Overview

This QM2 Queens Suite review explains everything you need to know about the luxurious Queens Grill suite and how to select the room that’s right for you. It applies to Queens Grill category Q5 and Q6 rooms.

If you haven’t previously sailed with Cunard the various accommodation grades can seem confusing, but it’s actually quite simple. In the same way airlines have first, business and economy class the Cunard liners have three grades of accommodation: Queens Grill on Cunard is first class, while Princess Grill and can be thought of as business class and Britannia as economy.

The origin of the Grills experience is interesting. The original Cunard liners determined accommodation grade by the restaurant in which you dined. Passengers with the most expensive tickets ate in the posh Grill dining room and consequently stayed in the best accommodation. Today Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests have their own private restaurants too, and the class of their tickets has become known as ‘Grills’.

The Queens Grill Q5 and Q6 category suites were extensively made-over during the remastering of QM2 in 2016 and the result is terrific. As you will see in this Queens Grill review there is a lot to love about the Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite. Indeed, each QM2 Queens Suite is bright and airy with an elegant feel that echoes the ocean liners of old.

Queens Suite layout

The Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite offers 47 sq. m. / 509 sq. ft. of luxury living. The layout is rather like an oversized junior suite in an upmarket hotel.

A wide entry foyer with a fully equipped bar leads on to the main living space. This space is divided into two distinct zones: A sitting area is at one end with plush sofa, arm chair and writing desk, while at the other is a sleeping zone with luxurious king-sized bed. Behind the living space is a big walk-in wardrobe, makeup area and bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a large teak balcony.

Living space

The living space in the QM2 Queens Suite is ideal. It’s got style, comfort and loads of room to stretch out and relax. The decor has an understated nautical theme that is reminiscent of the great days of ocean travel.

A very comfortable king-sized bed with soft leather bedhead is at the far end of the living space. Above, etched glass panels evoke stories of travel by sea. There are also large, dark timber bedside tables at either side.

A plush, cream coloured sofa sits at the foot of the bed together with a designer coffee table. On the opposite wall there is a large flat screen TV and beneath it is an elegant writing desk which also has a view of the ocean. This desk in the QM2 Queens Suite doubles as a spacious dining table too. During my Queens Grill review I ate many excellent meals there. There’s also an armchair with ottoman and even a small library of books in each Queens Grill Suite.

Fully equipped bar

A highlight of the QM2 Queens Suite is the fully equipped bar. Indeed, it’s the sort of thing usually reserved for owners suites on other cruise ships. The bar has everything you need in case friends drop by, including an espresso machine, electric jug and even a set of glassware and crockery.

The bar is also stocked with soft drinks and Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite guests may choose two spirits upon embarkation. Your Queens Grill butler will keep the bar replenished throughout the voyage too. In addition, fresh fruit will be delivered daily as well as canapés each evening – something I especially enjoyed on my Queens Grill review voyage.

The teak balcony

I think the large teak balcony with its glass balustrade is great. In fact it one of the best aspects of the QM2 Queens Suite.

The teak balcony is long and deep, so there is plenty of room for luxury outdoor furnishings which include a set of padded reclining chairs, an ottoman and cocktail table. During my Queens Grill review voyage it was the perfect place to relax with a good book.

QM2 Queens Suite bathroom

The bathroom in the Queen Mary 2 Queens Grill Suite is large, however it is somewhat disappointing. Sadly it was not remodelled during the 2016 remastering. This weighed negatively on my Queens Grill review.

However, the bathroom is very user-friendly with plenty of room to store toiletries around and underneath the stone vanity.

The toilet is in a small alcove at one end of the bathroom while at the other end there is a very deep Jacuzzi bath/shower combination.

There are quality Quercus spa products by Penhaligons of London. QM2 Queens Suite bathrooms also come with an eco-friendly foot file, a shower sponge and other grooming essentials.

Makeup area

Just outside the bathroom is a roomy makeup table with large mirror. Ladies will appreciate this cleverly designed space with lots of room for products on the table top as well as in the numerous small drawers underneath. The makeup table also offers both US and UK power outlets so guests from either side of the Atlantic can use their appliances.

Storage space

The Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite has plenty of storage space. Indeed, there is a very large walk-in wardrobe with ample hanging room and drawers. It’s worth noting that there is also more than enough room under the bed to stow large piece of luggage – even the hard-shell variety.

In addition to the walk-in wardrobe there is a small closet in the entry foyer ideal for keeping coats, jackets and umbrellas.

Position of the Queens Suites

Most of the Queen Mary 2 Queens Grill Suites are on deck 9, but there are some on decks 8, 10 and 11 too. There are 82 of these suites and they are almost identical, only their position on the ship varies.

There are in fact three Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite categories: Q5, Q6 and a few wheelchair accessible Q7 suites. The Q6 suites are less expensive and are positioned either forward or aft on QM2, in contrast Q5 suites generally have a preferred midship location. So I recommend choosing one of these midship suites if you are prone to sea sickness.

However, if that’s not a concern there are a handful of the cheaper Q6 Queens Suites that I prefer as they have a better view. Below the balconies of many Queens Grill suites are the ship’s life boats. While these don’t obstruct the view to the horizon they do prevent you looking down at the ocean. My preferred Q6 suites have no life boats below and so they have clear views down to the waves. Suites 9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, 9005 and 9006 are my favourites.

QM2 Queens Suite dining

Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite guests dine at their own table in the famous Queens Grill restaurant on deck 7. They can also dine at a time of their choosing. In addition, Queens Grills guest can dine in-suite, course-by-course, from the Queens Grill restaurant menu.

Fine dining is also available in The Verandah Restaurant upstairs on deck 8.

Queens Grill passengers can enjoy an excellent range of beverages in the exclusive Grills Lounge as well.

Queens Suite amenities

These amenities are all standard for guests in a QM2 Queens Suite:

• Personal butler service
• Bon Voyage champagne and chocolates on arrival
• Complimentary bar (stocked with your choice of spirits or wines and soft drinks)
• Access to the Grills Lounge or Grills Terrace
• Dine in the world-renowned Queens Grill restaurant
• Exclusive Queen Mary 2 Queens Suite Afternoon Tea in the private Grills Lounge
• Pre-dinner in-suite canapés
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• King sized bed (converted to two single beds on request) with exclusive Sealy Cunarder Mattress, and choice of plush pillows from the Pillow Concierge too
• Full bathroom with tiled floor, bath and shower with Penhaligons toiletries
• Sitting area with elegant arm chair and/or sofa
• Private balcony with fully glazed exterior, teak deck, teak handrail on top of the balustrade as well as balcony furniture
• 24 hour complimentary Room Service
• Nightly turndown service with chocolate
• Fresh flowers as well as daily fresh fruit
• Space for your finest in spacious wardrobes
• World atlas for exploring your voyage itinerary
• Flat screen satellite TV with multi-language film/music channels
• Direct-dial telephone
• 220V British 3-Pin and 110V 2-Pin Sockets
• Daily Programme and Daily shipboard newspaper
• Personalised stationery
• Writing desk with drawers and chair
• Air conditioning
• Soft terry robes and matching slippers, 100% cotton bed linens and towels
• Other essentials include: refrigerator, key code safe, hair dryer

Review conclusion

I think the QM2 Queens Suite is ideally suited for luxury cruising. The spacious teak balcony and roomy living area are delightful. I also thought the fully equipped bar was a standout. On the other hand the bathroom is somewhat dissapointing. That said, the QM2 Queens Suite is perfect for an Atlantic crossing.