Queen Mary 2

Cunard Line’s tradition of luxury cruising dates to 1840, with the present-day Queen Elizabeth 2 reigning for the past few decades as the world's most famous ship and greatest liner of her time. In 2000, QE2 was joined by another classic liner, Caronia (formerly the Vistafjord) also helping recreate a new golden age of ocean liner travel for those who missed the first. Now comes the Queen Mary 2, debuting in 2004, as the queen among queens, a worthy successor to her original namesake. Built in the Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in Sainte-Nazaire, France -- the same yard that built the France, Normandie, Ile de France and other great liners – QM2’s construction cost of nearly $800 million also ranks her as the most expensive ship ever built. After a maiden voyage from Southampton, England to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, QM2 is set for 15 ocean crossings in her inaugural year as she takes over the transatlantic liner role of QE2, her older (actually, much older, having debuted in 1964) sister. QM2 also sails a series of Caribbean cruises from New York and Fort Lauderdale, a voyage to Rio de Janeiro and back (for Rio’s Carnival celebration), five European itineraries and two fall foliage cruises to Canada and New England. With elegant bars and showrooms including a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, QM2’s destiny is that of icon-to-be, with five indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a pet kennel, and a children’s facility staffed by British nannies. QM2’s onboard cultural academy is operated by the University of Oxford. Cunard – part of the Carnival Corporation portfolio and one of the world’s most recognized brands at sea – describes the high-tech, yet classic QM2 as “like no Cunarder before her” and “like every Cunarder before her.”

Quick View

QM2 has the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, the world’s first planetarium at sea, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest library at sea, the longest jogging track at sea, and the largest wine collection at sea. A cultural academy operated by the University of Oxford unfolds in Cunard ConneXions, with seven classrooms and an auditorium. Need more? A Pillow Concierge offers a choice of up to nine different types of pillows, and some royal suites have private elevators. Classic Cunard hallmarks include sweeping staircases and a grand ballroom, domed salons, and a staff accustomed to delivery of Cunard’s renowned “White Star Service.”

About Gratuities
Depending on accommodation level, suggested gratuities are automatically charged to shipboard accounts for distribution to cabin stewards, dining room waiters, and other personnel. Per person, per day tips are $13 for Grill restaurant accommodations, and $11 for all others. For bar services, a 15 percent gratuity is automatically added. Gratuities for other special services may be directly presented.

Disabled Access
Staterooms in various categories accommodate wheelchair-users and passengers with other disabilities.

Ship Features

Staterooms
Nearly 80 percent of QM2’s staterooms have ocean views and more than 94 percent of these have private balconies. Choices by Cunard’s own admission range from merely commodious to shamelessly extravagant. Deluxe staterooms are 194 square feet, with Grand Duplexes measuring 2,249 square feet. The regal Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites in Q class have private elevators. Other Queens Grill accommodations (Q categories) include Grand Duplexes, Duplex Apartments, Royal Suites and Penthouses and Suites. Princess Grill accommodations include P1 and P2 Junior Suites. Standard accommodation are in B,C, and D categories.

Stateroom amenities
All staterooms have computer data ports and interactive TVs for passengers to receive and send e-mails, choose movies, review seminars possibly missed, or sign up for shore excursions. Toiletries are by Canyon Ranch. In Queens Grill accommodations, butlers await to unpack bags, serve canapés and attend to other details.

Kid & Teen Stuff
The camp-style Play Zone has its own Minnows splash pool. Toddlers are supervised by British nannies, while older children have a separate facility called The Zone, computer terminals and other learning adventures.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Dining
In all, there are10 dining venues, including the only shipboard restaurant by celebrity chef Todd English. As in ocean liner tradition, each QM2 accommodation is matched with a reserved table at the Britannia Restaurant (barronial in splendor with Wedgwood and Waterford and a sweeping grand staircase), Princess Grill or Queens Grill. Signature Wedgwood patterns for the coveted Grills are made from Connaught bone china with borders of platinum and gold. Alternatives include La Piazza (an Italian tratoria), Lotus (for sushis, sashimis and sates), Boardwalk Café (for burgers and fries), and The Carvary (for British-style roasts). Passengers can learn how to cook and enjoy their efforts in the Chef’s Galley. Winter Garden is for tea and scones, and the Gold Lion is for traditional pub grub with televised sporting events. QM2 has the largest wine selection afloat, and there is, of course, 24-hour room service.

Sports / Health / Fitness
Promenade Deck’s jogging track is the longest at sea – one-third mile full circle -- to accommodate power walkers and joggers passing by the less energetic aboard stretched out on teak deck chairs. On Decks 12 and 13, are a basketball court, putting green, shuffleboard, a golf simulator and the classic deck game of Quoits. Canyon Ranch SpaClub has dozens of face and body treatments, massage therapies, ritual baths, and health programs from classic to exotic including a Rasul Ceremony, a Mango Sugar Glo, and a Sea the Difference, the latter to banish cellulite with mineral-rich seawater lotions and massage.

Entertainment
Partnering with the University of Oxford, Cunard presents Oxford Discovery, an enrichment program with talks, seminars and discussions on assorted topics, depending on the sailing, from global economics to comparing MoMA and the Tate. Jazz sets the tone at the Commodore Club, whereas dancing is hot at the G32 with its flashing strobes. Dazzling musical revues unfold in the Royal Court Theatre.

Casino
Empire Casino has sufficient table games and slot action for six days and nights at sea.

Bars
Among favored watering holes are the Golden Lion Pub with Karaoke performances, the Regatta Bar, Sir Samuel’s Wine Bar, The Chartroom for nightcaps, and the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar.