| For over 60 years, there has been a Cunard
"Queen" sailing the oceans. Queen Mary 2 will be the first
such liner built in a generation, and the worthy heir to the company's
160-year heritage. As envisioned in the artist's rendering above, she
will embody all the thoroughbred characteristics of her forebears: the
generous thrust of her raked prow, the stepped superstructure both fore
and aft, the lean dimensions that allow for greyhound speed whilst
traversing the North Atlantic. Seen from the outside, she will look like
what she is, a purpose built craft for sailing rapidly between points on
the globe.
Within her hull, however, QM2 will hide a multitude of delights as
spectacular and pleasurable as they are innovative and ingenious.
Stepping aboard, guests will enter a realm of sweeping spaces and grand
designs the likes of which have not been seen for decades. They will
enjoy a generosity of spaciousness that rivals or surpasses that of
ultra-luxury small ships. Just 2620 guests will sail on this 150,000
gross ton vessel. They will stroll the broad, 1/3 mile-long teak
promenade deck that encircles the entire ship, stopping to talk with
friends relaxing on traditional steamer chairs. They will be entranced
by a Lobby that towers over three decks high, graced with a sweeping
grand staircase and monumental works of art. They will travel in
accommodation that varies from the merely commodious to the shamelessly
extravagant. The standard cabins will measure 194 square feet, and most
include an eight-foot balcony. In all ¾ of the ship's cabins have
balconies, and 77% are sea view cabins. All the way aft, there are five
Duplex Apartments overlooking the sea from two-story glass walls. At
over 1600 square feet, these include two levels, private gym and balcony
and butler service. As on QE2, the accommodation selected by the guest
will be matched with a seaview dining venue. Higher categories will dine
in grill rooms and lower categories will share a truly opulent dining
room, again towering over three decks high, with its own grand stair and
tiered seating to create both open and intimate dining spaces.
To fill the pleasant days at sea, onboard activities will be staged
in a number of innovative and inviting venues. Seven multi-purpose
classroom facilities which can be sized to accommodate differently-sized
classes will comprise a College At Sea, with expert instruction in a
wide variety of subject such as computer skills, languages, art and wine
appreciation, cooking and more. An auditorium will feature a section
which will adapt to become a full-scale planetarium, where star shows,
courses on celestial navigation and other visual spectacles can be
presented. QM2 will have a large library, a bookshop and a coffee shop.
Like her sister QE2, QM2 will boast a true ballroom, with an orchestra
for dancing. A magnificent Spa will include one of the ship's five
swimming pools, and together with the adjacent Winter Garden, will
provide a health, fitness and relaxation area of over 25,000 square
feet. Numerous smaller lounges, alternative dining venues and
specialized rooms will also welcome travelers during the crossings.
QM2 will be built in the Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in
Sainte-Nazaire, France. This is the same yard that built the France,
Normandie, Ile de France and some of the other great liners of the past.
At a total estimated cost of $780 million USD, she will also be the most
expensive ship ever built. She is expected to enter service in late
2003. We will present more details as the building proceeds.
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