Cunard has announced a major refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, with the company planning a comprehensive update for the flagship ocean liner ahead of a dry-dock period in France in spring 2027. The project is intended to enhance accommodation, wellness, retail and public spaces while retaining the ship’s established Art Deco character and maritime heritage.
Queen Mary 2 will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest on March 31st, 2027, and is scheduled to return to service on May 9th. The vessel remains the only ocean liner operating regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York.
The refurbishment will add 31 new staterooms, comprising 16 new Princess Grill Suites and 15 Britannia-category staterooms. Existing Grill Suites will receive new interiors, furnishings and finishes, while all Grill Suite categories will gain redesigned bathrooms with premium, spa-inspired features. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed.
Additional outdoor deck areas will provide more space for passengers to relax and take in the views, while traditional deck games, paddle tennis and pickleball will remain part of the onboard programme.
Queen Mary 2’s dedicated kennels, which are unique among ocean-going passenger ships, will also be upgraded. The work will include redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners’ lounge and an expanded outdoor walking area for passengers travelling with pets on Transatlantic Crossings.
The Mareel Wellness & Beauty facility will undergo a transformation, with the updated space designed around wellness and relaxation. New luxury retail outlets will also be introduced, creating a more extensive boutique-style shopping environment onboard.
The ship’s cultural and entertainment facilities will receive further updates. Illuminations, described by Cunard as the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a digital technology upgrade intended to provide more advanced presentations beneath its dome. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to stage West End and Broadway productions, while the Insights programme will retain its focus on guest speakers from the cultural and academic fields.
The design work is being led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers. The concept draws on the glamour of classic Hollywood while incorporating elements of British design and tradition. The aim is to introduce contemporary refinements without altering the visual identity associated with the vessel.
Cunard has also commissioned illustrator Tanu Vasu to document the refurbishment concept through a bespoke series of illustrations. Vasu, whose work includes projects for heritage and luxury brands, has developed an artistic interpretation intended to reflect the ship’s design and the atmosphere associated with the Cunard experience.
The refurbishment follows a prominent year for Queen Mary 2, which participated in Sail 4th 250 in New York Harbor as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said the project represents a significant investment in Queen Mary 2 and has been developed with the vessel’s heritage and established character in mind. The company’s approach, she explained, is focused on refining the existing experience rather than fundamentally changing the features that have defined the ship.
The new suites and staterooms went on sale on May 18th, 2026, for voyages departing from May 2027. Following the refurbishment, Queen Mary 2 will continue to operate Transatlantic Crossings, including special Event Voyages, alongside itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.