Compare & book Queen Mary 2
Introducing Queen Mary 2
The flagship of Cunard, a heritage brand dating to 1840, Queen Mary 2 was christened in Southampton in 2004 by its godmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Since then, it’s completed over 400 transatlantic crossings and sailed several world cruises. It’s also undergone multiple extensive refurbishments and welcomed a star-studded constellation of guests, ranging from Meryl Streep to Ed Sheeran.
What has grabbed the most headlines, however, is that it welcomes four-legged guests: it’s one of the only dog and cat-friendly cruise ships currently sailing.
Key facts
- Capacity: 2,691
- Crew: 1,250
- Length: 345 metres
- Passenger decks: 14
What are the facilities on Queen Mary 2 like?
Queen Mary 2 has no shortage of amenities, but here are a few highlights to look out for:
The Kennels: Dogs and cats are welcome and enjoy access to kennel amenities and a dedicated sun deck for walks. The latter features a New York fire hydrant and a Liverpool lamp post for when nature calls. You can even enjoy a portrait session with the Kennel Master and ship photographer.
Illuminations: This multi-media theatre features 2D and 3D film screenings, special guest speakers, family-friendly programming and more. Notably, it also functions as the first-ever planetarium at sea.
The Lookout: This is an outdoor observation post located at the highest point in the ship, directly above the Bridge. It offers panoramic views of the seascapes below.
Open decks: The wraparound Promenade Deck is perfect for a stroll or a jog (there’s a dedicated track). The Sun Deck, meanwhile, is great for working on your tan, and on Deck 12 you’ll find classic games like shuffleboard.
Pools and whirlpools: The Pavilion Pool has a retractable glass roof, meaning it can be enjoyed whatever the weather, while the Terrace Pool is a popular alfresco spot. The Minnows Pool, which is specifically designed for families, is conveniently placed right by the kids’ clubs.
The Sports Centre: You’ll find plenty of facilities for a range of sports, including a basketball court and football pitch. The centre also plays host to popular table tennis tournaments. The outdoor golf net and indoor golf simulator are the cherry on top.
Mareel Wellness & Beauty: This luxury spa and salon offers therapies inspired by the sea, ranging from facials and massages to nail and hair treatments. Keep in mind these services incur an extra fee.
Aqua therapy centre: It includes a steam room, a hydrotherapy pool and a relaxing lounge.
The Library: Queen Mary 2 has the largest library at sea, with over 8,000 hardbacks, 500 paperbacks and 200 audiobooks. From travelogues and Pulitzer-awarded novels to swashbuckling romances and thrilling mysteries, there’s something to match every taste.
Fitness centre: This is well-equipped, including cardio and strength-training machines. Group classes are hosted frequently, and you can also book personal training (at an extra cost).
What restaurants are there on Queen Mary 2?
Britannia Restaurant: This complimentary restaurant is one of the most impressive on board, with white-gloved waiters, a sweeping staircase and balcony-style mezzanine. It serves up five-course menus that change daily, featuring a blend of British and regional cuisine.
During the day, the dress code is relaxed, but after 6 pm, smart attire is expected. During Gala Evenings, guests are encouraged to dress to impress, with tuxes and gowns par for the course.
Britannia Club restaurant: This dining venue is exclusively reserved for guests in Britannia Club accommodation. Expect Art Deco design, a special à la carte menu and a table reserved for you throughout your voyage. The dress code mirrors the one in Britannia.
Kings Court: If you want a casual bite, this is the place to go. It’s open from early morning to late at night, with international and continental cuisine served buffet-style. Options tend to include pizza, sushi, curries and salads. The dress code is always informal here, even on Gala Evenings.
The Golden Lion: This classic pub serves up refined British fare curated by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Most of the menu is complimentary, apart from a select few dishes which require a premium.
Steakhouse at The Verandah: This requires an additional fee and is a strong contender for marking special occasions. It offers steaks sourced from a British butcher that has been in business since the 1930s, as well as surf and turf starring seafood such as Alaskan crab and Dover sole. You’ll also find a menu of transatlantic cocktails inspired by London and New York.
Princess Grill: This is exclusively for guests in Princess Grill Suites, with elevated dining, personalised touches and discreet, attentive service. Highlights include the theatrical flair of tableside serving. Breakfast and lunch are relatively informal, while post-6 pm, smart attire is requested (jacket optional). Gala Evenings, of course, call for black tie.
