Cunard ships capitalize heavily on the line’s rich heritage, while offering all the modern amenities expected. It has lavish suites of some 2,000 square ft. overlooking the stern -- and even standard accommodations are spacious and pleasantly furnished (in contrast to the more basic cabins found on ocean liners of old).

Continuing a well-established Cunard tradition dating back to 1840, the passengers in the best cabins dine in the single sitting Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants. They also share a lounge and an outer deck area, where the meals can be taken al fresco in good weather. For those in standard accommodations, the two-deck-high Britannia restaurant can serve up to 800 diners at once. Here you have the choice of first or second seating for dinner, but lunch and breakfast are open seating.

A separate British pub serves grub like cottage pie and bangers and mash at lunchtime. Other dining options include the Lido buffet, which serves breakfast and lunch, and Todd English, and additional for-fee venue for lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is a white-glove affair served in the lovely two-deck-high Queens Room. The ceremony is a throwback to an altogether grander age of travel and represents Cunard's commitment to its heritage. Other onboard amenities include onboard Wi-Fi, a computer learning center and a stunning two-story spa run by Canyon Ranch.