Queen Mary 2 2027 Refurbishment: What the New Deck Plans Really Reveal
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated: 10 September 2026
Queen Mary 2's famous lettering sitting proud beside the iconic Cunard funnel up on the top deck
Is Queen Mary 2 genuinely getting more space, or is Cunard simply reshuffling the deck chairs to fit in extra revenue-generating cabins? That question has sparked lively debate amongst loyal ocean liner fans since preliminary drawings emerged.
Cunard has officially lifted the lid on Queen Mary 2's major spring 2027 dry dock. While the official line promises enhanced public areas and brand-new accommodation, comparing the deck plans reveals a genuine spatial trade-off.
The Queen Mary 2 2027 refurbishment will see the liner enter dry dock from 31 March until 9 May 2027 at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France. The 6-week refit introduces 31 new staterooms, a new Deck 14 Sun Deck, upgraded Grill Suites and enhanced public venues, while repurposing several existing indoor lounges and outdoor areas.
Below, we dig into the details to show you what is actually altering before you plan your next crossing.
When Is the Queen Mary 2 Refit Happening?
Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in northwestern France on 31 March 2027.
Work will take roughly six weeks, with her grand return to passenger service set for 9 May 2027. Cunard has emphasised that this project is about refining an icon rather than reinventing her. Chris Finch, one of QM2's original designers, is leading the project vision to ensure her distinctive Art Deco elegance remains completely intact.
If you have a transatlantic crossing booked for late spring or summer 2027, you will be amongst the very first to experience the revamped liner.
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Deck 13 forward, where 16 brand-new Princess Grill Suites will be built during the 2027 refit
31 New Cabins: Where Are They Fitting Them?
The biggest headline from the announcement is the addition of 31 brand-new staterooms. Cunard confirmed the final breakdown comprises:
16 New Princess Grill Suites: All situated high up on Deck 13.
15 New Britannia-Category Staterooms: Spread across inside locations on Decks 6, 9, and 13.
Cunard's official announcement confirms the overall totals of 16 Princess Grill Suites and 15 Britannia staterooms, but has not yet published an updated deck-by-deck plan to match. The breakdown below reflects deck plans published ahead of that announcement, so some detail may shift once final drawings are released.
Fitting 31 cabins onto a ship that was already carefully balanced requires carving space out of existing public venues and open decks. Here is where the changes are located:
Deck 13: This represents the single largest layout modification. A substantial chunk of what was once open forward deck space is being built over to house 16 new Princess Grill Suites (category P1) and roughly five new Britannia Inside cabins.
Deck 9: The dedicated Concierge Lounge is disappearing entirely to make room for four new Britannia Inside cabins.
Deck 8: here is conflicting information here. Reported plans point to the Bookshop area forward of the Library being reworked into a new Queens Grill Penthouse Suite (cabin 8000, category Q4), yet Cunard's most recent official deck plans still show the Bookshop unchanged in its usual spot, so this change is not yet confirmed.
Deck 6: Part of the space historically dedicated to children's and teens' clubs is being converted into four new Inside staterooms.
For guests wondering about their existing Deck 6 inside cabins, you can rest easy, none of the current staterooms are being replaced; the new accommodation sits purely within the repurposed youth zone footprint.
A first look at the refreshed, spa-inspired Grill Suite interiors arriving aboard Queen Mary 2 in 2027
The Big Deck Space Trade-Off: Deck 13 and the New Deck 14
The question regular passengers ask us most is whether Queen Mary 2 is actually gaining outdoor space. Cunard states that guests will have additional outdoor deck space to relax, watch ocean sunsets, and play traditional games.
However, a closer look at the blueprints shows that what is actually taking place is a clever vertical shuffle.
Deck 13 loses significant forward open promenade area to the new stateroom block. To balance that loss, Cunard is building upward, creating a brand-new Deck 14 Sun Deck directly above the new accommodation.
While open deck games, paddle tennis, and pickleball will remain on Deck 13, the surrounding walkways are being reconfigured around the new suites. Cunard has not released exact square-metre measurements. Therefore, we reckon it is more accurate to say the ship is receiving a redistribution of outdoor space rather than simply gaining massive amounts of extra deck everywhere.
Public Lounges, Venues, and Retail: What Stays and What Goes?
Whenever cabins are added to an existing liner, public lounges usually feel the pinch. Here is what is altering across the communal spaces:
Concierge Lounge vs Grill Suites Lounge: The Concierge Lounge on Deck 9 is being replaced by inside cabins. The exclusive Grill Suites Lounge remains in place for Princess and Queens Grill guests.
