The world-famous Queen Mary 2 ocean liner is back in service following a 20-month pause in sailings due to the pandemic.
Queen Mary 2 departed her homeport of Southampton on November 28, 2021, on a three-day itinerary to France before returning on December 1. The ship will continue sailing around the UK until mid-December, when she makes her Atlantic crossing.
Return of the Iconic Queen Mary 2
The Queen Mary 2 is a flagship of the Carnival-owned Cunard Line and is one of the most famous ships in the world. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the vessel halted operations on March 15, 2020, midway through its World Cruise.
After more than 20 months of rest, Queen Mary 2 has returned to the sea and officially welcomed guests onboard earlier this past Sunday. The ship set sail from Southampton early in the evening on a 3-day cruise to the French city of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
On December 13, the ship will depart Europe sailing on the first of a series of “Grand Escape Voyages.” Guests will have the opportunity to book either a 9-night Atlantic crossing to New York or a combination of the Atlantic Crossing and Caribbean Cruise. The Atlantic crossing itinerary consists of six days at sea and an overnight stay in New York City.
During the hiatus, Queen Mary 2 underwent more than a month of dry dock. During that time, the ship received several repairs to the thrusters and stabilizers, a fresh coat of paint, and updates to the interior.
Queen Mary 2 is often referred to as the most beautiful ocean liner in the world and one of the fastest. The 1,132 foot (345 meters) 149,215 gross ton ocean liner has a maximum speed of over 30 knots and a cruising speed of around 26 knots.
The luxury ship offers its 2,600 guests many entertainment and dining options, including; fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea.
Cunard Line Resumes Operations
The Queen Mary 2 is the second vessel in Cunard Line’s fleet to resume operations, following Queen Elizabeth, which began sailing in August.
Queen Elizabeth offered passengers British Isles itineraries throughout the summer before departing on Western European Coastline voyages starting October 13. In June of 2022, the ship will be repositioned to Vancouver, Canada, and begin sailing a series of Alaskan trips during the Alaskan sailing season.
The third and final Cunard Line ship, Queen Victoria, will be the last ship to resume service when she sets sail in April 2022. After the first voyage, the ship will offer passengers a selection of sailings along the Western European coastline, Northern Europe, and the Western Mediterranean.
