The Queen of the seas has returned. The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship is one of the most iconic ocean liners in the world.
This review will give you an exclusive look at what it’s like to be on board Cunard Queen Mary 2, from staying in a Queens Grill Suite to restaurant reports and entertainment reviews. You’ll get a more comprehensive view of what life is like for passengers on this ship while they enjoy some of the best views in the world!
History of Queen Mary 2 Cruise Liner
RMS Queen Mary 2 is a transatlantic ocean liner that first set sail in January 2004 for Cunard Line. She was named after her predecessor Queen Mary, and she sails on a regular basis between Southampton, U.K. and New York City, U.S.A., making her the only ocean liner to regularly cross the Atlantic in both directions.
Now part of the Carnival cruise line group, Cunard was established by Samuel Cunard in 1840. Cunard ships were among the fastest making transatlantic voyages.
The QM2 is one of four Cunard Line vessels currently in operation. These are Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, also known as the Four Queens. She was named by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth during an official ceremony held on 8 January 2004.
The maiden voyage of QM2 departed Southampton on 12 January 2004 for New York City. QM2 has since made thousands of transatlantic cruises. She has been extensively refurbished in 2016 and 2020.
Cunard Line’s flagship vessel offers a range of cabins to suit all budgets – from basic inside cabins with no views to luxurious suites on board with access to large balconies. Read on for our exclusive review of this majestic floating palace.
Queen Mary 2 Overview
The legendary cruise ship that is the Queen Mary 2 has returned to the ocean waves once again. On 13 December 2021, Cunard’s flagship cruise liner made her first transatlantic crossing since the pandemic.
The Queen Mary 2 is a ship that can do it all. This ocean liner has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
The QM2 is one of the most luxurious cruise liners in operation today, and offers a wide variety of on-board amenities that cater to all types of guests. These include a casino, the Royal Court Theatre, the Queens Room Ballroom, G32 nightclub, several pools and the Illuminations Planetarium. There are also kennels on Deck 12, available for cats and dogs on transatlantic crossings.
Guests can admire many works of art in the public rooms including an enormous tapestry by Barbara Broekman in the Britannia Restaurant and an Art Deco inspired bronze relief panel by John McKenna in the Grand Lobby. Fun fact: there’s an image of Homer Simpson hidden in the North America panel!
Queens Grill Suites
Whether you’re taking a relaxing cruise around the Mediterranean or crossing the Atlantic in style, the Queen Mary II Queens Grill Suites are sure to make your voyage unforgettable.
The Queen Mary 2 Queens Grill Suites offer guests the utmost in luxury and comfort. With their own restaurant, special privileges and luxurious furnishings, it is no wonder that these suites are among the most popular on board the ship. The Balmoral and Sandringham suites are Cunard’s most luxurious cruise suites.
Guests who stay in a Queen Mary 2 Queens Grill Suite can enjoy exclusive access to The Queens Grill restaurant and The Grills Lounge, as well as special privileges such as priority boarding and luggage handling. The suites are also outfitted with luxurious bedding and a flat-screen TV.
Boasting a large private balcony with reclining chairs and a walk-in closet, this suite is larger than some apartments! There’s a whirlpool bath, dressing table, well-stocked glassware cabinet and a large flat screen TV. A writing desk and comfy armchairs give plenty of seating options.
These suites come with their own personal butler, priority tender services and priority disembarkation. We love the Champagne and chocolates on arrival and the pre-dinner canapés.
The complimentary bar is stocked with two bottles of spirits or wine of your choice and soft drinks. In-suite dining is available from the Queens Grill menu – we didn’t get time to try it but this would also be a fun thing to do.
Queen Mary 2 Restaurants and Bars
The Queen Mary 2 is known for her amazing dining rooms, and there are plenty of them to choose from on board. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to your taste on the Queen Mary 2.
Our personal favourites are the Queens Grill and The Verandah, but there’s something for everyone! Guests can opt for a range of drinks packages that can be ordered before you sail or on board.
