QM2’s 2027 Refit
In May 2027, the QM2 will undergo a sizeable and controversial refit. The controversy surrounding this refit is due to it including numerous changes to the ship. These were initially drip-fed via updated deck plans which led to speculation online, but Cunard has now announced some of changes, and has released some details about them via updated deck plans.
The biggest change identified so far, is the addition of extra cabins to the ship’s top decks. A new block of Princess Grill rooms will be added to Deck 13. In addition, a new sun deck area will be built on Deck 14.
In May 2026, we noticed…
… that Cunard quietly uploaded new post‑refit deck plans to cunard.com, and they revealed the first details of QM2’s 2027 refit.
The most significant changes that were noticed include:
- a new block of Princess Grill staterooms, and some extra Britannia rooms,
- an additional sun deck added up on Deck 14,
- the removal of familiar public spaces, including the bookshop, Boardwalk Cafe and the Concierge Lounge,
- a brand‑new Penthouse Suite positioned beside the scenic elevator where the bookshop used to be, and
- the accompanying major exterior modification, that will permanently alter QM2’s iconic profile.
In September 2026 Cunard said…
While we try to avoid reproducing media releases verbatim on this site, when it comes to the refit, it is important to note what Cunard said directly. As such, the following is directly taken from the 9 September 2026 Cunard official media statement:
The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites accommodation, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail and carefully refreshed guest spaces, while preserving the ship’s distinctive Art Deco identity and her place as the icon of Transatlantic glamour.
The ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France, on 31 March 2027, returning to service on 9 May 2027.
Elevated Accommodation and Public Spaces
Thirty-one new staterooms will be added across the ship, including sixteen new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, with the remaining fifteen new staterooms in the Britannia category.
Every existing Grill Suite will be refreshed with elegant new interiors, updated furnishings and finishes, and newly designed luxurious bathrooms will be introduced across all Grill Suite categories, with a sophisticated new look and premium spa-inspired features. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed to ensure they continue to offer the same exceptional sense of space, comfort and exclusivity.
Guests will also be able to enjoy additional outdoor deck space, with places to relax, watch the sunset and take in the sea air. Classic deck games along with paddle tennis and pickleball will continue to be part of the Queen Mary 2 experience.
Queen Mary 2’s famous kennels, the only dedicated kennels at sea, will also be enhanced. Improvements include redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners’ lounge and an expanded outdoor walking area, further elevating the experience for guests crossing the Atlantic with their pets.
Wellness, Culture and Entertainment at Sea
Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed as part of the refurbishment, creating an updated space designed to revive, refresh and restore. A new collection of luxury stores will also be introduced, bringing a boutique-style shopping experience to the ship.
The ship’s world-class cultural and entertainment offering will also be refreshed. Illuminations, the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a major digital upgrade, delivering more immersive, state-of-the-art experiences beneath its dome. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway productions, while Cunard’s award-winning Insights programme will continue to welcome notable speakers and cultural figures on board.
Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
The design vision, led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers, draws on the cinematic glamour of classic Hollywood balanced with the refinement of British lineage and tradition. The result is a design that feels renewed while remaining instantly recognisable as Queen Mary 2.
Cunard has partnered with acclaimed illustrator Tanu Vasu to capture the vision for Queen Mary 2’s refurbishment through a bespoke collection of illustrations. Known for her work with heritage and luxury brands, Vasu’s artistic interpretation captures the atmosphere, elegance and sense of occasion that have long defined the Cunard experience. Vasu said: “Growing up in Australia, I remember seeing Cunard ships arrive in port and being struck by their scale and presence, so this felt like a particularly meaningful project to be part of. In an era dominated by digital renderings, illustration offers an opportunity to tell a more human story – one that captures the design of Queen Mary 2 along with the elegance, artistry and enduring sense of wonder that have made her an icon of ocean travel.”
The refurbishment follows a landmark year for Queen Mary 2, when she took centre stage in New York Harbour for Sail 4th 250, the centrepiece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.
QM2 Custom Print
This new range of Custom Print from The Cruise Maps is created in partnership with Cunard and marine illustrator Marc-Antoine Bombail. It is a complete collection of seven scale portraits spans 90 years of Cunard history, from Queen Mary (1936) to Queen Anne (2024).
We’ve known Marc-Antoine for decades and have always admired his wonderful artworks. We are excited to offer a 10% discount code in affiliation with The Cruise Maps.
Simply use the code “ChrisFrameOfficial” at check out. Browse the collection here.
Note: This is an affiliate code, meaning if you buy these prints you get a 10% discount and we get a small commission at no cost to you.
