The Cunard adverts have long been some of the most distinctive and talked-about on British television — but who is actually behind the voice?
This article looks at the confirmed narrators across Cunard’s most notable campaigns, and what makes their advertising so recognisable.
Who Voices the Cunard Adverts?
Cunard has used several different voices across its campaigns over the years, and the answer depends on which advert you are thinking of. The cruise line is known for choosing voices that convey a sense of timeless elegance — fitting for a company that has been operating since 1839.
The most recent Cunard TV advert, launched in June 2025, is narrated by British actor Richard E. Grant. Cunard confirmed this on their own website, describing it as their first made-for-TV commercial, telling a story that “invites you into the world of Cunard.” The advert launched in the UK on 16 June 2025, appearing alongside ITV drama Shardlake and Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox. You can read more about it directly at cunard.com.
The “Dreams” Advert — Alan Watts
The most widely discussed Cunard voiceover belongs not to a living celebrity, but to the late British philosopher Alan Watts.
Cunard’s “Dreams” advert features a recording of Watts — a writer and speaker best known for bringing Eastern philosophy to Western audiences in the 1950s and 1960s — asking listeners to imagine what they would do if they could dream any dream they wanted to dream. His words invite viewers to “dream of love, banquets, journeys and music beyond all belief,” and then to forget that they were dreaming. Watts died in 1973; the recording used in the advert is drawn from his existing archive of lectures and speeches, which have been widely available for many years.
The “Dreams” advert made its debut as a cinema spot, appearing before every UK screening of the Downton Abbey film in 2019 — Cunard’s first ever cinema advertisement. It subsequently aired on television and became one of the most-recognised cruise ads in recent memory. Cunard confirmed on their official Facebook page that the voice belongs to “Alan Watts, British philosopher.”
The advert was produced by Cunard’s agency Alpha Century and focused on the transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, the world’s only remaining ocean liner. As Cunard’s then-Marketing Director noted at the time, the choice of Watts reflected a desire to speak to audiences who find it hard to switch off.
Alan Watts Voice in Cunard Ad — Fact Check
The voice of Alan Watts in the Cunard “Dreams” advert is confirmed.
Multiple sources — including Cunard’s own social media, trade publications, and cruise industry news sites — have verified that the narration is taken from recordings of Alan Watts. The advert was produced with the involvement of the Alan Watts organisation, which manages the rights to his works.
The use of his voice attracted considerable attention, with many viewers initially unaware that the speaker had died decades earlier. Some commentators noted that the advert excerpts Watts’ original speech selectively — as is common in advertising — but the identity of the voice has never been in doubt.
Cunard’s Fleet of Queen Ships
Cunard currently operates a fleet of four ships, each bearing the “Queen” name that has become synonymous with the brand.
Queen Mary 2 remains the flagship and the world’s last true ocean liner, famous for its regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth have both been in service for many years and continue to operate worldwide itineraries. The newest addition to the fleet is Queen Anne, which entered service in 2024, bringing Cunard’s fleet to four ships for the first time in the line’s modern history.
All four ships feature a range of staterooms and suites, restaurants, entertainment venues, and spa facilities, continuing Cunard’s long-standing reputation for classic ocean travel.
Contacting Cunard
The easiest way to contact Cunard is through their official website at cunard.com. The site includes a contact form, details of their UK customer service telephone number, and a comprehensive FAQ section covering bookings, onboard life, and travel requirements.
Cunard also maintains active social media channels where they post updates on itineraries, new campaigns, and ship news. Response times and contact options may vary, so checking the official website for the most up-to-date details is always recommended.
In summary, the voice most people associate with recent Cunard advertising is that of the British philosopher Alan Watts, whose recordings were used in the celebrated “Dreams” campaign. Cunard’s latest advert, launched in June 2025, is narrated by Richard E. Grant. Claims circulating online attributing Cunard campaigns to other named celebrities have not been confirmed by Cunard or any credible source, and should be treated with caution.
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