Cunard Unveils First Look at Reimagined Queen Victoria Following Extensive Transformation

New images showcase refreshed signature spaces including the reimagined Queens Room (pictured), enhanced Grill Suites and the introduction of The Pavillion Wellness Café. Download images here.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard, the world's most iconic luxury cruise line, today unveiled the first images of Queen Victoria following a three-week refurbishment at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam. The luxurious 2,000-guest ship now features a refreshed Grand Lobby, a reimagined Queens Room, enhanced Princess and Queens Grill Suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Queen Victoria is renowned as a modern classic within the Cunard fleet, distinguished by her grand public rooms, sweeping staircases, rich wood panelling and spacious open decks. The ship is also home to one of the largest libraries at sea, and the Royal Court Theatre, the first theater at sea to feature West End-style theater boxes.

Revitalized Iconic Spaces

The transformation has been carefully designed to preserve Queen Victoria's distinctive character, while elevating her signature spaces for today's luxury traveler.

At the heart of the refurbishment is a refreshed three-story Grand Lobby embellished with regal details, creating an elegant first impression as guests are welcomed on board. The iconic Queens Room has also been reimagined, ensuring it remains the elegant setting for Cunard's famous afternoon tea, live music, dancing and glamourous Gala Evenings. The new look is inspired by the vibrant floral borders of the Royal Palaces as well as Queen Victoria's beloved orange blossom jewelry, gifted to her by Prince Albert. Butterflies also feature in the design, offering a subtle nod to the Royal Family's longstanding commitment to the natural world.

Elevated Grill Suites Experience

The ship's renowned Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites and their respective feature sophisticated furnishings and thoughtful design upgrades. The redesigned Grill Suites Lounge and elevator lobby welcome guests with interiors inspired by Queen Victoria's favorite jewels.

Reflecting the growing importance of wellness in luxury travel, Queen Victoria is now the third ship in the Cunard fleet to feature The Pavilion Wellness Café. Following successful introductions on Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth, the venue offers breakfast, lunch and daytime dining centered around plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy options.

Additional Accommodation Choices

The refurbishment has also introduced eight additional Britannia staterooms, including three in a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize ocean views.

Paul Ludlow, President of Cunard, said:"Queen Victoria has long been loved by our guests for her timeless elegance, distinctive character and uniquely warm atmosphere. This transformation has been carefully designed to celebrate those qualities while introducing thoughtful enhancements that reflect the expectations of today's luxury traveler.

"Whether guests are enjoying the reimagined Queens Room, relaxing in our enhanced Grill Suites or dining at The Pavilion Wellness Café, every aspect of the refurbishment has been created to enrich the experience on board. We are delighted to share this first look and look forward to welcoming guests on board for Queen Victoria's next chapter."

Queen Victoria offers a diverse program of voyages to destinations around the world, including the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Canary Islands. The ship will embark on her 109-night World Voyage on January 10, 2027, calling at 32 ports including Hong Kong, Sydney and Cape Town, alongside maiden calls to Dakar, Senegal, and Durban, South Africa.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, guests can contact their travel advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com. 

Travel Advisors interested in further information can contact their Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.   

Notes to Editors

Media can download high-resolution images of Queen Victoria's refreshed spaces here. 

For more information on Queen Victoria's upcoming transformation, including additional imagery and details of the enhancements, visit Cunard Stories: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cunard-stories/queen-victoria-refit

For additional information about Cunard, contact:    
Cunard: [email protected] 

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About Cunard   

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840.   

The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.   

There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024.  Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton, UK and is part of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company with a portfolio of cruise lines operating in over 800 ports & destinations worldwide. (NYSE: CCL).    

About Damen Shipyards Group – Oceans of Possibilities

Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety-five years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion, maintenance and repair of ships and ship components. By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value.

Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world's most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials.

Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. We deliver in the region of 160 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people. In all that we do, our aim to ensure a positive impact on the local environment and society.

SOURCE Cunard