Queens Grill is reserved for those staying in the Queens Grill Suites. This elegant restaurant offers an upscale experience with dishes like lobster bisque and rack of lamb. Your dinner table is available at whatever time you wish between 6.30 to 9 pm.
There’s also a good breakfast selection, with dishes such as eggs benedict, kedgeree and omelettes cooked to order.
Princess Grill restaurant is reserved for those staying in a Princess Grill Suite. It offers fine dining with an extensive menu.
Britannia Club Restaurant – available exclusively for those staying in Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms, this intimate restaurant has daily changing menus.
Britannia Restaurant – the main dining room on board the Queen Mary 2 has an elegant decor and wide choice of dishes. A children’s menu is also available.
Kings Court – this self-service restaurant has a great selection of food, from pizza to sushi and stir fries.
Steakhouse at The Verandah is a luxurious fine dining restaurant specialising in French cuisine and steak in particular. There’s a supplement to eat at The Verandah, which in our opinion is well worth it for the attentive service and delicious dishes. Don’t miss the Caribbean lobster cocktail and the Australian grass-fed wagyu beef.
The Golden Lion pub has a traditional British menu with items like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
The Carinthia Lounge is a relaxing spot for a light breakfast or lunch.
The Boardwalk Cafe is al fresco and open on trips to sunny climes.
24 hour complimentary room service is also included for all passengers. Grills guests can also order from the full Queens Grill or Princess Grill menu.
Afternoon tea is served at a variety of locations around the ship, for a supplement. In the Queens Room, white gloved waiters are on hand from 3.30 to 4.30 pm each day.
Grills guests can enjoy tea in the Grills Lounge, while a more casual version is available in Kings Court. The Godiva Lounge has a decadent chocolate themed tea, while we highly recommend the Champagne Laurent-Perrier afternoon tea served in The Champagne Lounge.
Chart Room is a stylish cocktail bar with 20 zodiac themed drinks.
Commodore Club is an elegant viewing lounge overlooking the bow of the ship.
Gin & Fizz has a fine range of premium gins and a central location on board.
Queens Room is the largest ballroom at sea, but it also hosts many other activities such as afternoon tea and fencing classes.
Queen Mary 2 Entertainment
Queen Mary II daytime activities include several pools, a cinema, a fitness center, libraries and shops. The entertainment on board the ship is top-notch.
There are daytime presentations by expert guest speakers and nightly performances around the ship from some of the world’s best musicians and dancers. We particularly enjoyed a folk music concert and a harpist recital.
Queen Mary 2’s Gala Evenings are legendary. Taking place throughout the ship, they have a specific dress code and are based on a particular theme such as Black and White or Roaring 20s.
Casino – If you’re looking for some excitement, then the casino on board the Queen Mary is the place to be! You can try your luck at blackjack, roulette, or poker.
G32 nightclub is the place to dance like no one is watching and to enjoy DJ beats and live music.
Illuminations Planetarium – This 3D cinema is the largest planetarium at sea. It offers first run Hollywood feature films as well as concerts and special events throughout the voyage.
The Royal Court Theatre spans two decks and seats almost 1,000 people.
The Promenade Deck can be found on Deck 7. Jogging is allowed between 8 am to 8 pm, so as not to disturb guests on Deck 6.
The Play Zone on Deck 6 has inside and outside zones for children aged 1-12 years and a range of art and sports activities.
Shops – on Deck 3, Queen Mary 2 offers several shops for passengers where you can find both duty-free shopping as well as souvenirs to take home with you. There’s a good range of Cunard branded items as well as fashion clothes, luxury jewelry, designer watches and formal wear.
The Library – this 8,000 volume library is the largest library at sea.
Queen Mary 2 Wellness and Spa
There are two outdoor pools on board this luxury ocean liner, as well as the indoor Pavilion Pool on Deck 12, which has a retractable roof. For children, the Minnows Pool can be found outside on Deck 6.
