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 Within her hull, however, QM 2 hides a multitude of delights as spectacular and pleasurable as they are innovative and ingenious. Stepping aboard, guests enter a realm of sweeping spaces and grand designs the likes of which have not been seen for decades. They enjoy a generosity of spaciousness that rivals or surpasses that of ultra-luxury small ships. Just 2620 guests sail on this 150,000 gross ton vessel. They stroll the broad, 1/3 mile-long teak promenade deck that encircles the entire ship, stopping to talk with friends relaxing on traditional steamer chairs. They are entranced by a Lobby that towers over three decks high, graced with a sweeping grand staircase and monumental works of art.  They travel in accommodation that varies from the merely commodious to the shamelessly extravagant. The standard cabins measure 194 square feet, and most include an eight-foot balcony. In all ¾ of the ship's cabins have balconies, and 77% are sea view cabins. All the way aft, there are five Duplex Apartments overlooking the sea from two-story glass walls. At over 1600 square feet, these include two levels, private gym and balcony and butler service. As on QE 2, the accommodation selected by the guest is matched with a sea view dining venue. Higher categories dine in grill rooms and lower categories will share a truly opulent dining room, again towering over three decks high, with its own grand stair and tiered seating to create both open and intimate dining spaces.
To fill the pleasant days at sea, onboard activities are staged in a number of innovative and inviting venues. Seven multi-purpose classroom facilities which can be sized to accommodate differently sized classes comprise a College At Sea, with expert instruction in a wide variety of subject such as computer skills, languages, art and wine appreciation, cooking and more.  An auditorium features a section which adapts to become a full-scale planetarium, where star shows, courses on celestial navigation and other visual spectacles are presented. QM 2 has a large library, a bookshop and a coffee shop. Like her sister QE 2, QM 2 boasts a true ballroom, with an orchestra for dancing. A magnificent Spa includes one of the ship's five swimming pools, and together with the adjacent Winter Garden, it provides a health, fitness and relaxation area of over 25,000 square feet. Numerous smaller lounges, alternative dining venues and specialized rooms also welcome travelers during the crossings.
QM 2 has been built in the Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in Sainte-Nazaire, France. This is the same yard that built the France, Normandie, Ile de France and some of the other great liners of the past. At a total estimated cost of over $780 million USD, she is also the most expensive ship ever built.
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