qm2 world cruise

Princess Cruises. Regresa como nuevo

• Find your Cruise
• Travel Agents
• United States
• Español English Portuguese
• Last Minute Cruises
• The best cruise deals
• The Best selled Cruises

Cunard difference

• World Cruise 2026
• World Cruise 2025
• Transatlantic Cruises
• Theme Cruises
• Famous faces on board Cunard Queens
• Greek Isles
• Western Mediterranean

Europe North

• All Northern Europe
• British Isles
• Norwegian Fiords

Europe Rest

• Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores
• Eastern Atlantic

Canada east coast

• Canada & New England
• South East Asia

Australia and Nueva Zeland

• Australia & New Zealand

Panama Canal

Transoceanics.

• Transatlantic
• Transpacífic

World Cruise

• Documents and General Information
• Offer Flyers
• Fly&Cruise to Faraway Destinations
• Pre and Post Cruise Tours
• Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Mary 2
• Queen Victoria
• Honeymoon Trips
• +34 912901845

World Cruises 2023 Queen Mary 2 Queen Victoria Queen Elizabeth

sailing to the antipodes queen mary 2

Itinerario Vuelta al Mundo 2023 - Queen Mary 2

Dubai in february

Singapore in february

Hong Kong in february

Sydney in march

• Legal Information
• Data Protection Information
• Cookies policy

Destinations

Press notes.

• El legendario tenor andrea bocelli, protagonista de la ceremonia de nombramiento del queen anne de cunard en liverpool (30/05/2024)
• Cunard lanza el galardonado espectáculo de West End, “Orgullo y Prejuicio * (* más o menos)” (30/04/2024)
• El queen anne zarpa hacia southampton antes de su histórico viaje inaugural (25/04/2024)

Technical Support

©2006-2024 Mundomar Cruceros S.L. All Rights Reserved. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. Manage Cookies

• Cruise Destinations
• World Cruises

Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Cruise

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

• 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Specialty Dining for 2 + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 70% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE At Sea + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

• Up to 40% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE + Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit

Princess Cruises

• Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Land Tour Deals
• View Golf Vacations
• Shop by Destination
• Shop by Cruise Line
• Cruise From Port Near You
• Holiday Sailings
• Luxury Cruises

A Queen Mary 2 World Cruise will take you on a true adventure in Cunard style. Each day you will arise in a new and exciting port as the ship visits both iconic cities and exotic ports of call. Spectacular vistas and ancient cities await you providing unique insights into a variety of history and cultures and the memories of a Queen Mary World Cruise will remain with you forever.

Upcoming Queen Mary 2 World Cruises

• Jan 3 - May 15, 2017: 132 Days
• Jan 3 - May 17, 2018: 134 Days

More Cunard World Cruises

• Queen Elizabeth | Queen Victoria

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

• CruiseMapper

Queen Mary 2

Cruise line Cunard

• Southampton (England)
• New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)
• Hamburg (Germany)
• Sydney (NSW Australia)
• Hong Kong (China)

Queen Mary 2 current position

Queen Mary 2 current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 50.21888 N / -4.62053 W) cruising at speed of 24.5 kn (45 km/h | 28 mph) en route to GBSOU>USNYC. The AIS position was reported 32 seconds ago.

Current itinerary of Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 current cruise is 23 days, round-trip The Norwegian Fjords . The itinerary starts on 23 May, 2024 and ends on 15 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Queen Mary 2

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Queen Mary 2 Itineraries

Queen mary 2 review, review of queen mary 2.

The 2004-built RMS Queen Mary 2 cruise ship is the oldest and most famous of all Cunard liners, with fleetmates the sisterships MS Queen Victoria (2007) and MS Queen Elizabeth (2010), and Cunard's newest liner (2024-built) Queen Anne .

The vessel (IMO number 9241061) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310627000) and registered in Hamilton . The previous flag state/registry was the UK/Southampton (MMSI 235762000).

History - construction and ownership

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise brand, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies . In 2015, Cunard Line celebrated its 175th anniversary.

Cunard held the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic voyage for most of the next 30 years. In 1968 Cunard Line withdrew from year-round service to concentrate on cruising and summer transatlantic sailings for vacationers. The Queens were replaced by QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2), which was designed for her special dual role. In 1998, Carnival Corporation acquired Cunard. Five years later, Queen Elizabeth 2 was replaced on her transAtlantic runs by QM2 (Queen Mary 2).

Currently, Cunard is the only shipping company operating a regularly scheduled passenger service between North America and Europe.

The 1300-passenger ship RMS Queen Mary 2 is Cunard's current flagship, one of the most modern (by design and technologies) and currently the world's biggest ocean liner specifically designed for regular Transatlantic ocean crossings. QM2 was created with perfection, from bow to stern, with gorgeous public areas, lavish restaurants, ballrooms, theatres, bars and lounges, and even a Planetarium (the first at sea). In order for passengers to be well protected when the ship is moving fast (30 knots), invisible windscreens were built.

Stephen Payne was the vessel's naval architect - a CCL-Carnival's designer, who resembled features of some former ocean liners. These aspects include three thick black lines which recall the appearance of the first Queen Mary. Because Queen Mary 2 is too large and cannot dock in all ports, the passengers are ferried in tenders to and from the ship. For transporting passengers to shore, tenders pull up to loading stations, which have large hull doors for hydraulically opening outwards and forming a boarding platform.

The vessel changed its flag-state in 2011 (from London UK to Hamilton Bermuda) in order to allow shipboard weddings at sea. RMS stands for "Royal Mail Ship" - a gesture to Cunard Line's history.

RMS Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner with regularly scheduled Transatlantic cruise crossings between England and the USA (Southampton and NYC New York). She provides premium travel experiences with contemporary amenities, highly-trained staff, and most professional crew. By GT-tonnage (148528 tons) QM2 is also one of the world's largest passenger ships .

Cunard QM2's first World Cruise started on January 10, 2007, navigating around the globe for 81 days. On February 20, in Sydney NSW, she met Queen Elizabeth 2 - being also on a World Voyage. Numerous viewers were at the harbor bridge although the queens' arrival time was 5:42 am. This was the first time they met since the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary served in 1941 as troopships.

Queen Mary 2 embarked on a 3-month voyage around the world from Southampton on January 10, 2012. She traveled south and afterward east around Africa, then along the east coastline of Australia heading to Japan and back to Southampton through the Suez Canal.

Another Royal Rendezvous took place in New York on January 13, 2011, at 6:45 pm, in front of the Statue of Liberty. Queen Mary 2 met Queen Victoria and the brand-new Queen Elizabeth. The two other ships- QE and QV crossed the Atlantic in tandem for the event. The fireworks and the red lights of the Empire State Building marked the event. For the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queens met again in Southampton on June 5, 2012.

Decks and Cabins

RMS Queen Mary 2 staterooms (1363 total) include 170 Suites, 813 Balcony, 74 Oceanview (of which 12 Lanai/Atrium-View), 286 Inside rooms, in all 29 categories. The ship has 479 connecting, 26 wheelchair-accessible and 15 studios (single-occupancy cabins). The largest are the Grand Duplex Suites (1600 ft2 / 149 m2 plus 645 ft2 / 60 m2 terrace).

The boat has 18 decks , of which 13 passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Passenger staterooms are in the following types: Standard Inside (no window), Lanai/Standard Atrium View (Standard Inside with a small window), Standard Oceanview (1 small non-opening porthole with seaviews), Britannia Club Balcony and Britannia Balcony (with glass-fronted step-out balconies) and the rest are Suites (Princess, Queen, Penthouse, Royal, Duplex, Grand Duplex).

Theoretically, RMS Queen Mary 2 is a classless ship, but passengers are actually separated (like on all Cunard liners) as their onboard dining locations are according to their cabin's category/cruise fares paid.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

All Cunard ships have 3 main restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner: Queens Grill Restaurant is designated for guests staying in Queens Grill accommodations. Evening dining is anytime between 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm. Princess Grill Restaurant - for guests staying in Princess Grill accommodations. Evening dining is anytime between 6.30- 9 pm. Britannia Restaurant - for guests staying in Britannia Balcony, Oceanview or Inside Staterooms. Dining arrangements depend on the class of accommodation passengers have chosen. Most of them prefer the Britannia class and dine in the main restaurant. Passengers can upgrade to a "junior suite" and then dine in Princess Grill, or choose a suite and then dine in the Queens Grill. Thus they are grouped by Cunard as the so-called Grill Passengers who are permitted to the Queens' Grill Lounge and may also use the private area on deck 11 and its whirlpool. The other public areas are allowed to use by all passengers.

Each stateroom is allocated and most cabins are allocated to Britannia restaurant - two-story with 1,300 seats. Princess Grill on deck 7 is for the more expensive staterooms- the Queen's Grill on the same deck - for the very best ones. Fares include all meals in the allocated restaurant and the afternoon tea served in King's Court or Queen's Room. Food is excellent - you may choose different starters, main courses, desserts, being changed every day. Dining optional venues - instead of in allocated restaurants, you can choose to eat in the self-service informal King's Court on deck 7 (with several buffet areas) or in the Golden Lion pub on deck 2. You may have breakfast or lunch at the King's Court area which is open twenty-four hours a day - it serves as a buffet restaurant. Todd English restaurant on deck 8 serves superb food, call in the morning to reserve a table.

Each cabin has free room service with a simple menu - burgers, pasta, crackers which can be ordered by phone at any time. If you order drinks, they are charged at bar prices.

When you book you may request a sitting. The Britannia restaurant has two for dinner - at 6 p.m. and at 8.30 p.m. Princess Grill and Queens Grill do not have sittings - when they are open, you can dine any time you choose. A note for confirmation sitting and table number will be left in your stateroom when you board. Lunch and breakfast do not require allocated tables or sittings.

NOTE: During the ship's major drydock refit in 2016, "Winter Garden" was replaced with "Carinthia Lounge". The new lounge offers alternative breakfast, lunchtime options, and premium coffees. Also during the 2016 refurbishment, "Todd English" (Mediterranean cuisine) was replaced with "The Verandah" - a contemporary French cuisine restaurant. The buffet-style "Kings Court" was completely transformed, with the addition of a smokehouse (alternative dining concept).

