Cunard Reveals Queen Elizabeth’s Makeover for 2025 Caribbean and Alaska Debuts
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Cunard has announced a significant refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth, setting the stage for her highly anticipated inaugural Caribbean program sailing from Miami and her debut Alaska season from Seattle in 2025. This era-defining transformation promises to elevate the guest experience with a blend of modern amenities and timeless elegance.
A New Era Begins
Queen Elizabeth is being meticulously prepared for her new adventures, starting with a significant refit at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore from 25 February to 13 March 2025. The luxurious 2,000-guest ship will embark on her Alaska season from Seattle in June before making her dazzling debut Caribbean voyage from Miami on October 16. The Caribbean season will feature a 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, visiting iconic destinations such as Bridgetown, Castries, and more.
Historic Firsts for Cunard
For the first time in Cunard’s history, one of its iconic fleets will spend an entire season in Miami, offering a dedicated program of roundtrip Caribbean voyages. Guests can enjoy idyllic escapes to destinations like Montego Bay, San Juan, and St John’s, with itineraries ranging from nine to 28 nights.
Refreshed Interiors and Elevated Luxury
Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will feature refreshed signature interiors and exteriors designed to capture tranquillity and vibrancy. Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully revitalised, connecting guests to the ocean while providing perfect spots for relaxation or al fresco dining.
As part of this transformation, the Grills experience—a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering—will be elevated to new heights. Guests in the exclusive Grills suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design. A special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux will enhance the Grills dining experience.
Michel Roux expressed his excitement: “Crafting exclusive new menus for Cunard’s Grills guests is an extraordinary privilege. Each dish is carefully created to celebrate the finest ingredients, ensuring every meal is as special as the voyage itself.”
The Pavilion Wellness Café and Wellness Programs
Another standout feature of the refurbishment is the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café, a venue that debuted earlier this year on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. This wellness-focused café will serve breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining and celebrate plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.
Guests can also experience the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, offering three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.
A Vision for the Future
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, emphasised the significance of this transformation: “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 revitalisation will seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating an unparalleled guest experience.”
Key Upgrades to Queen Elizabeth:
- Queens Room: A refreshed design with a new dancefloor, soft furnishings, and furniture, ready to host Cunard’s famous Afternoon Tea, live music, and ballroom dancing.
- Commodore Club: This space has been enhanced with new furniture, fixtures, and fittings, creating a relaxing space with stunning ocean views.
- Pavilion Pool: Featuring a new Wellness Café, stylish bar, and new poolside furniture.
- Grills Lounge, Terrace, and Restaurant: Upgrades ensure the highest standards of comfort and luxury with refreshed decor.
- Stateroom and Suite Enhancements: Enhanced in-room entertainment, new USB ports, balcony furniture, mattresses, and soft furnishings.
