Queen Elizabeth Review

Cunard draws a lot of loyal cruisers, but a more specific breakdown of who sails on Queen Elizabeth depends on where the ship is going. Typically, expect a mix of Brits and Americans with groups of German, Australian and Japanese passengers, as well. Transatlantic and more exotic sailings draw an older demographic, while Alaska attracts a few families and a healthy number of first-time cruisers. Sailings round trip from Southampton inevitably bring more Brits onboard -- a handful of short cruises each year give new cruisers the chance to sample the ship. World cruises attract a mix of older passengers from all over the globe -- and the well-traveled variety at that.

Daytime: During the day, stylish casual wear, including jeans and shorts, is fine onboard. The Britannia Restaurant requires a casual wear dress code for breakfast and lunch.

Evening: The evening dress code comes into play at 6 p.m. On informal nights, which are still more formal than on most cruise lines, smart attire is required; men should wear a jacket (ties are not required) and ladies may opt for a dress, skirt or trousers. No jeans or shorts are allowed.

There is no limit to the glamor on formal nights, called gala evenings -- typically three on a 10-night sailing (two on Alaska voyages). People make a big effort to dress up, with lots of long gowns. Many gala evenings are also themed -- masquerade or Roaring Twenties -- so be sure to check out the schedule before packing to include any costume elements.

For passengers who don't want to dress up on formal nights, the nightly dinner buffet in The Lido -- along with the Golden Lion Pub, the Carinthia Lounge, the casino, the Garden Lounge and the Yacht Club -- has a casual and relaxed dress code (still no shorts). You'll have to be dressed up to visit anywhere else onboard, including the theater.

There is a relaxed dress code in the Britannia Restaurant on the first night of every cruise, which does not require a jacket.

Not permitted: Swimsuits, sarongs and gym wear are allowed poolside, on deck and in the spa and fitness center, but passengers must be covered up in any other areas of the ship.

Shorts, torn or tattered clothing, sandals or sleeveless T-shirts are not permitted in any part of the ship after 6 p.m.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Inclusions

Included in Cruise Fare

• The Britannia Restaurant (or appropriate suite-level dining venue), the Lido Buffet, meals in the Golden Lion Pub and room service

• Daily afternoon tea in the Queens Room

• All shows in the Royal Court Theatre and live music throughout the ship

• Enrichment lectures

• Use of the Games Deck

• Use of the fitness facility, but not all classes

• Most daily activities, including fencing lessons, unless otherwise noted

Not Included in Cruise Fare

• Gratuities ($11.50 per person, per day, for Britannia-grade cabins and $13.50 per person, per day, for Grills suites)

• Automatic 15 percent service charge on all drinks; 12.5 percent on spa treatments

• Alternative dining dinner in the Lido Buffet and Steakhouse at The Verandah

• All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and select juices in the buffet

• Spa treatments and use of the thermal suite

• Theater box seats for select shows

• Shore excursions

• Wi-Fi

• Photos and artwork