Queen Mary 2 arrives in New York, the final leg of her 175th Anniversary tour, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. This month marks the 175th Anniversary of Cunard, and the companyÕs flagship, Queen Mary 2, has recreated the historic Transatlantic Crossing from Liverpool to Halifax and Boston made by the RMS Britannia in July 1840. Although not a port of call in the original crossing made by Britannia, New York has been Cunard's North American home port for over a century. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Cunard)

Unique venues and features on Queen Mary 2

The only true ocean liner still cresting the waves, Queen Mary 2 offers a variety of unique features that set her apart from her sister ships and other cruise ships worldwide.

Queen Mary 2 – the last ocean liner at sea

With a focus on stability, speed, and seaworthiness, Queen Mary 2 was designed for long-distance ocean travel. As the last of the world’s true ocean liners, she offers you a class of ship that’s in a league of its own. The only modern ship still offering regular passenger crossings between North America and Europe, she continues a legacy our ships first started in 1840. She also boasts advanced propulsion and stability systems that enable her to reach higher speeds, so even faced with adverse weather she can glide through the Atlantic with ease.

Illuminations

Queen Mary 2’s on board Illuminations theatre, is a one-of-a-kind for our fleet, making it a must-visit on our flagship. Offering luxurious tiered seating that, when reclined, encourages your eyes skywards, this multimedia theatre and popular Cunard Insights venue is like no other on board. Its most distinct feature is undoubtedly its ability to transform into an illuminations theatre– the first of its kind at sea - providing you with immersive virtual journeys through space and time. At other times of day, you can settle in to see feature length films or join an audience with one of your cruise’s special guest speakers, details of which you’ll find in your Daily Programme.

A group of smiling friends dance in a lit up nightclub

G32

Named after Queen Mary 2’s shipyard hull number, G32 is a two-storey nightclub, exclusive to our flagship. With a dancefloor where you can move to the sounds of a live DJ, this lively venue is always the last to wind down on board. Join the late-night revellers keeping the party going, long after the rest of the ship has retired to bed. Inside, you’ll find a bar serving a full selection of spirits, wine, beers, and cocktails, and plenty of seating where you can rest your feet between turns on the dancefloor.

Kennels

Queen Mary 2 is further unique in that she’s one of the only cruise ships in the world to offer dog kennels on board, providing dedicated accommodation for guests sailing with a furry four-legged companion. Her kennels are situated on Deck 12 of the ship and can be exclusively booked for Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossings. Just outside the kennels is a Liverpudlian Lamppost and a New York fire hydrant, where dogs out for a walk in the fresh sea air can enjoy a little light relief.

A typical sheltered balcony Britannia stateroom on Queen Mary 2, showing kingsize bed, living area and balcony access

Sheltered balcony staterooms

Queen Mary 2 is the only Queen in our fleet to feature sheltered balconies on selected Britannia Staterooms. Located closer to the waterline, staying in this accommodation allows you to enjoy outdoor views and fresh sea air, mere metres from the rolling swell of the sea. As the balcony is partially enclosed, it’s the perfect choice of accommodation if you prefer outdoor ambiance and panoramic views while being shielded from the elements. As with all our Britannia staterooms, Queen Mary 2’s sheltered balconies offer you all the complimentary touches you can look forward to when you sail with us, even down to the nightly chocolate left on your pillow.

Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary 2 sailing away

Lookout

Located at the Forward of Queen Mary 2, The Lookout is a sheltered outdoor observation post offering panoramic views out to sea from the highest point on the ship. Found on Deck 13, directly above the Bridge where the Captain is stationed, this unique space – the only one of its kind on our fleet – provides a perfect vantage point from which to enjoy ever-changing vistas while protected from the elements.

Cuff links

Queen Mary’s 2 ‘Commodore’s cuff links’ – as they’re affectionately known – are an iconic feature of our flagship. Located on the Observation Deck (Deck 11) these avant-garde steel structures are often mistaken for a sculpture installation. In truth, these ‘cuff links’ are actually spare propellors, but mounted as they are in full public view they take on an architectural quality that never fails to attract admiring glances.

Fairways

Fairways is a dream find for golf enthusiasts sailing on Queen Mary 2. Offering a chance to flex your swing in any weather, here you can swing your way through a lifelike selection of world-renowned golf courses, joining the ranks of the sport’s finest. With experience levels for all abilities, this immersive experience is a great way to brush up on your technique or indulge your favourite passion. Book your slot at the Purser’s Desk or, for Grills guests, speak to your Grills concierge.

Minnows Pool

Located at the Aft of deck 6, Minnows Pool is a dedicated splash pool on Queen Mary 2 designed with little Cunarders in mind. You’ll find this family-friendly space on an outside deck, conveniently positioned just in front of the children’s clubs. Offering a child-friendly, shallow pool and plenty of outdoor space to stretch out in, Minnows Pool is the perfect destination for families looking to keep cool and enjoy some quality time in the sunshine.