Cunard's Queen Elizabeth Sees Refurbishments Ahead of Inaugural Caribbean Season
A gloriously cosmopolitan home-away-from-home for the trailblazing traveller who wants adventure without sacrificing an iota of class and comfort - that is the beating heart of Cunard’s philosophy, and it’s one that has charmed devoted cruisers worldwide since the line’s first transatlantic voyage in 1840. The decades may have slipped by, and the world evolved beyond recognition, yet Cunard remains a constant fixture, guests still orbiting around the same white-glove service and timeless sophistication that Golden Age travellers fell in love with almost two hundred years ago.
With nearly two centuries of accomplishment behind them, Cunard continues to make history in 2025, with the 2068-passenger Queen Elizabeth set to enjoy her inaugural season in Alaska this summer. Itineraries are jam-packed with all the bucket-list destinations the state has to offer, from Sitka to Skagway, as well as visits to Glacier Bay National Park and Misty Fjord. Think of it as Queen Elizabeth’s (wintry) warm-up before her balmy Caribbean debut, setting sail in October and marking the first time a Cunard ship will spend a complete season in Miami.
These handpicked Caribbean roundtrip Itineraries range between nine and 35 nights and include visits to some of the region’s most popular ports, such as UNESCO-listed Bridgetown, Jamaica’s Montego Bay, and the vibrant treasures of Belize City. In true Cunard style, guests can expect stops at some hidden gems too, with dazzling trips to Grand Turk and Costa Maya on the agenda.
After days spent horseback riding on Roatán Island, lounging on George Town’s sparkling Seven Mile Beach, kayaking off Puerto Rico, soaking in the history of Cozumel’s Mayan ruins, and island-hopping in Barbados on a private catamaran, passengers can expect Cunard’s classic warm welcome home as they return to the ship, with sumptuous suites, relaxing spa and wellness treatments, delectable afternoon teas, and refined evening galas all theirs for the taking.
Set to become a familiar face in the shores of the Caribbean and North America, Cunard have treated Queen Elizabeth to a refined new makeover, in keeping with their ethos of fusing modern luxury with art deco elegance. From meticulously curated menus inspired by island cuisine to updated amenities and interiors, as well as additional seating and canopied spots to soak up the Caribbean sun on deck, Queen Elizabeth not only looks the part of regal Caribbean fixture, but is also newly kitted out to really celebrate these incredible destinations.
Commodore Club
Famous for its panoramic ocean views, world-class service, and lavish cocktail menu, Cunard’s Commodore Club is a guest favourite on all four Queens, with each iteration unique to its ship. In keeping with its counterparts, the space on board Queen Elizabeth has seen the addition of bold accessories and plush furnishings, its classic art deco appearance - augmented by a vibrant new colour palette of crimson and gold - ensuring the breathtaking views outside reflect the allure and majesty within.
Queens Room
Across the Cunard fleet, the Queens room, with its sweeping dancefloor and glittering chandeliers, is home to anything and everything from ballroom dancing classes and energetic Zumba sessions to 70s disco nights and alluring Gala Evening events, as well as long, tranquil days at sea punctuated by elegant Afternoon Teas. Inspired by the vivacious botany of the British Royal Palace gardens, Queen Elizabeth’s Queen Room has been revitalised with a breezy colour palette of blues, greens, and pinks, and studded with an array of jewel-toned seats, just waiting for guests to sink into.
Lido Pool Club
Designed to celebrate the sun-drenched Caribbean, Cunard is bringing a rejuvenated, dynamic pool club experience to their aft deck. With the revamped Lido Pool Club and Grill, guests will be charmed by the sparkling turquoise pool, calming whirlpools, and ample canopied shady spots where they can while away the days at sea, sipping local rums or tequila amidst the warm breeze and postcard-perfect views of Queen Elizabeth’s exclusive poolside oasis.
Wellness Café
Brand new to the Pavilion, Cunard has introduced their popular Wellness Café (which debuted aboard new ship Queen Anne) on board Queen Elizabeth. With a tranquil atmosphere, vibrant flavours, and a diverse menu, plus an array of plant-based options, this relaxed on-deck bar and eatery is the number one stop for a delicious light lunch. Guests can mix and match with nutritious build-a-bowl lunch options, sip antioxidant-rich juices and smoothies, or even indulge in a sweet treat. Working in tandem with the much-loved Pavilion Wellness Studio, as well as the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme first seen on Queen Anne - which includes three days of spa treatments, products and wellness sessions - it’s never been easier to nourish your mind, body and soul, even in the middle of the ocean.
Cunard Grills Experience
Cunard’s famous Grill Suites have long been the line’s most stylish and popular accommodation style. Across the fleet, Grill Suites offer passengers commodious living quarters, and a highly personalised butler and concierge service, as well as access to exclusive restaurants and lounges. Grills guests also have access to the private Terrace, where they can relax on one of the brand-new double sunbeds, champagne in hand, soaking up the evening rays of Caribbean sun, or watching the light gleam off the Alaskan glaciers.
The Grills Suites and Grills Lounge aboard Queen Elizabeth have both been revamped with updated furnishings and décor, and the Grills Terrace has been given a new look which perfectly complements those dazzling ocean views. Both restaurants feature all-new menus, curated by Michelin-star chef, Michel Roux Jr, featuring ingredients inspired by the ship’s ports of call.
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “As Queen Elizabeth begins this exciting new chapter, we are delighted to offer guests an even more refined experience on board, with beautifully updated spaces that combine classic Cunard style with modern comfort.
“With a full season based in Miami for the first time, more guests from the US and around the world can now experience the Caribbean with Cunard’s unique sense of luxury. The region remains a favourite for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic, and we can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”
