Proposed new look Princess Suites

Cunard’s recently announced that the Queen Mary 2 is to undergo a major refurbishment.

While the ship will stay true to its iconic style, Cunard want to offer a more contemporary interior to their guests.

The suites and restaurants will be completely redesigned. Known as the ‘Queen Mary 2 Remastered’ project, the refurbishment will begin on 27th of May and end on 21st June next year. This will be the first stage of renovations with other changes to follow.

So what is on the agenda for phase one? According to Angus Struthers, the cruise director of the QM2; “Queen Mary 2’s Grill suites and restaurants are already rated as the best of the best. The work to be undertaken in 2016 will ensure they continue to be the finest luxury experience at sea, with an unparalleled glamour and sophistication.”

All of the Queens and Princess Grill Suites are being reformed with additional extras. The Concierge service will offer the ultimate experience with private butler available for Queens Suite passengers. Both categories will have more storage space added and a soothing redesign with hints of Cunard’s legacy over the years. All of the 172 suite’s décor will have muted tones and beautiful textures.

Proposed new look of the Q5 and Q7 suites

New carpets will be added, featuring singular designs from the first Queen Mary ship as a sign of promoting the original’s heritage. Grill Suites guests will be offered a choice of bath & body gift amenities from Penhaligon’s, the London perfumer.

The Grill dining room is to have a retrofit, making it more airy and open, whilst toting an updated décor. There will be a distinction of interior design between the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants. The two Grill restaurants when finished will be able to seat more passengers. The changes will also promote more intimate dining with several tables for two. Once opened, guests staying in Queens and Princess Grill Suites can enjoy new menu options as well.

Proposed new look Queens Grill Restaurant

The QM2 will keep most of its entertainment options intact for now. There will still be plenty of activities to keep guests entertained during at sea days. There are daily group sessions with games of bridge and Texas Hold Em as well as trivia competitions with unique prizes.

QM2 has a wide range of speakers available during their enrichment programmes. These seminars, known as ‘Cunard Insights’, cover a vast array of topics. Celebrity guests will include former politicians, musicians and historians as the expert participants giving special talks and answering questions in their specific fields. Former speakers who have participated on the QM2 have included rock star Roger McGuinn, author Bill Bryson and film director Wes Anderson.

The Julliard Jazz Series will continue onboard the QM2, featuring both students and faculty jazzing it up as the night rolls on. If it’s theatre you’re looking for, see the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts hour long productions of classic plays and novels. There is also a movie theatre that shows films throughout the day.

The Queens Room has the largest ballroom at Sea!

For those that want to dance the night away, the Queens Room contains both the largest ballroom and the largest dance floor at sea. The Queens Room is also used for the Captain’s cocktail parties. The disco takes up two entire floors and is located behind the Queens Room. Although it’s in a strange location, the place is jumping every single night with its sleek interior and pumping beats.

There are also some unique aspects that aren’t found on any other ship and Illuminations is the only planetarium available on any cruise ship. The space is used for lectures, films and special planetarium shows.

More live entertainment can be enjoyed at the Royal Court Theatre, with shows ranging from acrobats to a piano concert.

2016 will be an exciting year for the Queen Mary 2 beginning with her January 10th sailing of the 120 day World & Exotic departing from Southampton. Even if the time element is too vast, segments are sold to explore North and South America, the Pacific, Asia and the Med.

After dry-dock, the Queen Mary 2 will resume her transatlantic signature heritage sailings and cross the atlantic several times from Southampton to New York City and back again. She also will do a number of Norwegian Fjord sailings from Southampton.

Images courtesy of Cunard

Written by Veronica Shine