When we boarded Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in Brooklyn for a two-week Caribbean cruise, we stepped not just onto a ship, but into a living tribute to the golden era of ocean liners. Unlike today’s typical cruise ships, Queen Mary 2 was built as a true ocean liner—designed for transatlantic crossings and long voyages, with an emphasis on quiet luxury, refinement, and tradition.
Heritage in Every Detail
Cunard’s legacy is woven into every space on board. From blond wood paneling and Art Deco accents to chandeliers and black-and-white portraits of past celebrity guests, the design pays homage to the golden age of transatlantic travel. Public areas invite quiet reflection and relaxed elegance, capturing the spirit of yesteryear ocean travel when the journey itself was the destination. Queen Mary 2 is perfect for long voyages, offering refined indoor spaces that encourage guests to slow down and savor the experience.
Comfort and Service in Your Stateroom
Staterooms aboard Queen Mary 2 are designed by balancing comfort, elegance, and practicality. We booked a sheltered balcony stateroom, which featured a large bed, ample closets, a flat-screen TV, desk, mini fridge, and a cozy seating sofa—a true home at sea.
Thoughtful cabin amenities enhanced the experience, including a tea kettle, a rarity on most cruise lines, along with traditional British biscuit cookies. The well-appointed bathroom is stocked with a full set of refillable toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion—an eco-conscious touch that avoids the all-in-one bottles often found on cruise ships.
Amenities are neatly arranged and consistently restocked, including facial tissues, which have become “upon request” on many other cruise lines. Your stateroom steward provides twice-daily service, keeping the space tidy and replenishing towels and toiletries as needed. In the evening, a “Daily Programme” printed in color on glossy paper and chocolates on your pillow await—a small ritual that all but disappeared these days. On most modern ships, turndown service at night has become a rarity, but on Queen Mary 2, it’s part of the ship’s enduring charm.
Dining: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
Dining aboard Queen Mary 2 reflects Cunard’s understated excellence. From fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub to multicourse meals in the majestic Britannia Restaurant, food is beautifully presented and consistently delicious. Guests who are looking for a more casual experience can enjoy the King’s Court Buffet, which offers a wide variety of dishes throughout the day. Breakfast features both American and traditional English options—yes, including blood sausage—while lunch and dinner include salads, sushi and sashimi, a selection of international dishes, and an extensive dessert table.
For lighter appetites or just coffee and drinks guests can enjoy the Carinthia Lounge, the Chart Room, the Commodore Club, and other lounges and bars.
Afternoon tea is served daily in the Queen’s Room with classical music accompaniment—usually a harpist or violinist—creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Guests are offered fresh scones, pastries, and brewed teas, all served by white-gloved waitstaff. Guests in Grill-class accommodations enjoy exclusive restaurants and private deck space, offering an elevated and more intimate dining experience.
Gala evenings bring out tuxedos and gowns, as most guests embrace the opportunity to dress up—part of what makes this cruise experience feel so unique.
Elegant Evenings and World-Class Entertainment
As the evening unfolds, the majestic Queens Room comes to life with dancers swaying to the rhythms of big band tunes, gliding effortlessly across the floor to classic ballroom styles like the Foxtrot and waltz, as well as lively Latin dances. Cunard Line is well known for its popular ballroom dancing scene, drawing amateur dancers from around the world. Even if ballroom dancing isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are daily lessons that teach the basics, giving you the confidence to step onto the floor and join in. For those who prefer a different rhythm, the adjacent nightclub offers a lively disco atmosphere with a DJ and live music.
If dancing or the throbbing beats of the disco aren’t your thing, the ship offers plenty of other ways to enjoy your evenings. The planetarium features an immersive experience with stunning celestial shows, or you can head to the Royal Court Theatre for nightly shows ranging from Broadway- and West End-style productions to guest singers, magicians, comedians, and instrumentalists. Additionally, all pubs, lounges, and bars feature live music, from an Irish duo to a jazz band. With such a variety of entertainment, there’s always something to enjoy.
Sea Days with Enrichment and Discovery
On sea days, the ship’s programming shines, including the Cunard Insights series, offering interesting lectures from distinguished speakers. Our sailing featured Ken Walsh, a former White House correspondent, forensic scientist Norma Hollender-Celico, The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss, and former Formula One driver, Derek Daly. Enrichment continues with watercolor classes, bridge lessons, art talks, classical performances, and ballroom dance classes from champion-level instructors. Guests can join line dancing classes or hobbyist gatherings, making it easy to meet others with similar interests.
Additional leisure activities include trivia contests, sports, pampering in the spa, exercising at the fitness center, swimming or suntanning poolside, watching sunsets, or simply relaxing on one of the padded deck lounges overlooking the sea.
Cultural Spaces and Quiet Corners
The ship’s well-stocked library—the largest at sea—is a treasure for book lovers, and a small bookstore and art gallery round out the cultural offerings. For wellness seekers, there’s an enclosed pool on the top deck, a spa, and a well-equipped gym. If you prefer a little retail therapy, the upscale shopping boutiques offer a fine selection of fashion, jewelry, and travel essentials.
Sailing from Brooklyn: A Memorable Start
This Caribbean voyage departed from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, offering a memorable sendoff with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The voyage included stops at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Tortola, but it’s life aboard the Queen Mary 2 that truly steals the spotlight. Here, the focus is not on nonstop activities and amusements, but on unhurried pleasures: conversation over tea, dancing to live music, watching the ocean from a sunlit lounge, or losing yourself in a good book.
A Cruise Experience That Honors Tradition
Cunard’s commitment to tradition doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice modern comforts. What it does mean is that guests are treated with a level of dignity and calm rarely found in mass-market cruising. There are no extra fees for basics like pool towels, room service, no up-sales in every corner, no aggressive photographers, and the staff takes pride in upholding the high standards that reflect Cunard’s long legacy.
Planning Your Own Cunard Cruise
Travel tips for future Cunard guests: bring formalwear for gala nights, take advantage of the ship’s enrichment lectures, and take time to unplug and relax. If you’re sailing from Brooklyn, make sure that you are on the open deck during the sailaway to take in the stunning views. On the return, note that the ship arrives before sunrise so you’ll miss the chance to capture Manhattan skyline.
For travelers who appreciate timeless elegance, educational enrichment, and the charm of old-world ocean travel, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is in a class of its own. Whether crossing the Atlantic or cruising the Caribbean, this ship makes every moment aboard feel meaningful.
