A Carefully Planned Autumn Transformation
Queen Victoria refurbishment work will take place at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from 17 October to 5 November 2026. After the work, the vessel is expected to resume service on 7 November, continuing its remaining 2026 programme before moving into a 2027 season. The project focuses on preserving the ship’s familiar British character while updating spaces that play a central role in the onboard experience.
Grand Spaces Receive A Fresh Interpretation
Several of Queen Victoria’s interiors will be revitalised. The Grand Lobby will be refreshed to create a stronger sense of arrival, while the Queens Room will be reworked for Afternoon Tea, live performances and Cunard’s formal Gala Evenings. Rather than changing the ship’s identity, the redesign is intended to refine its style and improve the setting for the traditions associated with Cunard.
Queen Victoria Refurbishment Elevates The Grills Experience
Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will receive new furnishings, enhanced detailing and design elements. Cunard’s Grills accommodation remains one of the line’s defining luxury products, combining larger suites with dedicated dining and personalised service. The improvements are expected to give these spaces a more contemporary finish while retaining the privacy and comfort valued by guests.
New Staterooms Expand Guest Choice
Eight Britannia staterooms will be added, including three in the new Britannia Deluxe Oceanview category. These rooms will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, giving guests sea views and creating a brighter interior setting. Sales for the additional accommodation begin on 20 July for voyages departing from 11 November 2026, following the Queen Victoria refurbishment.
Wellness Dining Joins The Ship
The Pavilion Wellness Café will be introduced, making Queen Victoria the third Cunard ship to offer the concept after Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth. Open for breakfast, lunch and daytime dining, the venue will feature plant-based dishes alongside responsibly sourced meat, fish and dairy. Its arrival reflects demand for lighter and more flexible dining choices within the luxury cruise market.
Cunard Preserves A Distinctive Favourite Cunard President Katie McAlister explained that the work has been planned with respect for Queen Victoria’s character, intimate spaces and British elegance. The ship’s 2027 voyages will include the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Canary Islands, extending the impact of the Queen Victoria refurbishment.