7 Jun 1998

'Project Queen Mary' announced and initial plans for a new liner unveiled.

8 Nov 1999

General plans completed and first images released.

10 Mar 2000

Letter of intent signed with Chantiers de L'Atlantique in France.

6 Nov 2000

Formal contract signed.

16 Jan 2000

First sheet of steel cut.

4 Jul 2002

Keel laying ceremony
Captain Ron Warwick appointed Master Designate.

1 Dec 2002

Float out.

25 Sep 2003

First sea trials.

7 Nov 2003

Second sea trials. Speeds of 30 knots reached.

22 Dec 2003

Formal hand-over of QM2 to Cunard Line.

26 Dec 2003

Maiden arrival in home port of Southampton, England.

8 Jan 2004

Queen Mary 2 named by HM Queen Elizabeth II

12 Jan 2004

Departure on Maiden Voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, USA.

16 Apr 2004

Maiden Transatlantic Westbound crossing to New York.

25 Apr 2004

Historic Eastbound Transatlantic crossing in tandem with QE2.

Gross Tonnage

150,000 tons (approx.)

Length

1132 feet (345 metres)

Beam

135 feet (41 metres)

Beam at Bridge

147 feet 6 inches (45 metres)

Draft

32 feet 8 inches (10 metres)

Height

236 feet 2 inches (72 metres)

Passengers

2,620 (3,090 max)

Decks

19 (17 pax)

Nine-cylinder version of Wärtsilä's 16V46C EnviroEngine, of which there are four on the Queen Mary 2.