Passengers staying in suites are offered new menus in refurbished settings by Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants. Britannia Restaurant, Golden Lion pub, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar all boast refreshed menus. Cunard Line has created many of the new menus in its development kitchen in Southampton.

Follows the complete list of Queen Mary 2 restaurants and food bars.

• King's Court (478-seat self-service buffet restaurant, with Chef's Galley area for culinary demonstrations and Chef's Table menu on select evenings; sectioned in 4 casual dining venues - Chef Galley, The Carvery, Lotus, La Piazza)
• Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, 3-decks high Dining Room; serves open-seating Breakfast and Lunch. Dinners are waiter-served, with 2 assigned sittings at 6 or 8:30 p.m. Inside is the Britannia Club which is a private dining room for Britannia Club Balcony guests)
• The Carvery (offers gourmet English cuisine, reservations are recommended)
• Lotus (Asian cuisine with Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai dishes; reservations only)
• La Piazza (24-hour; serves Italian cuisine; reservations recommended)
• Queens Grill Restaurant (206-seat, for Queens Grill Suite guests; with regular and an a la carte menu)
• Princess Grill Restaurant (180-seat, Princess Grill Suite guests only; open-sitting, with the same menu as at the Queens Grill)
• Todd English (216-seat specialty restaurant, reservations are required)
• Boardwalk Cafe (a fast-food bar serving the pool area).

Transatlantic cruise travel is more formal as a dress code. During the day, passengers definitely tend towards country club casual. At night, even when it isn't a formal-designated evening, passengers dress up anyway. There are 3 dress codes in the main restaurants after 6 pm each evening. Which one applies each night is noted in pre-voyage documentation and daily program in all staterooms.

• Formal (men - dinner jacket with a black tie or dark business suit; women- evening dress)
• Semi-formal (men- jacket and a tie; women - cocktail dress/trouser suit)
• Elegant casual (men - a jacket, a tie is optional; women - skirt, dress or trousers). Shorts and T-shirts are not permitted.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The facilities on Queen Mary 2 include fifteen bars and restaurants, a theatre, casino, ballroom and five swimming pools (four of the ship's five swimming pools are outdoors), together with the first planetarium at sea. You can also use the ship's kennels and nursery. QM2 has a shipboard class dining system.

As it is with most modern passenger ships, the major public rooms onboard are situated on the lowest decks while the passenger cabins are stacked above them. This way the designers made it possible more staterooms to be equipped with balconies not affected by ocean waves.

The Illuminations Theatre, the first at sea Planetarium and a Cinema are on Deck 2, where are also the Empire Casino, the Royal Court Theatre, the Grand Lobby, the Golden Lion Pub, Britannia Restaurant's level 1. The upper level of Illuminations Theatre, Britannia Restaurant, and Royal Court Theatre are on Deck 3, together with a shopping arcade, Queen's Room, Veuve Cliquot (champagne bar), Sir Samuel's (wine bar), Chart Room, G32 Nightclub.

Another public deck (Deck 7) houses the Winter Garden, Canyon Ranch Spa, King's Court, Queen's Grill Lounge, the restaurants Princess Grill and Queen's Grill.

On Deck 8 is the Todd English Restaurant, 8000-volume Library, Book Shop, a large outdoor swimming pool.

QM2 also has a large amount of commissioned artworks (5000+) by artists from 16 different countries. These are visible in the hallways/corridors, lobbies, various public rooms.

Each evening a daily program for the next day will be delivered to your stateroom, showing detailed information about activities on board, opening and closing times of bars, restaurants, and other facilities. There is also an ongoing program of plays, shows, lectures. Several live bands with dancing every evening will entertain you on board. If you prefer disco - visit the G32 nightclub. Do not forget Canyon Ranch spa on deck 7 which offers from massages to manicures, jacuzzis, and saunas.

Cunard cruise ship weddings, ceremonies, and parties could be held in some of the QM2's lounges. There is no chapel on the ship.

Follows the complete list of Queen Mary 2 lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Court Theatre (1105-seats, 2-decks high; has a dynamic stage for grand show / musical productions; features concert hall acoustic and high tech equipment). Via a 3-year partnership deal with RSC-Royal Shakespeare Company (2022 through 2025/May-Aug and Sept-Nov), at the Royal Court Theatre are also hosted theatrical performances by RSC actors. The company's program for QM2 includes "Boundless as the Sea" (a piece created by Owen Horsley exclusively for Cunard Line) as well as "Miss Littlewood" (musical show by Sam Kenyon) and "Shakespeare Tales" (informal events with RSC actors performing their favorite pieces (sonnets and speeches) and interacting with the audience.
• Illuminations Theatre (493-seat, 2-leveled, with a giant movie screen; hosts the world's only Planetarium at sea for astronomy shows, virtual reality movies, and high-tech visual programs)
• Grand Lobby Atrium (with a grand piano, grand sweeping staircase, interior glass-wall lifts)
• Golden Lion Pub (123-seat traditional British pub bar; features a large selection of the UK and international beers, large-size TVs, live entertainment, small dance floor)
• Empire Casino (222-seat, 6000 ft2 / 610 m2; with 115 slots and 11 gambling tables, served by Casino Bar)
• Images Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo-video services; exhibits fine artworks)
• Cunard ConneXions (a complex of 7 rooms that host onboard events)
• Cyber Centre (has 9 Internet computers, with 35 Internet workstations available in the other ConnneXions rooms)
• Clarendon Art Gallery (art auctions and exhibitions; the artworks are all originals)
• Video Arcade (with the newest video games for all passengers)
• Mayfair Shops (shopping arcade; luxury jewelry, watches, fashion clothes, formal wear, QM2 logo merchandise)
• Veuve Cliquot Bar (Champagne bar; the menu also includes tapas and canapes)
• Sir Samuels Bar (specialty coffee/tea and patisserie bar)
• Chart Room (cocktail bar with live jazz)
• Queens Room (2-level formal dancing ballroom; features the biggest dancefloor at sea)
• G32 Disco & Nightclub (named after the QM2 ship's yard number; with live band music and DJ program)
• The PlayZone (club lounge area and nursery for kids; complimentary)
• The Zone (supervised teens club lounge, equipped for kids activities)
• Minnows Pool (QM2 family pool area, with a sunbathing area and a splash pool)
• The Canyon Ranch Spa & Salon complex (size 20000 ft2 / 1860 m2, 2-level; with a Spa, Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite, Finnish and Herbal Saunas, Treatment Rooms, Relaxation Lounge, Aromatic Steam Room, Beauty Salon)
• Fitness Centre (Gym Room and Weights area; with 8 exercise bikes, 10 Elliptical machines, 14 treadmills, 4 steppers, 2 rowing machines, yoga mats)
• Carinthia Lounge (ex-Winter Garden; 278-seat, size 7000 ft2 / 650 m2 classy lounge and supper club with live plants area, live music performances; serves Afternoon Champagne Tea, specialty cocktails and pre-dinner snacks)
• Queens Grill Lounge (Queens Grill Suite guests only venue with white-glove service and live piano music)
• QM2 Book Shop; The Library (with the largest book selection at sea - over 8000 volumes)
• Terrace Pool Area (with two Whirlpools, poolside bar, sunbathing area, and Band Stand)
• Commodore Club (115-seat indoor observation lounge with panoramic windows and live piano music)
• Boardroom (a lounge for private parties and meetings)
• Churchill's Cigar Lounge (QM2's smokers' room with a selection of fine liquors and cigars)
• Concierge Lounge (private club venue for Princess and Queens Grill guests)
• Atlantic Room (meeting room; doubles as Card Room)
• Queens Grills Terrace (private outside pool area for Queens Grill passengers with bar service and Jacuzzi)
• Pavilion Pool Area (with two Whirlpools, Magrodome, served by the Pavilion Pool Bar)
• 22 kennels for pets (dogs and cats; with a fire hydrant and lamp post in the area reserved exclusively for walking the dogs)
• The Fairways (2 golf simulator machines, 51 golfing course choices)
• Sports Centre (1/2 size basketball court; Deck Games area with quoits, shuffleboard, chessboard, paddle tennis, mini-golf course)
• The Sun Deck's pool area (with Splash Pool and two Whirlpools; a sunbathing area with loungers; served by the Regatta Bar).

Itineraries

Queen Mary 2 itinerary program is based on regular Transatlantic crossings with departures from Southampton England UK , Hamburg Germany , and NYC New York USA . Each year the ship offers an Around the World Voyage sailing roundtrip from Southampton and oneway itinerary segments. QM2 features special Cunard cruises to Canada (New England) and the Caribbean, also with departures from UK and USA.

Queen Mary 2 - user reviews and comments

Photos of queen mary 2.

Queen Mary 2 ship related cruise news

Cunard unveils stellar lineup: Three Queens to grace path of next Solar Eclipse

The recent celestial event of the solar eclipse has sparked anticipation for the next occurrence on August 12th, 2026. Cunard UK announced that...

Cunard unveils 2025-2027 voyages, new Caribbean routes, simultaneous World Cruises

Cunard announced the commencement of sales for sailings spanning from September 2025 to January 2027, inclusive of new Caribbean itineraries leaving...

Cunard announces Exclusive Le Gavroche Residencies at Sea with Chef Michel Roux

Cunard Line is set to reintroduce an exclusive series of Le Gavroche residencies at sea, featuring two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux showcasing...

Cunard's Transatlantic liner RMS Queen Mary 2 restarts operations on November 16

Cunard's Transatlantic ship RMS Queen Mary 2 is currently undergoing drydock maintenance at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam (in Rotterdam Holland). After...

Carnival Venezia and Queen Mary 2 experience delays in their departures from New York due to flash...

On September 29th, two passenger liners - Carnival Venezia and RMS Queen Mary 2, experienced delays in their departures from New York City due to...

Cunard opens for booking cruises 2025 (ships Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2)

Cunard Line is set to provide travelers with the opportunity to embark on an array of unforgettable journeys by releasing 180 voyages for 2025...

Cunard and P&O UK improve Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink

Carnival Corporation's UK-based subsidiaries Cunard Line and P&O Cruises UK have unveiled plans to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity fleetwide through a...

Cunard Line enabling shore power capability fleetwide

Cunard has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by equipping its entire fleet with the capability to utilize shore power. Queen Elizabeth has been...

