Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 is a staple not only in the vast history of Cunard Cruise Line, but also in the world of cruising as a whole. Launched in 2004 and recently refurbished, she still holds the title of the only purpose-built ocean liner in the world.

What does that mean, you might ask? Well, Queen Mary 2 was originally built to cross the Atlantic on countless voyages between Southampton and New York before being adapted into a more traditional cruise ship. She’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to step back hundreds of years in spirit and experience old-style cruising, complete with afternoon tea and gala nights as you cross continents.

What we like about Queen Mary 2

If you are paying close attention to Queen Mary 2, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about crossing the Atlantic at least once in your life. This ship has been doing just that for decades and offers numerous voyages between Southampton and New York each year. 

The best part? They aren’t even that expensive, starting at $620, and you get a ship that was purpose-built to handle rough seas and bad weather. Even the hull and overall design of Queen Mary 2 were engineered to take on big waves and unexpected conditions, making her smoother, safer, and better suited for long voyages and continental crossings than most cruise ships. If you’re planning a journey from North America to Europe, the elegant Queen Mary 2 should be at the very top of your list.

Their huge success with transatlantic voyages doesn’t stop there. Queen Mary 2 is one of the very few passenger ships in the world with a dedicated kennel, allowing you to bring your pets on board. So, whether you are traveling for business or planning to explore England, you can embark in New York with your best friend, who will also enjoy a week of luxury at sea. It’s a major plus for guests who don’t want to be separated from their dogs or cats for too long.

The ship feels both cozy and spacious, and never too crowded, which is great news if you are considering a transatlantic voyage or a world cruise. Elevators are quick, and the ship itself is in excellent condition, with hardly any rust on the exterior. That’s impressive, especially since many ships from the same era tend to show their age with dents in the walls or missing tiles around the pool.

There is also a Planetarium, the only one in the entire fleet. The Planetarium not only serves its purpose as, well, a planetarium, but it is also a large dome where you can go to watch live shows and listen to lectures while on board. The planetarium, called Illuminations, is a great way to pass the time. Honestly, even if you do not care much about the shows, the chairs are comfortable and the narration is a great reason to take an afternoon nap.

What we don’t like about Queen Mary 2

Not everything, however, is a 10 out of 10 with this Queen. Food in the Main Dining Room can be inconsistent, particularly in the Britannia Main Dining Room. As you may know, your cabin category determines your main dining room: standard inside and ocean-view guests dine in the Britannia Main Dining Room, while Britannia Club and suite guests enjoy a more upscale environment. It’s the entry-level dining room that can sometimes be underwhelming, with a limited menu and dishes that may feel dry or lacking in flavor.

Room service on this ship can also be hit or miss. Deliveries sometimes take an hour or two, and on occasion your order may arrive much earlier than expected, which can be frustrating, especially if you order a continental breakfast and it arrives early while you’re still in bed. The room service food itself is generally average, with reports of dry burgers and some items arriving cold. If possible, it’s best to enjoy meals in the traditional dining venues instead.

Conclusion

Queen Mary 2 is an exceptional ship, and her appeal is even greater if you plan to experience a transatlantic crossing. If you are a fan of cruising, the voyage from New York to Southampton is one you should try at least once in your life aboard Queen Mary 2. It is one of the most iconic itineraries in the world and a true highlight of the Cunard experience.