1. Speed. In the era of transatlantic liners, getting passengers across the ocean faster than the competition meant everything. The QM2 followed that tradition and has a top speed of nearly 30 knots. It's not the fastest ship ever built, is the fast ship currently at sea. When first put into service, Cunard used QM2 for the New York - Southampton route on a six night schedule. Today, when fuel costs are high, and the crossing is used more as a vacation than pure transport, the crossing is 7 nights. But the extra power and speed of this ship mean it can take different routes to avoid bad weather and make up the time.
2. Stability. A true ocean liner will be built to provide the smoothest ride, even in the roughest of seas. I'm no marine architect but it it pretty clear to me that when you look at the outline of the QM2 and compare it to today's modern cruise ships, the sleek lines, long bow, and lack of cabins in the rear look much more stable. And as one QM2 regular said to me, "no other ship sails like Mary."
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| Queen Mary 2 |
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| A Princess cruise ship. Note the cabins at the rear overhanging the ship. |
3. Interior space. Weather crossing the Atlantic is cool so more people spend time inside. The ship has more great rooms inside the ship for concert, lectures, movies etc. There are no outdoor dining options but the main Brittania dining room is spectacular. Further, given the need for stability, there are far fewer cabins, and therefore passengers that other ships of that size. All this adds up to a ship with many great interior spaces to relax, be entertained or watch the sea.
The festivities for this anniversary crossing include a sailaway from Southampton with the other two Cunard ships, fireworks and special lectures. I also hear that Prince Phillip will be on board, though I doubt he will be speaking.
Let the countdown begin!
