Why exceptional dining is the heart of the Cunard cruise experience
From morning coats, cravats, and high-necked blouses at breakfast to tailcoats, gloves, and corseted full-length gowns by evening, fashion on luxury cruises has transformed dramatically over the past century. And while styles have certainly shifted and dining traditions have evolved, culinary experiences remain at the heart of every Cunard voyage.
Founded in 1840, Cunard is one of the world’s oldest and most famous cruise lines, known for its transatlantic service and legendary liners including the Queen Mary and QE2. Today, its modern fleet includes the flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the newest addition, Queen Anne.
“Dining has always been an integral part of the Cunard voyage, and we take pride in creating a sense of occasion with every meal. Whether it is afternoon tea served with great ceremony in the Queens Room, or one of our spectacular gala dinners, dining on board is about more than food,” says Bob Dixon, Cunard Sales Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The company’s 185-year history is reflected in a remarkable archive of materials, with old menus offering a glimpse into life aboard its earliest vessels. “Dishes such as Potage Longchamps, Croûte au Pot and Calf’s Head Vinaigrette may feel unfamiliar today, but others such as Fillet of Sole Bonne Femme or Roast Lamb with mint sauce would be just as appealing to our modern guests. This blend of tradition and innovation continues to inspire our culinary teams”.
South African travelers will be pleased to learn that Queen Anne will be arriving in Cape Town on 30 January 2026, before docking at Port Elizabeth on February 2 and Durban on 4 February.
She is then scheduled to visit Réunion Island, Mauritius and Sri Lanka as part of a 22-night voyage to Singapore, before continuing on to Hong Kong and Sydney.
Dixon says that when it comes to dining on board Queen Anne, South African guests can look forward to elegant fine dining, gastro pubs, and indulgent buffets.
“South African guests are sure to feel at home in Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse, where premium cuts such as Australian wagyu, Welsh organic salt marsh lamb and house smoked Irish short rib are served with flair, including the choice of specially selected steak knives from delicate to bold.
Guests who love Japanese cuisine will delight in the Aji Wa Chef’s Choice menu, perfectly paired with Cunard’s award-winning sake selection,” he says. “For lighter Mediterranean flavours, Tramonto offers dishes such as the signature Seafood Pot, while adventurous palates will be drawn to Aranya, celebrating the vibrant spices and authentic dishes of the Indian subcontinent from Malabar Crab to Barbary Duck Seekh Kebab”.
Cunard’s signature liner, Queen Mary 2, will also be docking in Cape Town in April 2026, giving South Africans another opportunity to experience a truly luxurious travel experience on Cunard’s iconic ocean liner, the only ocean liner in service today.
What makes Cunard’s approach to fine dining unique compared with other luxury cruise lines? “Our guests come from all over the world and our chefs understand the importance of catering to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. While quality ingredients and technical skill play an important part, variety and creativity are just as essential,” Dixon says. “On Queen Anne, for example, guests can experience four distinct speciality dining venues showcasing flavours from the Mediterranean, the Indian subcontinent, Japan and the finest steak and seafood traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. In Queens Grill, guests enjoy bespoke service that includes the option to dine off menu, and even tableside flambéing, a touch of theatre that elevates the dining experience. Complementing these offerings is one of the largest wine collections at sea. Queen Mary 2 alone carries 35 000 bottles including rare vintages such as Petrus and Domaine de la Romanée Conti”.
Epitomising the important role played by dining on a Cunard voyage is the recent announcement that Michelin-starred legendary chef Michel Roux, has renewed his residency aboard Queen Anne next year.
Hailing from one of the world’s most renowned culinary families, Roux continues the legacy of Le Gavroche in London, the UK’s first three-Michelin-star restaurant, and has been celebrated for making fine dining more accessible to the public.
“Michel Roux’s residency offers guests the chance to enjoy an iconic dining experience at sea. For those who may not have had the opportunity to dine at Le Gavroche in London, his presence on board brings a rare chance to savour his signature culinary artistry in an unforgettable setting,” Dixon says.
Following his first Le Gavroche at Sea residency on Queen Anne in August 2024, followed by another two exclusive culinary series this year, next year sees more lectures, demonstrations and delicious fine-dining experiences led by Roux. These include 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruises in May and August 2026 and a 12-night Norway & The Northern Lights cruise in November 2026, with limited bookings now open for both.
Cunard’s philosophy remains to respect timeless favourites while also embracing new culinary trends.
The daily ritual of afternoon tea is one such favourite and said to be one of the most photographed dining moments. Here a procession of white gloved waiters presents delicate sandwiches, exquisite pastries and of course, Cunard’s famous scones, with tea served from silver teapots.
“Guests expect the classics they love, but they also increasingly look for lighter, plant based and wellness focused choices. On Queen Anne, this balance is beautifully reflected in venues such as the Pavilion Wellness Café, where guests can enjoy fresh pressed juices, kombucha and health shots alongside dishes such as Hummus with Spiced Roasted Chickpeas, Vadouvan and Coconut Dhal or Chopped Romaine with Baby Spinach”.
Blending timeless dining traditions, exclusive Michelin-starred experiences, and contemporary culinary innovation, Cunard continues to offer unique and unforgettable flavours at sea.
“For South Africans, cruising is the ultimate way to see the world where you can unpack once, wake up somewhere new each day, and indulge in world-class culinary experiences along the way,” says Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative.
“Queen Anne brings a fresh blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury, while Queen Mary 2 remains an icon of classic ocean travel. We’re thrilled to offer South African guests the chance to experience both these remarkable Cunard ships in 2026.”
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