Queen Mary sails as pride of Cunard fleet
Massive liner’s refit will be turning a lot more heads
Refitting any cruise ship is a task of monumental proportions, but for Cunard Line (www.cunard.com), refurbishing the massive, 2004-built Queen Mary 2 was one of the largest refits ever performed by the line.
The QM2, as she is affectionately known, is no ordinary cruise ship. The 1,132-foot long flagship of the Cunard fleet towers 200 feet above the waterline, and is officially classed as an ocean liner. She has 14 passenger decks and can carry 2,604 guests in 1,310 staterooms and suites, all of which received a topto-bottom refurbishment during her recent stay at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany.
“Queen Mary 2 is an iconic leader in the world of luxury ocean travel and consistently receives high ratings by guests and the cruise industry. A ship that still turns heads everywhere she goes, she is unquestionably the pride of our fleet,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We are committed to maintaining that impeccable reputation, and this significant refurbishment is an important investment on behalf of our guests.”
Under the watchful eye of Tillberg Design who helped with the QM2’ s original planning, all soft furnishings like carpets and upholstery throughout the ship were replaced. In each and every stateroom, from the most affordable inside cabin to the ship’s lavish, two-storey Penthouse Suites, upholstery, bedding, and fittings were replaced. The old Crt-style televisions are gone, replaced instead with more modern (and space-saving) flat-panel TV’S. Staterooms also received a new colour scheme, replacing the darker yellows and reds with more soothing blues and purples.
Some of QM2’ s elegant and diverse public rooms also received a makeover, including the 20,000-square foot Canyon Ranch Spa Club, which received new teak decking around the relaxing hydrotherapy pool and upgrades to remaining spa facilities.
Foodies are sure to appreciate the changes made to the popular Golden Lion Pub, which takes on the general arrangement and seating options found aboard QM2’ s smaller sisters, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. The newly-revamped pub will be able to seat additional guests while still offering a decidedly British flair, complete with all the pub offerings at atmosphere you’d expect.
One of the most popular locations to be refitted is the forward-facing Commodore Club. With commanding views of the ocean from three sides, the Commodore Club was completely refitted with new carpeting, seating, and bar stools.
Other refurbished areas of note include the Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel’s, and the children’s Play Zone.
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