Cunard Line
Queen Elizabeth
- Cruises
- 182
- From
- $799
Ship comparison
Queen Elizabeth vs Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line
Queen Mary 2
- Cruises
- 143
- From
- $359
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Queen Elizabeth is a large Cunard Line ship carrying 2,068 passengers, in service since 2010. Queen Mary 2 is a large Cunard Line ship carrying 2,620 passengers, in service since 2004.
Choose Queen Elizabeth if you want a more family-friendly ship or a newer ship: it outscores Queen Mary 2 for family friendly (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2010 (vs 2004).
Choose Queen Mary 2 if you want a lower starting fare or more space per passenger: its cruises start from $359 (vs $799) and it has 57.8 gross tons per passenger (vs 44.0).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Queen Elizabeth | Queen Mary 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Cunard Line | Cunard Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 (better) | 2004 |
| Gross tonnage | 90,900 | 151,400 |
| Passengers | 2,068 | 2,620 |
| Crew | 1,005 | 1,253 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.0 | 57.8 (better) |
| Decks | 16 | 17 |
| Length | 964 ft | 1,132 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 148 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 35 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 182 | 143 |
| Upcoming sailings | 200 | 204 |
| Cruise lengths | 3–113 nights | 2–35 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $799 | $359 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Queen Elizabeth leads on 1 of the ten, Queen Mary 2 on 1, with 8 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Cunard Line
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth of Cunard Line received the royal treatment in 2010 when Her Majesty the Queen formally named the ship. When it joined sister ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Elizabeth became a favorite among many travelers who adore her rich Art Deco interiors and plush decor.
Highlights
- Traditional afternoon tea is served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room.
- Dance to a live band in the Queens Room, where gentleman dance hosts are available to partner with solo women travelers.
- Enjoy a drink of champagne or afternoon tea in the Garden Lounge, inspired by Kew Gardens London.
- Listen to lectures by leading authors, entertainers, celebrities, politicians and historians in the Cunard Insights Program.
Sailing now
182 cruises on sale, from $799.
Cunard Line
Queen Mary 2
The ocean liner Queen Mary 2, flagship of the 184-year-old Cunard Line, embodies the grace and classic heritage of ships from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. She is the only ship in operation that retains a scheduled transatlantic service, from New York to England and back.
Highlights
- The planetarium shows
- Lectures by leading academics, scientists, politicians, entertainers and historians
- Canyon Ranch Spa and Thalassotherapy pool, if you can afford it
- The transatlantic crossings from New York to Southampton are really one of a kind.
Sailing now
143 cruises on sale, from $359.
Questions
Queen Elizabeth or Queen Mary 2?
Which is bigger, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Mary 2?
Queen Mary 2 is bigger at 151,400 gross tons, against 90,900 gross tons for Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth carries 2,068 passengers and Queen Mary 2 carries 2,620.
Which ship is newer, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Mary 2?
Queen Elizabeth is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2004 for Queen Mary 2.
Which has more space per passenger?
Queen Mary 2, with 57.8 gross tons per passenger against 44.0 on Queen Elizabeth. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.1 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Queen Elizabeth scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Queen Mary 2.
Still deciding?
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