Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 stands as the modern expression of transatlantic grandeur—an ocean liner built for elegance, scale, and ritual at sea. Her vast teak decks and tiered promenades evoke the golden age of travel, while Planetarium shows, ballroom evenings, and literary afternoons in the library define her cultured rhythm. The Queens Room hosts afternoon tea with white-gloved service, while the Britannia and Grill restaurants preserve classic dining formality with contemporary flair. Illuminations and Insights lectures turn sea days into learning experiences, and the Commodore Club sets the tone for refined evenings above the bow. Queen Mary 2 feels stately yet welcoming: traditions remain intact, movement around the ship is seamless, and each voyage balances sophistication with space to simply breathe in the Atlantic.
Ship Facts
Class: Ocean Liner
Entered Service: 2004
Gross Tonnage: ~149,215 GT
Length: ~345 m / 1,132 ft
Beam (max): ~41 m / 135 ft
Guests: ~2,695 (double), up to ~3,100+
Crew: ~1,250+
Decks: 14 total (12 guest)
Signature Features: Planetarium, Queens Room Ballroom, Britannia Restaurant, Commodore Club, Illuminations Cinema, Mareel Spa
Itinerary Style: Transatlantic crossings, world cruises, and seasonal sailings in Northern Europe and the Caribbean
Onboard Experience
Accommodation
Queen Mary 2 arranges staterooms in a way that matches her liner pedigree—quiet cabins along the promenade decks for walkers, oceanview and balcony rooms framing the Atlantic, and well-placed interiors that still feel composed on sea days. Storage runs deep in wardrobes and under beds, with vanity space that keeps evening prep unhurried. Britannia guests enjoy classic layouts with plush bedding; Britannia Club adds anytime dining and a calmer dining room. In the Grills, larger suites introduce butler service, separate living areas, and access to private terraces where mornings arrive with coffee and horizon.Dining
Britannia Restaurant anchors the ritual—multiple courses, white linens, and a clink of glassware that sets the tone for evenings at sea. Britannia Club offers a similar menu with flexible timing, while Princess Grill and Queens Grill elevate things with bespoke dishes and tableside touches. Kings Court covers the casual moments with global stations and late-night bites. The Golden Lion serves pub classics and pies, Carinthia Lounge leans light with artisanal snacks, and specialty steakhouse service at The Verandah answers the celebratory dinner without fuss. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room remains the daily rite you plan around.Bars & Lounges
Evenings begin with a bow-view martini in the Commodore Club, then drift to the Chart Room for live jazz and proper classics. The Golden Lion Pub gathers trivia teams and singalongs before dinner; Carinthia Lounge becomes a mellow post-lecture hideaway. After the show, G32 turns into a late-night dance floor, while the Grills Lounge keeps conversation low-lit and unrushed. Out on deck, a glass on the terrace feels right at sunset when the ship points west and the air cools over the North Atlantic.Activities & Entertainment
Illuminations hosts planetarium shows by day and cinema by night, while Insights talks bring authors, astronomers, and historians to the stage. The Queens Room ballroom fills for big-band sets and formal dancing; the Royal Court Theatre stages production shows and guest performers with crisp sightlines. Sea days stretch well with library time, deck games, shuffleboard, and laps on the wraparound promenade. The Mareel Spa adds hydrotherapy and quiet thermal rooms, and a surprisingly good gym keeps routines intact. For something uniquely QM2, step up for fencing lessons or visit the famous kennels on transatlantic crossings.Queen Mary 2 Highlights
Purpose-built as an ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 runs fast and steady, turning long sea days into a rhythm of lectures, tea, dressing for dinner, and starlit walks on teak decks. Wayfinding is straightforward—lobby, lifts, theatre—so meeting up feels easy even on a ship of this scale. Formal nights create a shared sense of occasion; informal evenings still feel refined. Transatlantic itineraries set the benchmark, with seasonal cruises adding fjords, islands, and warm-weather escapes without disturbing the ship’s unhurried cadence.
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FAQ
1 What is the dress code in the evenings?
After about 6 pm, the dining rooms shift to smart attire: jackets or smart shirts and trousers are typical for men; dresses, skirts, or elegant separates for women. On Gala Evenings, full formalwear is encouraged—think tuxedos or dark suits and long or cocktail dresses with a touch of sparkle.
2 How well set up is the ship for families and children?
There are age-specific kids’ clubs, family-friendly film screenings, and a children’s pool area, plus supervised activities on sea days. The overall atmosphere is classic and relaxed rather than theme-park-style, but families who enjoy calm sea days and structured activities tend to rate it highly.
3 What kinds of activities typically fill sea days?
On Queen Mary 2, expect lectures and talks, planetarium or cinema sessions, dance and fitness classes, deck walks on the promenade, afternoon tea in the ballroom, and library time. The rhythm is unhurried, with plenty of quiet corners if you prefer reading over scheduled events.
4 What is the guest atmosphere like—does it skew older?
The crowd spans a wide range, but many sailings lean toward mature travelers and enthusiasts of classic ocean travel. Recent reports suggest a comfortable mix, with the vibe described as refined, social, and pleasantly unhurried rather than party-centric.
5 What currency and payment system is used onboard?
Onboard transactions are settled in US Dollars and charged to your stateroom account linked to a payment card. Cash is rarely needed beyond small tips or specific situations.
6 How does a transatlantic crossing feel compared to resort-style cruises?
A crossing on Queen Mary 2 emphasizes ocean-liner tradition: long stretches at sea, promenades, ballroom evenings, afternoon tea, and thoughtful programming. Fewer port days and more sea time create a distinctive, restorative pace.
7 How formal are Gala Evenings in practice?
Many guests go all-in with tuxedos, bow ties, and floor-length gowns. Others choose elegant alternatives like a dark suit and tie or a tailored jumpsuit. The common thread is polished, celebratory dressing that lifts the mood of the evening.
8 Is it easy to find a quiet spot even when the ship is busy?
Yes. Thanks to the ship’s scale and layout—multiple lounges, deep library, broad promenades, and tucked-away nooks—guests routinely report finding peaceful spaces for reading, conversation, or simply watching the sea.
9 Is the classic “ocean-liner feel” still authentic onboard?
Very much so. Aboard Queen Mary 2, the ballroom, planetarium/cinema venue, wraparound promenade, afternoon tea ritual, and multi-day sea passages preserve a sense of heritage that feels different from mainstream resort ships.
10 How does stateroom grade affect dining and access?
Accommodation is organized by grade—Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill—which determines your primary dining room and, at the Grill levels, access to dedicated lounges and terraces. The structure helps shape a clear, consistent onboard experience.