How Cunard Delivers the British Experience at Sea

Guest post by Bryce Sanders

Different cruise lines have different personalities. Oceania and Regent promote fine wine and dining. Virgin Voyages does not accept passengers under age 18. Saga Cruises targets the 50+ market. Cunard does something unique. It delivers Britishness, that English experience, at sea. How do they do it?

Let us start by defining what the British experience is to many Americans, especially us in the Baby Boomer generation. Britishness is the England we see on Public Television. If you have watched Poirot, Downton Abbey or All Creatures Great and Small, you have an image of England in your mind. Fans of Acorn or BritBox are familiar with popular series like Midsomer Murders.

How doers Cunard deliver the British experience at sea?

1. Lots of British people onboard. Many Cunard voyages sail from Southampton, England. Often, the majority of passengers will be U.K. residents. As Americans we notice because they have British accents, although they would say we have American accents.
2. Afternoon tea.On every voyage a daily activity is afternoon tea, served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room. This is hugely popular and included in your cruise fare. Get there early or you need to wait for a table to open up. They serve tea, scones and finger sandwiches. For passengers wanting more food and less spectacle, the Lido buffet restaurant puts out the same food at the same time.
3. Sunday church service.This takes place in the theater onboard. It is well attended. The captain conducts the service, which (I believe) follows the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Hymns are sung. Everyone joins in. They sing every stanza!
4. Onboard choir.Why is the singing so good? Because lots of these British people sing in the church or village choir back home. On many voyages the ship announces the organization of a ship choir for that voyage. Plenty of people sign up. They have several practice sessions and hold a public concert towards the end of your voyage.
5. Golden Lion Pub. All Cunard ships have one of the same name. It serves pub food and British beers on tap. It often features live music at night. If there is a football (soccer to us Americans) or rugby match on the big TV, the place is packed with cheering fans.
6. Pub quizzes.Years ago, many British people lived in small houses in small towns. The village pub served as the community living room. This culture continues today. A popular activity is pub quizzes. People form into teams and compete, answering general knowledge questions. How popular are they? A transatlantic crossing might have four quizzes a day! The room is packed!
7. British products in the shops.England has long been famous for iconic brands. Queen Elizabeth II was often seen wearing her Barbour waterproof jacket. Radley makes purses and other leather goods. Floris is a famous perfumer. These product ranges are sold in the onboard shops.
8. British products in your cabin.When you step into the bathroom, you will notice Penhaligon soap products. When your steward delivers breakfast in bed, the Jam is from Wilkins, a famous company in Tiptree.
9. The full English breakfast.You might wonder if this ever actually existed, but “the full English” is part of British lore. It is a meal including fried eggs, fried bacon, fried sausage, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and baked beans. Let’s not forget bread! You will find it difficult to move after consuming one in the dining room.
10. British programs on TV.Yes, there are other channels, yet you can expect to find Antiques Roadshow U.K. and other British programs on at least two TV channels in your cabin.
11. British lecture speakers.We have traveled on voyages featuring the retired head of the Bank of England, famous British politicians, British gold medal Olympic winners and British TV stars.
12. Formal nights.Although the word has gradually become more casual, transatlantic crossings still feature two dress-up nights. In addition to men in black tie, you will see people in formal military dress, wearing medals and Scots in kilts.
13. Dress code.Cunard has realized life has become more casual. However, after 6:00 PM, if you are in the major public areas (like the Grand Lobby) they discourage jeans and athletic wear. (Signage spells out expectations.) Passengers are dressed as if they are going to a fine restaurant or the theater because…that is what you are doing on a Cunard ship in the evening. Venues like the Lido buffet are  available for passengers wanting to continue casual dress in the evening.
14. A British Army Band.The World Cruise is a big deal. On the day of departure for the World Cruise, Cunard has a British Army marching band board the ship, march into a main area and parade around, playing music. They are dressed in red uniforms, as I recall. What could be more British?

Cunard does a good job delivering the concept of “Britishness” on every voyage.