Who Doesn’t Love a Queen?

2024-01-29

“The Queen is stunning!” Richard Shane, CEO of The World’s Greatest Vacations, exclaims. “I’m fortunate to be able to cruise aboard ships all over the world….only one have I cruised twice…it’s the same one that I chose to cruise three times, too… Queen Mary 2 is royal elegance! Congratulations on the second decade of reining over trans-Atlantic voyages!”

In 2024, the Queen Mary 2 is marking its second decade at sea, having commenced its maritime journey in early 2004. Originating from the ambitious “Queen Mary Project,” unveiled by Cunard Line in 1998, the 151,400-ton vessel was envisioned as the largest and most luxurious ocean liner ever constructed. Crafted by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the Queen Mary 2 was christened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in Southampton on January 8, 2004.

Following a ceremony that paid homage to Cunard’s British heritage with performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Marines band, the inaugural voyage saw the ship embark on a transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale. Prior to its transatlantic service, the Queen Mary 2 hosted a media preview cruise and an 11-night Caribbean cruise.

Distinguished as the world’s last ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2 predominantly operates one-way Atlantic crossings between New York City and Southampton, with options for embarkation or disembarkation in the German port of Hamburg on select sailings. These six- to eight-night voyages primarily feature sea days and faster speeds compared to conventional cruises.

Following its 108-night global tour in 2024, the Queen Mary 2 is poised to offer diverse two- to 13-night cruises exploring Western Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, and more. Cunard’s website hails the Queen Mary 2 as their “legendary flagship,” a “true icon,” and an “astonishing liner.” The 2,620-guest vessel boasts unique amenities, including an extensive library, a luxurious spa, and more, according to the company.

Shane continues, “Imagine ‘The Great Gatsby’ coming to life as an ocean liner…. That’s the Queen Mary 2. If Audrey Hepburn were to pick a cruise, I think it would be this Queen!”