The RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a British purpose-built ocean liner serving as the flagship of Cunard Line since April 2004. At 1,131.99 feet (345.03 meters) in length and with a gross tonnage of 148,528 GT, she was the longest and largest passenger ship ever constructed at her launch, although these records have since been surpassed by cruise ships like Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France, her design was led by British naval architect Stephen Payne, aiming to evoke the grandeur of classic liners such as the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the original Queen Mary. Queen Mary 2 features a robust construction, requiring 40% more steel than typical cruise ships due to her ocean liner purpose. Her hull has a block coefficient of 0.61, giving her a more streamlined profile suited for high-speed transatlantic crossings, with a maximum speed just over 30 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. Her propulsion system employs integrated electric propulsion, including four Wärtsilä diesel engines and two General Electric gas turbines that generate electricity for four Rolls-Royce Mermaid azimuth thrusters, capable of swiveling 360°, allowing exceptional maneuverability. This setup provides her with a powerful output of 117,200 kW, enabling her to maintain her high speeds and stability. Her superstructure includes a wide array of luxurious amenities: fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools (originally six, with one removed in 2016), a casino, a theatre, a planetarium—the first at sea—and an art gallery housing over 5,000 works. Public spaces are arranged across multiple decks, with notable features like the largest ballroom on a current ship, extensive promenade decks, and private dining areas for suite passengers. Her exterior design incorporates a bulbous bow for efficiency, a distinctive funnel shape, and a flat transom stern to accommodate her azimuth thrusters. Constructed with safety and durability in mind, Queen Mary 2 has undergone several refurbishments, including a major $132 million upgrade in 2016. She has also been involved in notable events, such as her maiden voyage in 2004, her participation in the 2004 Summer Olympics as a floating hotel, and multiple rendezvous with other Cunard ships. Despite her size, she often relies on tenders to access ports inaccessible to large dockings. Her significance lies in her status as the last purpose-built ocean liner still in active service, embodying both maritime tradition and modern engineering excellence.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.