What is the Best Cunard Fare for Your Cruise Holiday?

• Ultimate Control: The Cunard Fare provides the highest level of choice, allowing you to hand-pick your stateroom location and secure priority for your preferred dining time.

• Advance Value: Early Saver fares offer a reduced price for those who wish to book ahead but are comfortable with Cunard assigning their specific stateroom number.

• Spontaneous Savings: Late Saver fares are ideal for flexible travellers seeking the lowest possible price within 90 days of departure.

Cunard is renowned on the high seas for upholding the elegant tradition of cruising, offering first-rate luxury experiences to some of the world’s most stunning destinations.

When booking a cruise holiday on one of their fantastic ships, including Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, you will see a variety of different price options available to book. But which one is to suit your holiday requirements?

Read on below as we compare Cunard’s fare types, going further than simply answering the question of what is the cheapest Cunard fare to exploring what each one offers and which will best fulfil your cruise needs.

What Are Cunard’s Different Fares?

Cunard offers three primary fare types: The Cunard Fare, Early Saver Fare, and Late Saver Fare. Regardless of your choice, you will enjoy the signature Cunard experience, from spacious accommodation and immaculate service to the famous White Star hospitality.

The distinction between these fares lies in the level of choice regarding stateroom location and dining options. The booking terms also vary, as does access to additional benefits like shuttle buses, parking, or onboard spending money.

The Cunard Fare

The Cunard Fare is the flagship option available on all cruises at all times. By opting for this rate, you gain total peace of mind and the ability to tailor specific aspects of your holiday.

This is the preferred choice for families or groups who need to stay close together, as well as first-time guests who want to guarantee exactly what they are getting.

Benefits of the Cunard Fare

One of the most significant advantages is Stateroom Choice. You can select your specific stateroom number and its location on the ship, and you also receive the highest priority for upgrades.

Furthermore, you gain Dining Priority. You can provide your dining preferences (Early, Late, or Freedom dining) at the time of booking and receive first priority for allocation.

Additional perks include Complimentary Transfers. For voyages of seven nights or more, you can typically choose between complimentary parking at the terminal, return coach travel, or a sum of onboard spending money.

Shuttle Buses are also included, allowing you to enjoy complimentary port shuttle transfers where available. Finally, this fare offers a Flexible Deposit, requiring only a 15% payment at the time of booking.

The Cunard Early Saver Fare

The Early Saver Fare provides a reduced-cost option while still allowing you to secure your holiday well in advance. This fare is only available on selected cruises and at specific times.

If you are price-driven but prefer the security of an early booking, this is an excellent middle ground.

Benefits of the Early Saver Fare

You retain Grade Choice, meaning you can choose the grade of your stateroom (such as Balcony or Oceanview), though Cunard will assign the specific room number closer to departure. You remain second in line for upgrades after guests on The Cunard Fare.

Regarding Dining Flexibility, you can request a dining preference, but this is subject to availability and will be confirmed only upon boarding.

Like the flagship fare, you only need to pay a 15% Deposit upfront. However, please note that guests on this fare must pay for port shuttle buses, parking, and coach transfers.

The Cunard Late Saver Fare

If you are searching for a great deal on your cruise holiday, then look out for the Saver Fare, the cheapest Cunard fare. 

You’ll need to be on the ball to snatch these bargain fares, as one of the key differences between the Cunard Late Saver and Early Saver Fares is the availability.

Cunard’s Late Saver Fare is only available within 90 days of the cruise departure date, so it suits individuals who have the flexibility to book and travel at short notice.

Benefits and Considerations

The primary benefit is Incredible Value. You enjoy all the same world-class facilities and services as every other guest, but at a fraction of the cost.

You still choose your Stateroom Type, though the specific location is assigned by Cunard based on remaining availability.

However, there is Limited Choice involved. You will be at the back of the queue for stateroom upgrades and dining allocations, with your dining time confirmed only when you board.

The Payment Terms are also stricter; Late Saver fares must be paid in full at the time of booking and are typically subject to a 100% cancellation charge. Added perks such as complimentary parking, coach transfers, and shuttle buses are not included.

Fare Comparison at a Glance

The different benefits of each fare type appeal to different priorities. While the Late Saver is perfect for a bargain, The Cunard Fare offers the reassurance of securing exactly what you want from your holiday at the time of booking.