Major changes planned to one of the world’s iconic ships

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise ship will undergo a major refurbishment in early summer 2016, introducing new designs and guest experiences as the cruise line marks its 175th anniversary.

The project will include upgrades such as the addition of 15 Single Staterooms; 30 additional Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms, in which guests can dine at any time in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant, which will be expanded; and ten more kennels to meet the rising demand for four-legged travelers, bringing the vessel’s total kennel capacity to 22 cats and dogs.

“Queen Mary 2 is an icon in the world of luxury ocean travel. A ship that turns heads everywhere she goes, she is the pride of the Cunard fleet and we are committed to ensuring her reputation grows ever stronger,” said Richard Meadows, President of Cunard North America. “These enhancements are just the beginning of an exciting refurbishment for Queen Mary 2, and we look forward to making more announcements about this impressive refit in the coming months.”

Cunard has long been on the cutting edge of ocean travel, from establishing the first scheduled Transatlantic Crossings to offering the first electric light bulbs and en-suite bathrooms at sea.

Queen Mary 2, which has achieved over 200 Transatlantic Crossings and carried famous voyagers such as President George H.W. Bush, James Taylor and Uma Thurman, will begin sailings with its new accommodations in late June 2016.

That includes Caribbean itineraries.

— CJ