Public Areas & Facilities

With the clever use of design elements, Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger liner ever built, bears a striking external resemblance to the smaller, older Queen Elizabeth 2. The world's grandest and most expensive liner is something of a transitional ship, incorporating classic ocean-liner features -- sweeping staircases, soaring public rooms, a 360-degree promenade deck, and a grand ballroom -- all comfortably within a hull that also includes a trendy Canyon Ranch Spa and a full-scale planetarium.

Interior spaces blend the traditional style of early-20th-century liners with all the conveniences 21st-century passengers expect. Public rooms are mainly located on two decks low in the ship -- remember, this is a liner designed for North Atlantic crossings. Befitting a queen, the grand lobby is palatial with broad, curving staircases and marble columns. Wide passageways lead to a variety of lounges, shops, a casino, showroom, and planetarium. The Queen's room is especially regal, with an arched ceiling and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

Restaurants

Queen Mary 2 offers different levels of dining assignment that correspond to accommodation category booked. Spanning the width of the ship on three decks, the Britannia Restaurant serves dinner in two assigned seatings to most passengers; those in junior suites and above dine in the single-seating Grill restaurants. Passengers in Junior Suites are assigned to single-seating Princess Grill. The exclusive Queen's Grill serves passengers booked in duplex apartments and the most lavish suites.

What Works & What Doesn't

The full majesty of yesteryear's grand liners is re-created within Queen Mary 2's hull -- she appears to be a throwback to the days of opulence and celebrity sightings. Although it's certainly exciting to sail on such an impressive ship, no one harbors the illusion that booking an inside cabin results in the same level of pampering and attention received by occupants of a Penthouse or Royal Suite. So the illusion of total luxury falls short in reality. On the other hand, proper afternoon tea and great, pub-style fare in the Golden Lion suggest that Brittania still rules the waves.

Accommodations

Layout: Selecting a stateroom or suite on Queen Mary 2 is a complex endeavor due to the many variations. As expected on the world's most luxurious liner, an impressive 78% of her accommodations are outside cabins and over 86% of these feature spacious private balconies. There are fewer than 300 inside cabins; however, a dozen insides have an atrium view. All accommodations are designed with ample closet, drawer-shelf storage, and bathroom shelves. Private balconies are furnished with chairs, loungers, and tables. Duplex apartment and suite luxuries vary, but most have a whirlpool tub, dressing area, entertainment center, and dining area; all have private balconies. In addition, duplex apartments and most suites feature guest powder rooms and whirlpool tubs; some have his-and-hers dressing rooms.

Amenities: Warm-wood cabinetry, quality fabrics, a small refrigerator, a personal safe, a hair dryer, broadband computer hook-up, interactive television, and a sitting area with sofa or chairs and dual-height table are typical standard amenities. Toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes for use during the cruise are standard.

Good to Know: Thirty cabins are wheelchair-accessible.

Category	Size (square feet)
Grand Duplex/Duplex	2,249 /1,194
Royal Suite/Penthouse	796/758
Suite/Jr. Suite	506/381
Deluxe/Premium Balcony	248/249
Standard Ocean View/Inside	194

Favorites

Share the Captain's Viewpoint: For a glimpse into all things nautical, visit the bridge observation area. Through glass windows directly behind the main console, you'll have a view of both the long-range and short-range radar. Open on most sea days, access the area by using the "A" stairwell or elevators and stay as long as you like.

Shall We Dance?: The Queen's Room is a true ballroom with the largest ballroom dance floor at sea. Spanning the width of the ship beneath a high, arched ceiling and crystal chandelier, it's a majestic space where you'll want to waltz the night away.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: So many bars, so little time … for the atmosphere of an ocean crossing, the Chart Room wins out.

Best Splurge: Dine in Todd English, which bears the name of the celebrity chef who designed the menu; his innovative Meditterranean cuisine is the best thing going on the QM2.