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 ship breaks moorings due to strong winds in Italy

On Friday, August 4th, strong winds in Italy caused RMS Queen Mary 2 ship of Cunard Line to break free from her moorings. Despite the anticipation...

Cunard Line introduces 2024 Event Voyages program

The UK-based Cunard Line announced its highly anticipated Event Voyages 2024. Cunard's flagship RMS Queen Mary 2 will host 4 out of 7 themed voyages...

•   show more news

Other Cunard cruise ships

• Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Victoria

Queen Mary 2 Wiki

RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is Cunard Line's oldest and one of the world's most famous ocean liners of all time. As vessel class and design, QM2 is an "ocean liner" designed specifically for regularly scheduled passenger express Transatlantic crossings between the UK and the USA. Departures are from 3 homeports - in the USA ( New York City ), the UK ( Southampton ) and Germany ( Hamburg ). Most of these voyages are according to a fixed Transatlantic schedule with 7-day North Atlantic crossings between Southampton and NYC. The short (7-day) itinerary is usually without any ports of call.

Cunard's QM2 construction was completed on December 23, 2003. The inaugural cruise/maiden voyage to Fort Lauderdale Florida started on January 12, 2004.

The ship's Godmother was HM Queen Elizabeth II (UK's ruling monarch/1926-2022). The naming ceremony was held on January 8th, at Port Southampton. The special event featured live musical performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/RPO and the Royal Marines Band (the British Navy's musical wing).

The ship was named "RMS Queen Mary 2" in respect of Cunard Line's Royal Mail service.

RMS Queen Mary 2's building cost is over USD 900 million - ranking the vessel nearly 2 times more expensive than most of the currently operated cruise liners. The construction was costly because the ship is big and the materials used were of the highest possible quality. Plus, vessel's construction demanded 40% more steel than an ordinary cruising vessel. When launched in 2004, QM2 became world's biggest cruise liner ever .

QM2's cruising speed of 30 knots (56 kph / 35 mph) ranks it world’s fastest cruise liner currently in operation. The vessel's service speed is 26 knots (48 kph / 30 mph). RMS Queen Mary 2 is the first cruise ship with CODAG propulsion system (“combined diesel and gas”) based on gas turbines that magnify diesel-produced power.

Illuminations Theatre is the first Planetarium at sea. The ship also has the largest Library at sea (8000+ volumes), the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, a total of 15 dining venues, 5 swimming pools, 620-m wraparound promenade deck, onboard kennels (available only on the transatlantic crossings). QM2 is Post-Panamax vessel (can’t pass through the old Panama Canal locks), designed specifically for Transatlantic crossings. Among the fun facts are, that on Transatlantic crossings, QM2 is supplied with about 65 000 fresh eggs and about 150 tons of food. Propulsion demands are however even more impressive. QM2 ship needs 1850 tons of diesel oil and 1000 tons of fuel for the gas turbines on a regular 7-day North Atlantic crossing between USA and UK. It takes 6 hours to fill her storage tanks.

In August 2004 (during the Summer Olympics in Greece), the ship was chartered and stayed docked for 2 weeks in Port Piraeus (Athens) serving as ship hotel. Among the guests were Tony Blair (UK's Prime Minister), Jacques Chirac (France's President), George W. Bush (USA's President), the whole US Olympic basketball team, John Cleese (UK actor), Richard Dreyfuss (US actor), Harold Evans (UK journalist and author), George Lucas (film director and producer), Carly Elisabeth Simon (US singer), Rod Stewart (UK singer), Donald Trump (media magnate / future US President).

On October 19, 2011, the vessel changed its registry (flag-state) from UK to Bermuda which allows cruise wedding ceremonies to be held on the ship. The word "Southampton" on the stern was replaced with "Hamilton". This was the first time in Cunard's history when its liner was registered not in the UK.

In early-February 2017, Cunard Line announced company's sponsorship of the "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show". This prestigious all-breed conformation show is held annually in NYC New York since 1877. The onboard show took place on February 11-14. The winner and its owner were offered a free QM2 Transatlantic Crossing.

On December 8, 2017, QM2 operated a cruise-themed after "The New York Times" crossword's 75th anniversary. During "The Crossword Crossing" (7-night Transatlantic cruise NYC to Southampton), QM2 passengers had the unique chance to test their crossword skills and meet the newspaper's crossword experts (including Ben Zimmer, Deb Amlen, Joel Fagliano). They offered insight into the media's popular puzzles via daily scheduled themed events (lectures, game sessions, other activities). The New York Times' first crossword puzzle was published in 1942. It became a daily occurrence by 1950 and is now one of the media's most popular features.

On itinerary August 31-September 7, 2017, the passenger liner hosted the 2nd "Cunard Transatlantic Fashion Week" cruise from Southampton to NYC. These themed voyages bring together some of the world's most renowned fashion brand representatives. On each of the 7 days at sea are hosted fashion shows, formal dinners, exclusive events, workshops, and talks. Among the 2017 voyage's VIPs were Julien Macdonald (celebrity designer) and Colin McDowell (fashion writer). Three new for Cunard pop-up stores on the QM2 ship offered for purchasing latest fashion collection items, including Mulberry (purses and bags), Lucy Choi (designer shoes) and Melissa Odabash (designer swimwear).

An interesting fact is that a baby boy was born on board RMS Queen Mary 2 on January 17, 2016, while en route to New York . The ship was on a transatlantic crossing from Southampton when a German passenger went into labor. The ship doctor delivered the baby. The baby boy, who arrived 3 weeks early, was named Benjamin Brooklyn.

Starting in January each year, RMS Queen Mary 2 "World Cruise" is a huge event on the cruising market. Compared to other lines, Cunard's World Cruises deals offer affordable prices, exciting destinations and "big and famous" ports of call to visit around the world.

Cunard World Cruise 2022 (Queen Mary 2)

RMS Queen Mary 2 has scheduled a 118-day World Voyage 2022 which replaced all scheduled QM2 cruises departing January 3 through April 3, 2022 (including a voyage to South America).

The voyage departs roundtrip from Southampton (104-day, booking code M203I) and from New York City (118-day, booking code M202F) and visits Greece, Israel, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong China, Australia, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy, Portugal. The itinerary also features two Suez Canal crossings (on both the eastbound and westbound route) and overnights in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney NSW, Singapore, a late-night departure from Colombo.

Queen Mary 2 World Cruise 2022 is bookable either as a full voyage (118-night / 104-night) or in several shorter segments from NYC (to Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney Australia), Southampton (to Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney NSW, Fremantle) and itineraries departing out of Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia. The full itinerary visits 27 ports in 16 countries and 33 UNESCO Sites. Customers with full itinerary (roundtrip) bookings enjoy a Welcome Onboard Reception, services by World Voyage Concierges, use of an exclusive lounge, Gala Event ashore, complimentary daily gratuities.

Prices for the 118-night full voyage (NYC roundtrip Jan 3 - May 1) started from GBP 13000 / ~USD 16900 / ~EUR 14300 per person (inside stateroom at double occupancy). Prices for the 104-night full voyage (UK roundtrip Jan 10 - April 24) started from GBP 10100 / ~USD 13150 / ~EUR 11100 per person (inside stateroom at double occupancy).

RMS Queen Mary 2 refurbishments review

The ship's last drydock was in 2023 (October 23 to November 12, at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam ) and mainly for routine/general maintenance and class works, inspections, a technical overhaul, hull cleaning and repainting.

QM2's drydock in 2021 (August-September) was at Damen Shiprepair Brest ( Brest France ), during which were conducted mainly general maintenance works, as well as hull cleaning and painting.

During Cunard Line’s 175th anniversary celebrations was announced that QM2 enters 25-day long drydock in 2016 (May 27 to June 21). The drydock (at Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg Germany ) resulted in the following changes:

The Winter Garden lounge on Lido Deck 7 was redesigned and transformed into the new Carinthia Lounge. The lounge is named after the Cunard's two Carinthia ships – RMS Carinthia (1925-1940) and RMS Carinthia (1956-2006).

On deck 8, the ship’s signature restaurant Todd English was replaced by “The Verandah Restaurant”. The new restaurant (available on both QM2 fleetmates) offers gourmet French regional cuisine (with seasonal influences) plus a fine French wines list. The new specialty dinner is at a surcharge and opens for lunch and dinner only. The Verandah Grill has its own bar selling pre/post-meal drinks.

172 suites (all Princess and Queen Grill suite accommodations on the QM2 ship’s upper decks) were comprehensively redesigned to maximize space. Their decoration was also changed, reflecting the Cunard Line’s history. The changes include new luxury textures in soothing colours and new carpeting (with a rugs-design inspired by the old RMS Queen Mary liner).

Extensive development work involving Cunard guests and the onboard Queen Mary 2 galley teams has been undertaken over the last eighteen months in the redesign of this very popular area of the flagship. Enhancements are planned to both the service and culinary offerings in Kings Court with the refreshed venue featuring new menus, the convenience of pre-set tables and waiter-served drinks.

The King's Court (self-service buffet restaurant on lido deck 7 midship) was majorly redesigned. Both central-location elevators were removed to create a vast open space. This way, the central buffet stations area became more open, allowing an easygoing flow. The restaurant’s seating was also reconfigured for a less crowded experience, adding the convenience of pre-set tables and waiter-served drinks. New menus were introduced (including a smokehouse alternative), plus pre-set tables and waiter-served beverages. Among the new menu choices are hot/cold meals, light snacks, afternoon treats, alternative cuisine specialties (including Asian, Indian, Italian, Tex Mex. At the center stage, ship's chefs entertain guests through cooking demonstrations in the evenings.

(King’s Court) The Chef’s Galley area (that offers for lunch pasta and pizzas) on select evenings additionally offers Chef’s Table menu. This is a fine wine pairing and food tasting VIP dining event hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef. The buffet’s new design features modern chandeliers, new artworks (circus-themed), areas with timber flooring, lots of mirrors.

Both Grill restaurants (on Lido deck 7) were redesigned and renovated with a new color scheme, furnishings, and flooring. After the 2016 refurbishment, they both have new menus, more 2-seat tables and were reconfigured for more privacy (by increasing the space between tables).

15 new single-occupancy staterooms were added on deck 2 portside (taking space from the Casino) and deck 3L portside (in the place of the Images Photo Gallery).

