queen mary 2 cruise reviews

Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing Review: What It's Like to Sail This Classic Journey

For North Americans, there aren't many journeys more mythic than a transatlantic crossing on an ocean liner. After all, the modern societies of both Canada and the United States expanded from the endpoints of countless westward boat trips. And generations grew up on Hollywoodized tales of ocean liners that hold the life-changing powers of a magic wand. In a movie, anybody who takes a passenger ship across the sea is forever transformed, as demonstrated by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in 1937's Shall We Dance, Bette Davis in 1942's Now, Voyager,  and Barbara Stanwyck in 1941's The Lady Eve.  Marilyn Monroe fell for her diamond mine magnate aboard a liner in 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Let's not even dwell on the fateful trip taken by Kate and Leo in 1997. Liners can possess power in real life, too. For example, it was aboard the original Queen Mary that one of the most eligible bachelors in modern history, Cary Grant, met his wife, Betsy Drake , in 1947. That's magic. 

Back in Fred and Ginger's day, there were dozens of liners to choose from, all flitting back and forth between the United States and other lands across the sea. Travelers had their favorite lines the way modern tourists favor one airline over another. Now, there's just a single liner left: Cunard's Queen Mary 2 , in service since 2004. If you want to take one of the greatest journeys available to commercial travelers, there's only one choice.  In 2024,  Queen Mary 2  marks her 20th anniversary as the world's only ocean liner. The ship's specialized design enables it to slice through open waters with a smooth prowess that Caribbean-bound, square-bottomed Carnival cruise tubs could never manage. When the QM2 debuted in 2004, it was the largest passenger ship in the world, at 1,132 feet in length. But a lot has changed since then. Today, it's not even in the top 30. Now the  Queen Mary 2 's main distinction for travelers is its role as the sole representative of a centuries-long tradition. The magic is why you book a trip across the sea instead of flying—that, and maybe the dream of landing your own Cary Grant on the journey. 

Frommer's joined a transatlantic crossing from Southampton, England, to New York City (pictured above), a distance of 3,418 miles if we had flown instead, to see how such a leisurely mode of travel is holding up in an age when so many of our other traditions are spinning out of control. Links : Queen Mary 2 schedule Queen Mary 2 deck plans Cunard official website Current discounts from Cunard

Cunard's preceding  Queen Mary , the one that transported a firmament of Hollywood stars and World War II troops before jet airplanes began shouldering our transatlantic travel duties, sailed for 31 years, from 1936 to 1967. The first Queen Elizabeth sailed for 28 years (1940–1968), and its successor,  Queen Elizabeth 2,  operated for 39 years (1969–2008). But  Queen Mary 2  was designed with even stronger metal so that she could have a lifespan of about 40 years, so she still has many years of service left in her. This was my third transatlantic crossing on the  Queen Mary 2. My first took place soon after the ship began sailing in 2004, and my second came about 10 years later. The span of that experience affords me a rare perspective on how the journey has aged and changed (as we all have) over the decades.  My latest sailing, which departed in mid-August, came 4 years to the week after HBO's  Let Them All Talk  filmed with Meryl Streep aboard, a sure sign that the vessel still holds a special place in the zeitgeist. QM2 's continued popularity was evident on my voyage, because the ship was nearly sold out with midsummer travelers. My trip began in Southampton, a crucial port town on the southern coast of England where, as buffs of nautical history and catastrophe know,  Titanic last touched England in April 1912. As soon as I stepped off the gangway into the thick-hulled grande dame that QM2  is, a contingent of classically outfitted crew members were on hand to greet me and remind me that this exercise in slow travel would consciously revel in the style of years past.