Queens Grill: This is exclusive to guests in Queens Grill Suites and offers a fine dining experience. A table is reserved for your exclusive use throughout your voyage, and you can choose between a constantly evolving menu of dishes and an always available repertoire. The chef’s speciality sharing dishes are particularly showstopping. The dress code is consistent with Princess Grill.
Afternoon Tea: Cruisers on Queen Mary 2 often cite this tradition as a highlight, thanks to the ambience of the Queens Room and the white-gloved service, as well as the premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, scones generously dressed in clotted cream and jam (or vice versa) and elegant cakes.
Room service: Whether you’re keen for breakfast in bed or dinner in the comfort of your stateroom after a long day of sightseeing on shore, Queen Mary 2 will accommodate. Room service is complimentary, though some supplementary dishes incur an additional fee.
Breakfast must be ordered the night before. Expect lunch and dinner to arrive approximately half an hour to 40 minutes after you place your order.
What bars are there on Queen Mary 2?
Commodore Club: This piano bar is a key social hub of the ship thanks to its expansive views and signature cocktails.
Queens Room: This is where Afternoon Tea is held during the day, but at dusk it transforms, with a resident band adding atmosphere and guests taking to the floor for foxtrots or samba.
Laurent Perrier Champagne bar: Amongst warm, wood furnishings, you can sip your way through an impressive line-up of sparkling vintages.
G32: This two-storey nightclub takes its name from Queen Mary 2’s shipyard hull number and is the go-to destination for late-night revellers looking for a boogie or midnight tipple.
Golden Lion: This is a classic British pub at sea. The dress code is always informal, and there’s frequently sports, quizzes or live music, as well as classic Cunard ales.
Chart Room: This Art Deco bar may serve up espresso and croissants by day, but in the evening, all eyes are on the zodiac-themed cocktails.
Carinthia Lounge: This café-bar is always casual, even on Gala Evenings. During the day, you’ll find a menu of small plates, while at night, guests are drawn by the extensive, Iberian-inspired wine list.
Churchill’s Cigar Lounge: As well as hand-rolled cigars from the humidor, you can enjoy top-shelf single malts and vintage ports.
Casino bar: This is where guests can grab cocktails between trying their luck at the tables.
What is the accommodation like on Queen Mary 2?
Queen Mary 2 has 1,353 staterooms across 11 categories. These range from penthouse suites and balcony cabins to inside, atrium-view staterooms with interior windows overlooking the grand lobby.
The Grill Suites, some of which are named after royal residences, offer the highest level of luxury, with personalised touches, priority embarkation and dedicated concierge or butler service.
The ship also has solo staterooms for those travelling independently. In these cabins, you’ll find a single bed, ample storage and a private bathroom, alongside freedom from hefty singles supplements.
Guests with limited mobility have a good range of options, too, including wheelchair-accessible cabins with specially equipped bathrooms. If you have specific accessibility requirements, be sure to mention them when you’re booking so the Cunard team can accommodate you.
What is the entertainment like on Queen Mary 2?
Theatre: Queen Mary 2’s Royal Court Theatre hosts Broadway and West End-style productions, musical revues, comedians and more. One particular highlight is the original pieces from the Royal Court Theatre Company, which are adapted for Cunard’s signature programme. Recitals by the Royal Shakespeare Company are also guest favourites.
Live music: Classical pianists, harpists, jazz bands, folk musicians and string quartets feature in venues across Queen Mary 2, such as the Commodore Club and Queens Room.
Enrichment: On the Queen Mary 2, you can make the most of Cunard’s signature Insight Programme, which features distinguished speakers who share their expertise on subjects such as art history, literature and current events. Past guests have ranged from choreographers and Olympians to foreign correspondents, novelists and actors.
What are the activities on Queen Mary 2 like?
Behind-the-scenes tours: The crew aboard Queen Mary 2 offer a glimpse behind the curtain. In small groups, guests can see the inner workings of the ship, from the Bridge to backstage at the Royal Court Theatre.
Classes: You’ll be able to hone a wide selection of skills while aboard the Queen Mary 2. You might spend an afternoon perfecting the art of mixing a Bond-worthy martini, brushing up on your dance steps, or trying your hand at watercolour painting. Wellness seminars and workshops are also available.
