British luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, marking a new chapter for the world’s only ocean liner as she prepares to enter dry dock in spring 2027.

As the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, Queen Mary 2 occupies a unique place in maritime history. The 2027 refurbishment represents Cunard’s continued investment in the future of luxury ocean travel, ensuring she remains the benchmark for Transatlantic travel for generations to come.

The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and carefully refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s distinctive Art Deco identity and her place as the icon of Transatlantic glamour.

The ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France, on March 31, 2027, returning to service on May 9, 2027.

Elevated Accommodations and Public Spaces

Thirty-one new staterooms will be added across the ship, including 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, with the remaining 15 new staterooms in the Britannia category.

Every existing Grill Suite will be refreshed with elegant new interiors, furnishings and finishes, and newly designed luxurious bathrooms will be introduced across all Grill Suite categories, with a sophisticated new look and premium spa-inspired features. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed to ensure they continue to offer the same exceptional sense of space, comfort and exclusivity.

Guests will also be able to enjoy additional outdoor deck space, with places to relax, watch the sunset, and take in the sea air. Classic deck games, along with paddle tennis and pickleball, will continue to be part of the Queen Mary 2 experience.

Queen Mary 2’s famous kennels, the only dedicated kennels at sea, will also be enhanced. Improvements will include redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners’ lounge and an expanded outdoor walking area, further elevating the experience for guests crossing the Atlantic with their pets.

Wellness, Culture and Entertainment at Sea

Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed as part of the refurbishment, creating an updated space designed to revive, refresh and restore. A new collection of luxury stores will also be introduced, bringing a boutique-style shopping experience to the ship.

The ship’s world-class cultural and entertainment offerings will also be refreshed. Illuminations, the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a major digital upgrade, delivering more immersive, state-of-the-art experiences beneath its dome. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway productions, while Cunard’s award-winning Insights program will continue to welcome notable speakers and cultural figures on board.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The design vision, led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers, draws on the cinematic glamour of classic Hollywood, balanced with the refinement of British lineage and tradition. The result is a design that feels renewed while remaining instantly recognizable as Queen Mary 2.

Cunard has partnered with acclaimed illustrator Tanu Vasu to capture the vision for Queen Mary 2’s refurbishment through a bespoke collection of illustrations. Known for her work with heritage and luxury brands, Vasu’s artistic interpretation captures the atmosphere, elegance and sense of occasion that have long defined the Cunard experience.

“Growing up in Australia, I remember seeing Cunard ships arrive in port and being struck by their scale and presence, so this felt like a particularly meaningful project to be part of,” said Tanu Vasu. “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.”

The refurbishment follows a landmark year for Queen Mary 2, when she took center stage in New York Harbor for Sail 4th 250, the centerpiece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

“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 Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character and the sense of occasion that only Queen Mary 2 can offer. We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward.”

New suites and staterooms went on sale on May 18, 2026, for voyages departing from May 2027. Queen Mary 2 offers her signature Cunard experience on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, including special Event Voyages, as well as itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.