Cunard has announced it will carry out a “transformative” makeover for its Queen Elizabeth ship ahead of its inaugural Miami to the Caribbean and Alaska seasons in 2025.
The luxurious 2,000 guest ship will undergo a significant refit from February 25 to March 13, 2025, in Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore, preparing her for a new Alaska season from Seattle in June and a dazzling debut voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16. The Caribbean season will begin with a 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, offering guests the chance to visit Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison and bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia.
For the first time in Cunard’s history, one of their iconic fleet will spend the full season in Miami, and Queen Elizabeth will offer a dedicated program of roundtrip Caribbean voyages with itineraries ranging from nine to 28 nights. Guests will enjoy idyllic escapes to iconic destinations, including Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St John’s in Antigua.
Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will feature refreshed signature interiors and exteriors designed to capture both tranquility and vibrancy. Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully revitalized, connecting guests to the ocean while providing the perfect space to relax or enjoy al fresco dining.
As part of Queen Elizabeth’s transformation, the Grills experience—a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering—will be elevated to new heights. Guests staying in the exclusive Grills suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design to deliver the ultimate in comfort and style.
The Grills dining experience will also be enhanced by a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Launching on Queen Elizabeth following her refit, this three-course Gala Evening menu – which currently features across the Cunard fleet – will include expertly curated dishes designed to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at sea.
Michel Roux said: “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.”
Another standout feature 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 celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.
Guests can also enjoy the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme, first seen on Queen Anne. This innovative programme offers three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.
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 revitalization 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.”