Gala Evenings: Consider these your official invitation to dress to the nines and enjoy a night of celebration. Each Gala Evening has a specific theme (you’ll be told ahead of time), such as the Roaring 20s or Masquerade, with signature cocktails and musical acts to match.
What destinations is Queen Mary 2 sailing to?
Queen Mary 2 is known for its transatlantic routes, frequently travelling from Southampton and New York and vice versa.
Beyond that, destinations include the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Cape Town, Singapore and further afield.
It also sails mini cruises that last just two or three days and visit destinations like Cherbourg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Hamburg. On the other end of the spectrum, it sails world cruise odysseys that can span over 110 days and visit far-flung destinations such as New Zealand and the Panama Canal.
Who should sail on Queen Mary 2?
Couples: It’s popular with couples for good reason, with plenty of old-school romance to be had. Between Gala Evenings, Broadway-style productions and champagne bars, it takes date night to the next level.
Solo travellers: Thanks to spacious single staterooms and the choice to socialise as much or as little as you like, it’s a strong match for solo sailors.
Dog and cat owners: This ship has the unique distinction of welcoming four-legged friends, with dedicated kennels to make sure pets are pampered all through their journey – after all, it’s their holiday, too.
Families: Guests of all ages are welcome on the Queen Mary 2, making it ideal for a multi-gen holiday at sea. It offers four age-specific kids’ clubs, for youngsters ranging from six months to 17 years old.
Kids’ menus in the restaurants and a dedicated children’s Afternoon Tea are also available. Most pools are suitable for children, and the Minnows pool is reserved specifically for families.
What is included in the fare on Queen Mary 2?
Precise inclusions vary depending on your stateroom category, but you can expect the following as standard:
Accommodation: A well-appointed cabin or suite is included in your fare, of course, though precise amenities depend on the category you select. For instance, in Queens Grill Suites, you get extra perks like champagne, fresh flowers and personalised stationery.
Dining: Your fare includes full board across a range of dining venues, though some restaurants or menu items may incur an additional fee. Also, some restaurants are exclusive to different accommodation categories.
Entertainment: Broadway-style productions, guest lectures and Gala Evenings are all bundled into your fare.
Activities: A range of activities for guests of all ages are included in your fare. This includes kids’ clubs, deck games, dance classes and more.
Please note that the following are not typically included as standard: alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, gratuities, speciality dining, Wi-Fi package and shore excursions.
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Queen Mary 2: Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Queen Mary 2 launch?
Its maiden voyage was in 2004. Since then, it’s had several extensive refurbishments.
Does Queen Mary 2 have good reviews?
Queen Mary 2 has an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on our customer reviews. You can read an expert review here.
How big is Queen Mary 2?
It’s 345 metres in length and 149,218 gross tons. It can accommodate 2,691 guests and 1,250 crew.
What is the dress code on Queen Mary 2?
During the day, the dress code is informal, with shorts, sundresses, T-shirts and jumpers all par for the course. The only caveat is that swimwear is not permitted in indoor dining areas.
In the evenings, smart attire is required in most venues. Think cocktail dresses and dinner jackets. The exception is Gala Evenings, where black tie is encouraged – this is the time to break out your tuxes and gowns.
Keep in mind that Gala Evenings can have one of four themes, which you will be advised of in advance. These can be:
- Black and white
- Red and gold
- Roaring 20s
- Masquerade ball
Are there laundry services aboard Queen Mary 2?
Yes, there are laundry services, including ironing boards and dryers, on most accommodation decks.
Is Queen Mary 2 accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, there are accessible staterooms available with specially adapted bathrooms. Each theatre onboard also has a number of wheelchair spaces.
Are children allowed on Queen Mary 2?
Yes. The minimum age on many sailings is six months, though on transatlantic crossings, world cruises and some itineraries to far-flung destinations, it’s 12 months. There are kids’ clubs, children’s menus and family-friendly entertainment available.
However, note that some areas, such as the nightclub G32 and the casino, are out of bounds for under-18s.
Is there a vet on Queen Mary 2?
No, Queen Mary 2 does not have a vet, and the ship’s medical staff are not trained to treat animals. Consulting your vet before sailing is advisable, particularly if you’re concerned about your pet experiencing motion sickness.
Does Queen Mary 2 host any themed cruises?
You can sometimes snag exclusive themed cruises such as a Literature Festival at Sea, London Theatre at Sea or a voyage with a symphony orchestra.
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