Luxury
British cruise line, Cunard, has announced a refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth
ahead of her inaugural Caribbean sailing program from Miami and the Alaska season
debut from Seattle.
The 2,000-guest ship will undergo a significant refit from
February 25 to March 13, 2025, in Singapore, preparing for a new Alaska season in
June 2025 and a debut voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16, 2025.
The 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami offers 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, a ship will spend
the full season in Miami with a dedicated program of Caribbean voyages ranging
from nine to 28 nights to iconic destinations including Montego Bay, Jamaica,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St John’s, Antigua.
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.
The Grills experience—a hallmark of Cunard's luxury
offering—will be elevated to new heights. Guests staying in these exclusive suites
will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings,
sophisticated detailing and thoughtful design.
Launching after refit, The Grills dining experience will be
enhanced by a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by
Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. The three-course Gala Evening menu will
include expertly curated dishes to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at
sea.
Roux said in a statement, "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 includes the introduction of The Pavilion
Wellness Café, debuting in 2024 on Cunard's newest ship, Queen
Anne. This venue offers breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu
celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and
dairy.
The Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, first seen on
Queen Anne is an innovative three-day program offering packages tailored to
relaxation, energy restoration or recovery.
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.”
She added, "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."
Key upgrades include:
- Queens Room: A refreshed design with a new
dancefloor, soft furnishings, and furniture, Cunard's famous Afternoon Tea,
live music and ballroom dancing.
- Commodore Club: New furniture, fixtures and
fittings allows guests to relax with cocktails and enjoy stunning ocean views.
- Pavilion Pool: A new Wellness Café with expanded
food and beverage offerings, a stylish bar and new poolside furniture.
- Grills Lounge, Terrace, and Restaurant: Refreshed
upgrades to ensure Cunard’s highest standards of comfort and luxury.
- Stateroom and Suite: Enhanced in-room
entertainment, new USB ports, balcony furniture and soft furnishings adding
comfort and luxury.
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