Refining an Icon: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 to Undergo Major Refurbishment
by Bruce Parkinson
Queen Mary 2. Photo: Cunard
British luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a major refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, marking a new chapter for what is described as “the world’s only ocean liner” as she prepares to enter dry dock in spring 2027.
As the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, Queen Mary 2 occupies a unique place in maritime history.
Cunard says the 2027 refurbishment represents its continued investment in the future of luxury ocean travel, ensuring the ship remains the benchmark for Transatlantic travel for generations to come.
The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s distinctive Art Deco identity and her place as the icon of Transatlantic glamour.
The ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France, on March 31, 2027, returning to service on May 9, 2027.
Elevated Accommodations and Public Spaces
Thirty-one new staterooms will be added across the ship, including 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, with the remaining 15 new staterooms in the Britannia category.
Every existing Grill Suite will be refreshed with new interiors, furnishings and finishes, and newly designed bathrooms will be introduced across all Grill Suite categories, with a sophisticated new look and premium spa-inspired features.
The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will be refreshed, while guests will also be able to enjoy additional outdoor deck space, with places to relax, watch the sunset, and take in the sea air. Classic deck games, along with paddle tennis and pickleball, will continue to be part of the Queen Mary 2 experience.
Queen Mary 2’s famous kennels, the only dedicated kennels at sea, will also be enhanced. Improvements will include redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners’ lounge and an expanded outdoor walking area, further elevating the experience for guests crossing the Atlantic with their pets.
Wellness, Culture and Entertainment at Sea
Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed as part of the refurbishment, creating an updated space designed to revive, refresh and restore. A new collection of luxury stores will also be introduced.
The ship’s cultural and entertainment offerings will also be refreshed. Illuminations, the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a major digital upgrade, delivering more immersive, state-of-the-art experiences beneath its dome.
The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway productions, while Cunard’s Insights program will continue to welcome notable speakers and cultural figures on board.
“Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship, she is an icon of modern luxury travel and the only true ocean liner in the world,” said Cunard president Katie McAlister.
“This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character and the sense of occasion that only Queen Mary 2 can offer. We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward.”
