Queen Mary 2
The World's Only Ocean Liner
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 represents the pinnacle of maritime achievement as the world’s only true ocean liner. Built in 2004 and extensively renovated in 2016, this 17-deck ship can accommodate 2,092 guests in 1,046 cabins on its transatlantic cruises. Each airy cabin has a contemporary vibe with interactive TVs, a spacious wardrobe, en suite bathroom, individual temperature control and a sofa. Indulge in state-of-the-art facilities and activities that include Gala Nights, Afternoon Tea, a 3D cinema, planetarium, library, spa and casino.
About the Ship
You’ll find 12 passenger decks onboard Queen Mary 2 and a range of cabin options. Below you’ll find our three broad types of cabins, each with several cabin categories that vary by size and the level of amenities. Download the deck plan here. To view the details of specific cabin categories, click “Select Date” on the “Dates & Prices” page of the voyage you are interested in.
Good to Know
Tradition is Key
Sailing on board Queen Mary 2 evokes the golden age of cruising, with English traditions on the front of everything happening during the world's only regular transatlantic sailings. Each day, Afternoon Tea is served in the Queens Room between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. with loose leaf tea accompanied by finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and a live orchestra. Live bands play classical, big band and jazz music throughout the ship's many bars, lounges and public spaces. In the Queens Room, learn the art of ballroom dancing and bask in the glamour and elegance of Cunard's renowned Gala Nights.
There’s a Dress Code
Life on board a Cunard cruise moves at a relaxed pace yet fashion is always on point. During the day, style and comfort exist in perfect harmony with casual wear recommended. When it comes time for dinner, Queen Mary 2 has a strict dress code. If you do not wish to adhere to the dress code, you are limited to the buffet and a select portion of the ship. The formal dress code requires men to wear jackets with optional ties and women are recommended to wear cocktail dresses or smart pants suits. Every seven nights, there are two or three black tie Gala Nights with an eight-piece orchestra. Occasionally, there are themed Gala Nights for which passengers tend to go all out with appropriate attire and accessories.
Class Matters
When Cunard first began transatlantic cruising, it carried three passenger classes — first, second and steerage. Each class had separate dining rooms and amenities. This dining structure still exists and is separated into Britannia cabins, Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites. Each level of accommodations has its own dining space. Guests in Britannia cabins dine in the main Britannia Restaurant or Britannia Club. Guests in the Princess- or Queens-class cabins dine in the respective Princess Grill or Queens Grill, each with a more refined menu, décor and ambiance. Alternative dining options include an extensive buffet, bars and lounges and 24-hour room service.
Be Entertained
As the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 was designed specifically to cross the Atlantic. Learn the art of ballroom dancing in the Queens Room or lose yourself in a world of literature in the library — both the largest at sea. Admire the nighttime sky in the world’s only floating planetarium. With opportunities to challenge both your mind and your body, your time at sea will fly by.
Life On Board
Your time on board will be filled with new friends, great memories and activities that will make your time at sea cruise by. When you sail with Road Scholar, your Study Leader will offer lectures and presentations in a private meeting room to further your knowledge of your program’s theme.
During your free time, Queen Mary 2 is a floating city. The options for activities and entertainment are many and varied. You might like to see a show in the ballroom, go dancing, listen to music, watch a movie in the theater, have a beverage and a chat with new Road Scholar friends in one of the bars or wander through the library — one of the best shipboard libraries anywhere — to find a book and curl up in that perfect reading chair.
Located on decks 2 and 3, this two-story theater featuring a central stage is home to world-class productions. During the day, you may choose to attend a presentation by a guest lecturer or a show performed by the ship’s staff. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.
Two or three nights per seven nights on board, don your finest tuxedo or cocktail gown during the black tie Gala Nights in the Queens Room — the largest ballroom at sea. A signature Cunard event, Gala Nights have various themes including Black & White, Masquerade Ball, Roaring Twenties and Victoriana Ball.
Embrace your inner Anglophile and enjoy a light afternoon snack of finger foods and loose leaf teas in the Queens Room.
Located on deck 3, this 500-seat theater doubles as a planetarium, movie theater and lecture hall. The daily planetarium shows are limited to the central 150 seats and tickets have to be reserved ahead of time.
Lounge around and enjoy the sun or challenge your body and work up a sweat. There are four pools, each with whirlpools, or play table tennis, shuffleboard and mini golf in the outdoor sports area.
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at fencing, this is your opportunity; the ship’s staff teaches daily fencing classes for various skill levels. Or you could learn a new line dance or practice ballroom dancing. What about participating in a darts competition? Otherwise, the fitness center offers sweeping views from the front of the observation deck.
Find an old favorite or pick out a new book in the largest floating library in the world. You may even wish to join the Cunard Book Club, where thought provoking literary discussions with fellow guests are led by the ship's librarian.
There is always live music being performed around the ship. Whether it’s the smooth melodies of a classical orchestra during Afternoon Tea or funky jazz beats in the Carinthia Lounge, you’ll always be able to find the music for your ears.