Although some departures slip off to other ports here and there, the purest form of the  QM2 's transatlantic crossing takes 7 days and 7 nights (for me, Friday to Friday). The ship is actually capable of barreling across the same distance in about half the time. But Cunard Line, founded in the steamship age of 1840 but now owned by the publicly traded Carnival Corporation, has priorities other than speed. On a modern Cunard vacation, the leisurely pace is central to the appeal. You come aboard to relax, not race. There are no ports of call between departure and arrival, just a blissfully clear calendar of days spent at sea. Whereas many mass-appeal cruise lines entice passengers with gimmicks like go-kart tracks and Johnny Rockets burger joints, Cunard steers the QM2 with dignified, bespoke flourishes that suit its British heritage. Many of the QM2 's departures are categorized as Event Voyages , embellished with programming built around themes like literature  and  West End theater . On my journey, artists from the English National Ballet were on board to host popular workshops and special performances over the course of the journey—above, in the Grand Lobby, you can see the angel's wings made of toe shoes that signified the theme.  Even on unthemed crossings, Cunard books an assortment of expert speakers more appropriate to a university mixer than a hula party. Twenty years ago, speakers on my crossing included Hollywood journalist Army Archerd, who had a column in Variety for half a century. This year, the roster included presentations by an expert on mystery novels and by one of Nelson Mandela's bodyguards. The slate is always interesting, and unlike the parades and DJs favored by other major cruise lines, the QM2 's entertainment favors intellectual edification, including bridge tournaments, watercolor art classes, ballroom dancing lessons, and only a single evening of karaoke. It's delightfully civilized. And although the day's schedule is packed with things to do if you're a joiner, rarely do you feel as if you're missing anything if you just want to detach and turn pages sedately on a sofa.

While most cruise ships have converted their lending libraries to more lucrative uses, the QM2  considers itself more of a courtly mode of transportation than a floating circus. So the ship proudly maintains a current, well-curated library on Deck 8. A library might seem like a minor detail, but it speaks loudly (ssh!) about how this ocean liner encourages guests to travel. On other cruises, as soon as you board you're competing for port excursion slots or tickets to shows. But on the QM2,  guests first make sure their reading material is set. Even before we left Southampton, regular guests of the QM2 —you'll be surprised at how many of your fellow passengers take this journey frequently instead of flying, and in fact, the real habitués would gather to mingle—were already selecting books (two titles at a time). The New York Times once called this ship "a floating distillation of English inclinations and values," but that might be a little misleading because the line's founder was born in Canada, the ship was built in France, and the crew hails from around the globe. But the same Times journalist also wrote, "a crossing is an interior as much as exterior voyage," a phrase that captures the experience more aptly. There will be cocktails, and many of them, well-made and proper. On this ship, just like with the major cruises, an add-on drinks package can pretty much double the price of your trip if that's the way you choose to go. But unlike on the big cruises, travelers who prefer to find a peaceful nook and chill out won't be treated as invisible or eventually chased away by a party. The QM2  aims to be more like a floating sitting room, the casino much more reminiscent of James Bond than the Vegas Strip. This is why the average age of your fellow passenger tends to be over 50—but even that is a broad generality. On my crossing this summer, there were plenty of people who were still of working age, there was a decent representation of ethnic diversity, and even a surprising number of families with children (granted, the kids behaved like the type who already knew which fork to use first at a dinner party).

Although the cabins have been refreshed over the years, their comfortable style hasn't changed much in the 10 years since I was last aboard. Everything was in excellent condition, with just a very few small spots of rust on sea-facing surfaces where you'd naturally expect a few signs of wear and tear after 20 years. The twin beds could be joined into a double, and I had a sofa, a desk, and a bathroom with a shower—all very nice. Additionally, Cunard cabins have one unique amenity that gives away the utter Britishness of the brand: electric tea kettles with tea and biscuits that are replenished by the steward.

