QM2 is Cunard’s flagship ship and the world’s only true ocean liner. Designed to sail the North Atlantic, she’s built with thicker steel than most other cruise ships, a deeper draft and a high speed of 28.5 knots.
A transatlantic crossing on QM2 is like no other travel experience. The ship sails for seven days between Brooklyn and Southampton without port stops, allowing passengers to enjoy a sense of separation from the outside world.
The ship
Queen Mary 2 is one of Cunard’s larger ships, which is why she can offer more entertainment and activities than many other cruise lines. The theater, for instance, is home to production shows by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers, classical music concerts and performances by visiting artists.
QM2’s ballroom, the Queens Room, is home to the largest dance floor at sea. It also hosts regular themed balls during voyages.
The ship’s lounge has a lively pub serving draught beer and bottled beverages. In addition, the Golden Lion English pub is a popular place to watch sporting events and has a live band playing each lunchtime.
If you’re traveling with kids, QM2 has a dedicated children’s club that focuses on activities that are age-appropriate and fun. In the morning, kids can choose from arts-and-crafts stations and a variety of toys in their padded play area; later, they can play with the ball bin or go to the children’s disco.
The itinerary
QM2 is the flagship of Cunard’s fleet, making her a popular choice for passengers on the iconic Transatlantic crossing. Her public areas are spread across a number of decks and she has the largest ballroom at sea, as well as 5-star entertainment nightly in her Royal Court Theatre.
The interior is designed for comfortable cruising even when the waves are rough. There are wide public corridors and a sense of spaciousness and openness that you don’t often find on modern cruise ships.
QM2’s ship-wide entertainment includes a planetarium, an impressive lecture program and a troupe from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts that gives acting lessons and performs. It also carries small musical units, duos and solo artists performing in bars and lounges on transatlantic crossings.
The interior
Cunard takes pride in its history and the QM2 has a number of features that are reminiscent of her liner predecessors. For example, large panels tell the story of Cunard and its ships.
The ship also has a whistle that is based on the original whistle from Queen Mary 2. This can be heard throughout the ship and is a nice touch for cruise line geeks!
In 2016, QM2 underwent a 25 day dry dock refurbishment that gave the ship a refreshed look. New cabins were added and changes were made to several public areas.
The interior of the ship is opulent and reflects the history of the Cunard line. This includes large panels that tell the story of the ship, its owners and famous people who have sailed on her.
The dining
QM2 and its sister ship, QV, offer a range of dining options. All are staffed by expert waiters who know how to deliver culinary delights with flair and refinement.
Queen Mary 2’s main restaurant is Britannia, which serves Britannia Balcony and Oceanview stateroom passengers. It’s a grand and elegant space elevated by formal dress on Gala evenings, with menus that combine classic flavors with international influences.
In addition to dining, the ship offers several options for relaxation, including a large library that resembles a small museum with a vast collection of volumes, and a world-class planetarium. A fitness center wraps around the bow on Deck 7, and it features a Turkish Rasul chamber for traditional hammam steam/mud baths.
The entertainment
The QM2 has a wide range of entertainment on offer. The Royal Court Theatre, the ship’s main theater, presents West End-style productions, cabaret and headline acts.
In addition, a unique Cunard program features the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Actors from the school perform during the day and lead acting classes and workshops.
Another high-profile venue is the planetarium on Deck 3 which, when the dome is retracted, functions as a luxury 3D cinema. On sea days, it also hosts a variety of science and natural history films.
For nighttime entertainment, the Queens Room is QM2’s ballroom with the largest dance floor at sea. During the cruise, it plays host to several themed balls.