Cunard Line’s Grand Dame Gets Facelift

Cunard just spent $132 million to upgrade the luxury factor for passengers as well as their pets on the ocean liner Queen Mary 2. The Valencia-based cruise company added staterooms, rebuilt kitchens and re-arranged tables in its upscale restaurants so diners can have a flambe dessert served tableside. Stanley Birge, vice president of North America at the company, said many of the design upgrades took cues from the Art Deco style of the original Queen Mary. For example, every carpet pattern on the ship was redesigned to evoke that tradition. Founded in 1840, Cunard has a long history of bringing immigrants from Europe to New York. The investment comes with the cruise market on an upswing. Cruise Lines International Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group, estimates 24 million passengers will take cruises this year, an increase from 15 million just 10 years ago. In December, the group reported that “the industry shows no signs of slowing down.” Birge noted that when the Queen Mary 2 launched 12 years ago, it was the biggest and most luxurious cruise ship ever built. “It has iconic stature in the market, but it was time to reinvigorate her,” he said. The ship makes 22 Atlantic crossings a year between New York and Southampton, U.K. A seven-day crossing costs $1,299 for an inside cabin, but can run as high as $13,000 for a suite with 2,300 square feet and butler service. “We provide luxury on a grand scale, from the introductory level to heads of state,” Birge said. One unusual upgrade expanded the on-ship kennel to accommodate 24 pets. The company said the expansion was in response to customer demand. Prices for a pet to cross the Atlantic run from $800 to $1,000, depending on the size of the animal. And in keeping with its historical authenticity motif, Cunard installed a genuine U.S. fire hydrant and a British lamppost so dogs from both continents can travel with their accustomed amenities. – Joel Russell