Newer cruise ships might have perks like interactive TVs and plenty of power outlets at arm's length—these cabins don't. You'll just have to plug your devices in at your desk, the way I assume Charles Dickens did when he sailed with Cunard  in 1842. Your cabin might also have halting Wi-Fi connectivity, depending on how the ship's metal structure plays with the signal. Cunard's recently announced partnership with Starlink delivers a wonderfully strong connection, but you might have to venture to a common area to get access. Honestly, though, having nonstop internet connection when you're 1,000 miles from land is, objectively, a modern miracle, and the fact that the fastest Wi-Fi subscription is priced at just $20 a day is even more impressive. Not long ago, it cost that much for an hour.

At least when shipboard Wi-Fi was more expensive, we had less incentive to waste our money on mindless screen-scrolling. When you're aboard something as rare and as stylized as an ocean liner, you should probably savor the sensation of being far from the chaos of life on land. But it's nice to know that technology has advanced to the point where you can quiet your anxieties by checking your security cameras back home from the middle of the Sargasso Sea.

All told, my cabin had enough space (a little under 200 square feet) to feel ample, and soft goods were fresh. It didn't feel 20 years old. This stateroom is classified as a Sheltered Balcony, which means that instead of a glass-fronted balcony, I had a private sitting area in front of a cutout through the hull. It may seem unusual, but the design protects the cabin's glass doors in bad weather. Remember that the QM2 entered service in 2004, a period when ships were not yet lined from prow to stern with glassy verandas—not that any ocean liner could ever be if it intends to deflect high waves. There are glass-fronted balcony cabins on the QM2 's higher decks (about 250 square feet), as well as outward-facing units with a window but no balcony at all (about 180 square feet). There are also inside cabins that look much the same—more than 200 of them with prices as low as $699 per person for the week, meals included. The biggest cabin classes are Britannia and Britannia Club . Most passengers are in this class, and for them, meals can be taken in the biggest restaurant, which has the same name. Cunard may take many cues from the past, but it's not completely old-fashioned: In the years since the ship's launch, dining on the Queen Mary 2  has changed, and strict seating times are one tradition from the past that no longer endures. You don't have to dine in the same place every night (unless you want to book in advance a spot at one of the speciality restaurants, which incur a surcharge), or eat at the same prescribed time, and you definitely won't have to share tables with strangers.  The QM2 also has two suite-level classes with their own dining rooms ( Queens Grill and Princess Grill ) for those who want to spend more for exclusive spaces.  If you're concerned about minimizing motion, QM2 's designer Stephen Payne has said the ship's main point of balance is about two-thirds back from the bow, so staterooms in that area will rock less than the others. 

The Commodore Club at the front of Deck 9 is one of the best hideaways on the ship, and the sooner you know about this area, the happier you'll be.  Although it's atmospheric to have a martini (or many) here during the day or night, be warned that after dark you won't be able to look out the windows because the light from the lounge reflects up into the bridge and makes it hard for the crew to see. That quirk is compensated somewhat by the fact that at designated daytime hours you're invited to go upstairs and watch (from behind glass) the navigational activities on the bridge.

Even after the third or fourth days at sea, my fellow passengers were still excitedly reporting the new discoveries of private sitting spaces they had found.  This was one of mine, part of a long row of quiet nooks near the waterline on Decks 2 and 3 forward. The waves never got angry once over the course of my 7-day journey (and the seas were even calmer during my July trip in 2014), but on occasions when the ocean does happen to be roiling, such as in the colder months, these seats are an ideal spot to watch the intensity from a safe, stable place. When I'm off the Queen Mary 2 , I think about these seats a lot. By contrast, when I think of the many mega cruise ships I've been on, I can't think of a single nook that made me feel calm enough to make me miss it after the cruise was over.  There's a pool at the stern, too, but over three transatlantic journeys I've taken on the QM2 , the North Atlantic weather has never once been warm enough for me to take a dip. I got a day pass for the spa (which is slated for renovation in late 2023) and soaked in that indoor pool instead.

