Cunard Unveils Transformative Queen Elizabeth Makeover

Luxury British cruise line, Cunard, has announced a makeover of Queen Elizabeth ahead of her inaugural Caribbean sailing program from Miami and the Alaska season debut from Seattle.

The 2,000-guest ship will undergo a significant refurbishment from February 25 to March 13, 2025, in Singapore, preparing for a new Alaska season in June 2025 and a debut voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16, 2025. 

The 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami offers guests the chance to visit Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison and bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia.

For the first time in Cunard‘s history, a ship will spend the full season in Miami with a dedicated program of Caribbean voyages ranging from nine to 28 nights to iconic destinations including Montego Bay, Jamaica, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St John’s, Antigua.

Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully revitalized, connecting guests to the ocean while providing the perfect space to relax or enjoy al fresco dining.

The Grills experience—a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering—will be elevated to new heights. Guests staying in these exclusive suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and thoughtful design.  

Launching after refit, The Grills dining experience will be enhanced by a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. The three-course Gala Evening menu will include expertly curated dishes to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at sea.

Roux said in a statement, “Crafting exclusive new menus for Cunard’s Grills guests is an extraordinary privilege. This project allows me to blend my passion for fine dining with the timeless elegance and sophistication that define the Cunard Grills experience. Each dish is carefully created to celebrate the finest ingredients, ensuring every meal is as special as the voyage itself. I’m incredibly fond of my partnership with Cunard, and I’m really excited to continue this luxury collaboration in 2025.”

Another standout includes the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café, debuting in 2024 on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. This venue offers breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

The Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, first seen on Queen Anne is an innovative three-day program offering packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration or recovery.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said, “As Queen Elizabeth prepares for her highly anticipated debut seasons in the Caribbean from Miami and Alaska from Seattle, this transformation marks an exciting new chapter for Cunard. Inspired by the beauty of these extraordinary destinations, the ship’s revitalization will seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating an unparalleled guest experience.” 

She added, “We are especially excited to introduce the exclusive Gala Evening menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. This remarkable addition will elevate the Grills dining experience to even greater heights, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”

Key upgrades in the Cunard Queen Elizabeth makeover include:

• Queens Room: A refreshed design with a new dancefloor, soft furnishings, and furniture, Cunard’s famous Afternoon Tea, live music and ballroom dancing.
• Commodore Club: New furniture, fixtures and fittings allows guests to relax with cocktails and enjoy stunning ocean views.
• Pavilion Pool: A new Wellness Café with expanded food and beverage offerings, a stylish bar and new poolside furniture.
• Grills Lounge, Terrace, and Restaurant: Refreshed upgrades to ensure Cunard’s highest standards of comfort and luxury.
• Stateroom and Suite: Enhanced in-room entertainment, new USB ports, balcony furniture and soft furnishings adding comfort and luxury.