Queen Mary 2 ship guide and archive

For over 60 years, there has been a Cunard "Queen" sailing the oceans. Queen Mary 2 is the first such liner built in a generation and is the worthy heir - the company's 160-year heritage. She embodies all the thoroughbred characteristics of her forebears: the generous thrust of her raked prow, the stepped superstructure, both fore and aft, the lean dimensions that allow for greyhound speed whilst traversing the North Atlantic. Seen from the outside, she looks like what she is: a purpose-built craft for sailing rapidly between points on the globe.

Within her hull, however, QM2 hides a multitude of delights as spectacular and pleasurable as they are innovative and ingenious. Stepping aboard, guests enter a realm of sweeping spaces and grand designs, the likes of which have not been seen for decades. Passengers will enjoy a generosity of spaciousness that rivals or surpasses that of ultra-luxury small ships. Just 2,620 guests sail on this 150,000-gross-ton vessel. They stroll the broad, one-third-mile-long teak promenade deck that encircles the entire ship, stopping - talk with friends relaxing on traditional steamer chairs. Guests enter a lobby that towers over three decks high, graced with a sweeping grand staircase and monumental works of art. They will travel in Accommodations Luxury cruise reference that vary from the merely commodious - the shamelessly extravagant. The standard cabins measure 194 square feet, and most include an eight-foot balcony. In all, three fourths of the ship's cabins have balconies, and 77% are sea-view cabins. All the way aft, there are five Duplex Apartments overlooking the sea from two-story glass walls. At over 1,600 square feet, these include two levels, a private exercise area, a generous private balcony, and butler service. As on QE2, the accommodation selected by the guest will be matched with a sea-view dining venue. Higher categories will dine in grill rooms, and lower categories will share a truly opulent dining room, again towering over three decks high, with its own grand staircase and tiered seating - create both open and intimate dining spaces.

To fill the pleasant days at sea, onboard activities are staged in a number of innovative and inviting venues. Seven multi-purpose classroom facilities that can be sized - accommodate differently sized classes will comprise a College At Sea, with expert instruction in a wide variety of subjects, such as computer skills, languages, art and wine appreciation, cooking, and more. An auditorium features a section that adapts - become a full-scale planetarium, where star shows, courses on celestial navigation, and other visual spectacles are presented. QM2 will have a large library, a bookshop, and a coffee shop. Like her sister QE2, QM2 will boast a true ballroom, with an orchestra for dancing. A magnificent Spa will include one of the ship's five swimming pools, and together with the adjacent Winter Garden, will provide a health, fitness, and relaxation area of over 25,000 square feet. Numerous smaller lounges, alternative dining venues, and specialized rooms will also welcome travelers during oceanic crossings and other fascinating voyages.

QM2 was built in the Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in Sainte-Nazaire, France. This is the same yard that built the France (now the Norway), Normandie, Ile de France and some of the other great liners of the past. At a total estimated cost of $780 million USD, she will also be the most expensive ship ever built. She entered service in January 2004.