Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Mary 2

How much does it cost to go on Queen Mary 2?

Prices vary. QM2 undertakes a variety of cruises. She also offers an array of cabin categories. Cabins range from the ultra luxurious Queens Grill suites to smaller inside Britannia cabins – so your cruise price will change depending on the number of nights and your cabin category.

What is the dress code like on Queen Mary 2?

The QM2 offers a more formal experience than many cruise liners. During the day the ship offers a casual atmosphere, where shorts and t-shirts, jeans and polo shirts are the norm. If you’re heading up on deck for a swim, bathers and board-shorts are fine. From 6pm the ship comes alive with the experience of travel from yesteryear and as such smart pants and jackets as well as elegant dresses or jumpsuits are the norm. The most formal evenings are on the Gala Nights where tuxedoes, dark suits and evening gowns are recommended.

Is Queen Mary 2 the largest cruise ship?

When QM2 entered service, she was the longest, largest, tallest, widest and most expensive passenger ship ever built. While QM2 has been eclipsed in size by several cruise ships, she remained the largest ocean liner to ever set sail.

How long does it take QM2 to cross the Atlantic?

Queen Mary 2 is a very fast ship with a cruising service speed of 28.5 knots. The ship could complete a 5-day transatlantic crossing, but in reality, most crossings are 7 days. A 7-day crossing on QM2 costs Cunard less to run (fuel savings and the like) but it also offers you enough time to really enjoy the ship while reducing the impact of time zone changes on your body clock.

What shopping is there on QM2?

Queen Mary 2 offers a variety of boutique shops in an area known as the Mayfair shops. This includes designer wears, clothing, watches, duty free items and personal items. In addition, Queen Mary 2 has a Clarendon Fine Art gallery, a Photo Gallery and a shipboard Book Shop operated by Harding’s. The ship also offers a selection of items from Harrods and H. Stern.

Are meals included in a Queen Mary 2 cruise?

Yes! Unlike the early ocean liners where passengers were required to bring their own food aboard, your meals are included aboard Queen Mary 2. This includes unlimited access to the Kings Court Buffet as well as three daily meals in your assigned restaurant. You will also be able to indulge in afternoon tea, or have a tasty pub lunch (selected items only) without paying any extra! Cunard also offer complementary room service 24 hours a day in Grills and Britannia Club, plus a fee-for-food room service menu in Britannia grade. There are some additional-fee options too – including Verandah and all alcohol and soft drinks attract an additional fee – but in reality if you wanted to cruise without paying a cent extra on food, you can!

Is entertainment included aboard Queen Mary 2?

Absolutely! There is heaps of included entertainment aboard Queen Mary 2. This ranges from Cunard’s renowned insights lecture programme to fantastic shows in the QM2’s Planetarium (though these don’t seem to be showing in 2026). Evening production shows, music recitals, comedy shows and alike are all included in your fare. You can also swim in the pools, partake of the pub quiz, watch a movie, meet the enrichment speakers or listen to a live band – and that’s just scratching the surface – there is a lot to do aboard QM2!

What money is used aboard Queen Mary 2?

Despite being a liner based in Britain, QM2 uses American Dollars (USD) aboard. All shipboard purchases are charged to your stateroom in USD. There is no cash used aboard, and you will be asked to register a credit card prior to departure.

What electrical currency is used aboard QM2?

QM2 has plugs in both US and British design and currency in all of the ship’s cabins.

Can you wear Jeans on QM2?

Yes, of course. T-shirts too! During the day, Cunard has a smart casual atmosphere. It’s been this way since I first cruised on QE2 in 1995. Some people prefer to dress up during the day when on board, and that’s fine. But you don’t have to, you aren’t expected to and indeed those who do are often in the minority, especially during summer cruises. After 6pm, this changes and the atmosphere becomes more formal. Cunard has relaxed their dress code in recent years. Many traditionalists lament the loss of the high levels of formality in the evenings. Others prefer the less strict atmosphere. That said, after 6pm you’re still expected to wear smart clothing such as collared shirts, slacks and evening dresses.

Is room service free on QM2?

It depends. For decades Cunard was renowned for having 24-hour room service included for no extra fee in all cabin categories. Sadly, in 2025 Cunard changed this for Britannia-grade rooms, where there is now a fee. This actually impacts the majority of passengers on board all of the current ships. There are fees for items priced on the room service menu. It is still included as ‘complementary’ in Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill. Breakfast items are still included in the fare for all passengers if you order before 10am.

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Queen Mary 2 Print

This 1:480 scale portrait of Queen Mary 2 by The Cruise Maps is a true celebration of the last great ocean liner. This drawing originated from the painstaking work of the world renowned ship artist, Julien Garnier, whose signature appears on every print. Complete with delightful fine details of this famous ship, this scale portrait is the ultimate collector’s item and is also signed by Stephen Payne OBE, the lead designer of Queen Mary 2. This print will capture the imagination of art lovers and the most erudite of naval modellers alike.

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