Cunard Queen Mary 2

Setting sail in 2004, the Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s most magnificent ocean liner, blends the transatlantic experience of decades past with modern facilities.

The space for 2,620 passengers features 15 restaurants, five swimming pools, a casino, a 3D cinema, a planetarium, and a spa and was specifically built to cross the ocean. As such, this ship replacing the Queen Elizabeth 2 makes several transatlantic cruises, as well as European and Caribbean itineraries.

Grandness pervades practically every inch, starting with the common areas. The lower levels feature the Illuminations Theater, where you’ll be able to watch movies in 3D, and the Royal Court Theater, home to the Royal Cunard Company. The rest is essentially an entertainment complex for all tastes, with the Grand Lobby featuring live music, the Empire Casino, the Golden Lion Pub, the Shopping Arcade, Britannia Restaurant, various wine and champagne bars, and the G32 Nightclub.

Living Accommodations & Dining

Passengers are divided into the Britannia and Grill classes, which pertain to living arrangements and dining options.

The former encompasses those staying in everything from economical 157 square foot inside cabins to those in deluxe and premium balcony cabins, which range from 248 to 269 square feet. When it comes to dining, these passengers eat in the Britannia Restaurant.

Princess and Grill suites present the next levels of amenities, with cabins ranging in size from 381 to 2,249 square feet. But that’s not all: Along with the spaciousness, passengers can enjoy butler service, flat screen televisions, Frette linens, and canapés and wine. Out of the 1,310 total rooms, the bi-level suites in the Queens Grill Duplex Apartments represent the apex of luxury – not only for their spaciousness but access to an outdoor terrace and whirlpool.

Dining for these higher classes encompasses multiple restaurants: Winter Garden, the Queen’s Grill Lounge, the Queen’s Grill, Princess Grill, and the a la carte Todd English Restaurant.

Out of these, The Grills offer an intimate experience, complete with a private balcony. Some consider it the most luxurious, intimate place on board the ship.

All travelers have the chance to eat in the King’s Court, which centers around a 24-hour buffet for breakfast and lunch. Inside, four quarters direct you to Asian, British, Italian, and specialty cuisine.

Activities

The Queen Mary 2 is most notable for its inclusion of a planetarium – the first ship at sea to have such a facility. As you sit back, observe stars, moons, and constellations, as you journey into outer space.

The Library is just as eye-opening, with 8,000 volumes of books in a beautiful wood setting. Or if you prefer live performances, the Royal Court Theater puts on classical-style, award-winning entertainment, such as lavish stage productions and musicals.

Others find enjoyment on the dance floor, and in considering the ships of yore, Cunard designs the Queen Mary 2 with the Queen’s Room, the largest ballroom at sea. Foxtrot or mambo under a stunning crystal chandelier, as live music plays, or partake in its stunning atmosphere at cocktail parties, the Captain’s Reception, or the Gala Ball.

When you need a moment to relax, spend some time at the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. One of the sea’s most distinctive spa experiences focuses on feeling your best every day through innovative, rejuvenating treatments.

See some of the world’s most exclusive destinations on one of the grandest cruise ships. To schedule your trip, browse all possible itineraries through Direct Line Cruises.