Queen Mary 2: 10 Facts You Didn't Know

Ocean liner and ship enthusiasts know of Cunard Line's RMS Queen Mary 2. She is the largest, and only, proper ocean liner still in service. QM2 is iconic and instantly recognizable to many. She is also the most modern ocean liner in the world, having been launched in 2003. Therefore, there are many unique facts about Queen Mary 2 and I have chosen 10 facts that even ocean liner enthusiasts may not have known.

A special thank you to JimJamPixel for allowing me to use some of his footage of Queen Mary 2.

Thumbnail credit: Andrew Shiva

[TheGreatBigMove]

Which Cunard ship do you prefer: Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth 2?

[Zeppflyer]

My wife and I looked at taking a trip aboard her a few years ago when she suffered a mini-stroke just before a scheduled European vacation. She was unable to fly because the reduced air pressure would have increased her chances of bursting a blood vessel. We also had some friends who did take the QM2 when they moved from America to the UK because they didn't want their dog to have to go through air travel in a cargo hold. Just a couple reasons why someone might want to travel by ship, rather than plane across the Atlantic.

[EmperorDank]

Ive seen Queen Mary 2 a few times in Bergen, Norway. I was pretty suprised when it showed up for the first time

[skovner]

This is a great video and explains why she looks like a ship not an ugly resort hotel stuck on a hull like most cruise ships.
I finally noticed how high the superstructure is. I think this is because people want cabins with windows and balconies, not stuck in the hull with a porthole if they are lucky.

[timewhale]

I went on the QM2 in 2022 and had the time of my life! I recommend you do all 3 options you said at the end, too! The QM2 is a wonderful experience you will never forget, and you should definitely document everything, as I regret not taking as many photos as I did.

[asylumlover]

What a I want to see a full tour of as many spaces on board the ship as you can possibly pull

[hughporter]

I have 13 of my 16 Cunard voyages on QM2. There is nothing like her in the world. You have done an excellent job of describing her as an Ocean Liner rather than a "hotel barge" like cruise ships are. In 2006 Westbound to NYC, Commodore Warwick put her through her paces with a full speed exercise and a 360 degree circle. It was spectacular, in excess of 26 knots for the full distance. On a 2008 voyage around the UK, she did a 180 pirouette turn in her own length in the Mersey to back into the dock at the foot of the Cunard Building. The shore visitors in their cars created a cacophony of sound as they all honked their horns in admiration. It was amazing.

[nostarline]

Great video as always. Glad you are back!

[NonsensicalNauticalRambings]

The return of the king! Nice to see you back, and can’t wait for more content.

[judydenver]

This was just brilliant! Thank you! I learned so much!
I would LOVE to see a complete, and comprehensive tour, so I can see everything about her, while on your journey, plus, comparisons to Classic Ocean Liners, especially in the style of the decor, layout of spaces, charm, nods to history, etc!
Document everything, for history!!!
Thank you so much!!!!

[mattharte]

As I understand it the ship’s jet turbines are not heavy, they are aircraft engines and therefore light in the scheme of things and this is why they are able to be positioned just beneath the ship’s funnel, high up as opposed to low down, as their weight has negligible impact on the ship’s overall stability. You are right in saying positioning the jet turbines in the engine room would mean a myriad of air ducts to ensure they breathe properly, and this would consume a lot of valuable space.

[imainrazor]

QM2 is an a. amazing ship I recently boarded it and it was beautiful .

The cast, the crew, even the guess is just too kind in there. I boarded last February, and my boyfriend of 11 years propose to me in the theatre. It will forever be special in my heart ♥️♥️

[randeman]

You've not mentioned if you have had a chance to sail QM2 yet. I hope you get a chance. Prior to sailing on her, I lucked out a few times when I took the Staten Island Ferry home or to the city and passed her after she sailed from Brooklyn. It's an amazing sight. The best way to do it is determine the sailing time, pray there are no delays, and take the next couple of ferries after sail time. I prefer Manhattan to Staten Is direction because if she is late leaving Brooklyn, you might pass her on the way back. Also, I lived very close to Von Briesen Park, which is basically right under the Verrazzano Bridge. Watching from there a ship as tall as Queen Mary 2 just barely scooch under the highest roadway point on the bridge is really exciting.

[jetsons]

Again, great narration and information. Thanks for your research and effort you put into your videos.

[EmilyCorradino]

Oh my god, I'm so happy to see this after all this time. With no uploads or community posts or anything, I was genuinely worried something bad might have happened to you. I'm so happy to see you're okay.

If you were to do a QM2 video, I would rather a review than a tour. I'd like to take a trip on her some day, and I don't want to "spoil it" if that makes sense.

[Sundancer]

I would like to see the engineering spaces and behind the scenes in the Galley and auxiliary spaces off limits to normal travelers. Having served in the US Navy as an engineer 30 plus years ago, it would be interesting to see the advancements and how civilian verses military spaces are the same and oh so different.

[alexis_ian]

Before having access to the internet I use to think Cunard only have 1-2 ships QE2 and later QM2 which would succeed her. It wasn’t until the 2010s when I learn Cunard has three ships QM2, QV and QE which was christened recently and had all three rendezvous at New York. Now just waiting for a 4th ship with devised looks compared to her predecessors, though I do understand why Cunard would add capacity and reduce the strain on the three older ships.

[guitarbro]

Definitely review the Cunard experience. It would be interesting to see your opinions on how it compares to the experience on older Cunard liners.

[ajs]

Great video. Besides all the technical aspects you named, there is one other thing that sets the QM2 apart from other vessels by virtue of her being a cruise liner. As you know, the Queen Mary crosses the Atlantic every week or so (unless she's on one of her occasional other voyages). And, as you know, when crossing the Atlantic, she's at sea for seven days with no ports of call. This means that passengers have nothing to do other than take part in the ship's onboard entertainment. Cunard certainly knows this is a challenge and they leverage the very best entertainment directors to scout out and book the very best entertainers who will be with the passengers for a full week at a time. It's absolutely brilliantly done, and at a level of excellence that regular cruise ships don't need to achieve.

[haroldalex]

My wife and I have made 3 crossings on the QM2, most recently in May of last year. Each of these voyages were unique and special in their own way. I would challenge you on your crossing to do 3 things. First, rise to the occasion and embrace the formality of the QM2. Second, enjoy the promenade deck. While you did not mention it in your video, it is the most amazing promenade deck of any ship in the world. Finally, meet as many fellow passengers as you can. They are a special group. Typically between 1/4 and 1/3 of the passengers on a crossing are commuters. This is how they choose to travel between the US and Europe and they do so on a regular bases. Can't wait to see the video you post of your journey. One thing I can promise you, the crossing is 8 days and 7 nights but on your last night at sea when you are packing for disembarkation the next morning your will say to yourself, "there wasn't enough time."