

Before booking, check the ship’s deck plan to see what’s around your cabin. A little research can help you avoid potential noise issues and ensure you’re happy with the location you’ve chosen. 

For a more detailed overview of each ship’s deck plan, see below: 

Queen Anne’s Deck Plan | Queen Elizabeth’s Deck Plan | Queen Mary 2’s Deck Plan | Queen Victoria’s Deck Plan

Yes, Cunard cabins include tea- and coffee-making facilities, so guests can enjoy a hot drink in their stateroom or suite whenever they wish.

Solo travellers can find dedicated Single Staterooms on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne. Availability and cabin categories vary by ship and sailing, so it’s always worth checking the accommodation details for your chosen voyage before booking. 

Queens Grill guests benefit from dedicated butler service, helping create the most personalised accommodation experience available across the Cunard fleet.

Yes, depending on the ship and cabin category, a range of accommodation options are available for families travelling together. These may include cabins with additional berths or interconnecting accommodation.

Yes, cabin sizes vary not only between accommodation grades but also between ships and individual cabin categories. If space is particularly important to you, it’s always worth checking the cabin details before booking.

Room service is available across the Cunard fleet, allowing guests to enjoy food and drinks from the comfort of their accommodation. The exact menu and any applicable charges may vary depending on the items ordered and your accommodation grade.