By
Rebecca Gibson |
British cruise operator Cunard is to refurbish Queen Mary 2 at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France in spring 2027.
The transatlantic ocean liner will enter dry dock on 31 March for an extensive renovation and resume service on 9 May.
Cunard will increase outdoor deck space, update the Mareel Wellness & Beauty facility, add luxury boutiques in the retail area and upgrade the digital technology in Illuminations, the largest planetarium at sea. It will also improve pet facilities by redesigning kennels to increase their capacity, expanding the outdoor walking area and refurbishing the owners’ lounge.
In addition, the ship will be fitted with 15 extra Britannia staterooms and 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites. All existing Grills Suites will be redecorated with “elegant” interiors, furnishings and finishes, as well as redesigned, spa-inspired bathrooms. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed.
Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers, is leading the redesign and has drawn on the “cinematic glamour of classic Hollywood” to preserve the ship’s distinctive Art Deco identity while updating it for modern travellers.
“Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship, she is an icon of modern luxury travel and the only true ocean liner in the world,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character and the sense of occasion that only Queen Mary 2 can offer. We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward.”