Cruise line and ship:  Cunard Line – Queen Mary 2. Although no longer the largest ship ever built, she still holds the title of the largest transatlantic ocean liner.

Reviewed by: Grant Blake

Date: February 2018

Size of ship:  149,215 GRT

Passenger capacity: 2,695

Year built: 2004

Refurbished: 2016 – at a cost of £90million (approx $160m AUD as at March 1, 2018) – the most expensive refurb of any ship!

Where the ship cruises: Globally

Currency onboard: USD

 

Main features/highlights: The Queen Mary 2 boast having the only Planetarium at sea, the largest library at sea, a full-size theatre and the largest dance floor at sea, a walk around traditional promenade deck and plenty of open deck areas. 

The Canyon Ranch Spa Club offers every treatment possible and with five swimming pools and numerous hot tubs, there is no excuse but to relax!  For those that want to keep fit or after a few guilty-pleasure days of eating and drinking, there is, of course, a well-equipped gym with equipment and classes (including pilates) and tremendous views. 

Most suited to: A matured demographic who appreciate comfort, traditional elegance and fine dining.

Atmosphere: Spacious and tastefully furnished – a blend of contemporary and traditional decors. It continues the tradition and past glory of English transatlantic liners but enjoys touches of American and European design. Everyone, of all ages, are made to feel welcome and comfortable.

 

Encounters with service staff:  The staff were very well presented, efficient and personal without being obtrusive.  There are 1,250 crew onboard, that’s around 1 staff for every 2 passengers.

Staterooms: a wide range of well-appointed cabins from inside through to suites and features oceanview cabins designed for solo passengers. There are inside and outside cabins 15m square, with the balcony cabins approx 23m square. There are of course much larger luxury suites between 35m and 209m square.

Dining: There are 10 restaurants to chose from. The Britannia Restaurant is 3 levels. The Kings Court is a large buffet-style restaurant and there is a French specialty restaurant plus two other dining venues (cover charge applies) There is 24-hour room service. Becoming popular over the last decade, as with airlines, passengers who book into one of the suite categories such as The Britannia Club, The Queen and Princess Grill suites have their own exclusive access to certain restaurants onboard.

 

Cunard is famous for their afternoon teas served in the Ballroom every afternoon at sea by white-gloved waiters.  There is no charge for this.

The refurbished Carinthia Lounge serves an alternative breakfast and lunch along with premium coffees.

Entertainment:  There are plenty of venues on board to offer a wide choice of entertainment including live shows, jazz in the Chart Room, a pianist in the Commodore Club, the full-scale planetarium and an evening of glamorous dancing in the largest ballroom at sea with a live orchestra.

There is also live contemporary music and DJ on offer in the bars and a very funky two-level nightclub called G32.

Family facilities: There are a few fantastic children’s clubs on board to choose from, all have excellent age relevant activities. The Play Zone (for 2-7 year olds) and The  Kids’ Zone (for 8-17 year olds) and The Teen Zone (for 13-17 year olds).

The night nursery is a fantastic option to give parents of infants aged from 6 months to 23 months a break to enjoy a great meal and entertainment onboard.

The ship is not particularly catered for families with small children but of course, they are well looked after and welcome.

Inclusions: Fares generally include port taxes but gratuities are payable on board. There are often bonuses offered on select sailings.

Exclusions: gratuities, drinks and shore tours.

 

Interesting Facts:  Queen Mary 2  has the only kennels for cats and dogs (and ferrets!) at sea but only on the transatlantic crossings to and from New York.

Self-service laundry: yes, a laundry on every passenger deck with ironing facilities. Bring your own fabric softener if required.

Insider tips: you should bring an adaptor to allow for the different style of power points -Australian power points are not on this ship.