The Britishness of Cunard cannot be suppressed at teatime. Afternoon tea is served each day in the Queens Room (serenaded by the harpist in the background, above), and this daily ritual—finger sandwiches, clotted cream—is popular enough to be one of the few things you have to compete for while on board. Seats fill up, so it's wise to get there at least a half hour ahead on the days you want to have tea.

When you imagine the deck of a transatlantic ocean liner, isn't this what you picture? All that's missing is Kay Francis or William Powell leaning over the rail. This is the promenade that encircles Deck 7, lined with teakwood loungers of a design that has barely shifted since the turn of the last century (cushions are kept in the wooden boxes, behind). This is where you can walk laps around the circumference of the ship when your legs get restless. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy in the middle of the ocean, so be sure to pack warm clothing, even if you don't think you'll need it. You probably will.

One of the many grown-up pleasures of the Queen Mary 2 is formal night. Held at least twice during every transatlantic crossing, the special dress code is eagerly observed by the majority of passengers, who are asked not to hang around public spaces unless they're dressed up. The extra outfits and shoes add some heft to a packing checklist and usually force passengers to bring their larger luggage, but it's worth it to share in the sense of vintage pomp that has dignified the ocean liner social scene since it began. (If men don't have a tux, a few are available for rental in the shops, but they go fast, so it's better to bring your own or a nice suit.)

The ship gives passengers plenty of occasions to parade in their finery, including during regular after-dinner dancing sessions with a live band in the Queens Room (above), held underneath mounted relics given to Cunard by the actual Queen Mary in the 1930s. There are very few traditions in travel that call for a tuxedo, and fewer still that give fans of ballroom dancing the floor.

Behind this room there's a soundproofed disco, but its use is sporadic, depending on the age composition of the passenger list.

The majority of passengers eat in a couple of free restaurants for all three meals: assisted by a server in the main, multilevel dining room; or self-served in the excellent Kings Court buffet. At both, you may eat when you want, and with whom you want, provided the restaurants are open. Cunard is unusual among cruise ship lines in that it doesn't charge passengers extra to order from room service, a perk that appeals to anyone who forgot to pack a gown for Formal Night.

For lunch and dinner, the Golden Lion pub (pictured above) has special Cunard-brewed beers on tap along with some easy pub fare. A few nights a week, a section of the Kings Court is rethemed (culinarily speaking) for either Indian or Asian food from the central kitchen, depending on the night. On those evenings, reservations at the venue must be made as a specialty restaurant with a surcharge (in the $30 range, in line with other cruise ships). There's also Steakhouse at The Verandah, another specialty restaurant, with a wide view at the back of the ship.

On my voyage, the Web-based reservation system for specialty meals had trouble meeting the demands placed on it (losing bookings made weeks before, for instance), but the crew was so well-trained that staffers were always able to solve issues without a fuss.

Interestingly, the Queen Mary 2 has two theatrical spaces. One is used for standard performances (cruise ship–style jukebox revues, comics, and the like) and one typically alternates between a lecture hall and a planetarium (pictured above)—a dome is lowered and guests sit in the middle to watch astronomy-themed movies. 

Many major cruise lines have shifted guest information delivery to apps, but Cunard remains resolutely throwback, printing daily schedules that are delivered nightly to each cabin, the way all cruise ships used to do things.  There are plenty of diversions on the docket. Just so you can get a sense of the density and type of optional activities programmed daily, here's the full schedule for a single day during my crossing in August 2023. More than any other details I share, this is probably what will confirm for you whether you'd embrace the mellowness of a QM2 voyage or find yourself bouncing off the luxuriously finished surfaces.

One of the more sublime details of a transatlantic crossing is the way everyone tracks the ship's progress across the miles. Every day at noon, the captain announces the weather, ship's location, and trip progress, which you can also track via a special channel on your stateroom's television. Cunard makes sure to mark the spot where the Titanic sank, adding a macabre twist to the navigation. (If the info wasn't available, people would keep asking.) Is the crossing on the Queen Mary 2 rough? Of my three voyages so far, only one had a couple days of what I'd call rough seas, and even then, the ship pressed through them so well I never spilled a single drop of champagne. Two times out of three, though, the waters were mostly as calm as a pond. 

