A Transatlantic cruise on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is different from other ocean cruises. It’s a voyage that harkens back to the indulgence of slow travel, a time when the crossing was an elegant affair to be savored. With a “remastering” of the ship (a suitably refined term Cunard used for the multi-million dollar refurbishing), the nostalgia of the Gilded Age is gracefully combined with modern tastes and amenities.

Stateroom Transformations on Queen Mary 2

Both staterooms and suites aboard Queen Mary 2 have undergone a transformation that incorporates contemporary design into Cunard’s long history. The soft goods of the Britannia Balcony staterooms are being refurbished in phases throughout 2017, using imperial blue and antique gold to honor Cunard’s art deco heritage.

30 new Britannia Club staterooms were added and the existing ones were refurbished in blue and gold tones. 15 new Britannia Single staterooms were also added to the ship, giving solo travelers economical options. Britannia Club guests will now have a pillow menu and single seating in the Britannia Club restaurant.

The elegant Princess Grill suites were redecorated in neutral background colors with strong Cunard blues and reds as contrast. The top-level Queens Grill suites also received a makeover of muted neutral tones with hints of the traditional blues and reds. Elegant textures, new carpet, and exclusive artwork make the Queens Grill suites tastefully lavish.

Grill Suite passengers enjoy these additional benefits:

• A personal concierge or butler
• Exclusive access to lounges and venues
• Priority embarkation
• Single-seat dining in the Princess or Queens Grill restaurant

The Remastering of QM2 Dining Venues

Unlike other cruise vessels, guests on the Queen Mary 2 use a dining room based on their accommodation. The Grills dining on Queen Mary 2 was already considered some of the most sophisticated at sea, and the remastering raised the bar even higher. In addition to the rich, updated colors – red and gold in the Queens Grill restaurant; blue and neutrals in the Princess Grill restaurant – the spaces were redesigned to offer more tables for two and increased space between tables. New culinary options and Cunard’s signature White Star Service complete the refined experience.

The Verandah, formerly Todd English, now offers unforgettable contemporary French cuisine for a surcharge ($20 for lunch; $50 for dinner*). The Verandah bar is available for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Kings Court has a new bright and airy ambiance. For informal dining throughout the day, it offers a relaxed, self-service buffet and snacks. In the evening, it transforms into an alternative dining venue (surcharge $17.50*) serving a rotation of Indian, Pan-Asian, Italian and Tex-Mex cuisine.

The Carinthia Lounge is a new transformation of the Winter Garden and also does double duty. By day, the light and airy space features a patisserie counter and a champagne Afternoon Tea experience. By evening, it becomes a venue to sip premium wine and listen to relaxed entertainment.

Life Aboard Queen Mary 2

A crossing on the Queen Mary 2 is a vacation unlike other cruises. With six consecutive days at sea, the ship becomes the destination. Visit the Canyon Ranch Spa Club’s Aqua Therapy Center, see a show in the Planetarium, or curl up in a quiet niche with a good book. There are 101 things you can do on Queen Mary 2, or you can unplug, slow down and relax without feeling a bit guilty.

Evenings are elegant, with men asked to wear jackets in the restaurants. You can expect two or three designated formal nights when gentlemen rival the suave of James Bond and ladies sparkle with charming smiles and flashy jewels. And of course, ballroom dancing (or watching the more skilled dancers) in the Queens Room Ballroom is a fashionable way to end the elegant evening.

A Transatlantic crossing on QM2 is a time-honored tradition, made current with the brilliant remastering of the ship. The Queen Mary 2 now incorporates the best of both worlds: the venerable history of Cunard and the contemporary luxury that today’s traveler desires. To experience this unique blend of nostalgia and comfort, contact a Covington cruise advisor.

*Dining surcharges correct at time of printing.
Disclaimer: Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Cunard as a preferred partner and sponsor of this blog post.