Queen Mary 2

If you're looking for the ultimate in cruise luxury and style, then a voyage on RMS Queen Mary 2 is an absolute must.

Also known as the QM2, the ship is the first major ocean liner - that is, a passenger vessel specifically designed for transatlantic crossings - to be created in 35 years.

It was constructed in 2003 as a replacement vessel for the Queen Elizabeth 2 and was built in Saint-Nazaire, France, by STX Europe Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

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At the time, the vessel was the largest cruise ship ever built - and it's still the biggest in the Cunard fleet. Since then, however, Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships have eclipsed it in terms of size, but not in style.

As the flagship liner for Cunard Cruises, the QM2 features the same timeless decorative features as other vessels in the fleet, harking back to an age of extravagance and indulgence.

This includes a fashionable black hull that offers an aesthetically pleasing contrast to the white decks above, as well as a distinctive red funnel. In addition, the interior has been sumptuously decorated with the greatest of care - including golden pillars, luscious fabrics, high ceilings and glorious sweeping staircases.

The Queen Mary 2 is usually based in Southampton and offers regular transatlantic voyages to New York, with journeys lasting between seven and ten nights.

The liner also voyages to ports of call in Germany, New England and Canada. In addition, cruises around the UK and northern Europe are also available.

For the definitive cruise experience, there's also a 108-night around-the-world voyage. Passengers can choose to stay with the ship for the entire tour, or simply book a room for a portion of the trip.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,090
Year entered service: 2004
Beam (ship width): 134.5 feet
Draught (ship depth): 32.6 feet
Length: 1,131.9 feet
Tonnage: 151,400
Crew: 1,254
Maximum speed: 29.62 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 22
Number of swimming pools: 5
Number of cabins: 1,310

Food, cuisine and dining

The dining options on the Queen Mary 2 are partly dependent on the class of ticket you have purchased, and only those staying in the most luxurious suites will have access to the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants. These offer fabulous formal dining experiences, top-quality service and perfectly-prepared gourmet cuisine.

The rest of the passengers will be able to enjoy their meals in the two-deck Britannia dining room. This beautiful, two-storey eatery has been designed to echo the golden age of ocean travel and guests can enjoy mouth-watering menu items, served with flair by carefully-trained waiters.

A number of dining alternatives are also available. These include:
• Todd English
• Boardwalk Cafe
• Sir Samuel's
• Golden Lion
• Kings Court
• Queens Room

For those who wish to dine in their cabins, room-service is limited to only the most basic items like sandwiches and salads. However, if your fare qualifies you for Queen or Princess Grill service, you can enjoy a much wider range of options delivered to your door.

On-board entertainment and activities

There's plenty to keep passengers occupied during a voyage on the QM2. It's common for celebrities to provide lectures or performances during the day, while the evenings boast musical acts and other entertainment in the opulent Royal Theatre.

The liner is also home to Illuminations, the first planetarium at sea. The 150-seat venue is ideal for learning about the wonders of the universe and it can also expand to a 473-seat show-lounge and cinema.

Working in conjunction with Oxford University, Cunard has also created an enrichment programme sure to entertain as well as enlighten.

Meanwhile, the QM2 is home to 14 clubs, lounges and bars - not to mention a huge casino - and guests will have plenty of options when it comes to finding a quiet place to enjoy a leisurely drink or some live music.

For example, there's the Commodore Club, which offers gorgeous views and light jazz music, while other venues include Sir Samuel's wine bar and The Chart Room for cocktails. There's also the Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar - the first of its kind at sea and serving seven different varieties of the world-renowned bubbly.

For those who enjoy dancing into the early hours of the morning, there's the G32 nightclub, which often holds themed nights based on specific decades. Alternatively, for a bit of glamour, the Queens Room is an elegant grand ballroom that offers formal themed evenings - and also plays host to afternoon tea and cocktail parties.

Younger passengers have not been forgotten on the QM2 and smaller children are sure to enjoy the Play Zone with its ball pool, soft play area and other games and activities. There's also a teen area, giving young adults a place to hangout and meet new friends. It's also equipped with computers and video games.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you really want to relax during your voyage on the QM2, then be sure to make reservations at the Canyon Ranch Spaclub well in advance of your journey. Spaces in this popular venue fill up quickly and it's definitely an experience you shouldn't miss.

Treatment options include massages and facials, as well as exotic wraps and several saunas and steam rooms. There's even a beauty salon where you can get a manicure, pedicure, a new hairstyle or a complete makeover.

Not only does the spa offer a broad range of pampering experiences for you to try, but the area is one of the most sumptuously decorated spaces on the ship. There are plush chairs for relaxation and a beautiful swimming pool area with a waterfall and a hot tub.

For those who prefer to de-stress with a vigorous workout, the ship is also home to a large fitness suite and exercise classes are held throughout the day. You could also go for a swim or enjoy your favourite game in one of the sports courts.

Cabins

The Queen Mary 2 has 1,310 staterooms separated into four main categories (and 25 price grades): Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia Club and Britannia. Your accommodation class will determine not only how nice your room is, but the amenities you'll be entitled to and the restaurants in which you can dine.

If money is no object, then the Queens Grill Grand Duplex is the choice for you. This opulent room measures 2,249 square feet and includes lavish extras like embarkation champagne and evening canapes, fresh flowers, an in-room Xbox, complimentary concierge and butler service, as well as a nightly turn-down service.

Alternatively, those seeking the most affordable cruise deals will probably prefer a more basic room. Britannia rooms are available with balconies, ocean views or no view and all measure approximately 159 square feet.

Whichever option you choose, your accommodation will include a large colour television, internet connectivity, a sitting area and desk and a private bathroom stocked with shower gel, shampoo and hand soap.