Queen Elizabeth

Cunard line has a deeply loyal following of repeat cruisers (known as "Cunarders") who know all the quirks of the fleet. If you want to cruise like a seasoned pro on the MS Queen Elizabeth, keep these lesser-known hacks, hidden spaces, and booking secrets in mind.

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1. Rent a Private West End-Style Theatre Box

The Royal Court Theatre onboard is magnificent, but few first-time passengers realize you can actually rent out one of the private side boxes for a true VIP experience.

• The Hack: On embarkation day, head straight to the Purser’s Desk (Guest Services) to ask about renting a box for a formal night. It is surprisingly affordable and typically includes a half-bottle of Champagne, premium chocolates, and your own private velvet-lined seating space overlooking the stage.

2. The Free "Hidden" Saunas

On most modern mega-ships, access to the spa's thermal suite, steam rooms, and saunas will easily run you an extra $30 to $50 a day.

• The Secret: While the Mareel Spa’s central thalassotherapy pool requires a paid pass, the traditional dry saunas located directly inside the main changing rooms (by the fitness center/gym) are completely free of charge for all guests.

3. The Secret Deck 6 Panoramic View (Panama Canal Hack)

If you ever find yourself on a Queen Elizabeth itinerary that features a full transit of the Panama Canal or navigation through the Alaskan fjords, the top sun decks get incredibly crowded.

• The Hack: Book a stateroom as far forward as possible on Deck 6. During major scenic transits, the crew frequently unlocks the forward-facing steel doors at the very end of the cabin corridors. These lead out to an exclusive, uncrowded forward viewing platform directly under the bridge—giving you a panoramic view of the action without the crowds.

4. The "Bow to Stern" Navigation Secret

If you want to walk from one end of the ship to the other without getting trapped in the seemingly endless, narrow cabin hallways, you need to pick your decks wisely.

• The Tip: Stick strictly to Deck 3 or Deck 9 for cross-ship travel. These decks are designed around public spaces (the Royal Arcade, Grand Lobby, and Lido), meaning your walk will take you through beautiful Art Deco common areas rather than bumping into housekeeping carts in the stateroom corridors.

5. Avoid the Formal Dress Code Without Being Confined to Your Room

Cunard is famous for its strict evening dress code. After 6:00 PM on Gala Nights, men are required to wear a dinner jacket or suit, and jeans are strictly banned in the main dining rooms and theaters. If you just want a relaxed night, you don't have to stay hiding in your cabin.

• The Escape: While the Lido Buffet is the primary casual dining area on formal nights, you can also head down to the Golden Lion Pub. It remains beautifully informal all night long, allowing you to enjoy an authentic plate of fish and chips and a pint of ale in smart-casual clothes.

6. The Best Secret Spot for Jigsaws and People-Watching

If you love a quiet spot to read, do a crossword, or work on a puzzle, look for the communal tables set up in the Queens Arcade (the beautiful corridor connecting the Grand Lobby to the Golden Lion Pub) or right outside the library.

• The Vibe: Cunarders have a long-standing tradition of working on massive, community jigsaw puzzles here. Anyone can stop by, sit in a plush window seat, and add a few pieces while watching the ship go by.

7. The Free Viewing Telescope

If you head up toward the forward observations lounge and the outer decks near the Commodore Club, look around the perimeter rail. Cunard provides high-powered, mounted marine viewing telescopes for spotting wildlife or distant coastlines. Unlike the coin-operated binoculars you find at land-based viewpoints, these are entirely free for passenger use.