Because the ship keeps crossing through time zones, we were instructed to move our clocks back an hour on five nights out of seven. That near-daily habit meant our westbound voyage enjoyed a series of 25-hour days. If you sail eastbound, though, from North America to the United Kingdom, you'll keep losing an hour, and many of your days will be just 23 hours long. That's why I prefer to go westward on the QM2 rather than east: You get more time for your money.

Some regular passengers choose to cross the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 because they have pets that they don't want to subject to the stress of airline travel. The ship's kennel, located on the top deck, has regular open hours when passengers are permitted to visit the animals. The scene is a bit like when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers walked dogs on the top deck of an ocean liner in 1937's Shall We Dance— minus the formal wear, Gershwin music, and dashing repartee. There is actually plenty of room to dance up there, though, and the  QM2 does have a cute fake fire hydrant for photos.

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Review: Queen Mary 2

Reviewed by Noo Saro-Wiwa

What is the line?  Cunard

Name of ship?  Queen Mary II

Passenger occupancy?  2,691

Itinerary?  Southampton, England to New York City, USA

Relive the golden age of stylish slow travel, indulging in five-star treatment and high-end entertainment.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

This is a classic brand of cruise liner known for luxury, high-quality entertainment. Expect  refined dining, sartorial elegance, haute cuisine, fine wine, and high-end entertainment from the playful to the cerebral.

Tell us about the ship in general

Launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of Cunard Line and the largest ocean liner ever built. Carrying up to 2,691 passengers, it has the distinction of being the only ocean liner (as opposed to cruise ship – there’s a difference) still in service, and the only transatlantic one at that. Never to be outdone, it has the first planetarium at sea, and its 8,000-volume library is the largest of any cruise vessel. Scattered around its 13 decks are 5,000 commissioned works of art by 128 international artists.

Who is onboard?

Mostly fiftysomething-plus retiree couples or friends traveling in pairs; bon-vivant bucket listers fulfilling lifelong dreams of classic ocean voyaging.

Describe the cabins

We stayed in the penthouse suite, which was three times larger than a regular cabin, its lounge big enough for us to entertain our new passenger friends. They used the guest bathroom while the main bathroom had two showers and a jacuzzi bath. Patio windows opened out onto a large, private balcony, and there were powerful, tripod-mounted binoculars to check out the dolphins.

The Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites come with more compact lounges, marble bathrooms and private balconies. The lowest-tier ‘Stateroom’ cabins are snug with shared balconies, and decorated in bright, fresh colors.

Tell us about the crew

The crew and waitstaff are formal but warm and amenable and would go out of the way to help if requested. A healthy staff-passenger ratio means you’re never waiting long to get assistance. Guests in the penthouse, Princess Grill and Queen Grill suites have 24-hour butler service.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Guests in the superior Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites eat at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants. Their extensive wine list features excellent vintages that will gratify connoisseurs, and the haute cuisine menu is loaded with the classics, including Dover Sole Meunière and Chateaubriand. The croquette of suckling pig and mango panna cotta were divine standouts. Meanwhile, make sure to get a reservation at specialist restaurant The Steakhouse at The Verandah, which serves cooked-to-order prime cuts sliced by your personal choice of steak knife.

Almost all other passengers dine at the Britannia Restaurant, and there’s also a buffet restaurant serving international cuisine, with options for vegans, vegetarians and dairy dodgers.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Mareel spa has almost every form of water therapy on offer, from Finnish sauna, to a sizable pool and jacuzzi, and an aqua therapy including a massage pool where neck and back pains are pounded away by forceful water jets or waterfall shower. Reflexology basins are also available, while the relaxation lounge is so spacious you won’t have to compete for lounge chairs.

