Ship Facts

148,528 tons
1,132 feet in length
135 feet at beam
236 feet high
14 passenger decks
Passengers: 2,620 (3,090 all berths)
Crew: 1,300
Mostly British Officers
International crew
Registry: British
Entered service: January 12, 2004

Best for People Who Want:
An ocean-liner experience with all the amenities and style of a modern cruise ship; an elegant; a wide range of dining options; the biggest and best spa afloat.

Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer:
Small ships; budget cruising; pool-side games; lots of singles partying late into the night.

Onboard Experience:
Intended to attract a clientele looking for grandeur without pomposity, The QM2 is a worthy successor to the ancient (in cruise line years) 34-year-old QE2. Like that grand old gal, she offers both Atlantic crossings and cruise service, but on a scale heretofore unimagined, and with all the bells and whistles passengers expect on a brand-new ship.

Though French-built and American-owned, QM2 retains some of the feel of past Cunard vessels with its British officers and atmosphere. In other ways, though, this is more a Princess ship than a Cunard. (please read the Cunard Line overview for the historical relationship between Cunard, Princess and the parent company Carnival Corp.). Witness that most of the senior officers trained with P&O (Princess' former owner) or served on Princess ships, and that signature Princess touches as the champagne waterfall have been imported.