Iconic cruise ship to get huge makeover in 2025

11 Dec 2024, 17:13 by Alisha dos Santos · The Fresno Bee

An operator of passenger ships since 1840, luxury British cruise line Cunard prides itself on a long history that’s closely interlaced with the history of its nation. Its current fleet is made up of four queens, elegant ships named to honor each Queen Regnant over the last millennium, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne.

In recent years, the traditionally British cruise line, which has been owned by Carnival Corporation since 1998, has been focused on boosting its international appeal and expanding its presence in North America. Cunard’s launch of Queen Anne in May 2024 and introduction of a diverse range of new itineraries have contributed to a significant increase in bookings from passengers from both inside and outside the U.K. in 2024.

As Cunard seeks to further increase its queens’ global appeal, the cruise line is sending one of its iconic ships to spend a full season sailing from Miami for the first time in the cruise line’s history in 2025. But before she makes her grand entrance, she’s getting a major refit to equip her to take passengers to destinations in the Caribbean and Alaska in refreshed glory.

Cunard’s luxurious Queen Elizabeth cruise ship will head to dry dock from Feb. 25 to March 13, 2025 to undergo significant refurbishment ahead of the ship’s debut Alaska season from Seattle and inaugural Caribbean program sailing from Miami in 2025.

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Queen Elizabeth cruise ship to get regal refresh

The third Cunard queen of her name, the current Queen Elizabeth ship launched in 2010 blending modern luxury with the traditions, attentive service, and classic look of the company's distinctive liner heritage. The ship’s regal refresh in 2025 will update signature interiors and exteriors with tranquil and vibrant touches.

Key upgrades will include enhancements to signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion. Refreshed designs, furnishings and décor will create an elevated atmosphere for passengers to relax in comfort and luxury, and enjoy stunning ocean views.

The ship’s exclusive Grills suites, terrace and lounge will also receive a thoughtful design refresh. Following the refit, Queen Elizabeth will introduce an elevated Grills dining experience featuring a special three-course Gala Evening menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.

Queen Elizabeth’s refurbishment will also add The Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted earlier this year on Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne. The wellness-focused daytime dining venue will offer plant-based cuisine along with sustainably-sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

Passengers sailing on Queen Elizabeth will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, which also debuted on Queen Anne. The program offers three-day holistic wellness packages designed to promote relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery.

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Queen Elizabeth will sail new Alaska cruises and Caribbean itineraries in 2025

After her refurbishment, Queen Elizabeth will depart from dry dock at Seatrium's Admiralty Yard in Singapore to sail a six-night Singapore to Hong Kong cruise followed by a season of Japan voyages. In June, Queen Elizabeth will make her debut in Seattle to begin a summer season of Alaska cruises.

Queen Elizabeth will offer 11 voyages in Alaska sailing roundtrip from Seattle from June 12 until Sept. 25. The ship’s Alaska itineraries range from seven to 11 nights in length and will feature Alaska native voices on board, including a cultural heritage guide, as well as a naturalist on every sailing to provide distinctive deck commentary.

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Beginning in October, Queen Elizabeth will offer roundtrip Caribbean voyages with itineraries ranging from nine to 28 nights, visiting destinations like Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St John's in Antigua. Queen Elizabeth will continue its Caribbean program from Miami in late 2026 and into 2027, offering an array of seven-, nine-, and 14-night voyages.

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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 9:13 AM.