Activities and entertainment

“The ship is the destination,” says Cunard’s management team, which lays on a cultural program like no other. It runs the gamut from Shakespeare plays at the Royal Court Theatre productions; a planetarium, and an esoteric range of talks from experts: we listened to a former police officer talk about drug mules, and an art expert discussing investment in art, and a professional guitarist deconstructing and performing Jimmy Hendrix’s best riffs. Harpists and a string trio perform in quiet corners each day, while guests wanting something more contemporary can bop to 70s-90s pop classics at the G2 disco after dinner. Once a year, the Queen Mary 2 hosts the incomparable Literature Festival at Sea, bringing in top authors like Bill Bryson and Booker winner Bernardine Evaristo to discuss their work.

Physical activities include croquet on the top deck, table tennis by the swimming pool, darts, swimming, water-painting classes and bridge lessons.

How was the experience for families?

It’s not the most family-centered liner – the few kids onboard were above 12 years old. Nonetheless, children aged 2 to 17 are welcome and can join activity clubs or do sports and gaming in dedicated entertainment areas.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Southampton to New York City. Seven days and six nights on the wide open sea. 14 days roundtrip.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Cunard is installing Advanced Air Quality Systems (AAQS) throughout its fleet to remove sulfur compounds and particulate matter from the ships’ exhaust fumes.

Anything we missed?

Each day through the loudspeaker, the captain gives insightful nuggets of information about navigation, such as ‘the circle’, which is the practice of navigating a ship along the earth’s curved surface. And don’t miss out on the last-night gala where guests dress up and live out their retro fantasies. The theme on our trip was the Roaring Twenties: ladies dolled up in flapper-girl hats and dresses, doing the Charleston with their tuxedoed partners.

Why is this cruise worth booking?

It’s rare to enjoy such cerebral and high-quality dining, entertainment and service with an old-school flavor and charm. You’ll disembark with the feeling that you’ve not just rested your body and mind but cultivated them too.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

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Cunard Queen Mary 2 review: What it's like cruising on the world's only ocean liner

Cunard cruise line has become synonymous with the romance and tradition of classic cruising - so what it's like to sail on Queen Mary 2 in the modern age?

Cunard was founded way back in 1840 - with cruising for pleasure only taking off many decades later - but the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, possesses charm and magic enough to wow a 21st-century passenger. We review the ship...

There’s a first time for everything, and tonight will be mine at the famous Black and White Gala Night aboard Queen Mary 2 .

A sense of anticipation crackles round the ship as everyone puts on their finest monochrome eveningwear, and I soon start to see why Cunard attracts such a loyal body of fans.

OK, this may be just a three-night mini-cruise from Southampton to Cherbourg, but everyone has taken the chance to look their very best, and as couples and groups of friends glide around the decks – champagne in hand, sequins and shirt-fronts gleaming – we’re transported back to the golden age of travel.

I’m joining the ship for her first journey in more than 18 months, and it’s a privilege

to be celebrating this great ship’s return to the sea. There was a dockside Covid test first, of course, but this was well organised, and within half an hour of arriving at Southampton I was charging up the walkway, eager to see what’s onboard.

Entering service in 2004, the 2,691-guest QM2 is no mere cruise ship. Instead, she is the world’s only ocean liner – the last example of that great breed built to sail with speed and comfort across thousands of miles of open ocean.

With no direct rival, she is known and loved around the world. But is she as fantastic as they say?

Cunard reports booking surge after Queen Anne launch

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Well, first impressions count, and the welcome I receive as I embark is pretty special. I am clapped on board by a team of bellboys in striking scarlet uniforms, whose brass epaulettes sparkle like the polished wood that lines each deck.

I’ve heard a lot about QM2 but nothing has prepared me for the beauty of her art deco-inspired interiors. With classic curved lines, sunburst carpets and a magnificently decorated atrium, she’s a stunning ship that manages to delight with her traditional furnishings while keeping the passenger experience bang up-to-date.