The Library and Bookshop: The beloved Deck 8 Library, one of the largest and most atmospheric at sea, remains untouched. There is conflicting information on the Bookshop. Reported plans point to its removal to make way for a new Penthouse Suite, yet Cunard's most recent official deck plans still show it sitting in its usual spot beside the Library, unchanged. Our take: given how strongly loyal Cunarders have pushed back on this particular change, and given that it is one of the only refit details not yet reflected on any confirmed layout, we think there is a genuine chance the Bookshop survives the refit in some form.
Mareel Wellness & Beauty: The onboard spa is receiving a comprehensive transformation, modernising treatment areas and thermal facilities into a fresh, serene retreat.
Illuminations Digital Upgrade: QM2's Illuminations planetarium, the largest at sea, is staying put, but its dome projection system is getting a major digital upgrade for sharper visual presentations.
Boutique Shopping: The retail arcade is being overhauled, with a new collection of luxury stores bringing a boutique-style shopping experience on board.
Boardwalk Café: The Deck 12 café is being removed entirely to make way for the wider redevelopment, according to the original deck-plan reporting.
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A glimpse inside the beautifully redesigned Queens Grill Suite living room arriving on QM2 in 2027
Upgrades to the Grill Experience and the Famous Kennels
It is not just about adding new accommodation; Cunard is pouring substantial capital into refreshing existing venues.
All Existing Grill Suites Refreshed: Every single current Princess Grill and Queens Grill suite will be completely updated with brand-new furnishings, wall finishes, plush carpets, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Both the Queens Grill and Princess Grill private dining restaurants will also receive an extensive aesthetic refresh.
Expanded Pet Kennels: Queen Mary 2 holds the unique distinction of operating the world's only dedicated passenger kennels at sea. The 2027 refit increases kennel capacity, updates the indoor pet owners' lounge and enlarges the outdoor walking area, which includes the iconic British lamppost and American fire hydrant.
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Inside the refreshed Princess Grill Suite, showcasing the elegant new styling arriving aboard QM2 in 2027
Our Thoughts
From an investment standpoint, this refurbishment is entirely sensible. Queen Mary 2 remains the only true ocean liner on the planet, and modernising her premium hardware keeps her competitive alongside modern luxury vessels.
Who it suits best: Discerning travellers, long-standing Cunarders and Grill Suite guests who want modern bathroom designs, fresh furnishings and an authentic ocean crossing experience without losing the ship's heritage character.
Who may want to consider alternatives: Guests who place a high priority on vast, low-density forward observation decks right on Deck 13, or families who depend heavily on expansive children's facilities, might find the spatial changes slightly restrictive.
Overall, the project preserves the timeless ocean liner spirit while delivering a long-overdue modern polish to her highest-yielding suites.
Tom & Dom's Final Takeaway
What impressed us most when reviewing these changes is Cunard's restraint. Bringing original designer Chris Finch back into the fold shows a genuine respect for the liner's architectural soul.
The one detail we will be watching closely is the Bookshop. It remains one of the few changes not yet confirmed either way, and given how vocal loyal Cunarders have been about keeping it, we would not be surprised if Cunard revisits those plans before the ship enters dry dock.
Our single best piece of advice if you are booking a post-May 2027 voyage is to check the revised deck plans thoroughly before confirming your cabin location. If you previously loved booking inside cabins near the Deck 9 Concierge Lounge or forward on Deck 13, study the new foot traffic patterns around those corridors to ensure your chosen room matches your expectations for quiet and convenience.
Read the official press release from Cunard here.
Official Cunard deck plans for Queen Mary 2 can be found here.
August 2026 Queen Mary 2 Brochure can be found here.
Before you go... check these out next:
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Queen Mary 2 2027 refurbishment take place?
Queen Mary 2 will be in dry dock from 31 March 2027 until 9 May 2027 at the Damen Shiprepair yard in Brest, France.
How many new cabins are being added to Queen Mary 2?
A total of 31 new staterooms will be added: 16 new Princess Grill Suites on Deck 13 and 15 new Britannia-category inside staterooms split across Decks 6, 9, and 13.
Is Queen Mary 2 getting a Deck 14?
Yes, Cunard is constructing a new Deck 14 Sun Deck directly above the new Deck 13 accommodation block to provide additional open-air passenger space.
What is happening to the Library and Bookshop during the Queen Mary 2 2027 refurbishment?
The famous ocean liner Library on Deck 8 remains fully open. There is conflicting information on the adjoining commercial Bookshop: reported refit plans point to it being repurposed for a new Queens Grill Penthouse Suite, but it still appears unchanged on Cunard's most recent official deck plans, so its fate is not yet confirmed either way.
Will the kennels still be available on Queen Mary 2 after 2027?
Yes, the pet facilities are being expanded with additional kennel capacity, a renovated owners' lounge, and an enlarged outdoor exercise deck.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
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