Dining
In addition to the three main dining halls — Britannia Restaurant, Queens Restaurant and Kings Restaurant — there are five additional dining venues available free of charge and two restaurants at an additional cost. Room service is free of charge and available 24/7. Room service features 18 dishes with a number of options available for vegetarians.
Included Dining Areas:
Kings Court Buffet
Located on deck 7, Kings Court Buffet offers a diverse array of food at almost all hours of the day. It was extensively renovated during Queen Mary 2’s 2016 refurbishment and fits in perfectly with the Art Deco ambiance.
Boardwalk Café
Located on deck 12, this outdoor take-away restaurant serves traditional American bar food such as burgers, hot dogs and French fries. Its hours vary depending on the weather and has no seating options.
Carinthia Lounge
Located on deck 7, the Carinthia Lounge is the newest dining venue, added in 2016. It serves an eclectic variety of dishes on small, gourmet plates.
Queens Room
Located on deck 3, the Queens Room is a Cunard signature. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. by white-gloved waiters and a live orchestra. Enjoy a selection of loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches and freshly baked pastries and scones. The Queens Room transforms into a floating ballroom once the sun goes down.
Golden Lion
Located on deck 2, the Golden Lion is open from noon to 3 p.m. and serves classic British pub food like fish ’n’ chips and cottage pie.
Extra Cost
Kings Court Specialty
Each night from 7 to 9 p.m., a portion of the Kings Court on deck 7 becomes a rotating specialty restaurant. Each night is a different theme with a specially curated menu and accompanying drink selection. There are five rotating themes drawing on cuisines from around the world. The Kings Court Specialty fills up quickly so a reservation is needed.
The Verandah
Located on deck 8, the Verandah is an ode to a classic American steakhouse. Offering a variety of cuts of meat and seafood, each meal is delicately crafted and results in a fine dining experience.
The History of Cunard
Cunard's rich heritage and maritime legacy bring more than 175 years of tradition to the world of luxury cruises. Cunard's long history dates back to 1839 when Canadian shipping magnate Samuel Cunard won the bid for the British government's first-ever transatlantic shipping contract. One year later, he combined forces with Robert Napier, a Scottish engineer, to create the British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company — more commonly known as the Cunard Line. Cunard's first ocean-going steamship, Britannia, sailed from Liverpool to Boston on July 4, 1840.
In the early 1850s, Cunard began operating a transatlantic passenger service and quickly became the route's leading passenger line while still conducting its postage and cargo service. New competition forced the company to go public in 1879 as the Cunard Steamship Company, Ltd. and led to a period of innovation in pursuit of faster, more efficient ships. By the turn of the century, Cunard's fleet had expanded to more than 30 cargo and passenger ships with more luxurious cabins and amenities in the ever-evolving challenge of warding off rival passenger lines.
Cunard enjoyed its golden age in the economic resurgence that followed World War II; its first-ever purpose-built cruise ship, Caronia, was initiated by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth in October 1947. Its fleet of ocean liners — led by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth — was the biggest, fastest and most luxurious in the world. Queen Elizabeth was the largest passenger ship in the world from its maiden voyage in October 1946, a record it held for 50 years. Today, Queen Mary is a floating and hotel and conference center in Long Beach, California.
With the advent of commercial air travel in the late 1950s, grand ocean liners slowly disappeared as more passengers took to flying. In 1969, Cunard gambled on the success of a new ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, as the flagship of its smaller fleet consisting of cruise ships. After Queen Mary 2 embarked on its maiden voyage in 2004, this gamble proved to be successful. At the time, Queen Mary 2 was the largest and most expensive ship ever built. When Queen Elizabeth 2 was retired in 2008, QueenMary2 became the world's last ocean liner and the crown jewel of Cunard's fleet. In October 2018, Queen Elizabeth 2 opened as a floating hotel in Dubai.
Today, Cunard's maintains a fleet of three luxurious ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
Are you ready for the voyage of a lifetime?
Join us onboard the incredible Queen Mary 2 for a 103-night voyage that leads through Western Europe, South Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll explore 19 countries on four continents, learn about numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even sail through the Suez Canal. Time at sea allows you access to our expert instructors who will lead lectures and discussions exclusive for Road Scholars. From Heraklion to Luxor, and Muscat to Sydney, there’s no end to what you’ll discover and the friendships you’ll make during this epic voyage!
Best of all, you'll ...
- Begin your learning adventure with two nights in London, with field trips to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
- Delight in a memorable voyage through the Suez Canal, as you journey from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
- Go on a one-day safari in South Africa, experience the desert city of Dubai, marvel at the biodiversity of the island of Mauritius and much more!
Voyage Highlights
- Two Group Leaders
- Study leaders to help us learn further about the countries we are visiting
- Exclusive discussion and lecture sessions just for Road Scholar
- Private coach bus
- Two nights in downtown London
- Exclusive Road Scholar cocktail parties