The Britannia Restaurant (dining room on deck 2) was redesigned too. It was renovated with new decor and upgraded with new dining menus and the Cunard's "White Star Service" standards.

Updated menus were introduced also at Golden Lion (pub) and Veuve Clicquot (wine / Champagne bar).

30 new balcony staterooms category “Britannia Club Balcony” plus 5 Inside staterooms were added on deck 13 (in the deck’s forward part)

10 new kennels (for cats and dogs) were added to the existing 12 kennels on deck 12. This is the best amenity for passengers traveling with pets. Cruise ship kennels were the Cunard’s signature feature on the line’s former flagship RMS Queen Elizabeth 2. On the ocean liner QM2, they were first introduced at the Duke of Windsor's suggestion.

On QM2, the kennel area was expanded, an owners lounge and a new pet playground were added. The extended outdoor area is intended for dog walking and features a lamppost (from Liverpool ) and a fire hydrant (from NYC ). In 2016, Cunard partnered with Barbour (British sportswear brand) to offer smart pet accessories on the QM2 ship (including jackets, collars, leashes).

On deck 2, two of the Grand Lobby's elevators were removed. This made more space for the lobby lounge, which was also redesigned and refurbished with high-back chairs and a new Baby Grand piano.

Around 55,200 m2 (594,200 ft2) of new carpets have been laid throughout the ship. All new cruise cabins increased the QM2 ship’s capacity from 2620 passengers (max 3151) to 2726 passengers (max 3271). Refurbishment's fun facts: man-hours (over 1 million), new carpets (55,200 m2 / 594,200 ft2), new framed pictures number (4,000), hull paint quantity (over 15,000 litres / 3,962 US gallons).

QM2's drydock 2016 refurbishment cost Cunard ~GBP 90 million.

Queen Mary 2 Sets Sail on 2024 World Voyage

• January 11, 2024

The Queen Mary 2 is sailing from Southampton today for Cunard’s “Sailing to the Antipodes” World Cruise.

One of the two global voyages being offered by the British cruise line in 2024, the itinerary sails to the South Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Far East, Southeast Asia and more.

Over the course of 108 nights, passengers onboard will be able to visit a total of 34 ports of call in 22 different countries and territories.

The cruise also offers opportunities to visit 34 UNESCO Heritage Sites, as well as overnight stays in Cape Town, Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong.

Upon leaving the United Kingdom, the Queen Mary 2 sails to the Canary Islands prior to arriving in Southern Africa.

The 2004-built vessel then heads to the Indian Ocean for visits to Reunion and Mauritius before heading to Australia and the Far East.

Following visits to Darwin, Hong Kong, and other destinations, the QM2 visits additional ports of call in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Vietnam, Thailand, and more.

The worldwide adventure also includes destinations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, such as Barcelona and Piraeus, before heading back to England.

The cruise also features a complete transit of the Suez Canal, which links the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Completing the world cruise, the Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to arrive in Southampton on April 28, 2024.

Also departing from Southampton today, the Queen Victoria is offering a world cruise for Cunard this year too.

Sailing a different itinerary, the 2007-built vessel is set to offer a 111-night voyage that includes destinations in North and Central America, Hawaii, Australia, the Far East, and more.

Among the highlights of the cruise is a full transit of the Panama Canal, as well as an overnight visit to San Francisco, in California.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

62 Ships | 142,732 Berths | $46.7 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

ELLEN FRAZER-JAMESON

THE CENTENARY

WORLD VOYAGE

The journey ends 23 april 2023, delve into this british author's 2023 voyage on queen mary 2. imagine circumnavigating the world on the greatest ship on earth. discover 31 ports around the globe on cunard's iconic centenary voyage..

Set sail with Ellen Frazer-Jameson on her

103-day world voyage aboard Queen Mary 2...

Immerse yourself in a truly amazing and captivating, iconic journey to over 30 ports around the globe on the greatest ship in the world, Cunard's Queen Mary 2. ​ Follow Ellen's day-to-day narrative an d photos as she chronologically and intimately details the glamour, adventure and experience of life on board Queen Mary 2 while visiting some of the most irresistible destinations anyone could dream about.

POSITION : 23  APRIL 2023

SOUTHAMPTON, UK

ENGINES FINISHED

Sadly, this will conclude the World Centenary Voyage on QM2.

Her final leg to New York ha been cancelled.

Unfortunately, after further investigation, it has been confirmed that work will take longer to resolve than anticipated and the ship is unable to sail until this is completed. ​

The Send Off - January 11 / Southampton UK

PHOTO: CUNARD

Ports of Call (Next port i n BOLD )

Southampton (london), lisbon, heraklion (crete), suez canal, safaga , salalah, abu dhabi, dubai, mina qaboos (muscat), penang, port klang (kuala lumpur), singapore, laem chabang (bangkok), phu my (ho chi min city), singapore, bali, darwin, airlie beach (australia), brisbane, sydney, melbourne, kangaroo island, adelaida, bussleton (australia), fremantle (perth) , mauricio, reunion, durban, port elizabeth, cape town, walvis bay, santa cruz de tenerife (canary is.), southampton (london).

PORTS OF CALL

ELLEN'S STATELY STATEROOM

GALA NIGHTS

ONBOARD - NEVER BORED

The Centenary World Voyage Starts Here:

FAREWELL QM2: A JOURNEY'S END

VOICE FROM THE BRIDGE

THE FINAL PORT CALL: TENERIFE

ON STAGE: THE GALLEY & THEATRE

SAFETY, RUBBISH & TECHNOLOGY

ANCHORS, DECK WARS & AUTHORS

AFRICA'S WEST COAST: NAMIBIA

CAPTIVATING CAPE TOWN

THE HEARTBEAT OF GQEBERH

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Cunard: FREE Upgrade plus up to $2,000 OBC*

Cunard Sale: up to $300 Onboard Credit*

Cunard: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

4 Ships in the Cunard fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Queen Mary 2 Overview

The Queen Mary 2 is famous for making her regular transatlantic crossings from London (Southampton) to New York. During these crossings passengers are welcomed to participate in tons of activities. During the day you can take acting classes hosted by performers from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or get some exercise playing a tennis match on the Sports Court. The liner’s piece de resistance is the full-scale planetarium, where you can gaze above as you learn about the mysteries of the universe. At night get ready to break out your dancing shoes when you attend a formal ball. All throughout your cruise you’ll be meet with helpful staff and taste some of the finest food at sea. It’s truly a royal sailing experience. 

• Passenger Capacity: 2,691 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2020

Queen Mary 2 Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

From Mauritius to Cape Town, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and special historical, cultural and culinary attractions of a cruise to Africa with Cunard Line.

Delight in the historic treasures and scenic pleasures of the Far East on a cruise through Asia aboard Cunard Line’s world-famous ocean liners.

Fall Foliage will delight you and the quaint history and culture will engage you onboard a cruise to Canada & New England.

Eastern Caribbean

Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

History comes alive when you visit sites like the Colosseum in Rome, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. 

Northern Europe

History of royalty, fjords of Norway, and Baltic delights—Northern Europe cruises are an exciting vacation option.

Panama Canal

See man-made and natural wonders on a serene Cunard Line sailing through the revolutionary Panama Canal.

Transatlantic

Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Find adventure. Indulge on fine cuisine. Interact with everything from dolphins to wallabies. Travel the world with a World Voyage.

Queen Mary 2 Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Le Havre (Paris), France

In Northern France, explore Le Havre, a city with modern architecture and one of the most inspiring collections of Impressionist artwork.

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Quebec City, Quebec

It’s easy to be wowed by Quebec City as Old World Europe is mixed with North American cultures alongside breathtaking landscapes and the flowing Saint Lawrence River.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Queen Mary 2 Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, deck thirteen, queen mary 2 staterooms.

Balcony (BB)

Enjoy the view from your private balcony or the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed accommodation. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BC)

Balcony (bf).

Balcony (DB)

Balcony (dc), balcony (df).

Balcony (BU)

Balcony (bv), balcony (by), balcony (bz).

Balcony (B3)

Our spacious balcony staterooms include a sitting area with sofa, ample closet space and bathroom with shower. (269 sq. ft.)

Balcony (A1)

Your Britannia Club Balcony offers space to relax, both inside and on your generous balcony. You will also dine in the Britannia Club Restaurant, a private area of the grand Britannia Restaurant, offering you the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. The Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (A2)

Inside (KC)

From organised coffee gatherings to a host of daytime activities, solo travellers will always feel welcome and busy on board. Of course, thereÂ’s something to be said for relaxation too so you will find plenty of personal space both inside and out. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have one bed, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (IB)

Inside (ic), inside (ie), inside (if).

Inside (HB)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Atrium View Inside staterooms have one bed, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Oceanview (KB)

Oceanview (EF)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers lots of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

our Princess Grill Suite is spacious and relaxing. A private balcony and separate seating area offers space to relax and, of course you have exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath and shower along with a living area and balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Grand Duplexes have a bedroom and two master bathrooms upstairs. Downstairs you'll find a guest bathroom, a living and dining area as well as a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Royal Suites have a bedroom, bath and shower as well as seperate living and dining areas.

