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Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth to undergo makeover – what elevated luxury can we expect?

Cunard has announced the transformative revitalisation of Queen Elizabeth for the cruise ship’s 2025 Caribbean and Alaska debuts.

Cunard has unveiled an era-defining transformation of Queen Elizabeth, setting the stage for her eagerly awaited inaugural Caribbean season sailing from Miami and her debut Alaska season from Seattle in 2025.

The luxurious 2,000-guest ship will undergo an extensive refurbishment from 25 February to 13 March 2025 at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth refurbishment

Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will include refreshed interiors and exteriors designed to evoke both tranquillity and vibrancy. Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Panorama Pool Club, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be revamped, creating serene connections to the ocean while offering spaces for relaxation and al fresco dining.

The Queens Room [below] will feature a refreshed design, including a new dancefloor, updated soft furnishings, and stylish furniture. This elegant space will continue to host Cunard’s renowned Afternoon Tea, live music and ballroom dancing.

The Commodore Club will be enhanced with new furniture, fixtures and fittings, creating an upgraded space where guests can unwind with cocktails while taking in ocean views.

 

– READ MORE: Complete guide to Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne

Queen Elizabeth Grills update

The Grills experience, a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering, will also be elevated. Guests in Grills suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and a design crafted for ultimate comfort and style.

The dining experience in the Grills will be further enhanced with a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Launching on Queen Elizabeth after her refit, the three-course Gala Evening menu, already featured across the Cunard fleet, will showcase expertly curated dishes celebrating the finest culinary artistry at sea.

Michel Roux commented: “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.”

 

– READ MORE: Michel Roux to launch Le Gavroche at sea

Cunard Queen Elizabeth wellness

Another highlight of the refurbishment is the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted earlier this year on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu that celebrates plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Guests can also enjoy the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme, first introduced on Queen Anne. This innovative offering includes three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, ensuring a rejuvenating journey at sea.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth itineraries

This enhancement will prepare Queen Elizabeth for her new Alaska season launching in June and her spectacular Caribbean debut on 16 October, which begins with a 12-night roundtrip voyage from Miami.

Guests on this inaugural Caribbean journey will be able to explore highlights like Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison and the bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia.

For the first time in Cunard’s history, a ship will spend a full season based in Miami, with Queen Elizabeth offering a dedicated programme of roundtrip Caribbean itineraries ranging from nine to 28 nights. These voyages promise idyllic escapes to renowned destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico and St. John’s in Antigua.

 

– READ MORE: What entertainment is onboard Cunard ships?

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 revitalisation will seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating an unparalleled guest experience.

“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.”

 

– READ MORE: Full list of new cruise ships launching in 2025

 

Published 12.04.24