The vision of an ocean liner of unprecedented size, embodying both the grandeur of the Golden Age of ocean travel and every imaginable modern amenity, became a reality in January of 2004, when the RMS Queen Mary 2 was named by Queen Elizabeth II, the granddaughter of the shipÃ?¢??s namesake. 

The Queen Mary 2Ã?¢??s maiden voyage, carrying 2,620 passengers from Southampton, England to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, represented the culmination of over five years of planning and construction.  Since her maiden voyage, the Queen Mary 2 has made numerous transatlantic crossings, circumnavigated South America, and circled the globe on an 81-day world cruise. 

The Queen Mary 2, or the QM2 as she is often known, offers her guests countless onboard luxuries, depending on their interest and inclination.  These include the QM2Ã?¢??s 13 spacious decks, the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, an art gallery, casino, computer center, five swimming pools, disco, library, shops, theater, champagne bar, Sports Decks, childrenÃ?¢??s play zone, numerous opulent public areas and dining rooms, ballrooms, lounges, a kennel program for cats and dogs, and the only planetarium at sea.

The QM2, famous in her own right, has attracted her share of celebrity passengers and guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, U.S. President George H.W. Bush, comedian and actor John Cleese, actor Richard Dreyfuss, director George Lucas, financier Donald Trump, CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric, and singers Carly Simon and Rod Stewart.

The RMS Queen Mary 2 was named for Mary II, who reigned from 1689 until her death in 1694.  She shared sovereignty with her husband, William III, and their joint reign is frequently called the reign of Ã?¢??William and Mary.Ã?¢?Ã?

Click for more information about our upcoming Queen Mary 2 Cruise

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