Queen Elizabeth completes extensive transformation, but sadly she won’t be coming back to Australia

• Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, which once graced our shores, has been refitted
• But it won’t change Cunard’s mind about her sailing in Oz
• She is destined for Alaska and the Caribbean

Queen Elizabeth has just undergone an extensive makeover, in a bid to match the more modern feel of her recently-launched sister, Queen Anne.

Queen Elizabeth was royally pampered during her three-week overhaul at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard. Cunard have revamped her Grills Suites and Terrace, added a new Wellness Café and revitalised signature spaces.

Unfortunately, her new features won’t be experienced in Australian waters anytime soon. From 2026, Queen Elizabeth will be sailing year-round in North America, positioned in Alaska during the summer and the Caribbean during the winter.

Her debut Alaska season from Seattle begins on 12 June 2025, and her inaugural Caribbean voyage from Miami departs on 16 October 2025.

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Royal Transformation

Certain aspects of Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will make her better suited for these North American cruises.

More sun shades have been fitted on her aft deck to accommodate warmer weather. Whether shielding from the bright glare of the sun reflecting off the Alaskan glaciers, or the high UV of the Caribbean, these changes will enhance guests’ comfort.

Other changes simply reiterate Cunard’s influence from British royalty. The Queens Room redesign takes inspiration from the Royal Palace’s heritage of planting Mulberry trees since King James I.

Their new carpet pattern replicates a garden shrubbery, which may not be as practical as sun shades, but does give the room that famous Cunard sense of regality.

The Grills Suites are known to be the most luxurious and exclusive accommodations on Cunard’s ships. The Grills experience has been elevated, with new furnishings and designs in the suites to deliver higher levels of comfort.

The Grills Terrace has also been given a revamp with new furniture, making it perfect for guests to have a cocktail and watch the Caribbean sunset (or the Alaskan wilderness) from the premium space.

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Modern Wellness

Queen Elizabeth has followed in Queen Anne‘s more modern footsteps, introducing the Pavilion Wellness Café, which serves breakfast and lunch, with a menu showcasing many vegan options alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Another influence from Queen Anne is the introduction of the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme. This partnership offers three-day wellness packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration or recovery.

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.”

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Goodbye Queen Elizabeth, Hello Queen Anne

Cunard’s commercial VP of North America and Australasia, Matt Gleaves, said there will be no Australia-based programme for Queen Elizabeth from 2026.

In 2026, Aussies best option to step onto a Cunard ship straight from Australian soil will be on Queen Anne.

Queen Anne will be departing from Sydney on a 45-night journey to Southampton, England on the 17 March. This gives Aussies the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in Cunard luxury all the way from Australia to Europe.