A Legendary Brand Born in the 1800s
Cunard Line was founded in 1840 by Canadian-born British shipping magnate Sir Samuel Cunard. With a mission to operate the world’s first transatlantic steamship service, the company quickly became a pioneering maritime force. Cunard ships became symbols of safety, reliability, and British excellence.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cunard established itself as the gold standard for transatlantic travel. During both World Wars, its ships—including the famous Queen Mary—played crucial roles in transporting troops across the Atlantic.
A Brand Synonymous With Royalty & Grandeur
Cunard is one of the few cruise lines to receive the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) designation. Its ships reflect British heritage with ballrooms, black-tie evenings, classical dining, afternoon tea, and a refined onboard atmosphere.
The brand is known for:
- Iconic Transatlantic Crossings (Southampton ↔ New York)
- World Voyages
- Sophisticated British Hospitality
- White Star Service – Cunard’s signature hospitality philosophy
- Large Ocean Liners built for comfort and stability
Today, the line is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company.
Key Highlights
- Founded: 1840
- Headquarters: Southampton, UK
- Parent Company: Carnival Corporation
- Specialization: Premium & luxury ocean travel
- Service Style: White Star Service (classic British hospitality)
- Guests: Affluent travelers, honeymooners, retirees, world voyage cruisers
- Crew Nationalities: 100+ nationalities including thousands of Indians
Cunard continues to be a globally respected employer in the hospitality and maritime industries.
2. Cunard Fleet Overview (2025)
As of 2025, Cunard Line operates four major ships, each a queen in her own right:
- Queen Mary 2 – Flagship
- Queen Victoria
- Queen Elizabeth
- Queen Anne – Newest (launched 2024)
Below is a detailed look at each ship.
2.1 Queen Mary 2 (QM2) – The Flagship
Overview
Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only true ocean liner still in service—built specifically for transatlantic crossings. Launched in 2004, it remains Cunard’s most iconic vessel.
Specifications
- Gross Tonnage: 149,215 GT
- Length: 1,132 feet
- Passenger Capacity: ~2,700
- Crew: ~1,250
- Speed: 30 knots (one of the fastest passenger ships)
Features
- Largest ballroom at sea
- Largest library at sea
- Planetarium on board
- World-class fine dining
- Luxurious Queens and Princess Grill suites
QM2 is known for its New York–Southampton crossings and world voyages.
2.2 Queen Victoria
Overview
Launched in 2007, Queen Victoria is a classic, elegant ship known for its warm British hospitality and traditional Cunard luxury.
Specifications
- Gross Tonnage: 90,049 GT
- Passenger Capacity: ~2,000
- Crew: ~1,000
Features
- Royal Court Theatre
- Outdoor pool deck
- Traditional afternoon tea
- Elegant Britannia Restaurant
- Signature Cunard entertainment
Queen Victoria sails worldwide, including Europe, Mediterranean, and world cruises.
2.3 Queen Elizabeth
Overview
Launched in 2010, Queen Elizabeth blends modern luxury with vintage Art Deco design.
Specifications
- Gross Tonnage: 90,900 GT
- Passenger Capacity: ~2,100
- Crew: ~1,000
Features
- Garden Lounge
- Yacht Club
- Royal Arcade (shopping)
- Signature afternoon tea
- Global itineraries
Queen Elizabeth is popular for Asia-Pacific itineraries.
2.4 Queen Anne – The Newest Star (2024)
Overview
Queen Anne entered service in 2024, becoming Cunard’s first new ship in over a decade. It represents the next generation of Cunard luxury.
Specifications
- Gross Tonnage: ~113,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: ~3,000
- Crew: ~1,250
Features
- Modern, elegant British design
- Multiple specialty restaurants
- New entertainment venues
- Updated White Star Service
- State-of-the-art wellness facilities
Queen Anne is key to Cunard’s expansion in 2025 and beyond.
3. Jobs at Cunard Line (2025)
Cunard hires thousands of crew members across hospitality, culinary, maritime, entertainment, retail, and technical departments.
Below is a breakdown of all major job categories.
3.1 Hotel & Hospitality Jobs
- Hotel Manager
- Assistant Hotel Manager
- Guest Services Associate (GSA)
- Cabin Steward / Stewardess
- Laundry Steward
- Bell Attendant
- Public Area Attendant
- Room Service Attendant
- Housekeeping Supervisor
These positions are ideal for hotel management graduates and experienced hospitality professionals.
3.2 Food & Beverage Jobs
- Restaurant Manager
- Assistant Restaurant Manager
- Waiter / Waitress
- F&B Attendant
- Bartender
- Bar Waiter
- Sommelier
- F&B Supervisor
Cunard’s refined dining culture requires strong communication, grooming, and service skills.
3.3 Culinary Jobs
Cunard offers some of the best kitchen jobs at sea.
Positions include:
- Executive Chef
- Sous Chef
- Chef de Partie (CDP)
- Demi Chef de Partie
- Commis I / II / III
- Pastry Chef & Assistant
- Bakery Chef & Assistant
3.4 Maritime & Technical Jobs
- Deck Officers
- Engineers
- Electricians
- Safety Officers
- Environmental Officers
- IT Officers
These roles require maritime certifications and sea experience.
3.5 Entertainment & Guest Activities Jobs
- Entertainment Host
- Stage Manager
- Dancers / Singers
- Musicians
- Photographers
- Videographers
- DJ
- Youth Staff
3.6 Spa, Wellness & Fitness Jobs
- Spa Therapists
- Beauty Therapists
- Hair Stylists
- Yoga / Fitness Trainers
These jobs are often recruited through Steiner / OneSpaWorld.
3.7 Retail & Shopping Jobs
- Sales Associate
- Retail Manager
- Luxury Brand Specialist
3.8 Casino Jobs
Recruitment may be done via casino concession companies.