But before I explore, I need to find my home for the next three days – a Queens Grill suite on deck 10.

- READ MORE: Find your dream Cunard cruise with our handy finder -

Decorated in soothing taupe and cream tones, my accommodation proves to be roomy and plush, with a plump bed, elegant couch and chaise longue, a marble bathroom (complete with proper tub), a walk-in wardrobe and a generously sized balcony.

As I sink into the couch, with a welcoming glass of fizz in hand, a thought crosses my mind: three days locked in here, with room service and a heap of books, might just be my idea of cruise-holiday heaven.

Then there’s a knock at the door and life gets even better. My butler for the trip is enquiring whether there is anything I need, and informing me that he and his team are at my beck and call 24 hours a day. Suddenly I feel a long way from my home in Clapham Junction.

But it’s not just butlers and champagne that come as standard in Grill suites – guests also get exclusive access to the Queens Grill restaurant and Grills Lounge throughout their trip, making the whole experience feel even more select and luxurious.

Lunch beckons, and I head to the Queens Grill for my first onboard meal. This elegant dining space, complete with white tablecloths, polished cutlery and a huge choice of dishes, is one of the most celebrated venues on the ship, and it’s easy to see why.

With the atmosphere of a private members’ club, it offers a fabulous choice of dishes – from light healthy lunches to full-on three-course dinners – all of them absolutely delicious. Not wanting to overindulge on day one, I go for tomato soup with an Asian-inspired salad – and both, needless to say, are exemplary.

Grill suite guests can dine here, at their own exclusive restaurant, but there is also the option of the buzzy Britannia Restaurant, the Kings Court, Boardwalk Cafe or speciality steak restaurant The Verandah on deck 8.

- READ MORE: What size cruise ship is best for you? -

For teas, coffees and light snacks, the Carinthia Lounge is the perfect place to meet – unless you fancy Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar on deck 3. Well, who wouldn’t?

So that afternoon I join a few of my fellow travellers as we are treated to a tower of warm savoury brioches, mini-quiches and a pile of fresh scones, sweet eclairs and bright macarons, washed down with a glass or two of ice-cold champagne (or the finest Twinings tea, for those who prefer it).

With live musical accompaniment from an excellent harpist, it’s an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed – and a snip at $34.50 per person.

What fascinates me about Queen Mary 2 is how different she is from other ships I’ve sailed on. A transatlantic liner is built for sea days, so there is a great emphasis on keeping guests entertained at all times with an impressive daily menu of talks and activities.

In the imposing Royal Court Theatre, I spend a delightful hour in the company of actor Celia Imrie and author Fidelis Morgan, who entertain the audience with tales from Celia’s new book Orphans of the Storm – the true story of two young brothers who survived the Titanic disaster.

Elsewhere, you can enjoy a quiet hour or two in the delightful library, with more than 10,000 books to choose from (including large-print editions). Alternatively, you can head to the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa and take your pick from a long menu of treatments, or simply sit back and relax in the hydrotherapy pool.

- READ MORE: 'Hello Sailor!' Actress Celia Imrie on 'perfect' cruises -

Music lovers are well catered for, too, with impromptu shows from classical musicians in the ship’s public areas. And if you prefer to hear the tinkling of ice in a glass, there are mixologists in the ship’s bars to equal any you’d find at a five-star hotel.

Yet another amazing space is the Planetarium on deck 3. With its curvy lines and rich red seats, it’s catnip for art deco fans and a great place to see a star-spangled show.

You’ll find stars of a different kind in the corridor outside, which is lined with classic shots of Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and other Hollywood greats who sailed on QM2’s famous predecessors.

No doubt they’d have loved this ship, too – and as I make my way around, enjoying her stunning decor, delicious cuisine and great entertainment, I can see what a delight it must be to embark in Southampton, stash your case in your cabin and spend seven days living like royalty before alighting, calm and refreshed, in New York.

