Queen Mary 2
The largest and most expensive passenger ship when she launched in 2004 at a cost of $780 million, Queen Mary 2 is a true ocean liner, purpose built for crossing the Atlantic.
With grand, Art Deco public areas and ceilings that are 50% taller than conventional ships, she evokes the glamour of cruising during the gilded age.
She seems even bigger because she carries nearly one third fewer passengers than ships that are about the same size. And she’s built to make time at sea as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. To that end, the row of steamer chairs along either side of the Promenade deck is the longest at sea.
But with the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, a planetarium, and golf simulators that let you play more than 50 of the world’s top courses, she’s no stodgy dowager. Queen Mary 2 is thoroughly modern too.
The enrichment program, developed in cooperation with Oxford University, features really top-notch lectures by noted scientists and celebrities like John Cleese and Carrie Fisher.
Dining aboard Queen Mary 2.
QM2 is of the few ships that assigns passengers dining rooms based on their stateroom category. The exclusive Princess Grill and Queens Grill are reserved for passengers in suites. Other passengers are served in the two-level Britannia Dining Room.
At lunch, the King’s Court buffet features a separate carving station called The Carvery, the Chef’s Galley, Italian-influenced La Piazza, and Lotus, which features Asian specialties like lobster wontons and duck spring rolls.
In the evening, the four areas have set menus and linen tablecloths. Appetizers are served buffet-style, while entrees and desserts are ordered. Reservations are required, and there’s a surcharge for the Chef’s Galley where you can watch your meal being prepared in the exhibition kitchen.
Superstar chef Todd English created the dishes at the restaurant that bears his name, and it’s one of the finest dining experiences on any cruise ship. You’ll need to make reservations early in your cruise to secure a table, and there’s a $30 surcharge. But dishes like rack of lamb with olive jus make it worth the extra effort.
Queen Mary 2
High tea in the Queens Room or Queens Grill is a must-do for every passenger. Featuring dainty sandwiches, pastries, and white-glove service, it’s one of the most British experiences at sea. And the pub grub in the Golden Lion makes a nice break from the continental cuisine in the main dining rooms at lunch.
Popular bars include the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel’s Wine Bar, and nautical-themed Chart Bar.
Passengers on board dress up, so bring your Sunday best and leave your casual clothes at home.
Accommodations aboard Queen Mary 2.
Since you’ll likely spend more time in your cabin on a crossing than you would on a cruise with lots of port calls, you should reserve the best stateroom you can afford. If an inside stateroom is all you can manage, choose one of the 12 that overlooks the atrium.
More than 950 of the 1,310 staterooms have balconies, so upgrade to one of them if you can. An interactive TV system lets passengers order room service, watch shipboard lectures, and review their bill in their cabins.
Most of the duplex apartments and suites have powder rooms, whirlpool tubs, balconies, and dressing rooms.
Queen Mary 2
Facilities aboard Queen Mary 2.
The 20,000-square foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Queen Mary 2 is one of the most impressive on land or sea. There’s a Beauty and Skin Care Centre, a Fitness Centre, and Aqua Therapy Center with a huge selection of treatments. But one of the most pleasant ways to stay fit is by strolling the wrap-around promenade on Deck 7. Three laps make a mile.
Ballroom dancers will swoon over the magnificent Queen’s Room, which is the largest of its kind. An arched ceiling, crystal chandelier, and beautiful hardwood dance floor make this fairy-tale space the stuff dreams are made of.
Entertainment in the Royal Court Theatre is better than most with West End-bound performances by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Dogs and cats can accompany their masters on transatlantic crossings. They stay in the tricked-out kennel and have separate exercise and play areas.
Those traveling with children will appreciate the nine nannies available for child care, the dedicated areas for kids and teens, the children’s dinner, and group babysitting services.
Read about other Top 10 Luxury Cruise Ships here.
Queen Mary 2 Images Flickr: Dawn Endico
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