Queen Mary 2 vs Queen Anne

The legendary ocean liner vs Cunard's newest ship. QM2 is built for the Atlantic crossing; Queen Anne is a modern luxury cruise ship.

Last updated: January 8, 2026

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	👑 Queen Mary 2	👒 Queen Anne
Gross Tonnage	148,528 GT✓	113,000 GT
Passenger Capacity	2,691 guests	2,996 guests✓
Year Built	2004 (refurb 2016)	2024✓
Transatlantic Crossings	Regular service✓	Occasional
Planetarium	Yes - only at sea✓	No
Kennels	Yes - only ship with✓	No
The Pavilion Wellness	No	Yes✓
Ship Type	Ocean Liner	Cruise Ship

👑Choose Queen Mary 2 if you...

•Transatlantic crossing purists
•Traveling with pets (kennels)
•Want the only true ocean liner
•Planetarium enthusiasts

👒Choose Queen Anne if you...

•Want newest Cunard experience
•Mediterranean/European cruises
•The Pavilion wellness focus
•Prefer modern amenities

💡 The Bottom Line

Queen Mary 2 is irreplaceable for transatlantic crossings and the only ship with kennels and a planetarium. Queen Anne is Cunard's modern luxury flagship with The Pavilion wellness area. Different ships for different purposes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queen Mary 2 an ocean liner or a cruise ship?

Queen Mary 2 is a true ocean liner, not a cruise ship. She was purpose-built for transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York, with a reinforced hull and greater draught designed to handle the open Atlantic. Queen Anne is a cruise ship built for port-to-port itineraries.

Can I bring my dog on Queen Mary 2?

Yes, Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise ship in the world with onboard kennels. You can bring dogs and cats on transatlantic crossings, with dedicated kennel masters and a lamppost-lined exercise area on deck. Queen Anne does not have kennels.

Which Cunard ship is newer?

Queen Anne is newer, having launched in 2024. Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 but underwent a major refurbishment in 2016. Despite the age gap, both ships maintain Cunard's signature White Star service and formal evening traditions.

Does Queen Mary 2 still do transatlantic crossings?

Yes, Queen Mary 2 operates regular scheduled transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York throughout the year. This is her primary purpose and something no other ship in the world offers as a regular service. Queen Anne does occasional crossings but focuses on worldwide cruise itineraries.

Which Cunard ship has a planetarium?

Queen Mary 2 has the only planetarium at sea, located in the onboard theatre. It offers immersive star shows and educational programmes. Queen Anne does not have a planetarium but features The Pavilion, a wellness-focused venue not found on QM2.

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