Queen Elizabeth gets new lease on life ahead of debut Caribbean season

  • Queen Elizabeth will undergo an extensive refurbishment ahead of its Caribbean debut.
  • Grills lounge guests can expect elevated interiors and exteriors, plus a new dining experience.
  • Several features from Queen Anne will be mirrored onboard Queen Elizabeth.

Ahead of spending its full season in Miami for the first time in the cruise line’s history, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will undergo a profound transformation to prepare for its debut Alaska season from Seattle in June 2025, as well as an inaugural voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16.

The 2,000-guest ship will be based in Seatrium’s Admirality Yard in Singapore from February 25 to March 14, 2025, with extensive work reimagining signature spaces such as the Queens Rooms, Commodore Club, Garden Lounge and The Pavilion.

Renders of the new-look Grills Terrace onboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth
Cunard’s Grill Suite will be completely reimagined from top-to-bottom (photo supplied).

A brand new experience for Grills suites guests

Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will most meaningfully touch the luxurious Grills suites, which will be revealed with enhanced interiors and exteriors. Guests staying in these exclusive suites will find elevated furnishings and details designed to lift both comfort and style.

Meanwhile, the exclusive Grills dining program will also see significant change with a menu crafted exclusively by Michelin-starred che Michel Roux. Conceived as an elegant three-course Gala Evening experience, the offering doubles down on the chef’s long-running partnership with Cunard.

The Grills lounge, terrace and restaurant will all be upgraded to reflect the elevated approach as part of the Queen Elizabeth refurbishment.

“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,” said President of Cunard, Katie McAlister.

“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.”

The new-look Commodore Club onboard Queen Elizabeth.
The popular Commodore Club is included in the massive suite of Queen Elizabeth changes (photo supplied).

Queen Elizabeth changes from top-to-bottom

All staterooms and suites onboard are being pulled into the modern era of cruising with new USB ports, balcony furniture and other soft furnishings set to change. Even the mattress for each bed will be new, reiterating Cunard’s confidence in a new era for Queen Elizabeth.

In a nod to the increasingly central wellness aspect of modern travel, Queen Elizabeth’s changes also include the Pavilion Wellness Café from Queen Anne, which debuted earlier this year as the 249th ship in Cunard’s 184-year history.

After the refurbishment, guests in this wellness space will be connected to a clean-eating offering for breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu of plant-based cuisine sitting alongside a selection of sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy. Queen Anne’s Wellness at Sea programme, which was conceived in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar, will also be available to guests in the form of three-day packages to reenergise and encourage relaxation.

Queen Elizabeth’s 2025 itineraries

Queen Elizabeth’s highly anticipated Caribbean season will see the ship spend its first full season in Miami, beginning with a 12-night roundtrip sailing where guests will be immersed in local essentials like Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison and the buzzy markets of Castries in St Lucia.

Caribbean voyages range from nine to 28 nights with iconic destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico and St John’s in Antigua.

4 thoughts on “Queen Elizabeth gets new lease on life ahead of debut Caribbean season”

  1. A magnificent ship to showcase the 2024 Literature Festival at Sea. Sailing Sydney to Sydney via Hobart. Fine dining in the Britainia Club restaurant, an exquisite menu. Vincent, our table attendant is a standout, taking care of all our culinary needs. I think, in my humble opinion, the Queen is the classiest ship, I have ever had the pleasure to cruise on. Thank you for her grace and elegance.
    Kind regards,
    Barbara Raymond

  2. I was on the QE2 crossing the Atlantic when a tidal wave hit the ship unexpectedly before lunch. My 80 year old Dad got thrown out of his deck chair. But nobody got injured. I also have some picture in Time magazine of my parents standing in front of the buffet on their world cruise.
    I am looking forward to sail of the updated QE 2.
    Hans Pohlschroeder

  3. Just enjoyed the QE2 on a 7 day cruise from Sydney to Tassie and back. Hope that Cunard sends Queen Anne down to Australia.

  4. Well done Cunard
    Really deeply saddened not to be cruising out of Australia
    We will miss QE as we loved the Grills Suites
    Farewell and safe cruising
    We will also miss Gaylord, Jayson & Jighs

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