Queen Mary 2 set for major refurbishment in 2027 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Cunard is preparing Queen Mary 2 for a major refurbishment in spring 2027, combining new accommodation with extensive upgrades to existing suites, restaurants, wellness facilities and entertainment spaces. The flagship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on March 31 and is scheduled to return to service on May 9, 2027.

As the only ocean liner operating regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, Queen Mary 2 occupies a distinctive position within the international cruise market. Cunard says the investment is designed to modernize the onboard experience without changing the character and Art Deco influences that have defined the ship.

31 additional staterooms planned

The refurbishment will add 31 staterooms, including 16 Princess Grill Suites and 15 cabins in the Britannia category. Existing Grill Suites will receive new interiors, furnishings and finishes, while bathrooms throughout the Grill categories will be redesigned with spa-inspired features.

The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed. Additional outdoor deck areas will provide more space for relaxation, while traditional deck games, paddle tennis and pickleball will remain part of the onboard program.

Queen Mary 2's kennels, a distinctive feature for passengers travelling across the Atlantic with their pets, are also being expanded. The project includes redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners' lounge and a larger outdoor walking area.

Wellness and entertainment facilities upgraded

Mareel Wellness & Beauty will undergo a substantial transformation as part of the dry-dock program. Cunard also plans to introduce a new collection of luxury retail outlets with a more boutique-oriented concept.

Technology upgrades will extend to Illuminations, the ship's planetarium, which will receive a major digital modernization designed to create more immersive presentations beneath its dome.

The Royal Court Theatre will continue to stage West End and Broadway productions, while the Insights program will retain its focus on guest speakers and cultural figures.

Classic Hollywood meets British maritime tradition

The new design is being led by Chris Finch, who was among Queen Mary 2's original designers. Cunard says the concept draws inspiration from classic Hollywood glamour while retaining elements of British design tradition.

Illustrator Tanu Vasu has been commissioned to visualize the new design in a series of artworks. “In an era dominated by digital renderings, illustration offers an opportunity to tell a more human story – one that captures the design of Queen Mary 2 along with the elegance, artistry and enduring sense of wonder that have made her an icon of ocean travel,” Vasu said.

Cunard invests in the future of its flagship

The refurbishment follows Queen Mary 2's prominent appearance in New York Harbor during Sail 4th 250, part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.

“Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship, she is an icon of modern luxury travel and the only true ocean liner in the world,” said Cunard President Katie McAlister. “We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward.”

The new suites and staterooms are already on sale for voyages departing from May 2027. Alongside its signature Southampton-New York crossings, Queen Mary 2 operates itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with material courtesy of Cunard