Queen Mary 2 - Cruise Ship Review - Passenger Reviews

The Queen of England did the honors at the naming ceremony and fanfare and fireworks greeted her at her first arrival into nearly every port – the 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2, or QM2 as she is affectionately known, took the cruise industry by storm when she was launched back in 2004 and still turns heads. The gracious old-world QM2 is considered the only real ocean liner built since Cunard’s QE2 debuted in 1969, with antiques, memorabilia and artwork reflecting this legacy. Queen Mary 2’s long and lovely black and red hull and her razor-sharp prow able to slice through open-ocean waves are a sight to behold in this age of boxy white behemoths.

Dining and Staterooms aboard Queen Mary 2
Carrying 2,592 passengers double occupancy, Queen Mary 2’s cabins are split into two groups, the Princess and Queens Grill class staterooms (the top being the huge Grand Duplex Suites, all with private dining rooms, lounges and deck space) and everything else, which comprises cozy 159-square-foot insides on up to the roomy, 248-square-foot deluxe balcony cabins. The Junior Suites, also known as the Princess Grill suites, are especially appealing with their huge bathroom with tub, walk-in closet, sitting area, and big balcony.

The exclusive Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants that serve suite passengers are low-key and elegant, while the grand Britannia Restaurant is a sight to behold, with a vaulted, Tiffany-style glass ceiling and curved balcony. Everyone is welcome to dine in the cozy and chic Todd English restaurant ($30 cover charge at dinner) and the King’s Court buffet venue.

Queen Mary 2 Public Areas
Since Queen Mary 2 was designed for comfortable cruising even in rough seas, the majority of the many public areas are set down on Decks 2 and 3, including the elegant Empire Casino, cavernous Gold Lion Pub and the stunning Chart Room. Its high ceilings and green-glass deco wall maps are beautifully retro. The Illuminations planetarium is a one-of-kind place to see 3-D films about astronomy and space, while dancers should head to the Queens Room ballroom, with a high arched ceiling and crystal chandeliers. Up on Deck 9 you’ll find one of the best spots for a drink and good views in the bow-facing Commodore Club.

The two-story Canyon Ranch Spa is popular, for both its range of treatments and aqua-therapy pool. Besides the well-stocked gym, many passengers love a long walk around the ship’s lovely traditional outdoor Promenade Deck to soak up the views and sea breezes (three times around equals one mile). Other diversions include a pair of gold simulators, pools, ping-pong, paddle-tennis and more.

Ship Information
The Queen Mary 2 is the grandest and most magnificent ocean liner ever built. She is an ocean liner for the new traditionalist, with an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 is a majestic experience that should be on every cruise enthusiast's list of "Must-Do" cruises.

During a six or seven day crossing, you will meet many interesting personalities and have many engaging conversations. In the dining rooms over lunch or dinner, in the Champagne Bar and the Commodore Club, or perhaps over a pint of beer in the Golden Lion Pub. The possibilities are endless.

Ship Facts
Year Built 2004 ♦ Ship's Class: Class Of Its Own ♦ Year Refurbished 2008 ♦ Country of Registry Great Britain ♦ Tonnage 151,000 metric tons (a volume measurement, not weight) ♦ Length 1,132 ft - 345 m ♦ Cruising Speed 28 knots ♦ Passenger Capacity (double occupancy) 2,592 ♦ Passenger Decks 14 ♦ Officers and Crew 1,253 ♦ Officer's Nationality British ♦ Crew and Hotel Staff Nationality International ♦ Passengers to Staff Ratio 2.09 to 1

Cabins
Total 1,296 ♦ Suites with Balcony 172 ♦ Oceanview with Balcony 783 ♦ Oceanview without Balcony 62 ♦ Inside with Atrium View 12 ♦ Inside 267 ♦ Accessible Cabins (all categories) 32 ♦ Cunard Line cabins and suites represent a wide range of options. Amenties in all cabins include luxury bedding, refrigerator, satellite TV programming, and complimentary room service. Passengers traveling in the Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites have access to a private lounge, and dine at a reserved table in their respective Grill Restaurant. Passengers in category AA Britannia Club Balcony cabins dine in the single seating Britannia Club. Passengers in other categories enjoy dining in the traditional grandeur of the Britannia Restaurant, with 1st and 2nd seating for dinner.

Cabin Amenities
TV with music channels ♦ In-Cabin Movies ♦ In-Cabin Internet Access ♦ Private Safe ♦ Minibar ♦ Hair Dryer

Dining
Traditional 1st and 2nd Sitting Assigned Table Seating in the Britannia Restaurant ♦ Single Seating Dining for passengers in the Queen's Grill, Princess Grill, and cabin category AA Britannia Club allows you to be seated at your reserved table when you arrive ♦ Specialty Restaurants (reservations recommended): Todd English, Lotus, the Carvery, La Piazza ♦ The Golden Lion Pub serves traditional pub lunch fare, such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash ♦ Dress code on Cunard Line includes formal, informal, and casual evenings ♦ 24 Hour Food Service Available

Public Rooms
Bars and Lounges ♦ Library ♦ Internet Center

Entertainment
Showlounge ♦ Casino ♦ Disco/Nightclub ♦ Card Room/Game Room

Sports and Activities
Outdoor Pool ♦ Fitness Center ♦ Sports Court ♦ Promenade deck wraps around the ship

Enrichment Programs
Cunard Line is known for its enrichment programs. Cunard Insights lets you learn about historical and contemporary subjects presented by speakers that include academics, explorere, former diplomats and politicians, writers, TV personalities, and more. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art performs famous plays and adaptations, and you also have the opportunity to take part in acting classes. On select voyages you might also find the onboard program to include lectures by members of the Royal Astronomical Society, or jazz performances by the Juillard School.

On the Queen Mary 2 there is even a planetarium, presenting up to four space shows per day.

Spa and Wellness
Full Service Spa ♦ MedSpa Services ♦ Sauna or Steam Room ♦ Beauty Salon ♦ Yoga ♦ Pilates ♦ Fitness Assessment ♦ Health and Nutrition Evaluation

Children and Teens
Organized Age Specific Activities ♦ Indoor Children's Play Room ♦ Outdoor Children's Play Area ♦ Youth Staff ♦ Dedicated Teen Center ♦ Teen Programs ♦ Teen Staff ♦ Group Babysitting Services

Other Facilities and Services
Duty Free Shops and Boutiques ♦ Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service ♦ Business Center Services ♦ Medical Center