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In the grand tapestry of maritime history, few vessels have commanded as much awe and admiration as our flagship, Queen Mary 2. From her majestic silhouette, gliding through the Atlantic, to her opulent interiors, reminiscent of a bygone era, Queen Mary 2 stands as an enduring testament to the allure of ocean travel.&nbsp;

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Origins, construction and maiden voyage of QM2

Queen Mary 2’s story began in the late 20th century, a time when the age of ocean liners was thought to be waning. We, however, thought differently, unveiling plans for a new flagship vessel that would marry tradition with innovation and redefine luxury ocean travel. 
 
Designed to be the largest, longest, and most expensive ocean liner ever built, Queen Mary 2 was a marvel of modern engineering. Her construction began in 2002 at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where skilled craftsmen meticulously brought our vision for her to life. Spanning an impressive 1,132 feet in length and towering 236 feet above the waterline, Queen Mary 2 was, and still is, utterly majestic.

After years of anticipation, Queen Mary 2 was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 January 2004, in Southampton, England. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new era in luxury cruising, and as Queen Mary 2 embarked on her maiden voyage on 12 January, thousands of spectators gathered to witness her historic departure.
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Her maiden voyage was a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur, capturing the world's imagination as she retraced the historic route across the Atlantic Ocean frequented by her predecessors. Guests on board were treated to a series of special celebrations to mark the occasion and the atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation, with gala dinners, live entertainment, Champagne toasts and commemorative ceremonies.

Cunard & Southampton 100 Year Celebrations

In the years that followed her maiden voyage, Queen Mary 2 became synonymous with the iconic Transatlantic Crossing between Europe and North America, a voyage she continues to make regularly to this day.&nbsp;The voyage, which sees guests sail across the Atlantic Ocean for several days, has reignited a passion for this romantic mode of travel, by offering a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary luxury.
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These iconic seven-night sailings between Southampton and New York attract guests seeking an unforgettable journey across the ocean. Whether it’s the thrill of standing on the ship's spacious decks as she slices through the waves, or the camaraderie forged among fellow guests, the Transatlantic Crossing on board Queen Mary 2 offers an experience unlike any other.

Since her launch in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has undergone several enhancements to ensure she remains a beacon of luxury and elegance on the seas. Her largest refit, in 2016, saw her undergo an extensive remastering, in which her staterooms and suites received a luxurious upgrade.
 
 
Several new dining experiences have also been added over the years, including the now renowned Steakhouse at the Verandah. The Carinthia Lounge (pictured) also saw a big change, becoming the bright, stylish space so loved by guests today.
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Queen Mary 2 has most recently been upgraded with new Starlink WiFi to help guests enjoy faster and more continuous connection speeds while at sea and, in alignment with our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, she’s also been fitted with more energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives.

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Notable moments of QM2

Queen Mary 2 sailed to Athens only a few months after launch and docked there for two weeks during the Olympic Games to be a luxury floating hotel for many high-profile attendees. Guests included the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Presidents of France and the United States, and the United States men’s basketball team.

Cunard-Kreuzfahrtschiff Queen Mary, schwimmendes Hotel angedockt in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Kalifornien CA, USA

Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary floating hotel docked in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California CA, USA

In February 2006, Queen Mary 2 visited Long Beach, California, to meet her namesake, Queen Mary. The two ships shared a whistle salute which was heard across the city.

Queen Mary 2 (top) and Queen Elizabeth in Sydney, 2007

Queen Mary 2 set off on her first world cruise in January 2007. During the voyage she united with her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, in Sydney. The sight attracted so many spectators that both the Sydney Harbour and Anzac bridges became blocked, causing traffic chaos.

In 2008, Queen Mary 2 and sister ships Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) and Queen Victoria participated in a historic rendezvous in New York Harbor. The firework-accompanied event captured the world’s attention as the iconic Cunard Queens sailed side by side, paying tribute to the line’s storied heritage.

Royal Rendezvous with Queen Elizabeth 2 (2008)

Manhattan Skyline with Brooklyn Bridge, New York City ; Shutterstock ID 180466268

In July 2013, Queen Mary 2 completed her 200th Transatlantic Crossing. Guests were treated to celebrations on board, including special guest speaker Stephen Payne, who designed the ship.

Queen Mary 2 celebrated her 10th anniversary in 2014 with a series of special events and commemorations. Festivities included themed cruises, gala dinners, and on board entertainment, honouring a decade of unparalleled luxury and service.

Queen Mary 2 played host to a star-studded premiere of &quot;The Greatest Showman&quot; on December 8, 2017, during a Transatlantic Crossing from New York. The event featured a red-carpet arrival and reception, the film shown in the Royal Court Theatre, and a gala dinner and entertainment inspired by the film.

Queen Mary 2 sails out of New York city at sunrise

As the years passed, Queen Mary 2 has solidified her place as an icon of the seas, earning a devoted following of guests who return time and again to experience her unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance. Beyond her commercial success, Queen Mary 2 also plays a significant role in preserving the tradition of ocean travel, reminding the world of the magic inherent in a voyage at sea. Since the retirement of her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, in 2008, Queen Mary 2 has become the only ocean liner in service in the world.

Stern view of Cunard's Queen Mary 2, showing deck levels and pools, at dusk

Queen Mary 2 inspired a new generation of cruise ships, influencing design trends and raising the bar for excellence in the industry. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories made by those who have had the privilege of sailing on board her magnificent decks. 
 
As she continues to sail the seas, she remains a beacon of luxury and sophistication, inviting guests to embark on a timeless journey through history and across the waves.

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The history of our flagship, Queen Mary 2

Origins and construction

Queen Mary 2 notable moments

Summer Olympics (2004)

Meeting Queen Mary (2006)

First World Voyage (2007)

Royal Rendezvous with Queen Elizabeth 2 (2008)

200th Transatlantic Crossing (2013)

10th Anniversary Celebrations (2014)

The Greatest Showman Premiere (2017)

Queen Mary 2's legacy and impact

Discover Queen Mary 2