Cunard: the Refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth


Cunard is excited to announce the refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth, a flagship vessel of its fleet, in preparation for her highly anticipated inaugural seasons in the Caribbean and Alaska, departing from Miami and Seattle, respectively, in 2025.

The luxurious 2,000-passenger cruise ship will undergo a significant refit from February 25 to March 13, 2025, at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore. This overhaul prepares Queen Elizabeth for her Alaska season, departing from Seattle in June, and her Caribbean debut from Miami on October 16. The Caribbean season will begin with a 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, during which guests will have the opportunity to visit Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison and the vibrant markets of Castries, St. Lucia.

For the first time in Cunard’s history, one of its iconic ships will spend the entire season in Miami. Queen Elizabeth will offer a dedicated Caribbean cruise program with itineraries ranging from 9 to 28 nights. Guests will have the chance to visit iconic destinations such as Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St. John’s in Antigua.

The refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth will include a complete revamp of both interior and exterior spaces, designed to evoke both tranquility and vibrancy. Iconic spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Panorama Pool Club, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully renovated to create an environment that connects guests with the ocean, providing perfect areas for relaxation or al fresco dining.

Notably, the Grills experience, a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering, will be further enhanced. The Grills suites will feature luxurious furnishings and sophisticated details, ensuring the utmost comfort and style. Additionally, the Grills dining experience will be elevated with an exclusive menu created by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. The Gala Evening menu, available on Queen Elizabeth following the refit, will feature dishes designed to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at sea, blending top-quality ingredients with refined cuisine. Michel Roux commented that creating exclusive new menus for Cunard’s Grills guests is an extraordinary privilege. He added that each dish is crafted to celebrate the finest ingredients, ensuring that every meal is as special as the voyage itself. Roux expressed his excitement to continue this luxury collaboration with Cunard in 2025.

Another significant addition is the introduction of the Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted earlier this year on Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, and will also be available on Queen Elizabeth. This wellness-focused venue will serve healthy meals throughout the day, with a menu that celebrates plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy products. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, offering three-day packages designed for relaxation, energy restoration, or rejuvenation. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, stated that the transformation of Queen Elizabeth marks an exciting new chapter for the company. Inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean and Alaskan destinations, the ship’s revitalization combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering guests a truly unique experience.

With this transformation, Cunard reaffirms its commitment to continuous evolution, offering increasingly exclusive and cutting-edge experiences to its guests, while preparing to welcome new travelers to an inaugural season destined to be unforgettable.

Stay tuned for news, updates, and reviews of Cunard on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Gabriele Bassi

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