Cunard are undoubtably one of the world's most distinguished names in sea travel since 1840 and their history of deluxe transatlantic crossings and worldwide cruising is legendary for comfortable staterooms, mouthwatering cuisine, and personal service which is second to none.

Cunard line embraces the traditional age of cruise, with a style all of their own and although there is a subtle hint of class division, this is the 21st century, so passengers won't find steerage class, and all guests will enjoy the superior surroundings.

However, certain areas, including the Queen's Grill Lounge, a private sun terrace, and even a private elevator, are reserved for occupants of the more expensive accommodations.

Onboard Cunard cruises guests can enjoy a wide selection of activities including swimming pools, golf driving ranges, table tennis, paddle tennis court, shuffleboard, and jogging tracks. Top-quality fitness centres offer high-tech workout equipment, a separate weights room, and classes ranging from aerobics to healthy living workshops are also available.

The availability of spacious accommodations and complimentary self-service laundry facilities make Cunard liners a good option for families, although there may be fewer children on board than with other cruiselines.

The child-friendly Kid Zone has both a dedicated play area and a splash pool for children ages 1 to 6 years and separate programmes are reserved for older children ages 7 to 12 and teens. Toys and activities range from simple games to more educational computer classes.

The evening entertainment is varied onboard offering nightly production shows or cabaret-style performances and plays starring Great Britain's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts alumni. An authentic pub gives the liner an even more British air, while a wide variety of musical styles can be found for dancing and listening in other bars and lounges. In the first-ever shipboard planetarium, high-tech presentations and virtual-reality shows dramatize the origins of the universe and the history of the galaxies on a virtual ride through space.

Cunard's fine enrichment programs include lectures by experts in their fields. Classes vary by cruise and include a wide assortment of topics taught by top designers, master chefs, and artists. Even seamanship and navigation courses are offered to novice mariners. Passengers can plan their activities prior to departure by consulting the syllabus of courses available online at Cunard Line's Web site.

Delightful daily events are afternoon tea and the maritime tradition of sounding the ship's bell at noon.

The Cunard fleet continue the tradition of North Atlantic crossings and sail on lengthy worldwide cruises, but now also offer seasonal shorter cruises, including Caribbean itineraries. In the tradition of multiclass ocean liners, dining room assignments are made according to the accommodation category booked.

You can get as much luxury as you are willing to pay for on Cunard liners, where passengers in Junior Suites are assigned to the single-seating Princess Grill; the posh Queen's Grill serves passengers booked in duplex apartments and the most lavish suites. All other passengers are assigned to one of two seatings in the dramatic, three-deck-high Britannia Restaurant.

Whichever venue passengers dine at, they will find delicious cuisine of the highest gastronomic standards.