- Casino Dealer
- Casino Supervisor
- Slot Technician
3.9 Medical Jobs
- Ship Doctor
- Nurse
- Paramedic
4. Cunard Salaries (2025 Updated)
Salaries depend on rank, nationality, department, contract length, and previous experience.
Below are approximate monthly salary ranges (USD) for 2025.
4.1 Hotel & Housekeeping Department
| Position | Salary (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Hotel Manager | $6,000–$8,500 |
| Guest Services Officer | $1,800–$2,300 |
| Cabin Steward | $1,200–$1,800 (incl. tips) |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Laundry Staff | $900–$1,200 |
4.2 Food & Beverage Department
| Position | Salary USD/month |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Manager | $3,500–$4,500 |
| Assistant Manager | $2,500–$3,000 |
| Waiter | $1,200–$1,800 (incl. tips) |
| Bar Waiter | $1,300–$2,000 (incl. tips) |
| Bartender | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Sommelier | $2,000–$3,500 |
4.3 Culinary Department
| Position | Salary USD/month |
|---|---|
| Executive Chef | $7,000–$10,000 |
| Sous Chef | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Chef de Partie | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Demi CDP | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Commis | $900–$1,200 |
4.4 Entertainment, Spa, Retail
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Dancers/Singers | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Musicians | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Spa Therapist | $1,200–$2,500 + commission |
| Fitness Trainer | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Retail Associate | $1,000–$1,800 + commission |
4.5 Maritime & Technical
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Captain | $12,000–$15,000 |
| Staff Captain | $8,000–$11,000 |
| Chief Engineer | $10,000–$14,000 |
| Second Engineer | $7,000–$10,000 |
| Officer | $3,500–$6,500 |
5. How to Apply for Jobs at Cunard (Step-by-Step)
5.1 Official Website (Direct Application)
The safest and most reliable method is applying through Cunard’s official careers page.
Steps:
- Visit the official Cunard careers website (link at bottom).
- Select your department.
- Create an account.
- Upload your CV + certificates.
- Attend online assessments or interviews if selected.
- Undergo background and medical checks.
5.2 Apply Through Official Hiring Partners
Cunard works with authorized recruitment agencies across India and the world. These agencies help with documentation, interview scheduling, and application submission.
A list of partners is provided below.
5.3 General Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Passport (valid for 1+ years)
- Minimum 1–2 years experience (hospitality jobs)
- Fluent English communication
- Good health & fitness
- No visible tattoos (depends on role)
- Clear background verification
5.4 Mandatory Documents for Joining
- Passport
- STCW Safety Certificates (if required)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination (for some regions)
- U.S. C1/D Visa (for most roles)
- Medical (P&I or UKMLA)
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Updated CV
6. Recruitment Partners (India + Worldwide)
Below are authorized and widely recognized recruitment partners used by Carnival UK (which includes Cunard).
6.1 India Recruitment Partners
1. VShips India (Mumbai)
Roles: Deck, Engine, Technical, Hotel
2. Hiren International (Mumbai)
Roles: Hotel, F&B, Culinary, Housekeeping
3. Indus Hospitality Careers & Training (IHCT)
Roles: F&B, Culinary, Housekeeping
4. Kamaxi Overseas Consultants (Goa)
Roles: Culinary, Bakery, Housekeeping
5. Mumbaikar HR / Leading Cruise Recruiters
(For housekeeping & galley)
6.2 Worldwide Recruitment Partners
Philippines
- Magsaysay Maritime
- United Philippine Lines
UK & Europe
- Carnival UK Careers (Southampton)
- Viking Recruitment (Kent, UK)
South Africa
- MSC Consultants
- Blue Ocean Marine Services
Latin America
- Cast-A-Way Cruise Recruitment
Indonesia
- CTI Group Indonesia
These agencies represent multiple Carnival brands including Cunard.
Always apply only through verified and official channels to avoid scams.
7. Cunard Safety Guide (For Crew Applicants)
Working on a ship requires strong awareness of safety protocols. Cunard follows strict international maritime safety systems.
7.1 Mandatory STCW Safety Training
Before joining, crew must complete:
- STCW Basic Safety Training, including:
- Fire Fighting
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
- First Aid
7.2 Safety Drills Onboard
All crew participate in:
- Weekly emergency drills
- Evacuation training
- Muster station practice
- Lifeboat drills
- Fire response drills
7.3 Key Safety Responsibilities for Crew
- Know your muster station
- Know your designated emergency duty
- Maintain cleanliness to prevent hazards
- Report injuries or unsafe equipment
- Participate in ongoing safety training
7.4 Health & Disease Prevention
- Hand hygiene
- PPE usage
- Isolation protocols (if needed)
- Regular medical check-ups
7.5 Security Rules
- No unauthorized access to restricted areas
- Alcohol & drug-free workplace
- Maintain guest confidentiality
- Follow maritime security levels (ISPS Code)
8. Official Links
Below are the safe and authentic sources.
Cunard Official Website
Cunard Careers (Official Job Portal)
https://careers.cunard.com
https://jobs.carnivalukgroup.com
Carnival Corporation (Parent Company)
Cunard Fleet Information
https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/our-ships
Conclusion
Cunard Line remains one of the most prestigious employers in the cruise industry, offering career growth, global travel, tax-free income, and a refined work environment rooted in British luxury and heritage. Whether you are a chef, waiter, housekeeping professional, entertainer, or maritime officer, Cunard offers unmatched opportunities for long-term career development.
Careers page: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/careers Cunard Line
Fleet information: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-ships Cunard Line
Parent company careers (Carnival UK): https://www.carnivalukcareers.co.uk Carnival UK Careers+1
You must be logged in to post a comment.