Cunard Plans 31 New Queen Mary 2 Staterooms in 2027 Drydock
The added cabins comprise sixteen Princess Grill suites and fifteen Britannia-category staterooms, with sales covering voyages departing from May 2027.
Updated October 3, 2026
Cunard will add 31 staterooms and refurbish accommodation, dining, wellness and entertainment spaces aboard Queen Mary 2 during a spring 2027 drydock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France. The work will also expand the flagship’s kennel facilities before it resumes transatlantic service between Southampton and New York.
The added inventory comprises 16 Princess Grill suites and 15 Britannia-category staterooms. Cunard is also updating every existing Grill suite.
Cabins and Grill spaces lead the scope
Existing Grill suites will receive new interiors, furnishings and finishes. Cunard plans redesigned bathrooms across the Grill categories, including spa-influenced features. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refurbished.
Chris Finch, who worked on Queen Mary 2’s original design, is leading the design program. The plans draw on classic Hollywood and British design traditions while retaining the ship’s Art Deco character.
“This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character,” Cunard President Katie McAlister said.
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein placed the refurbishment within the company’s selective fleet investment strategy during its third-quarter earnings call. “It is a one-of-a-kind asset, and our investment is designed to ensure it continues to generate attractive returns for decades to come,” he said.
The refit will create additional outdoor deck space. Cunard said traditional deck games, paddle tennis and pickleball will remain available after the work.
Kennels, wellness and entertainment are included
Queen Mary 2’s onboard kennels will be redesigned and expanded, although Cunard did not specify the new capacity. The owners’ lounge will be refurbished, and the outdoor walking area for pets will be enlarged.
Mareel Wellness & Beauty will undergo a wider redesign, and Cunard plans to introduce new luxury retail stores. The line did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spa facilities or name the incoming retail brands.
Illuminations, the ship’s multipurpose auditorium and planetarium, will receive a major digital systems upgrade. The venue uses a retractable dome for astronomy presentations and also hosts films and lectures. The Royal Court Theatre will continue presenting West End and Broadway productions. The Insights speaker program will remain part of the onboard schedule.
Brest work runs through early May
The 149,215-gross-ton Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 and measures about 1,132 feet long, with capacity for approximately 2,695 passengers. Weinstein described the Cunard flagship as the world’s only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service. It also operates itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.
Damen has previously carried out work on the liner at Brest. “We look forward to delivering this ambitious project in Brest,” said Ronan Scolan, commercial manager at Damen Shiprepair Brest.
Cunard opened sales for the added suites and staterooms on May 18, 2026, covering voyages departing from May 2027. Damen Shiprepair Brest will receive the ship on March 31, with its return to service scheduled for May 9, 2027.
See current Queen Mary 2 fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
