Cunard announces a major restyling plan for Queen Mary 2

Cunard has unveiled an extensive refurbishment project for Queen Mary 2, its historic flagship and the world’s only ocean liner offering regular scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York. The ship will enter dry dock at the Damen Shiprepair shipyard in Brest, France, from March 31 to May 9, 2027. Under the guidance of designer Chris Finch, who participated in the ship’s original construction, the work will aim to preserve its unmistakable unique style, renovating the interiors and introducing 31 new cabins, including 16 exclusive Princess Grill Suites.

The intervention will profoundly transform the onboard experience starting with accommodation and dining options, with a complete restyling of all existing Grill Suites, now featuring spa-inspired bathrooms, and the modernization of the refined Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants. The outdoor spaces will offer new panoramic sundeck areas while maintaining traditional sports options, including padel and pickleball courts. The celebrated onboard kennel (the only one on a cruise ship) will also be expanded, with the renovation of the owners’ lounge and the extension of the outdoor pet walking area.

Special attention will be paid to wellness and entertainment, with the complete redesign of the Mareel Wellness & Beauty center and the introduction of a new luxury boutique gallery. In the cultural and entertainment sector, the Illuminations planetarium, the largest at sea, will receive a significant digital upgrade to offer even more immersive projections. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway-style productions, while the Insights conference program will welcome prominent personalities and figures from the international cultural landscape.

The investment aims to strengthen the company’s leadership in transatlantic luxury travel, renewing the tradition of a legendary ship also through an artistic collaboration with illustrator Tanu Vasu to portray its timeless atmosphere. As emphasized by Cunard President, Katie McAlister, the intervention will refine the details most loved by passengers, ensuring continuity to the ship’s history. Sales for the new suites and for itineraries commencing in May 2027, including ocean crossings and excursions to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, are officially open from May 18, 2026.