Cunard Plans Major Refurbishment of Queen Mary 2

Cunard is planning a major refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, with the iconic ocean liner scheduled to enter dry dock in France in spring 2027.

The ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest on March 31, 2027, and is scheduled to return to service May 9 of that year. The project will add new suites and staterooms, refresh existing accommodations and public spaces, expand wellness and retail offerings, and upgrade several of the ship’s signature venues.

The refurbishment will add 31 staterooms, including 16 new Princess Grill Suites and 15 new Britannia-category staterooms. Existing Grill Suites will receive new interiors, furnishings and finishes, along with redesigned bathrooms featuring spa-inspired features.

The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed, while additional outdoor deck space will give passengers more areas to relax and take in ocean views. Classic deck games will remain part of the ship’s offerings, along with paddle tennis and pickleball.

The ship’s dedicated kennels, which are the only such facilities at sea, will also be upgraded. The project will add redesigned kennels and increased capacity, along with a refurbished owners’ lounge and a larger outdoor walking area for passengers traveling with pets.

Wellness and shopping will receive updates as well. Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed into an updated spa and wellness space, while a new collection of luxury stores will bring a boutique-style shopping area to the ship.

Cunard also plans upgrades to the ship’s entertainment and cultural spaces. Illuminations, which Cunard describes as the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a digital upgrade designed to create more immersive experiences. The Royal Court Theatre will continue hosting West End and Broadway productions, while the Insights program will continue bringing guest speakers and cultural figures aboard.

The design for the refurbishment is being led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2’s original designers. The updated interiors will draw inspiration from classic Hollywood alongside British design traditions, while retaining the ship’s existing Art Deco character. Cunard has also commissioned illustrator Tanu Vasu to create a collection of illustrations depicting the refurbishment.

The project comes as Queen Mary 2 marks another high-profile year. In 2026, the ship took part in Sail 4th 250 in New York Harbor, a major event celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

“Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship, she is an icon of modern luxury travel and the only true ocean liner in the world,” says Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character and the sense of occasion that only Queen Mary 2 can offer. We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward.”

New suites and staterooms went on sale May 18, 2026, for voyages departing after the refurbishment. In addition to its regular Transatlantic Crossings, Queen Mary 2 sails itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. 

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