Queen Elizabeth: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re after the idea of white-gloved afternoon tea, ballroom dancing under chandeliers, and a quiet corner to finish your book, the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship might be your perfect match.

This ship is a throwback to an era when travel felt a little more special. With her art deco interiors, jazz lounges, and some seriously polished service, Queen Elizabeth is all about slow, stylish travel. And with itineraries across Alaska, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, she’s taking you places.

Here’s what you can expect onboard, from where she’s sailing to what you’ll be eating, doing, and sleeping in.

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2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

If your idea of a good time involves sipping a G&T on deck while the world rolls by, Queen Elizabeth’s 2025/26 line-up might be your kind of adventure.

For 2025, she’s kicking things off with Alaska cruises, sailing out of Vancouver and treating guests to icy fjords, breaching whales, and that crisp mountain air. These 7-night jaunts are packed with nature, with plenty of chances to hop off for glacier hikes or floatplane rides.

After that, she sets her sights on Asia, with routes through Japan and Southeast Asia. Think cherry blossoms, street food, and neon-lit skylines, plus the chance to dive into local culture with curated shore excursions.

Come the southern summer, she’s back down under with a string of Australia and New Zealand voyages. Whether you’re in the mood for Sydney’s harbour glamour or the rugged coastline of Fiordland, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking to fully check out, the South Pacific cruises offer lazy days in places like Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Looking into early 2026, Queen Elizabeth shifts gears again and spends a chunk of time in the Caribbean, sailing out of Miami. Warm breezes, turquoise water, and the occasional steel drum band await.

This season, Queen Elizabeth is covering a lot of ocean. And wherever she’s headed, it’s done with her signature old-school charm.

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Dining and Culinary Experience

Queen Elizabeth is all about timeless favourites served with silverware and white gloves. You’ve got the Britannia Restaurant, which is the ship’s main dining hall and a bit of a throwback in the best way. Think three-course dinners, seafood done right, and menus that change daily but never disappoint. It’s open seating, but you still feel a little bit fancy the minute you walk in.

For something a bit special, there’s the Steakhouse at The Verandah. Dry-aged beef, lobster tail, and proper wine pairings. It’s the kind of place you book when you’re feeling extra or celebrating a milestone

If you’re after something more casual, the Lido Restaurant has your back. It’s buffet-style, but not the boring kind. Plus, there’s always a cracking dessert section. Then there’s the Golden Lion Pub, which is exactly what it sounds like: a British-style pub serving up bangers and mash, fish and chips, and ale on tap. Grab a pint, stay for trivia, and you might forget you’re at sea entirely.

For something lighter, pop by the Wellness Café for smoothies, salads, and things that make you feel like you’re doing your body a favour (even if you follow it with a scone at afternoon tea… no judgment). Oh, and speaking of afternoon tea, don’t skip it. Served daily in the Queens Room with string quartets and white-gloved service, it’s the kind of tradition that never gets old.

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Onboard Activities [Family, Kids, Couples]

Queen Elizabeth isn’t the place for bumper cars and zip lines. But what she does offer is a kind of elegance you don’t often find at sea anymore. And that elegance doesn’t mean boring.

For families with kids, Cunard’s youth programme is great. There are four kids’ zones, each tailored to different age groups:

• Night Nursery (up to 2 years): Free evening babysitting so you can enjoy a grown-up dinner.
  
• The Play Zone (2–7): Soft play, games, and craft time.
  
• The Kids’ Zone (8–12): Science experiments, treasure hunts, and movie nights.
  
• The Teen Zone (13–17): A hangout spot with video games, table tennis, and zero parental interference.

Couples, on the other hand, are spoiled for choice. Whether it’s ballroom dancing in the Queens Room, a quiet drink under the stars, or a couples massage in the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa, there are plenty of moments made for two. And if you’re into dressing up, formal nights on this ship feel like something out of an old movie: black tie, champagne, and live jazz included.

If you’re the type looking for something low-key, catch a film in the cinema, read a book in the library, or take a stroll on the wraparound promenade deck. 

And for family time, there’s always the pools, trivia games, shuffleboard, and live shows in the Royal Court Theatre. It’s not theme-park level entertainment, but it’s wholesome, fun, and miles away from screen time.

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Accommodations Details

Queen Elizabeth keeps things classic when it comes to cabins with plush bedding, warm wood tones, and the kind of understated luxury that actually lets you relax.

Let’s break it down:

• Inside Staterooms are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship. They’re cosy but well laid-out, with a surprisingly comfy bed, desk space, and a decent-sized bathroom.
  
• Oceanview Staterooms give you a view of the sea through a picture window, which is great if you like waking up to the sunrise without splashing out on a balcony.
  
• Balcony Staterooms are the sweet spot. You get your own private space to enjoy the view, have a morning coffee, or just sit and do nothing (highly recommended).
  
• Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms kicks it up a notch with a few extras like priority check-in, a pillow menu, and access to the more exclusive Britannia Club restaurant.

Then there are the Grill Suites, and this is where things get properly posh.

• Princess Grill Suites come with walk-in wardrobes, big private balconies, and access to the Princess Grill restaurant (much quieter and more refined than the main dining room).
  
• Queens Grill Suites are the top-tier experience. Some are two-bedroom apartments with butler service, priority everything, access to Queens’ Grill restaurant, and seriously indulgent touches like a personalised mini-bar and daily canapés.

Whichever option you pick, the essentials are covered: good linen, decent storage, tea and coffee facilities, a smart TV, and fluffy robes.

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Deck Plan

Queen Elizabeth spans 12 decks, but the ship never feels overwhelmingly big, just big enough to get lost once or twice before you learn the layout.

Most of the staterooms are spread across seven decks, and the public spaces are cleverly layered between. A few highlights to get your bearings:

• Deck 2 and 3: These are the beating heart of the ship. It’s home to the Royal Court Theatre, Queen’s Room, and most of the bars and lounges. If you’re hunting for a piano player with a dry martini, this is where they live.
  
• Deck 9: Pools, whirlpools, and the Lido restaurant, the Garden Lounge. Perfect for lazy sea days and impromptu sunbathing.
  
• Deck 10 and up: That’s where you’ll find the spa, gym, and Observation Lounge. Great views, quieter vibes, and your best bet for a sunrise coffee or sunset G&T.
  
• Promenade Deck (Deck 3): Worth its own mention, this wraparound deck is the go-to for fresh air walks, jogs, or simply leaning on the rail and watching the waves roll by.

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FAQs

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