QUEEN MARY 2
The last true Ocean Liner. Purpose-built for the North Atlantic, she is faster, stronger, and more formal than any cruise ship on earth.
- Guests
- 2,691
- Tonnage
- 149,215
- Launch
- 2004
- Crew
- 1,250
The Prodigy Verdict
A League of Her Own.
The Queen Mary 2 is physically distinct from every other passenger ship. She has a deep draft, four stabilizers (cruise ships have two), and a reinforced hull to cut through the Atlantic at 30 knots. Inside, she is grand and traditional. High tea is an event, the library is the largest at sea, and the dress code is strictly enforced. It is a voyage for those who appreciate the journey more than the destination.
- Traditionalists & History Buffs
- Travelers needing to cross the Atlantic (without flying)
- Those who love formal wear (tuxedos/gowns are common)
- This is not a "party ship"; the vibe is sedate and refined.
- Dress codes are strict after 6:00 PM in most venues.
- She is large, but navigation can be complex (lots of staircases).
The Zones
From the only planetarium at sea to the largest ballroom, QM2's spaces are designed for indoor enrichment.
Illuminations
A full-scale planetarium. It features reclining seats and dome projection shows narrated by experts. It doubles as a lecture hall.
The Library
The largest library at sea with over 8,000 volumes. It faces forward with commanding ocean views—a quiet sanctuary.
Queens Room
The largest ballroom at sea. By day, it hosts white-gloved Afternoon Tea. By night, a live orchestra plays for ballroom dancing.
Golden Lion Pub
A genuine British pub offering draught beers and complimentary pub lunches (fish & chips, shepherd's pie). It feels authentically English.
Royal Court Theatre
A two-deck theatre with proscenium arch. Hosts West End-style productions and lectures from guest speakers.
G32
The two-level nightclub located aft, named after the ship's hull number. It is the one spot onboard where the "party" happens late night.
Carinthia Lounge
Refitted in 2016. A relaxed lounge serving complimentary light bites (pastries, small plates) and specialty coffees (fee applies).
The Bridge
QM2 features a unique "Bridge Viewing Gallery" where guests can see the officers and navigation equipment through a glass window.
Dining & Provisions
Cunard maintains a high standard for included dining, with distinct restaurants tied to your cabin grade.
Britannia Restaurant
Main Dining
A grand, multi-deck dining room with a sweeping staircase. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner has two fixed seatings (6pm & 8:30pm).
Golden Lion Pub
Pub Lunch
Food is complimentary. Famous for authentic fish & chips, shepherd's pie, and ploughman's lunch. A guest favorite for casual dining.
Afternoon Tea
Queens Room
A daily ritual. White-gloved waiters serve fresh scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and tea to the sound of a live orchestra.
Kings Court
The Buffet
Extensively remastered in 2016. It offers a global buffet for all meals. At night, sections transform into themed pop-up dining areas (sometimes small fee).
The Verandah
Steakhouse
The ship's premium steakhouse serving USDA prime cuts and seafood. It requires a reservation and a cover charge (lunch and dinner).
Queens Grill
Suite Dining
The most prestigious restaurant on board. Exclusive to Queens Grill guests, offering single-seating dining (arrive whenever you want) and tableside service.
Carinthia Lounge
Light Bites
Food (pastries, small plates) is complimentary here. However, the specialty coffees and alcohol incur a charge.
Sir Samuel's
Godiva Chocolate
A specialty coffee bar serving Godiva chocolates, pastries, and premium coffee blends. Charges apply for all items.
Where It Sails
Queen Mary 2 is the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service.
- New York ↔ Southampton (7 Nights)
- World Voyages (Winter)
The "Crossing" is a bucket-list event. It involves 7 days at sea with no ports—pure shipboard life, enrichment, and relaxation.
Check Crossings
See current fares for Eastbound and Westbound crossings.
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Cost Reality
Cunard offers excellent value in included amenities, but the "Grills" suites command luxury pricing.
- Britannia Dining (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Afternoon Tea (Queens Room)
- Golden Lion Pub Food
- Room Service (Basic items)
- The Verandah Steakhouse
- Alcohol & Specialty Coffee
- Godiva Chocolates (Sir Samuel's)
- Internet Packages
Don't miss the Planetarium shows. Tickets are free but must be collected in the morning from the ConneXions desk—they "sell out" quickly.
The Vibe Check
Elegant, historic, and polished. This is not a place for waterslides or belly flop contests.
It feels like the 1920s re-imagined. Evenings are an occasion—guests dress up, the music is live jazz or strings, and the service is understated but attentive.
Typically older (50+), well-traveled, and international. You will meet interesting people from all over the world on a crossing.
Ready for the crossing? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
Cunard's class system links your cabin to your dining room. Choose wisely.
Sheltered Balcony
Located on lower decks (4-6). The balcony is cut into the steel hull, offering privacy and protection from the North Atlantic wind and spray.
Britannia Club
The intermediate tier. You get a slightly better cabin, but the real perk is the **Britannia Club Restaurant**, which offers open seating dining (no fixed seating).
Queens Grill Duplex
Two-story suites with a master bedroom upstairs and living/dining downstairs. Includes butler service and access to the Queens Grill restaurant.