In the world of maritime luxury, few ships are as iconic as Queen Mary 2. Launched in 2004 by Cunard Line, Queen Mary 2 remains one of the most elegant and technologically advanced ocean liners ever built. At the heart of her operational excellence and guest experience is a carefully crafted signage system — a project entrusted to Lenco from the very beginning. Now, over 20 years later, the signage onboard Queen Mary 2 continues to impress both guests and crew, standing as a testament to Lenco’s commitment to quality, durability, and timeless design.

The Challenge

During the construction of Queen Mary 2, Lenco was tasked with not only designing and installing the ship’s directional and decorative signage but also with coordinating the installation of other decorative fixtures, including art pieces and safety signs. This added complexity meant that the signage system needed to be both visually striking and functionally seamless — ensuring that no item interfered with another, while also supporting the ship’s luxurious aesthetic.

The project called for a balance of luxury, functionality, and compliance with strict maritime safety standards. The signage had to withstand the unique challenges of a marine environment — including constant movement, salt exposure, and varying humidity levels — while maintaining a premium, polished appearance.

Our Approach

Lenco approached the project with a clear focus on design cohesion and durability. Working closely with Cunard’s design and operations teams, we delivered a signage system that integrated seamlessly into the ship’s art deco-inspired interiors.

✔️ Public Room Name Signage

Each public space on Queen Mary 2 reflects Cunard’s heritage and luxury standards. Lenco designed and installed bespoke signage for key venues, including:

• The Queens Room – The grand ballroom, known for its elegance and traditional afternoon tea service.
• The Royal Court Theatre – A sophisticated venue for world-class performances.
• The Commodore Club – A cocktail lounge with panoramic views over the bow.
• The Britannia Restaurant – The ship’s main dining room, with art deco styling.

Crafted using high-end materials such as brushed metals, acrylic, and illuminated lettering, each sign was designed to complement the ship’s opulent design while remaining highly visible and readable.

✔️ Wayfinding and Directional Signage

With over 1,300 staterooms and space for more than 2,600 passengers, clear navigation was essential for a smooth guest experience. Lenco provided a comprehensive wayfinding solution that included:

• Deck directories and elevator lobby maps for quick orientation.
• Tactile and Braille signage for accessibility.
• Color-coded signage to distinguish different decks and venues.

To maintain visual harmony, the signage design mirrored Queen Mary 2’s art deco style, with a clean and sophisticated finish that blends form and function.

✔️ Operational and Safety Signage

Meeting international maritime safety standards was a key requirement for the project. Lenco designed and installed a complete operational and safety signage package, including:

• Emergency exit signs using photoluminescent materials for visibility in low-light conditions.
• Lifeboat and muster station signage to support emergency procedures.
• Crew-only and restricted area signage to ensure operational security.
• Health & hygiene signage for food service areas and public restrooms.

These signs were designed to be clear, durable, and compliant with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and IMO (International Maritime Organisation) regulations.

The Result – A Legacy of Excellence

At the time of delivery, the coordination and quality of Lenco’s signage system were met with widespread praise from Cunard’s senior team. More than two decades later, the signage remains in pristine condition, a testament to the quality of the materials used and the precision of the installation.

In a recent statement, Gerry Ellis, Vice President and Global Compliance Officer for Safety, Security & Health at Cunard, reflected on the project:

“At the time of delivery, I was extremely pleased with the result of this coordination management and the quality, clarity, and simplistic beauty of the directional and public room signage throughout the entire ship. Now, over 20 years later, on a recent working visit to the ship, I was once again impressed with how well the directional signage had held up, how the quality still shone and the simple, yet elegant design perfectly fits within the overall design intent of the interiors. A job, for the ages, exceptionally performed at the highest level of professionalism. Thank you, Lenco.”

Why Lenco?

Lenco’s work on Queen Mary 2 demonstrates our ability to deliver world-class signage solutions that stand the test of time. Our expertise in marine signage ensures that every project meets the highest standards of design, functionality, and compliance — even in the most demanding environments.

If you’re looking for signage that combines luxury, durability, and clarity, contact Lenco today. Let us help you create a solution that enhances both guest experience and operational efficiency for years to come.

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