Photo Gallery for Queen Mary 2 Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Commodore Club

Queen Mary 2

Winter Garden

Top 10 Queen Mary 2 Cruises

• Queen Mary 2 6 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 8 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Jan 2027)
• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 21 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024 - May 2025)
• Queen Mary 2 27 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 10 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 12 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Aug 2024 - Aug 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 2 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Aug 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 8 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (Aug 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (Aug 2024 - Jul 2026)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

Find Your Cruise

Cruise Type Expedition Cruise Ocean Cruise River Cruise

Destination Africa Alaska America Antarctica Arctic Circle Asia & Far East Atlantic Islands Australasia Baltic British Isles Canada Canary Islands Caribbean Central America Europe Greek Isles Hawaii Iberia Indian Ocean Mediterranean Middle East Nile Cruise Norwegian Fjords Pacific Panama Canal River Scandinavia South America West US/Mexico

When June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 October 2026 November 2026 December 2026 January 2027 February 2027 March 2027 April 2027 May 2027 June 2027 July 2027 August 2027 September 2027 October 2027 November 2027 December 2027 January 2028 February 2028 March 2028 April 2028 May 2028 June 2028 July 2028 August 2028 September 2028 October 2028 November 2028 December 2028 January 2029 February 2029 March 2029 April 2029 May 2029

Cruise Line AmaWaterways Atlas Ocean Voyages Azamara Cruises Celebrity Cruises Celestyal Cruises Crystal Cruises Cunard Emerald Waterways Emerald Yacht Cruises Explora Journeys Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Holland America Line Hurtigruten Cruises Hurtigruten Expeditions Oceania Cruises P&O Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises Ponant Cruises Princess Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Saga Cruises Scenic Ocean Cruises Scenic River Cruises Seabourn Cruises SeaDream Yacht Club Silversea Cruises Star Clippers Cruises Swan Hellenic Cruises Uniworld River Cruises Viking Cruises Windstar Cruises

Ship A&K L'Austral Allura AmaBella AmaCello AmaCerto AmaDahlia AmaDara AmaDolce AmaDouro AmaKristina AmaLea AmaLilia AmaLucia AmaLyra AmaMagdalena AmaMagna AmaMelodia AmaMora AmaPrima AmaReina AmaSerena AmaSiena AmaSintra AmaSonata AmaStella AmaVerde AmaVida AmaViola Arcadia Aria Amazon Arvia Aurora Azamara Journey Azamara Onward Azamara Pursuit Azamara Quest Azura Balmoral Bolette Borealis Britannia Caribbean Princess Celebrity Apex Celebrity Ascent Celebrity Beyond Celebrity Constellation Celebrity Eclipse Celebrity Edge Celebrity Equinox Celebrity Flora Celebrity Infinity Celebrity Millennium Celebrity Reflection Celebrity Silhouette Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Summit Celebrity Xcel Celebrity Xpedition Celebrity Xploration Celestyal Discovery Celestyal Journey Coral Princess Crown Princess Crystal Serenity Crystal Symphony Diamond Princess Discovery Princess Emerald Azzurra Emerald Dawn Emerald Destiny Emerald Harmony Emerald Kaia Emerald Liberte Emerald Luna Emerald Princess Emerald Radiance Emerald Sakara Emerald Sky Emerald Star Emerald Sun Enchanted Princess Eurodam Europa Europa 2 Explora I Explora II Ganges Voyager II Grand Princess HANSEATIC inspiration Insignia Iona Koningsdam Le Bellot Le Boreal Le Bougainville Le Champlain Le Commandant Charcot Le Dumont D'urville Le Jacques Cartier Le Laperouse Le Lyrial Le Paul Gauguin Le Ponant Le Soleal M/S Paul Gauguin Majestic Princess Marina Mekong Jewel MS Fram MS Fridtjof Nansen MS Kong Harald MS Maud MS Nordkapp MS Nordlys MS Nordnorge MS Nordstjernen MS Otto Sverdrup MS Polarlys MS Richard With MS Roald Amundsen MS Santa Cruz II MS Spitsbergen MS Trollfjord MS Vesteralen Nautica Nieuw Amsterdam Nieuw Statendam Noordam Oosterdam Queen Anne Queen Elizabeth Queen Mary 2 Queen Victoria Regal Princess Regatta River Duchess River Empress River Princess River Queen River Tosca Riviera Royal Clipper Royal Princess Ruby Princess Ryndam S.S Beatrice S.S. Antoinette S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. Catherine S.S. Elisabeth S.S. Joie de Vivre S.S. La Venezia S.S. Maria Theresa S.S. Sao Gabriel S.S. Sphinx S.S. Victoria Sapphire Princess Scenic Amber Scenic Azure Scenic Crystal Scenic Diamond Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II Scenic Gem Scenic Jade Scenic Jasper Scenic Jewel Scenic Opal Scenic Pearl Scenic Ruby Scenic Sapphire Scenic Spirit Seabourn Encore Seabourn Odyssey Seabourn Ovation Seabourn Pursuit Seabourn Quest Seabourn Sojourn Seabourn Venture SeaDream I SeaDream II Seven Seas Explorer Seven Seas Grandeur Seven Seas Mariner Seven Seas Navigator Seven Seas Splendor Seven Seas Voyager SH Diana Silver Cloud Silver Dawn Silver Endeavour Silver Moon Silver Muse Silver Nova Silver Origin Silver Ray Silver Shadow Silver Spirit Silver Whisper Silver Wind Sirena Sky Princess Spirit of Adventure Spirit of Discovery Star Breeze Star Clipper Star Flyer Star Legend Star Pride Star Princess Ventura Viking Hathor Viking Helgrim Viking Hemming Viking Jupiter Viking Mars Viking Octantis Viking Osfrid Viking Saturn Viking Sea Viking Sky Viking Star Viking Tir Viking Torgil Viking Vela Viking Venus Viking Vesta Vista Volendam Westerdam Wind Spirit Wind Star Wind Surf World Navigator World Traveller World Voyager Zaandam Zambezi Queen Zuiderdam

Duration 10 to 14 nights 15 nights or more 4 nights or less 4 to 7 nights 7 to 10 nights

Home Cruise Deals Cunard Cruise Deals QE2 Cruise Packages

QE2 Cruise Packages

Combine at the world’s most iconic floating hotel with a luxury cruise aboard the regal Queen Mary 2 with our exclusive QE2 cruise packages…

Built in 1967 and originally known as Hull 736, Queen Elizabeth 2 was synonymous with luxury cruising. The ship’s colourful history, which saw her cover 5.6 million miles and complete 806 transatlantic crossings for Cunard – as well as a stint carrying troops in the Falklands War – means the QE2 is rightfully remembered as the world’s most famous ocean liner.

Now based in Dubai, Queen Elizabeth 2 has been reborn as an elegant hotel. The period furniture and original portholes have been maintained, while modifications to the ship’s suites and restaurants mean that she sits effortlessly among the world’s most desirable hotels.

The collection of packages below give you the opportunity to enjoy a stay on Queen Elizabeth 2 either before, or after, a voyage aboard another famous Queen, the QM2 . We’ve included a variety of Cunard sailings to suit all preferences and are delighted to feature itineraries in the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia.

For further information, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, simply choose your preferred enquiry from the collection below and make an online enquiry.

Search Filters

Departure Date: Earliest to Latest Departure Date: Latest to Earliest Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Duration: Low to High Duration: High to Low

Searching for cruises

Date flexibility +\- 1 Week +\- 2 Weeks +\- 3 Weeks +\- 4 Weeks +\- 5 Weeks +\- 6 Weeks

Reset Filters

Request a Brochure

Enter your details below or call us on 0800 008 6677

Enquire Now

Privacy overview.

• RMS Queen Mary 2 Cruises

CUNARD QM2 SHIP CRUISE ITINERARY, SCHEDULE, PRICES, INFORMATION

• World Cruises
• Transatlantic
• Queen Mary 2 Tickets Prices

Since most of the Queen Mary 2 prices related questions are about the QM2 Transatlantic crossings, here we will compare her Trans-Atlantic Ocean fares. The information about what is included in the QM2 cruise fares and where to find better prices is being regularly updated, so expect only small data fluctuations to the actual booking rates. For indicative cruise rates, you can follow our link to the Queen Mary 2 cruise schedule (featuring also min rates PP per voyage).

Queen Mary 2 prices

All QM2 cruise ship prices listed in the brochures and most of the online listings quote cruise prices without the additional port fees plus Gov taxes. This is a common practice for cruise lines and agencies to attract travelers by showing only what is there for them, and not what the Government or the visited ports of call will charge you. But these fees and taxes do exist, they are additional, and you will inevitably pay them.

Queen Mary 2 cruise prices on Transatlantic Crossings

The cost of QM2 Transatlantic cruise vacation is way bigger than a business-class UK-USA flight. Queen Mary 2 tickets prices per room (for two people in the most cheap Britannia Inside cabin category) start at ~£970 (~US$1,590) PP per day, and kids tickets start from ~£470 PP pd (~US$770). The 7 day cruise fare includes accommodation, all meals, various entertainment options.

Queen Mary 2 cruise prices hugely vary by season – soaring on the popular Atlantic crossings in the Summer, while special discounted deals in low season can be found at ~£700 (~US$1,150), and even less. If you’re cruising solo on QM2 and don’t like the idea of sharing the cabin, single cruise rates on Queen Mary 2 start from ~£1,880 PP pd (~US$3,080). And it’s not a huge discount compared to the £970/$1,590 PP pd rates – simply because there’s the Cunard’s double occupancy rule. And for all the very very rich people, the QM2 cruise ship has some of the best luxury cruise suites at sea, which cost many many thousands – the perfect price for the best there is on this liner.

What is an interesting information about this additional cost of your Queen Mary 2 cruises is that the amount of fees/taxes is fixed per voyage, and it’s the same no matter the type of stateroom you book on the ship. For example, an late deal on 7-day Westbound QM2 Transatlantic crossing as prices (indicative) may look like this:

Great deals on Balcony cabins, by the way. But no matter what type of cabin you book, each of the passengers will have to pay the additional (in this case US$57,35) for taxes and port charges.

Compared to the whole cruise price it’s not much, really. And even on the QM2 Around The World Voyage the amount of additional money is around US$1,300. And if this extra cost sounds a little too much, consider the fact that on the 7-day Transatlantic cruise you visit no ports of call at all, while on the World Cruise in 2014, for example, in 119 days you’ll visit 29 ports of call located in 18 different countries around the world. The QM2 World cruise prices (also exemplary and suggestive) start from US$22,000, and you should add to that the US$1,270 taxes and fees due to be paid by Cunard in all the ports you’ll be visiting.

If you follow our QM2 schedule link above, you’ll see the amount of the additional prices per voyage, along with the cheapest prices per person.

Queen Mary 2 tickets

Generally speaking, the cost of Queen Mary 2 tickets is not cheap as this liner is in the luxury cruise ships list. But QM2 cruise rates could be affordably inexpensive to really inexpensively cheap with last minute deals and seasonal discounts.

How to find inexpensively cheap QM2 tickets?

