Seabourn Cruise Line Sojourn

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Vs. Queen Mary 2

Overview

Seabourn Cruise Line Sojourn	Cunard Line Queen Mary 2
Double Occupancy: 450	Double Occupancy: 2592
Gross Tonnage: 32000	Gross Tonnage: 151400
9 decks	17 decks
CDC Score: 90	CDC Score: 92
Launched: 2010	Launched: 2004

While these are both upscale ships that appeal to a similar audience, similarities end there. First off, obviously, is size: Queen Mary 2 is a massive vessel that carries 2,592 passengers; it is longer than the Empire State Building is in height. By contrast, Seabourn Sojourn carries just 450 passengers and is less than a quarter of the size (in gross tonnage). As such, Sojourn delivers a more intimate cruise experience, making it easy to get to know fellow passengers and crew. On QM2, an elite class system remains in effect—those staying in “Grill” class accommodations will find themselves separated (especially when dining) from the lowly masses lodged in Britannia Class quarters.

Being a smaller vessel, Seabourn Sojourn has access to many ports that can’t receive the QM2, while the larger ship was designed for big sea voyages in sometimes rough conditions, making the ship ideal for its regularly scheduled (and speedy) trans-Atlantic crossings. And of course, the larger ship has a much greater variety of entertainment and dining options, including a dedicated kid’s program. We found meals on Seabourn Sojourn to be better (at least as compared to QM2’s Brittania Class that we stayed in). Relative to the competition, QM2 has a better than average passenger space ratio, but it doesn’t match that of Sojourn, which can boast of the amplest elbowroom of all the mainstream lines. With its storied lineage, the QM2 tends to appeal to a slightly older, more traditional crowd, while trendy Seabourn’s guests include a few younger professionals. As Seabourn’s prices include most drinks and tipping is not expected, it’s not hard to disembark on the final day with a checkout bill that reads zero.

Although Seabourn Sojourn is a slightly newer ship (2010 vs. 2004) the QM2 received a renovation in late 2011 that brought the décor up-to-date.