At a cost of almost $800 million, Cunard's newest liner, the Queen Mary 2, is set to be the largest, longest, tallest and most expensive ocean liner in the world. If the ship were turned on its end, it would only be 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building. But size isn't important if the ship can't deliver on service and guest experience. The QM2 is poised to excel in those areas as well.QM2's most lavish Queen's Grill accommodations are unrivaled at sea. Here, your concierge and a personal butler anticipate your needs and comply with the utmost speed and efficiency. Lavish amenities include marble baths with whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets, en-suite bars stocked with selected spirits or wine and soft drinks, fresh flowers and pre-dinner canapés.
The enormous Grand Duplexes include sweeping living quarters and an expansive balcony downstairs, a luxurious master bedroom upstairs, two marble baths with separate whirlpool tub and shower, a guest bathroom with shower, and private exercise equipment. The three Duplex Apartments feature the same amenities with smaller balconies. Choose the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth Suites located all the way forward and enjoy commanding ocean views, two full baths and even your own private elevator access. And if you're in need of even more room, combine these two suites with the adjacent Royal Suites to create magnificent living quarters totaling nearly 3,800 square feet.
You can receive or send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar you might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of your stateroom. All staterooms aboard the QM2 feature an Interactive TV system. Guests can take classes in the Computer Centre, or bring their own laptop; every stateroom has direct Internet access, as well.
Guests in Queens Grill accommodations dine in the renowned Queens Grill restaurant. Stunning French-American cuisine and dedication to quality have made Cunard's culinary advisor, Daniel Boulud, one of the most famous chefs in the world. He has been the recipient of numerous awards from Bon Appetit's "Chef of the Year" to Gourmet's "Top Tables." The elegant Queens Grill Lounge and a private sun terrace are also reserved exclusively for guests residing in the Queens Grill suites. With 10 dining venues aboard Queen Mary 2, even the choosiest guest will find a taste to tantalize their palate. Whether in the soaring Britannia Restaurant, the intimate Princess Grill or exclusive Queens Grill, every dining experience is an epicurean adventure. Renowned chef Todd English will lend his name – and Mediterranean-style cuisine – to the alternative restaurant where guests can dine on his innovative creations. The casual Kings Court serves breakfast and lunch buffets, then turns into four distinct dining venues in the evening: Italian cuisine in La Piazza, Asian in Lotus, British roasts in The Carvery and an interactive open-kitchen in Chef’s Galley. The Boardwalk Café and Golden Lion pub offer snack food, and there’s 24-hour room service from the sanctity of your stateroom.
After eating well, it is not surprising that the most luxurious ocean vessel ever built features a Canyon Ranch spa. Fifty-one Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts will work in QM2's 20,000 square foot facility which includes 24 treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with deluge waterfall, a whirlpool, thermal suite with both herbal and Finnish saunas, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.
The Queen Mary 2 is set to embark on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a 14 day itinerary beginning on January 12, 2004. After that, the itineraries will rotate throughout the Caribbean and South America, with the occasional voyage back to Europe. Prices for the maiden voyage range from $2,869 for a standard inside cabin to $37,499 for the duplex accommodations [all prices double occupancy].
For more information, contact Cunard.com.
