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Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is the first major ocean liner built since Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1969, the vessel she succeeded as flagship of the Cunard Line. Following on the original Queen Mary, which was named after Mary of Teck, consort of King George V. The original Queen Mary retired from service in 1967. The ship left Southampton in 1968 to go to California. Since then, she has been permanently moored at Long Beach as a restaurant, a museum, and hotel.

Queen Mary 2 was christened by Queen Elizabeth II on 8 January 2004 and was the longest, widest and tallest passenger ship ever built, and based on her gross tonnage (GT) of 151,400 tons, was also the largest. Unfortunaly this is no longer the case following the launch of Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas in April 2006, and Oasis of the Seas at 154,407 GT and 225,282 GT respectively. One thing that the Queen Mary 2 does retain is the fact she is still the largest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary 2 still undertakes cruises, but her design and construction is that of an Ocean Liner, which involves heavy and thicker steel plate.

Ship Stats

Launched: 21 March 2003
Start of service: 12 January 2004
Decks: 12
Lifts: 12
Length: 345 m
Beam (width): 41 m
Tonnage: 151,400 GRT
Propulsion: 2 fixed and 2 azipod Propellers
Speed: 29.62 knots
Capacity: 3,056 passengers
Crew and staff: 1,253
Registry: Hamilton, Bermuda

Ship Features

10 restaurants (additional dining in bars available)
14 bars & lounges
Kennels for dogs and cats
air-conditioned throughout
5 swimming pools & 8 jacuzzis
health club, sports deck & sauna
card room, library with internet access
beauty salon & boutiques
stabilised worldwide satellite telephone, telex and fax
Childrens activities run by fully trained nursery nurses & medical centre
Enrichment programme such as Astromony and book clubs

Ship particulars

Food
Cunard still operates a form of passenger classes when it comes to dining. Passengers with some of the more expensive and exclusive suites have access to some very special dining rooms. Queens Grill guests dine in this magnificent restaurant on Deck 11. This is the epitome of Cunard dining excellence, where sparkling crystal glints against understated creams and golds and the à la carte menu is perfectly accompanied by the attentive service and air of refinement.

Up on Deck 11, the intimate single seating Princess Grill Restaurant captivates guests staying in Princess Grill Suites with flawlessly attentive service and the acclaimed pinnacle of our à la carte excellence. Menus wonderfully combine different flavours, textures and ingredients to surpass expectations evening after evening. There is also a Britannia dining room for Britannia staterooms, but there are other dining options on board including the fashionable Todd English restaurant for healthy Mediterranean specialties.

Excercise

Canyon Ranch SpaClub® can be found on board the Queen Mary 2. Indulge in signature Canyon Ranch massages, treatments and facials from the classic Canyon Stone Massage or Rasul Ceremony, to exotic Ayurvedic or Thai treatment.

The modern Fitness Centre has views out forward to the covered promenade deck. The centre opens from for those wanting an early workout before breakfast. Fully equiped with treadmills, step machines and all other types of equipment.

Alternatively you may wish to try a new experience or continue an existing training session from home, so you will find Yoga, Pilates and spinning sessions available.

For those after a more relxing health break, there are the swimming pools to either swim or relax in and eight jacuzzis.

Formal nights

The Cunard Queen Victoria is a fantastic ship with some suites going for many thousands of pounds. There are formal and semi formal nights during your crusie. Men do not necessarily need a tuxedo for these formal nights, and could use a dark suit, however, the majority do wear the full tuxedo. Importantly, the dress codes are for the formal dining rooms and ballroom and do not apply to the buffets / lounges and entertainment. Be prepared to change out of your swiming costumes or shorts for the evening though.

Smoking

Smoking is no longer permitted in any public area on the Queen Victoria with the exception of Churchill’s Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and designated areas on the open decks. Smoking is permitted on private balconies.