This book documents the creation, from keel laying to christening, of one of the most ambitious passenger vessels of all time. Cunard Line’s new flagship, the stupendous Queen Mary 2, is four city blocks long and taller than both the Statue of Liberty and the Tower of London. Twenty-six hundred passengers are accomodated in a splendid variety of suites and cabins, three-quarters of them with balconies overlooking the sea. Its public rooms include a planetarium, ballroom, theater, cinema, Canyon Ranch Spa and ten restaurants. And at $ 800 million, it is the most expensive passenger vessel ever built. Not merely a cruise ship, this fourth Cunard Queen is a true ocean liner, able to cross the Atlantic in all weather at high speed, sustaining the company’s celebrated heritage.

The story of Queen Mary 2 is told by noted maritime historian John Maxtone-Graham, whose engaging text takes us through the building of the ship and details its world-class amenities. Maxtone-Graham also provides a lively history of the QM2‘s famous predecessors, illustrated with archival images. The book features stunning four-color photographs and paintings of the QM2 – details of design, construction, engines, lavish interiors, sea trials and christening. The principal photographer, Harvey Lloyd, is one of the top travel photographers working today.

Photographs by Harvey Lloyd.

Edition: 2004