QM2 Cunard 175th Anniversary in Halifax, Asset Bank ID: 368

The history of our flagship, Queen Mary 2

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.

Origins and construction

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.

Cunard & Southampton 100 Year Celebrations

Queen Mary 2's launch and maiden voyage

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.

The visit to Greenock by Queen Mary 2, the biggest ocean liner in the world, on Thursday 21 May 2015 to mark the long and historic link between Cunard and the Clyde as part of the company’s 175th anniversary celebrations, culminated in a fusillade of fireworks exploding over the flagship as she sail at 2200hrs this evening.

Over the company's 175 years, 248 ships have flown the Cunard flag and of those 125 were constructed in Scotland with 120 of those being built on the Clyde. Indeed, Cunard’s first 75 ships were built in Scotland. The Clyde has produced some of the most famous ships ever to go to sea, including Lusitania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Caronia and Queen Elizabeth 2.

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.

Reviving the Transatlantic Crossing

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.

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-day 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.

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The Carinthia Lounge is an airy, serene space on board Queen Mary 2

Evolution and change on Queen Mary 2

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, plus the poolside Boardwalk Cafe. The Carinthia Lounge (pictured) also saw a big change, becoming the bright, stylish space so loved by guests today.

A couple sit on deckchairs on deck, a drink in the woman's hand, and an electronic tablet in the man's hand, as they enjoy the sun

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.

In alignment with our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, she’s also been fitted with more energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives.

Our sustainability goals

Queen Mary 2 notable moments

Summer Olympics (2004)

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.

Meeting Queen Mary (2006)

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.

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

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

First World Voyage (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.

Royal Rendezvous with Queen Elizabeth 2 (2008)

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.

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

200th Transatlantic Crossing (2013)

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.

New York Harbour, New York City, USA – Saturday 6th. July 2013 -

Queen Mary 2 bids farewell to New York and heads for Southampton on her milestone 200th crossing; to mark the beginning of the historic voyage from New York, the world’s most iconic ship performed a sail-by of the world’s iconic statue atop Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty.
Queen Mary 2 is the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive liner ever built. Today, she is the only ocean liner in service and is the fastest passenger ship in the world. Since entering service in 2004 she has cemented her place in maritime history as the most famous passenger ship afloat today. In the course of Queen Mary 2’s 200 Atlantic crossings, Cunard estimates that half a million passengers have consumed 8.4 million cups of tea, 980,000 scones, 481,000 bottles of champagne, 644,000 eggs and 960,000 litres of milk. In total, 22.4 million meals have been served with over 600,000 nautical miles sailed. And these figures do not take into account consumption on her annual World Cruise or sailings to the Canaries, Fjords, Iceland, the Low Countries, around Britain, up to Montreal and Quebec in Canada, and among the islands of the Caribbean.

10th Anniversary Celebrations (2014)

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.

The Greatest Showman Premiere (2017)

Queen Mary 2 played host to a star-studded premiere of "The Greatest Showman" 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's legacy and impact

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.