On August 24, 2024, Queen Mary 2 began her 400th transatlantic crossing. This was a remarkable milestone, not just because 400 crossings is a big number but because in the years running up to the construction of this ship, many viewed transatlantic crossings by sea as incompatible with the modern world.
Back in the 1990s, it was widely believed that the market for transatlantic crossings was dead. There was enough of a market to justify (barely) keeping Queen Elizabeth 2 (“QE 2”) in service but most experts believed that there was not enough public interest to justify building a new transatlantic liner. But a movie changed all of that. James Cameron’s hit movie “Titanic” kindled the public's imagination. People wanted to experience the romance and elegance of that era. Carnival Corporation recognized this and purchased the financially ailing Cunard Line and invested a billion dollars building a new transatlantic liner – QM2, the biggest transatlantic liner ever built. The fact that QM2 has now done 400 transatlantic crossings demonstrates the continuing interest in transatlantic crossings even after the Titanic-mania of the late 90s has subsided. QM2 has changed over the 20 years that she has been crossing the Atlantic. Like QE2 before her, the ship has adapted to the world she lives in. For example, QM2 is not as formal as it was when it entered service in late 2003. On a typical crossing there are usually only two formal nights and the dress code on those nights now can be satisfied by wearing a sports jacket in the main dining room. On the other nights, the standard is “smart attire “ which does not even require a jacket. This is not to say that all traces of formality gone. One reason for sailing on QM2 is to experience the elegance of the golden age of ocean travel. Consequently, many passengers do dress for the ship’s gala balls. It is part of the fun to experience a world otherwise only seen in movies. However, it is only a tasting and in the morning passengers return to living in today’s less formal world. In that less formal world, passengers can hear lectures by politicians, celebrities, writers, historians and scientists. You can see films produced for QM2 in the ship's plantetarium. There are art classes, a big library, and performances by a troupe from the Royal Shakespeare Company. One can visit upmarket shops. There are organized activities - - not just triva quizes but things like fencing classes. And, of course, there are such cruise ship staples as a spa, pools and hot tubs. Cunard Line is mindful of its history and that QM2 is a historic ship. Therefore, the 400th crossing was a celebration. A special pennant commemorating her 400 crossings was commissioned and flew from QM2's mast as the ship left New York. There was also a special commutative menu in the main dining room on the first gala night as well as a large anniversary-style cake on display in the Grand Lobby. Among the speakers for this voyage were the dean of maritime historians Bill Miller and the man who designed QM2, Stephan Payne. The ship's concessionaires also hosted events in celebration. Laurent-Perrier launched a new “Heritage” version of its champagne. Captain Andrew Hall and Mr. Payne unveiled a work by artist Mr. Brainwash of QM2 in the Clarendon Art Gallery. As for the future of QM2, during one of his talks in the ship's Royal Court Theater, Dr. Payne noted that Carnival Corporation planned to make another large investment in the ship in 2025 to be followed by another substantial investment before the end of the decade. With these investments, he predicted that the ship will go on for another 20 years. But how was the voyage? Leaving aside its historic aspect, the 400th crossing was a voyage that can be judged like other crossings and cruises. A few thoughts: The weather cooperated and the sea was very calm. It was no challenge for a ship as stable as QM2. I was impressed by the service particularly in the Britannia dining room, Room Service and the King's Court buffet - - efficient and professional. My only quarrel with the food was that the Cunard Burger has been removed from the lunch menu in the Verandah Steakhouse specialty restaurant - - very sad as I quite enjoyed those premium burgers. Otherwise, there was considerable variety and the food was of good quality. The ship's flexible dining operation in the Britannia continues to be very popular and as a result, there were empty tables in the traditional late seating dining in the Britannia. Thus, if you do not mind dining later, the late seating is a more relaxed and quieter option. Whereas the internet connection was once a problem on transatlantic voyages, QM2's new wi-fi system was very good on this voyage even at the lower-priced “Essentials” package. Along the same lines, the My Voyage app worked efficiently and was able to answer questions and solve issues that used to require a phone call or trip to the Purser's Desk. |
Above and below: Queen Mary 2 flew a specially commissioned pennant marking her 400th crossing.
Above: A cake to mark the occasion.
Above: Captain Andrew Hall and Dr. Stephan Payne unveil a print of QM2 in the ship's art gallery.
Below: In addition to transatlantic crossings, QM2 also does cruises including European cruises, Canada - New England cruises, and Caribbean cruises. Here, she is seen in Cobh, Ireland during a British Isles cruise. |
Cruise review - - Cunard Line - - Queen Mary 2 - -400th Transatlantic Crossing - August 2024