Some of the cheapest QM2 tickets you can find by online booking through renown cruise wholesalers, like Orbitz, Expedia, Cruise.com or Cruise.co.uk. This way you can save probably ~£100 (~US$160) PP compared to the Cunard QM2 cruise rates. Surely you can buy your e-tickets directly from the Cunard Line at cunard.com

• If departing from UK, please dial 0845 678 0013
• If departing from Germany, please dial +49 (0) 40 415 33 555
• If departing from USA or Canada, please dial 1-800-7-CUNARD

Another way is to search for last minute discounted offers and also for off-season Atlantic crossings. But you should know, that this ship, its product and quality of service are truly unique, so expect peak summer Transatlantic cruises to be fully booked many months in advance.

Since the QM2 ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean on a regular basis, they sell also round-trip Transatlantic cruise tickets for the so called “back-to-back cruises”. Such offers combine both routes (East- and Westbound crossings) into one 14-days voyage on which you will spend 1 day in NYC or Southampton, and the price will be a discounted one, and you will not change your cabin.

What do the QM2 cruise fares include? Tipping / gratuities onboard

The QM2 Transatlantic crossing fares include your stateroom, meals (and the so British afternoon tea), onboard entertainment (all the signature shows, lectures, movies, using swimming pools and jacuzzies, library. Also included in the tickets price are the “Kings Court”‘ buffet’s tea, coffee and juices. The QM2 tickets are not inclusive of her bars and lounges’ drinks, of the Spa services, the Internet access is also an extra, as well as the automatically added gratuities PP pd (which is $11 to $13 depending on the venue you visit).

Payment on board cruise ship Queen Mary 2

Everything on board the QM2 ship, including ordering all kinds of drinks in her bars, or buying books from her bookstore, or booking Spa massages, purchases in her boutiques or paying for the Internet access will be billed to your shipboard account. The procedure is simple – you show your roomcard and you sign for the payment. At the end of the cruise, the card’s total will be deducted from your credit card (which you give at check-in) and you will get a summary of your onboard account delivered to your cabin at the end of the cruise. Note: Cunard bars (which are surcharge venues) quote one and charge higher price which is inclusive of the line’s 15% gratuities.

Queen Mary 2 Internet access rates

Mobile phones can be used on board the QM2 ship throughout the cruise. It will not be cheap (as most things there), and you will have to ask your GSM operator for their exact rates.

The Queen Mary 2 ship has great Wi-Fi coverage on board. Accessing the Internet is available both in the staterooms and in all the ships public places (the list doesn’t include only theatres and restaurants). Internet payment is per minute, with comparatively decent download speeds.

There are also pre-paid Internet packages on Queen Mary 2, and their prices go like this:

• 120 minutes Internet package costs US$49.95 (~US$0.42 per min)
• Pay as you go Internet prices are US$0.75 per min
• You can save money by login and downloading emails, then logoff, write the replies offline, then login to send them.

You can also use your own computer on board – registration is with your name and room number, the Internet will be billed to your onboard account. Places where you can use the ship’s computer terminals are the “Cunard Connexions” Internet rooms (located deck 2) and the library (located deck 8) – Internet rates are the same.

Power sockets for mobile computers (both UK and US standards) are available in all cabins and in most bars (try the “Commodore”/deck 9 and “Chart Room”/deck 3). For all facilities and staterooms location see our QM2 deck plans review .

You can rate and share our Queen Mary 2 prices and tickets information survey via our social buttons. Visit us again soon for the bar menu with the Queen Mary 2 prices of all the “cruise drinks”. Happy crossings on the world’s sensation at sea – the Queen Mary 2 ship, enjoy the Cunard experience, and best of luck with them prices!

Queen Mary Cruises

• Privacy policy
• QM2 Transatlantic Crossings
• Queen Mary 2 Position
• Queen Mary 2 World Cruise
• Queen Mary Ship Haunted
• RMS Queen Mary
• RMS Queen Mary 1 Ship History, Facts
• RMS Queen Mary 2 Deck Plans
• RMS Queen Mary 2 Ship
• RMS Queen Mary 2 ship
• Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship
• Queen Victoria Cruise Ship

Copyright © 2012 - 2024 RMS Queen Mary 2 Cruises

Cunard World Cruises

Get our best price before you book anywhere!!!!

• QUEEN MARY 2 QM2 Infos

You may have missed

• CUNARD WORLD CRUISES

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey with Deluxe Cruises: Your Premier Provider for Cunard World Cruises

Embark on a Journey of a Lifetime with Cunard’s 2026/2027 World Voyages – Book Now with Deluxe Cruises!

Sailing royalty: www.cunard-world-cruises.com – your gateway to unrivaled cunard cruises, feel free to connect with us on whatsapp. you can message us by clicking here..

11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Alaskan Cruises
• All-Inclusive Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Disney Cruises
• European Cruises
• Family Cruises
• River Cruises

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories

7 luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for an ultra luxe holiday

By Saloni Dhruv

Whether you’ve recently seen Dil Dhadakne Do or Death on the Nile , or your Instagram feed is covered with the Ambani family’s pre-wedding celebrations (2.0), there is something about luxury cruise ships that just exudes opulence and grandeur. We’ve looked up some luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for your next ultra-luxe holiday . Step aboard these cruise ships that redefine luxury, offering everything from 24-hour butler service and gourmet dining to laid-back vibes. These ships whisk you away to incredible destinations, including thrilling expedition routes .

7 luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for an ultra-luxe holiday

Image courtesy: Instagram

Travelling to: European (Mediterranean) shores like Valletta, Parga, Syros, Athens, Venice, etc.

Price : Between $6,443 to $10,752 for a six to ten-night stay, which comes to Rs 5,37,266 to Rs 8,96,584, approximately.

As its name suggests— Evrima , derived from the Greek word for “discovery”—Ritz-Carlton’s small ship or mega-yacht , whatever you call it, is the ultimate luxury marvel. This cruise features nine deck levels, five of which are accessible to guests, and boasts 149 spacious suite-style cabins, each with a private sea-facing balcony.

You can indulge in six restaurants, including an à la carte dining experience crafted by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. The ship also offers four pools, a cigar humidor, two bars, a beauty salon and spa deck, a water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness centre. Additionally, the cruise provides “shore experiences” with local guides, allowing guests to embark on their own adventures and uncover hidden gems. The multi-day docking facility encourages passengers to explore the mainland at their leisure, both day and night.

Travelling to: Oslo, Southampton, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Valletta, Rome, Lisbon, Miami, Rio De Janeiro, and more

Price : Between $2,990 to $17,999 for a 12 to 54-day trip onboard, which amounts to Rs 2,49,178 to Rs 14,99,986, approximately, depending on where you’re travelling to or for how many days.

If you are a food connoisseur or looking to embark on a culinary holiday, this cruise should be on your radar. Oceania Cruises, celebrated as the premier cruise line for exceptional culinary experiences and destination explorations, has recently reintroduced its 1,250-passenger vessel, Marina, after a comprehensive renovation. This upgrade includes three exciting new dining concepts.

You can now have a taste of the Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-oriented eatery, a casual poolside ice cream shop that also offers milkshakes and smoothies, and a charming outdoor pizzeria featuring exquisite Italian fare. The refurbishment also enhances the ship’s 124 penthouse suites, adding custom furniture, increased storage space, restyled bathrooms, and modern amenities.

Travelling to: Southeast Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Siem Reap and Cambodia among others.

Price : €2,295 to €5,395 for eight to 21 days, which comes up to between Rs 2,07,975 to Rs 4,88,899, approximately.

Emerald Harmony offers the perfect sanctuary for exploring the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam. Be enchanted by Halong Bay's emerald waters and limestone karsts, stroll through Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, and marvel at Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat. Onboard, enjoy cool, contemporary design with chic Asian accents, beautifully appointed cabins, a pool, and a fitness centre. You can also indulge in five-course dinners featuring local and international cuisine. While the entertainment isn't Las Vegas-style, local performers provide authentic regional culture at various ports. With only 84 passengers, expect personalised service that might just spoil you for life.

By Karishma Shetty

By Sanjana Ray

Travelling to: Egypt

Price : $1,235 to $5,240 for three to eight days, which is about Rs 1,02,956 to Rs 4,36,835, approximately.

If you want to experience the luxury of a Nile cruise, just like in Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 film Death on the Nile (minus the death and murder), the Oberoi Zahra offers an unforgettable journey. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, you can spend your days unravelling centuries of Egyptian history and discovering the wonders of the Nile with Egyptologists on board to give you valuable information about the sites visited. With only 27 cabins, you can have an intimate experience on board, while you indulge in their signature Oberoi Spa between the excursions.

Travelling to: Southampton, England, and New York City, United States, and an annual world cruise.

Price : Between $1,196 to $ 8,714 for a seven to 30-day trip, which is Rs 99, 729 to Rs 7,26,626, approximately.

For a taste of British royalty, set sail aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 across the transatlantic waters. Since taking over from Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2004, she has proudly served as Cunard Line's flagship, officially christened by Queen Elizabeth II herself. Following Queen Elizabeth 2's retirement in 2008, Queen Mary 2 stands as the world's sole remaining ocean liner. Her regular route between Southampton, England, and New York City, United States, along with an annual world cruise, ensures a voyage of grandeur. You too can experience the glamour of Cunard’s art deco-inspired Queen Elizabeth, offering daily afternoon tea, black tie dances, and culinary delights like the Steakhouse at the Verandah. Make sure to explore the ship's elegant library housing over 8,000 books, spanning two decks.

Travelling to: Caribbean, Central America, North America, and Europe.

Price : Anywhere between $7,499 to $ 35,199, depending on the number of days and the places, which is about Rs 6,25,442 to Rs 29,35,718.

The Seven Seas Grandeur earns its reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, boasting 373 accommodations and seven dining venues, including the esteemed Compass Rose and Asian-inspired Pacific Rim, offering 130 new dishes, with a focus on plant-based options. Its 1,600-piece art collection features the prestigious “Journey in Jewels,” the first Fabergé Egg permanently housed on a cruise ship.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a turquoise pool, numerous sun loungers, hot tubs, sports courts, and a variety of daily activities like trivia and live entertainment. Deck 12 hosts outdoor amenities such as bocce, pickleball, shuffleboard, and a golf net inspired by famous courses. Meanwhile, the Observation Lounge, Card Room, Connoisseur Club, and Library on Deck 11 provide cosy spaces to unwind with stocked travel books anticipating your next adventure. There’s also a Constellation Theater, where guests can watch four Broadway-style shows, and boutiques for shoppers to do some retail therapy.