There are also two hot tubs next to the Pavilion Pool. On Deck 11, there’s a private outdoor area with a hot tub, open to all Grill Passengers staying in Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can head to the sports area on Deck 13 and play basketball or short tennis. When the weather is good, try your hand at deck quoits and shuffleboard. On Deck 12 there’s The Fairways Golf Simulator.
The Fitness Suite is located on Deck 16 aft. It features a wide range of cardio machines, bikes, treadmills and free weights. You can book a session with a personal trainer for a fee.
The on board salon offers hair treatments for men and women as well as a barbers, manicures and pedicures with a lovely sea view.
Head to Mareel Spa if you want to treat yourself to a day of relaxation. The treatments are well worth it.
The spa has a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite with aromatic steam room, Finnish sauna and sensory showers as well as a relaxation area. You can purchase either a single or multiday pass.
We recommend popping into the spa reception on embarkation day, as the therapists are on hand to show you the treatment rooms and to explain the various services on offer. We booked into an Aroma Stone Therapy, a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage and a Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel facial. The treatments are very effective and we felt the benefits for several weeks afterwards.
Cunard Shore Excursions
Queen Mary 2 shore excursions are a great way to explore the ports of call on your cruise. There is a wide variety of options, from guided tours and city walks to wine tastings and shopping trips.
These excursions can be booked up to a year in advance, via the My Cunard portal. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s sure to be a Queen Mary II shore excursion that’s perfect for you, from bespoke experiences to accessible tours.
We docked in Cherbourg during our Queen Mary 2 cruise and chose a foodie excursion to Cidrerie Théo Capelle (a cider and Calvados producer) and La Maison du Biscuit in the Normandy countryside. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and both destinations had some lovely products to purchase.
Tips for Your Queen Mary 2 Voyage
- You can make restaurant bookings within the My Voyage Cunard app on your phone or tablet.
- WiFi packages are available for purchase via the app. Don’t forget to turn off data roaming.
- A photographer is on hand in the evenings to take commemorative photos. There is no charge to have these taken and the photos will be on display for purchase in the Photo Gallery the next day.
- You can enable announcements from the Captain via your television.
- A printed information sheet is provided the night before in your cabin to help you plan the next day’s activities.
What to Pack for a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Cruise
- Evening attire for the Gala Evening – black tie, white tie or dark suit and tie for men. Black or white evening dress for ladies.
- Several smart dresses for the other evenings.
- Smart casual attire for daytime.
- A padded waterproof coat, ideally with a hood for walking around deck on cold days.
- Winter boots for any excursions.
- Fingerless gloves for taking photos on deck.
- A warm wool hat for outdoors.
- Smart evening shoes for women and dress shoes for men
- Comfy shoes for daytime, ideally with a padded insole for walking.
- Gym wear and swimming costume.
- Toiletries and cosmetics – the shops stock essentials such as toothpaste if you forget anything.
- Sleepwear.
- Hair styling aids such as curling irons or tongs.
- Mobile phone charger and battery pack.
What Not to Bring On Board
- Personal hairdryers – low current hairdryers are provided in your stateroom.
- Personal irons are not permitted, and low current irons are provided in the launderettes.
- Bath and shower gel, body lotion and hand lotion are also provided.
- Power adapters for UK or USA voltage aren’t necessary as the ship has UK and US plugs.
- Extension leads are not allowed unless they are specifically to power essential medical equipment, such as CPAP and nebuliser machines. Surge-protected extension leads are not permitted.
In Conclusion: Queen Mary 2
The Queen Mary 2 is available for cruises across both oceans in various lengths, making her perfect for travellers looking to experience one of the most iconic ships afloat today!
The Queen Mary 2 is one of the world’s most luxurious and well-known cruise liners. She has a rich history, offers excellent facilities and shore excursions to all her passengers, and friendly crew members.
We hope that this cruise liner review answered some questions that you may have about life on board.
Read Next:
- Cunard Queen Anne Cruise Ship Review
- The Best Grand Cayman Excursions
- The Most Luxurious Cruise Lines in the World
- The Top Caribbean Cruise Ports
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