Cunard has revealed a host of additional features onboard its flagship Queen Mary 2 half way through its “remastering" in Germany.
During a dry dock tour at Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg yesterday (June 7), the line showcased the highlights of the refurbished ship which include a complete redesign of the King’s Court Buffet, a new wine room, 15 new single state rooms — and 10 new kennels.
Other changes include new brand name shopping outlets including Michael Kors, Aspinal and Barbour; new artwork and a new lounge, replacing the Winter Garden.
Speaking during the visit, Cunard’s marketing director Angus Struthers said: “The scale of the works being undertaken during Queen Mary 2’s Remastering is quite something to behold. I am in awe of the logistics and the precise scheduling involved in this, one of the largest and most complex refits in Cunard’s history. Whilst only 11 days into the refit, you can already see glimpses of how amazing our flagship will be when she returns to Southampton on 23 June. My hats and praise go off to the thousands involved in making this happen."
The major changes include:
- In the ship’s main lobby, the glass elevators have been removed to create a more expansive and user-friendly public space for passengers.
- The same design principle is being applied to the Kings Court, which is undergoing a total transformation. A bank of elevators has been removed to make way for a central serving station, which will also reduce the number of entrances and exits to the buffet to make the flow of traffic less chaotic.
- A section of the photography gallery has been replaced with a new wine room, where some of the ship’s wine collection will be stored and a sommelier will conduct themed tastings.
- Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will take on a completely different look, with artist Sarah Medway commissioned to create three artworks specifically for the Queens Grill. Each restaurant will feature a different color scheme and updated furnishings.
- The refit includes the introduction of 15 new single staterooms — a first for the ship — and five more inside cabins.
- Thirty additional Britannia Club Balcony cabins, giving more passengers access to the exclusive Britannia Club. The Britannia Balcony cabins will benefit from brand-new soft furnishings, a new sofa, telephone and — much to the delight of British passengers — the introduction of tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- A new collection of artwork by photographer Paul Ward will features in Balcony cabins and Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites. The collection tells the story of the three Cunard buildings — in Liverpool, Southampton and New York — as Ward hones in on Art Deco details, plus larger architectural aspects of the buildings in each individual image.
- The Carinthia Lounge, replacing the ship’s former Winter Garden, will host passengers from morning until late at night. Passengers can enjoy breakfast, followed by a selection of snacks, pastries and illy coffee throughout the day, while live music and cocktails will see passengers use the space for pre- and post-dinner drinks. Port lovers will also enjoy the introduction of a “vintage port wall" and special port menu.
- The shopping area is receiving a boost with the launch of Michael Kors, Aspinal of London and Barbour boutiques.
- Four-legged passengers will enjoy 10 new kennels, bringing the total to 11 small and 11 large kennels. There will also be a new pets play area inside the Kennel Suite and a larger outside walking area, plus an original 1916 lamppost that once lit the street just a few blocks away from the company’s original headquarters in Liverpool.
- The Royal Court Theatre will see the addition of an LED stage surround, new carpets and seating.
QM2 leaves Hamburg for Southampton on June 21. The ship will then embark on its first post-refit Transatlantic crossing to New York on June 23.
