For more than two decades, Queen Mary 2 has occupied a unique place in modern cruising. Launched in 2003, she was designed not simply as a cruise ship, but as a true ocean liner capable of maintaining the famous transatlantic route between Southampton and New York.

Even today, Cunard describes her as the world's only ocean liner. But ships cannot sail forever. Eventually, Queen Mary 2 will reach the end of her working life, raising an intriguing question: What could replace her?

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.

Although actually somewhat quieter than 2023, in the year of 2024, the cruise industry will welcome no less than 15 brand new exciting cruise ships, from the world's mainstream cruise operators.

We've saved you the trouble and picked our top five and we think there's something to suit everyone, from families and those young at heart, to the more traditional cruiser. Keep on reading to find out more!