The world’s most famous cruise ship, Queen Mary 2, is set to undergo a 25-day refit, or “remastering”, from 27 May with a redesign largely inspired from the original Queen Mary.
While staying true to Cunard’s art deco heritage, the ship will be updated and new areas created, from single cabins and spruced-up suites, to remodelled restaurants. As the only ship that allows people to cruise with their dogs and cats, Queen Mary 2 will also expand its kennel area.
The Queen Mary 2 will undergo a 25-day refit from 27 May. Image: Cunard Line
1. New dining options
In the biggest overhaul, Queen Mary 2 will receive three new venues: Carinthia Lounge and patisserie (formerly the Winter Garden) serving breakfast, lunch, coffees and Champagne afternoon tea, before wine, small plates and live entertainment by night; Smokehouse, promising an "alternative dining concept"; and The Verandah, specialising in French cuisine, which will replace the Todd English restaurant.
The new Carinthia Lounge named after an ex-Cunard ship, Carinthia (1956–68). Image: Cunard Line
2. Grills suites restyled
The Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites on Queen Mary 2 are the highest category of accommodation, offering the most luxurious rooms with private balconies, butler service and exclusive access to the Grill Lounge and fine dining restaurants.
These benefits will be retained, but all 172 Grills suites will be reconfigured to maximise space. Attention to detail is even applied to the new carpet, which references the rugs from the original Queen Mary. Grills guests also receive special extras such as a dedicated concierge, Penhaligon’s amenities, and nine choices of pillows.
The elegant, new Queens Grill Suites will be reconfigured to maximise space. Image: Cunard Line
3. Grills restaurants redesigned
Passengers staying in the Grill suites will enjoy an enhanced dining experience in the Queens Grill or Princess Grill restaurants, with more distinctive décor, more tables for two, and increased space between tables. New items have also been added to the a la carte menu.
The exclusive Queens Grill restaurant will become more spacious. Image: Cunard Line
4. Refreshed eat & drink venues
The open-to-all Kings Court Buffet is undergoing a transformation, complete with chandeliers, artworks and timber floors. Menus in the existing Britannia Restaurant and Golden Lion pub, along with Cunard’s famous afternoon tea in the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, will all be refreshed.
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5. Britannia Club Balcony cabins
Half of the ship’s Britannia Balcony staterooms will be elegantly refurnished and re-carpeted during the dry dock, with the rest to be enhanced in 2017. The main colour scheme is imperial blue and antiqued gold to honour Cunard’s history. An additional 30 Britannia Balcony cabins, ranging from 242 to 248 square feet, will also be created.
Passengers who book this cabin category are allowed to dine in the Britannia Club Restaurant, a special section of the main Britannia dining room.
Half of the ship's Britannia Balcony staterooms will be elegantly refurnished. Image: Cunard Line
6. New single staterooms
Not only aimed at the growing number of solo travellers, Queen Mary 2’s new single cabins are expected to appeal to multi-generational family groups, when some people will want to have their own room instead of sharing.
7. More kennels
Ten kennels, as well as a new inside play room, will be added to the existing 12 kennels for dogs and cats. Separate to the rest of the ship, this area allows owners to visit their pets and take them for a walk in a contained outdoor space, which is also set to be enlarged in the refit.
Among the charming changes to be unveiled are a lamp post and a fire hydrant in the dog walking area.
For a preview of Cunard's new Queen Mary 2 Remastered Queens Grill and Princess Grill, see this video:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjrVxpAu6hQ&feature=youtu.be[/embed]
