Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is one of the world’s most beloved cruise ships and for good reason.
Here’s what it’s like to travel on the iconic ocean liner.
I also wanted to bring along plenty of drugs.
Queen Mary 2, in New York City.Credit:Jonathan Atkin/Courtesy of Cunard Line
We were sailing in November 2022, a time of year when the Atlantic Ocean can roar.
Some passengers may enjoy the roll of the waves, but Im not one of them.
I planned to be well medicated and had brought along all sorts of motion-sickness remedies.
The Grand Lobby of Queen Mary 2.Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
At the same time, wed booked our passage on the 2,691-passenger flagship specifically to make the crossing.
Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
As befits its heritage, theQueen Mary 2embraces tradition.
Each class of booking has its own dining venues and rules; more on those later.
A Queens Grill Grand Duplex Apartment on Queen Mary 2.Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
For me, the vintage vibes are all part of the fun.
Though the views mightve been the same, their trip wouldve been far less glamorous.
Thanks to the medicine I packed, the experience was better than I expected.
A Queens Grill Grand Duplex Bedroom on Queen Mary 2.Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
And, no matter the weather, the band plays on.
One step up are outside cabins, then some choices with balconies.
Fifteen Britannia cabins are specifically for solo travelers.
The Champagne Bar on Queen Mary 2.Christopher Ison/Courtesy of Cunard Line
(That means they can dine at any time.)
Think of Club class as the equivalent of an airlines premium economy option.
First-class Queens Grill guests travel in butler-serviced suites that start at 506 square feet.
Queen Mary 2’s Britannia Restaurant.Christopher Ison/Courtesy of Cunard Line
Queens Grill guests may order from a set menu or have the chef whip up whatever they are craving.
Princess Grill guests can pre-order such treats as Dover sole and duck a lorange, prepared table side.
Other classics, such as New York strip steak au poivre are also available.
The Steakhouse at the Verandah.Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
Look for things like rosemary and garlic grilled lamb cutlets.
In addition to the mainstays, there are several casual dining options.
(At night, the lounge features the largest collection of vintage port wine at sea.)
The Royal Court Theatre.Christopher Ison/Courtesy of Cunard Line
The bar scene on the ship is extensive.
The Golden Lion pub pours pints, while labels including Laurent-Perrier are on offer at the Champagne Bar.
The nautically inspired Chart Room has a selection of zodiac-themed drinks, one for each sign.
The Queens Room.Greywolf Studios Limited/Courtesy of Cunard Line
Most of these trips connect New York City and Southampton, England, the gateway city to London.
Occasionally, these trips visit other ports, such as Hamburg, Germany, or Newport, Rhode Island.
Outside of crossing season, theQueen Mary 2often sails in the Caribbean.
Shore Excursions
Most of the time, theQueen Mary 2makes non-stop crossings between New York and Southampton.
Pricing for these tours varies, and Cunard does not include any excursions in its rates.
Elsewhere, there were trivia contests and darts competitions.
(Some crossings even offer fencing lessons, for an added fee.)
There are five pools onQueen Mary 2.
The shallow Minnows Pool is reserved for kids; the spa has a delightfully warm thalassotherapy option.
(Additionally, the spa has a sauna, various treatments, and salon services.)
The bars and lounges are also full of live music, including jazz.
On select cruises, The Royal Shakespeare Company performs and does workshops for guests.
On Gala Evenings, the place to see and be seen is the Queens Room ballroom.
(For those less confident in their steps, dance hosts are available as partners.)
(Infants from 6 months up to 2 years are welcome to visit with their parents.)
The Kids Zone, for ages 8 to 12, is equipped with foosball and game consoles.
Teens can enjoy supervised time in the G32 disco and also have their own video gaming area.
Pools have a hoist, the use of which can be reserved with 24 hours notice.
Cunard has additionaladvice for those with particular accessibility concernson its website.