It would be so easy to spend the whole cruise onboard but I’m determined to step onto French soil, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.

Docking at the port of Cherbourg in Normandy, I join a group of passengers who are determined to ignore the rainy weather and take a 20-minute trip inland to visit a traditional cider farm, followed by the tiny hamlet of Sortosville-en-Beaumont. Here, an enterprising local has renovated a row of traditional houses, turning them into a coffee shop and gift emporium, piled high with stylish presents, from bonbons in tins to chic lavender bags and soaps. If you love French food and interiors as much as I do, you’ll be in Gallic heaven.

- READ MORE: Cunard reveals name of new cruise ship is Queen Anne -

It’s a great little trip, and in a world where foreign travel is still difficult to manage, we all feel pleased as punch that we’ve made the effort to prise ourselves away from QM2 and do our bit for Anglo-French relations.

Back on board, I enjoy a last meal at The Verandah, with its mouth-watering selection of steaks (my kobe beef is one of the best dishes I’ve eaten in years). And full marks to its interior designer – with a super-cool bar and sexy interiors, you could easily think you were already in Manhattan. There are no two ways about it – I have fallen in love with Queen Mary 2, her wonderful ambience and heritage and the marvellous staff. If you’ve never sailed on Cunard before, you’ll be amazed at what is on board – so beg, borrow or steal a ticket for this extraordinary ship. You won’t be disappointed.

Keel laying ceremony held for Celebrity Xcel

Edwina lonsdale on why you should book a premium suite, brilliant lady to launch from new york in september 2025, chief art curator mariangela capuzzo on new ship, silver nova, win a personalised cruise map from the cruise maps, the may/june issue of world of cruising is out now, celebrity apex makes southampton home port debut, win a no-fly cruise for two to france and belgium, about vicky mayer.

Vicky began her career working on young women’s magazines before moving on to TV and entertainment titles. Her passion, though, has always been travel, so as Editor of World of Cruising, she combines her love of magazines with the chance to shout about cruise holidays around the world.

Queen Mary 2

Courtesy of Cunard Line |

Find a Cruise on Queen Mary 2

with a cruise advisor

Originally launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 underwent a major update in 2016 to introduce redesigned public spaces and restaurants, renovated staterooms and suites, additional spaces and kennels for transatlantic passengers traveling with dogs (the only pet facility of its kind at sea). The ship also received a complete exterior facelift. The ship has seen minor updates in the years since, including a rebranded spa and Champagne bar. 

The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship, and it is known for its frequent transatlantic crossings and luxury cruising experience. Recent passengers rave about the upscale cabins, which range from Single staterooms designed for solo passengers to Princess Grill and Queens Grill cabins that offer extra perks, such as exclusive dining venues and butler service.

When travelers aren't in their cabins, they can participate in enrichment programming, visit the ship's planetarium, read in the largest library at sea and more. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy shows at the Royal Court Theatre or musical acts in various venues across the ship.

Queen Mary 2 offers six dining venues, including two specialty restaurants, as well as six bars and lounges. Overall, past cruisers were impressed with the specialty restaurants, while the main dining rooms received mixed reviews. 

Queen Mary 2 completes transatlantic crossings and sails to a variety of destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Asia and more.

Pros & Cons

Offers the only dog kennels at sea

Cuisine in main dining rooms received mixed reviews

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 4.2
• Health Rating » 4.0

Queen Mary 2 ranks # 1 out of 3 Cunard Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 1 in Best Cunard Line
• # 12 in Best Cruises for Singles
• # 46 in Best Cruises to Europe
• # 46 in Best Cruises for Couples

Queen Mary 2 offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Queen Mary 2 contains 13 decks. Find out which features are available on each Queen Mary 2 deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 394 guests have reviewed Queen Mary 2 , giving it a rating of 4.2 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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