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When Queen Mary 2 returns from her scheduled refit in spring 2027, she will emerge as a noticeably different ship.
While Cunard has confirmed the addition of 30 new staterooms and enhancements across the vessel, recently released deck plans reveal a much bigger story. From an entirely new accommodation block on the top deck to additional Princess Grill Suites and changes to some of the ship's most recognisable open spaces, the refit represents the biggest redesign of QM2 since her landmark remastering in 2016. For some passengers, the changes are an exciting investment in the future of the world's only purpose-built ocean liner. For others, they raise questions about preserving the spacious feel that has long made QM2 unique. 
A New Look for the Top Deck
Perhaps the most striking change is on Deck 13, where part of the existing open sun deck will be enclosed to create an entirely new accommodation area.
Published deck plans show that this new structure will house 16 Princess Grill Suites, together with several additional inside staterooms. The development replaces part of the upper most open deck and will result in the reposition of the sports courts, fundamentally changing the appearance of one of QM2's highest public spaces. For Princess Grill guests, the new suites promise some of the finest accommodation on board. Princess Grill has always occupied the space between Britannia and Britannia Club balcony cabins and the larger, more expensive, Queens Grill suites, offering spacious accommodation, priority embarkation, exclusive dining in the Princess Grill Restaurant and access to the Grills Lounge and private outdoor terrace. Positioned high on Deck 13, these new suites are expected to enjoy commanding views across the ocean while increasing the number of premium cabins available on one of Cunard's most popular ships. However, creating those suites comes at a price. The top deck has traditionally been one of QM2's quietest places to relax, offering uninterrupted sea views and generous space for sun loungers during calm Atlantic crossings or World Voyages. The reduction in open deck area has already sparked lively debate among regular Cunard guests, many of whom regard the ship's spacious public decks as one of her defining characteristics. More Than Just New Suites
The changes extend well beyond Deck 13.
Plans also show:
Together with the new Princess Grill accommodation, these changes bring the total number of new staterooms to 30, exactly as Cunard announced when unveiling the 2027 refurbishment programme. While much attention has focused on the extra accommodation, many observers expect further updates to public spaces, restaurants and lounges that have yet to be officially announced. Building on the 2016 Remastering
This is not the first time Cunard has significantly altered Queen Mary 2.
The last major transformation came during the celebrated 2016 Remastering, when the ship underwent a £90 million refurbishment in Hamburg. That project also introduced additional accommodation, including 30 Britannia Club balcony staterooms and 15 Britannia single cabins, replacing the former Splash Pool on the upper deck. At the same time, every Queens Grill and Princess Grill suite was redesigned with new furnishings, carpets, fabrics and bathrooms. The King's Court buffet received a complete redesign, while the elegant Carinthia Lounge made its debut, creating a sophisticated daytime café and evening cocktail venue. Expanded kennels for dogs and cats further reinforced QM2's unique role as the only passenger ship offering a scheduled transatlantic kennel service. Importantly, the 2016 project demonstrated Cunard's philosophy: modernise where necessary without losing the character that makes QM2 special. A Familiar Cunard Philosophy
Some of today's debate echoes conversations held decades ago about Queen Elizabeth 2.
Throughout her 39-year career, QE2 was repeatedly updated to meet changing passenger expectations. Cabins were refurbished, public rooms modernised and, most dramatically, her original steam turbines were replaced with diesel-electric machinery during the famous 1986–87 conversion. Each refit prompted discussion about balancing tradition with commercial reality. Yet those investments ultimately extended QE2's career and ensured she remained competitive long after many of her contemporaries had disappeared. QM2 now finds herself in a similar position. More than 20 years after entering service, she remains Cunard's flagship and the only true ocean liner in regular passenger service. Passenger expectations have evolved, with increasing demand for larger suites and premium accommodation. Adding more Princess Grill inventory allows Cunard to meet that demand while generating additional revenue that can support the ship's long-term future. 
Looking Ahead
Until Cunard releases the full details of the 2027 refurbishment, questions will remain about exactly how the redesigned public spaces will look. But one thing is already clear: this is far more than a routine dry dock.
The creation of a new Deck 13 accommodation block, the addition of 16 Princess Grill Suites, new inside cabins across several decks and the reconfiguration of some public areas will make this one of the most significant physical changes in Queen Mary 2's history. Not everyone will welcome every alteration. Some passengers will inevitably miss the generous open deck space that has long distinguished QM2 from modern cruise ships. Others will see the investment as a necessary step in securing the future of Cunard's flagship. History suggests that great ocean liners survive by adapting. QE2 evolved repeatedly throughout her remarkable career, and QM2 has already shown she can embrace change without losing the qualities that make her unique. When she sails from Southampton after her 2027 refit, she will still be the world's last great ocean liner—but one that has once again been reshaped for a new generation of Atlantic crossings.
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