VALENCIA, California – 9 September 2026 – Cunard has announced a major refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, with the flagship scheduled to enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on 31 March 2027 before returning to service on 9 May 2027.
The project will add new Grill Suites and Britannia staterooms, update existing accommodation and public areas, expand wellness and retail spaces, and introduce improvements to the ship’s kennels and entertainment facilities. The work will retain Queen Mary 2’s Art Deco character while updating several areas for future voyages.
New staterooms and refreshed Grill accommodation
A total of 31 new staterooms will be added during the refit. These will comprise 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites and 15 Britannia-category staterooms. Every existing Grill Suite is also scheduled for refurbishment, receiving new interiors, furnishings and finishes. Bathrooms across all Grill Suite categories will be redesigned with updated fittings and premium spa-inspired features.
The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed, while additional outdoor deck space will be introduced for guests. Classic deck games, paddle tennis and pickleball will remain part of the onboard offering. Queen Mary 2’s kennels, the only dedicated kennels at sea, will undergo changes including redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners’ lounge and a larger outdoor walking area.
Wellness, retail and entertainment areas set for upgrades
Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed during the refurbishment, while a new collection of luxury retail spaces will be introduced. Illuminations, the ship’s planetarium, is scheduled for a major digital upgrade. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway productions, while the Cunard Insights programme will continue to feature guest speakers and cultural figures.
The design direction is being led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers. The concept draws on classic Hollywood influences alongside British design references, with the aim of updating the ship while retaining its established identity.
Cunard has also commissioned illustrator Tanu Vasu to create a collection of artwork depicting the refurbishment.
“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.”
Cunard outlines continued investment in Queen Mary 2
The refurbishment follows Queen Mary 2’s participation in Sail 4th 250 in New York Harbor, held as part 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.”
The new suites and staterooms went on sale on 18 May 2026 for voyages departing from May 2027. Following the refit, Queen Mary 2 will continue operating scheduled Transatlantic Crossings, including Event Voyages, alongside itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.
Source: Official Carnival Corporation / Cunard Press Centre release on 9 September 2026, Valencia
