With an onboard atmosphere that evokes the “Golden Age” of ocean liners, Cunard Line’s two ships (along with a new vessel launching in 2010) specialize in transAtlantic voyages that capitalize on the company’s long history and British feel. At the same time, its ships are both recently built and feature all the modern amenities expected by today’s cruise audience.

• In addition to Atlantic crossings from spring through fall, Cunard offers “cruises between the crossings,” which means that North Americans can sail from New York and stay onboard for a European cruise before sailing back to the United States.
• The Queen Mary 2 has the first planetarium at sea, carries Oxford dons for classroom learning and offers acting workshops with students from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. A new addition to its top-notch enrichment programs is Science at Sea, a speaker series featuring prominent science writers.
• Cunard continues to observe many time-honored traditional cruise customs. Tea is served by white-gloved stewards in several venues and on every sailing; there are gentlemen hosts available to dance with the single female passengers.