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Travelling to: Western Caribbean

Price : Starting from $597 (approximately Rs 49,796), depending on the number of days and the places.

Celebrity Beyond, owned by Celebrity Cruises, epitomises the company's slogan. As the third ship in the Edge class, it was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard and began service in April 2022. The cruise is currently under the command of Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to helm a "mega" cruise ship.

Among the largest in its class, Beyond maximises space for dramatic effect, with corridors adorned with glowing bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors. A standout feature is Eden, a serene bubble offering panoramic views through triple-height windows. Designed by Kelly Hoppen, the interiors exude luxury, complemented by Daniel Boulud's exquisite dining at Le Voyage.

Read more live well stories

Why men should also think about their biological clock

5 tips that will help the fragrance last longer

8 fitness supplements that'll amp up your daily workout

7 ways to drop 2 kg in one week

Best multivitamins for men to take in their 30s to stay fit and healthy

GQ Recommends

By Pallavi Mehra

By Shabdita Pareek

critic’s Notebook

The War in Ukraine Is the True Culture War

With Russia trying to erase Ukraine’s national identity, the fight to preserve, and build upon, Ukraine’s artistic heritage has taken on new urgency.

Credit... Emile Ducke for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Jason Farago

Jason Farago, a critic at large, traveled to Kyiv, Lviv and several heavily damaged towns around the capital to explore the war’s impact on Ukrainian culture.

• Published July 15, 2022 Updated July 17, 2022

KYIV, Ukraine — At the thousand-year-old Cathedral of Saint Sophia here, standing on an easel in front of a towering Baroque golden altar, is a new, freshly painted icon that’s just a foot square.

It depicts a 17th-century Cossack military commander with a long gray beard. His eyebrows are arched. His halo is a plain red circle. He looks humble beneath the immense mosaics that have glinted since the 11th century — through Kyiv’s sacking by the Mongols, its absorption into Poland, its domination by the Soviet Union.

No gold. No gemstones. This icon has been painted on three planks of knotty wood: the planks, I learn, of an ammunition box recovered from the devastated Kyiv suburb of Bucha . Out of Bucha’s mass graves, in the wake of terrifying Russian atrocities against civilians, something new has come to Saint Sophia: an image of mourning and resolve, of horror and courage, of a culture that will not give up.

Why would a critic go into a war zone? Why should anyone care about a painting when cruise missiles are overhead? Because “this is a war about cultural identity,” said the curator Leonid Maruschak — one of so many writers, musicians and scholars I’ve met here who make no distinction between the survival of Ukraine’s people and land and the survival of its history and ideas. With Russia actively trying to erase Ukraine’s national identity, this country’s music, literature, movies and monuments are not recreations. They are battlefields. The true culture war of our age is the war for democracy, and Ukrainian culture, past and present, has become a vital line of defense for the whole liberal order.

Every war endangers cultural heritage. Walk through Kyiv or Lviv today, and on every other corner is a statue bundled in flame-retardant blankets. Hapsburg stained glass is sandwiched between particle board, and Soviet mosaics are overlaid with plywood. The appalling damage to theaters, libraries and religious sites ( above all in Mariupol , the occupied city in Ukraine’s southeast) in these past four months alone broadens a horrendous tide of cultural destruction this century, in Syria, Iraq, Ethiopia, Mali, Armenia and Afghanistan.

But the risks to Ukrainian culture are more than mere collateral damage. For President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, there is no Ukraine as such; he maintains that Ukraine is a Soviet fiction , that the Ukrainian language is a Russian dialect, that Russians and Ukrainians are “ one people .” And so since February — indeed, since 2014, when the war first began in the east of Ukraine — cultural manifestations of Ukrainian independence have been directly in the cross hairs.

“You see how many historical fake justifications there are in the Russian motivation for this war,” the philosopher Anton Drobovych , one of Ukraine’s brightest young scholars, told me when we met up near his barracks on an island in the Dnipro River. In peacetime, Mr. Drobovych led Ukraine’s Institute of National Memory , an official institution tasked with re-examining the Communist era after years of whitewashes. Now he wears fatigues and combat boots, and takes Zoom meetings from the trenches with Western think tanks, as he works with the institute on an oral history of the invasion. “History is no less important than the army,” he said. “If I felt that it was less important, I would deal only with my anti-tank affairs.”

Despite the social-media propaganda, despite the missile warnings delivered via push notification, in cultural terms the war here is brutally old-fashioned. It’s a straight-up imperial war , and it’s turned contemporary Ukrainian culture into an archival enterprise — one in which preservation is everyone’s job, and new creations are rooted in history the enemy would deny. The exhibition “Crucified Ukraine,” at a museum in the shadow of Kyiv’s stainless steel Motherland Monument, includes exacting replications of three underground shelters that housed 120 Ukrainians for more than a month this winter. Film archivists have become experts in explosion risks, and librarians are digitizing Soviet-era photographs that were spirited out of Mariupol at the last minute. Heritage authorities are tracing monuments with 3-D scanners, creating a record in case they need to be rebuilt — a technology developed too late for many treasures in Syria.

Lviv, an hour from the Polish border, has become a hub for displaced people and displaced culture, too. Viktoriya Sadova has been showing new arrivals to the city around the memorial museum in Lonsky Prison , which was a Polish, then a Nazi, then a Soviet detention center. (She became the museum’s acting director after the war began on Feb. 24, and its regular leader was drafted.) Visitors from the occupied cities of Mariupol and Kherson scrutinize the exhibits of Soviet repression of Ukrainian partisans, and recognize the traumas immediately. “Eighty years have gone but nothing has changed,” she told me. “We still have the same occupant.”

Ms. Sadova has also been collaborating with museums in Kyiv and Kharkiv, exfiltrating their collections to safer locations west. There was no guidance from the culture ministry, no fuel, no cars; she thanked God for an emergency shipment of cardboard boxes from Poland. What makes her work? She glanced up at the sallow light of the former prison cell and, with a little laugh, quoted me a snatch of poetry Heidegger was fond of: “Where there is danger, there grows what saves.”

Right now that danger is starkest away from Kyiv. In the occupied eastern cities of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, local history museums are presumed destroyed. The missiles come again and again in Kharkiv — the nucleus of the Ukrainian avant-garde in the early days of the Soviet Union. But no city can sleep easy, and no cultural institution is safe. On Thursday a barrage of Russian missiles struck Vinnytsia , a city west of Kyiv and hundreds of miles from the front. They blew up a music venue ahead of a pop concert; the performer Roxolana posted to Instagram that her sound engineer was among the dozens dead.

But with the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Kyiv region in April, and the return of some citizens who’d sought refuge westward, cultural life has partially resumed here. At the opera they’re performing “Nabucco,” with Verdi’s most stirring nationalist chorus, and buskers on the streets are singing “ Stefania ,” the folk-rap mash-up that won the Eurovision Song Contest this year. The independent designers on Reitarska Street are meeting the demand for patriotic style: blue-and-yellow knitwear, T-shirts with Javelins. Even the renowned nightclubs — which led The New York Times Magazine, just a few months before the war, to christen Kyiv “ the Pandemic’s Party Capital ” — are gingerly reopening for daytime dancing.

Between the air raid sirens, amid updates from the front, there grows what saves. “​​I had the feeling in the first days, and even now, that there was sand in my mouth instead of words,” said Olena Stiazhkina , a celebrated novelist and historian, when we met for Crimean Tatar food a few days after Kyiv’s most recent bombardment. Ms. Stiazhkina was born in Donetsk, the largest city in the Donbas, and fled when Russian-backed separatists fought to take control in 2014. Her novels, like many conversations here before February, oscillate between Ukrainian and Russian — or they used to; she’s done with Russian for now.

She has friends who fled Kyiv, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave home, not a second time. When we met she felt strong and sure, but she wondered what might happen to her in a decade. She mentioned Primo Levi, Paul Celan, Jean Améry, writers who survived the Holocaust and then killed themselves years later, and her eyes welled up.

What pushes her on is that Ukrainian archival impulse. “As a witness, I can write. As a writer, I cannot,” she told me. “I understood that I must be a witness, and that’s why I write a diary every day. And this time, I have a strong intention to finish it on the day of our victory.”

In 2014, after the Maidan revolution that brought down former President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine had a national rebirth, at least in part. The political revolution juddered, but the cultural explosion endured, producing a new generation of young filmmakers, photographers, designers and, especially, DJs and electronic musicians.

“After Maidan, the inability to channel that revolutionary energy into the state got redirected into music,” said the curator and writer Vasyl Cherepanyn, who directs the Visual Culture Research Center , Kyiv’s boldest independent art institution.

The country’s youthquake seemed more hedonistic than constructive, at least at first. (“Nightclubs,” Mr. Cherepanyn conceded, “are not the best place for critical thinking.”) Now, though, all of that cultural ferment is buttressing a season of unbelievable bravery. What Ukraine is proving, amid the slaughter, is that civil society can make a difference against a superior military force. Cultural power is real power. Ukrainian culture, as much as arms, is keeping all of our democratic dreams alive.

Mr. Drobovych described Ukraine’s culture as an explicit military asset. “It is contagious, and it spreads to the rest of the world,” he told me at the barracks. “It seems that this truth and justice, which is violated, simply explodes in people who create art. And I think that’s a huge part of why we’re going to win this war.”

On the dance floor at Closer , one of the clubs that made Kyiv’s reputation as a nightlife capital, I bumped into Serhiy Leshchenko , who before Maidan was an investigative journalist focused on corruption. After the 2014 revolution he entered Parliament; now he advises the Zelensky administration, though he still fits in among the club kids. No one was in the mood to let loose; phones pinged with Telegram notifications of attacks in the south of the country, and there’s curfew at 11 p.m. But even at just 100 beats per minute, the young revelers of Kyiv are nowhere near surrender.

“We have to do this,” Mr. Leshchenko shouted in my ear over the beat of the DJ. “War isn’t about death, war is about life.” The speakers thumped, the air alert app was silent; the blue and yellow flag fluttered above; the young Ukrainians in black held fast to each other, dancing in slow defiance. In danger there grows what saves.

