Queen Mary 2 Cruises
Ship Overview
Queen Mary 2 stands alone as the world's only true ocean liner - a ship designed specifically for crossing oceans rather than cruising coastlines. Since 2004, QM2 has maintained regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York, offering the only genuine ocean crossing experience available.
Her ocean liner design differs fundamentally from cruise ships. A reinforced hull withstands North Atlantic waves. Powerful engines reach 30 knots. The bow is built for heading into seas, not entertaining in calm waters. QM2 connects continents the way travelers crossed for centuries - but with 21st-century luxury.
British heritage pervades the experience. Queens Grill guests dine in exclusive restaurants. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room features white-gloved service. The largest library at sea houses 8,000 volumes. Kennels accommodate transatlantic pets. Formal nights feature gowns and tuxedos.
The only way to properly arrive in or depart New York is by ship. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty at sunrise or sunset, approaching Manhattan's skyline, creates memories no flight can match.
Ship Specifications
Queen Mary 2 Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 149,215 GT
- Length: 1,132 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 2,691 (double)
- Crew: 1,253
- Decks: 17
- Top Speed: 30+ knots
- Home Port: Southampton, England
- Maiden Voyage: January 2004
- Class: Only ship in class (only ocean liner)
Accommodations
Queen Mary 2 Accommodation Tiers:
- Queens Grill: Top suites, butler service, exclusive restaurant
- Princess Grill: Premium service, dedicated dining
- Britannia Club: Flexible dining, enhanced service
- Britannia: Traditional cruise accommodations
All include access to all ship facilities; dining tier determines restaurant assignment.
Dining Venues
Queen Mary 2 Dining:
- Queens Grill (suite exclusive)
- Princess Grill (Princess class)
- Britannia Restaurant (2 levels, 1,347 seats)
- The Verandah (specialty French)
- Steakhouse at The Verandah
- Kings Court (casual buffet)
- Golden Lion Pub
- Sir Samuel's wine bar
Entertainment & Activities
Queen Mary 2 Entertainment:
- Illuminations Planetarium (only at sea)
- Royal Court Theatre
- G32 nightclub
- Chart Room piano bar
- Commodore Club
- Empire Casino
- Queens Room ballroom
- Largest library at sea (8,000 books)
- ConneXions enrichment lectures
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean liners like QM2 are built with reinforced hulls and powerful engines for crossing open oceans. Cruise ships are designed for calm coastal waters. QM2 can maintain 30 knots in North Atlantic conditions that would stop cruise ships.
Possibly. The North Atlantic can be challenging, especially in winter. QM2 handles conditions other ships cannot. Some guests embrace the motion; others prefer calmer summer crossings. Stabilizers reduce movement significantly.
QM2 maintains traditional class distinctions. Queens Grill guests receive butler service and dine exclusively. Princess Grill offers upper-premium service. Britannia provides traditional cruise experience. All access the same ship facilities.
Guest Reviews
Westbound Southampton to New York on QM2 was transcendent. Seven days of refinement at sea. Arriving in New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty was emotional. Queens Grill service impeccable. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room was civilized perfection. There's simply no other way to cross.
QM2 is a floating cathedral of British hospitality. The library became our daily retreat. Formal nights felt special, not forced. The planetarium was unexpected delight. Britannia dining was elegant. We've become Cunard converts - already booked our return crossing.