Jason Farago , critic at large for The Times, writes about art and culture in the U.S. and abroad. In 2022 he was awarded one of the inaugural Silvers-Dudley Prizes for criticism and journalism. More about Jason Farago

Advertisement

World News | Attacks in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Hurricane Tracks
• Election 2024
• Restaurants
• Real Estate
• Things To Do

World News | Attacks in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions leave 28 dead, Moscow-appointed officials say

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia-installed officials in the partially occupied Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Luhansk said Ukrainian attacks left at least 28 people dead as Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange drone attacks overnight into Saturday.

A Ukrainian attack Friday on the small town of Sadove in the Kherson region killed 22 and wounded 15 people, Moscow-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo said.

Russian state news agency Tass cited Saldo as saying that Ukrainian forces first struck the town with a French-made guided bomb, then attacked again with a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile. He said Ukrainian forces had “deliberately made a repeat strike to create greater numbers of casualties” when “residents of nearby houses ran out to help the injured.”

Officials declared Saturday a day of mourning in Luhansk, and public events will be similarly cancelled Sunday and Monday in Kherson.

Further east, Leonid Pasechnik, the Russia-installed governor in Ukraine’s partially occupied Luhansk region, said Saturday that two more bodies had been pulled from the rubble following Friday’s Ukrainian missile attack on the regional capital, also called Luhansk. Russian state news agency Interfax cited regional authorities as saying this brought the death toll to six. Pasechnik also said 60 people were wounded in the attack.

Ukraine did not comment on either assault.

Meanwhile, drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine persisted.

Ukraine launched a barrage of drones across Russian territory overnight Friday, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Saturday. Twenty-five drones were reportedly destroyed over Russia’s southern Kuban and Astrakhan regions, the western Tula region, and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula.

On Saturday morning, officials said air defenses for the first time shot down Ukrainian drones over the North Ossetia region in the North Caucasus, some 900 km (560 miles) east of the front line in Ukraine’s partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said that one drone had been destroyed, whereas regional Gov. Sergei Menyailo reported three downed drones over the region. Menyailo said that the target was a military airfield.

Ukrainian air defense overnight shot down nine out of 13 Russian drones over the central Poltava region, southeastern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, and the Kharkiv region in the northeast , Ukraine’s air force said Saturday.

Dnipropetrovsk regional Gov. Serhiy Lysak said the overnight drone attack damaged commercial and residential buildings.

Later on Saturday, a Ukrainian military spokesman said Ukraine now controlled more than half of the town of Vovchansk , a flashpoint for fighting since Russia launched a renewed offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region last month.

“Most of the city is under the control of the defense forces,” Nazar Voloshin, spokesman for the Khortytsia ground forces formation, said on Ukrainian state TV.

Independent confirmation of this claim wasn’t immediately possible.

Russia’s Kharkiv push appears to be a coordinated new offensive that includes testing Ukrainian defenses in the Donetsk region further south, while also launching incursions in the northern Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

Morton reported from London.

Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

More in World News

World News | Gaza’s Health Ministry says 274 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raid that rescued 4 hostages

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

World news | in mexico heat wave monkeys still dying, birds are getting air-conditioning, lions get popsicles.

World News | Biden honors US war dead with a cemetery visit ending a French trip that served as a rebuke to Trump

World News | Israel rescues 4 hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, and 210 Palestinians are reported killed

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Ukraine’s army chief says Russia is augmenting its troops presence in the Kharkiv region

Ukrainian servicemen search a target with a US Stinger air defence missile launcher on the front line in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova, right, attend a Czech Defense Capabilities Event at Prague-Kbely Airport, in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, May 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, Pool)

• Copy Link copied

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia conducted an array of aerial attacks on Ukraine with cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missiles, Ukraine’s air force said Thursday, while the chief of the army said Russia is increasing its troop concentration in the Kharkiv region where Moscow’s forces have made significant advances in a spring offensive.

Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence operation said that sea drones destroyed two Russian KS-701 patrol boats in the Black Sea off the Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula. Russian officials didn’t immediately comment.

The air force said that the overnight attacks included eight S-300 ballistic missiles, 11 cruise missiles and 32 Shahed drones. All the drones and seven of the cruise missiles were shot down, the air force said, but didn’t provide further details.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, seven people were wounded and a municipal services building caught fire in the attacks, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Russian aerial strikes were also reported in Khmelnytskyi and Dnipropetrovsk, but there were no injuries.

AP AUDIO: Ukraine’s army chief says Russia is augmenting its troops presence in the Kharkiv region

In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. is working with other nations to fight Russian misinformation and disinformation.

Ukrainian army chief Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said on his Facebook page on Thursday that Russia is bringing army units into the Kharkiv region from other parts of Ukraine to supplement forces in the two main flashpoints of fighting, the towns of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. Syrskyi said that Ukraine has also moved reserve troops into the area.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that its air defenses shot down eight U.S.-made ATACMS missiles over the Azov Sea, which borders both Russia and Russia-held Ukrainian territory.

One person was wounded by a drone explosion in Russia’s Belgorod region , which borders Kharkiv and comes under daily attack from the Ukrainian side.

A lengthy delay in U.S. military aid and Western Europe’s inadequate military production has slowed crucial deliveries to the battlefield for Ukraine, and Russia has exploited the delays to make advances in the Kharkiv region.

Russian missiles and bombs also have pummeled Ukrainian military positions and civilian areas, including the power grid.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assailed Russian attempts to sow discord in democracies with misinformation, after hinting that the Biden administration may soon allow Ukraine to use American-supplied munitions to strike inside Russia.

In Prague for a NATO foreign ministers meeting , Blinken cited Moscow’s use of misinformation and disinformation, calling it a “poison” and signing an agreement with the Czech government to combat it.

Blinken said Wednesday that U.S. policy on how Ukraine deploys American weapons is constantly evolving, suggesting that Washington may rescind an unwritten prohibition on Ukraine’s use of them for attacks on Russian territory.

Although U.S. officials insist there is no formal ban, they have long made clear that they believe the use of American weapons to attack targets inside Russia could provoke an escalatory response from Moscow, something that Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised.

Three U.S. officials familiar with the matter told AP on Thursday that President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv.

The officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, underscored that the U.S. policy calling on Ukraine not to use American-provided long-range missiles and other munitions to strike inside Russia offensively has not changed.

Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine .

Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Matthew Lee in Prague contributed to this report.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Vladimir Putin repeats warning he could send weapons to adversaries of the West

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin also says he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but adds he could not rule out a change to it.

Friday 7 June 2024 17:15, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Russia economically strong despite 'illegitimate sanctions'
• Ukraine has right to strike targets in Russia - NATO chief
• Russian vessels to make port in Cuba in 'hopes of invoking memory of missile crisis'
• Biden to discuss $225m package with Zelenskyy in France
• Ivor Bennett:  Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?

Thank you for reading.

We will be back soon with more updates from the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but added he could not rule out a change to the doctrine.

"We have a nuclear doctrine which states that the use of nuclear arms is possible in an exceptional case, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country is threatened," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But the doctrine can be changed.

"The same applies to nuclear tests. We will carry out tests if needed, but so far there is no such need."

Russia could send weapons to adversaries of the West, Vladimir Putin has warned for a second time.

The Russian president repeated the warning from earlier this week during the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

He did not say what countries or entities he was referring to, and he stressed that Moscow is not doing it currently.

"If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?" he told the crowds. 

"But I'm not ready to say that we will be doing it tomorrow, either."

On Wednesday, Putin told international journalists that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.

Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the recent delay in approving new US aid for Ukraine.

Last month, following months of political disagreements, the Senate passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan .

"I apologise for those weeks of not knowing," the US president said.

"Some of our very conservative members [of Congress] were holding it up. 

"But we got it done, finally. We're still in - completely, totally." 

The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for American assistance.  

"It's very important that you stay with us," he said. 

"It's very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two - how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe." 

The two men were speaking in Paris, the day after D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Russia needs to boost its use of non-Western currencies, Vladimir Putin said as he addressed the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He also said his country needs to reduce imports while calling for a major expansion of its domestic financial markets.

Trade with Asia is soaring, he told delegates, adding that almost two fifths of Russian external trade is now in roubles.

The share conducted in US dollars, euros and other Western currencies has declined.

Russia will try to boost the share of settlements conducted in the currencies of BRICS countries - which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Putin said.

"Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so–called 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states halved, while the share of the rouble in export and import transactions is growing - it is approaching 40% today," the president said.

Russia has referred to nations that imposed sanctions on it as "unfriendly".

 The session begins with an address by the Russian president. 

Vladimir Putin says there is a race among world powers to establish sovereignty. 

He speaks of the need for countries to both establish partnerships and also to look internally to tackle challenges presented by the current global economic landscape. 

Despite all the "obstacles and illegitimate sanctions", Russia remains one of the world's economic leaders, he says. 

He adds that "friendly countries" - those that have not joined sanctions against Moscow - account for three quarters of Russia's mutual trade turnover, and praises them for that. 

Countries including India and China have strengthened economic ties since Mr Putin launched his war in Ukraine. 

Vladimir Putin has taken to the stage in St Petersburg to address the International Economic Forum there.

He's joined by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwais and Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. 

Chairing the session is Sergey Karaganov - a Russian political scientist. 

We'll bring you any key lines here in this live blog. 

A T-shirt is on sale at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum printed with a phrase attributed to Vladimir Putin, Sky News has discovered. 

"If a fight is inevitable, throw the first punch," it says.

The Russian president reportedly said it in 2015.

He apparently explained that it was something he had learned while growing up on the streets of Leningrad - a former name of St Petersburg. 

The Russian defence ministry has accused Ukraine of injuring 20 people, including children, in a missile attack on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, using US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

Four of five missiles were shot down by air defence systems, the ministry said in a statement.

However, one of the missiles damaged two residential apartment blocks, it added, claiming it was deliberate.

Sky News is unable to verify the allegations.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. 

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country's prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations. 

"Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month," Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. 

Earlier (7.43am post) we reported that the commission was reportedly ready to recommend that accession talks get underway.

It is part of an attempt to signal support for Kyiv before Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU next month, the Financial Times reported.

The EU announced earlier this year that it was sending an additional £42bn in aid to Ukraine - but only after  weeks of resistance from Hungary , which reportedly has concerns about minority rights in Ukraine. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free