Cunard’s Queen Victoria is back at sea with a fresh royal look. The Cunard Queen Victoria refit was a three-week overhaul at Damen Shiprepair’s yard in Rotterdam. It has added new cabins, a wellness-focused café and redesigned public rooms, and the first passengers saw the results this week when she left Southampton.
The 2,000-guest ship set off on a 16-night voyage to Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Her new look leans heavily on her namesake’s story while adding a few modern comforts.
What’s new after the Cunard Queen Victoria refit
The first impression comes the moment you step on board. The Grand Lobby has new decor with a regal feel, which sets the tone for a ship that has always traded on old-school elegance.
The biggest talking point is the Queens Room, the ship’s ballroom and the setting for Cunard’s famous afternoon teas. Its new floral borders take their cue from the Royal Palaces. Other motifs are drawn from the orange blossom jewellery that Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria.
Look closely and you’ll spot butterflies in the design too. They are a gentle reference to the Royal Family’s long-standing interest in the natural world.
New cabins with bigger views
Eight extra Britannia cabins have been created. Three of them belong to a brand-new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the sea views.
Guests staying in the Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites will find new furnishings both in their accommodation and in their dedicated restaurants.
A lighter way to dine
Up on the pool deck, The Pavilion Wellness Café is the newest place to eat. Already a fixture on sister ships Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth, it serves breakfast, lunch and daytime meals.
The menu centres on plant-based dishes. Meat, fish and dairy from sustainable sources are on offer too for those who want them.
A world cruise on the horizon
The refreshed ship has a big voyage ahead. On 10 January 2027 she is due to set off on a 109-night world cruise with 32 stops, among them Sydney, Hong Kong and Cape Town.
The itinerary also includes two maiden calls: Dakar in Senegal and Durban in South Africa. That gives the newly styled ship a long, high-profile showcase for her new look.
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”. He added that the changes aim to honour that character while bringing the ship in line with what modern luxury travellers expect.
Queen Mary 2 is next in line
The Queen Victoria refit comes as Cunard has also revealed designs for Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner. She is due to spend two months in dry dock at Damen Shiprepair’s yard in Brest, France, from March 2027.
That project is expected to bring 31 new cabins and new interiors. There will also be more space on the pool deck, in the restaurants, in the spa and in the ship’s much-loved kennels.
Why it matters for UK travellers
For British cruisers, Queen Victoria’s appeal is simple. Her latest voyage began in Southampton, so a holiday like this can start with a drive or train ride rather than a flight. Her first post-refit trip to Portugal, Spain and Morocco shows the kind of sunshine itinerary that is easy to reach from home.
The Cunard Queen Victoria refit also matters for anyone weighing up which cabin to book. The new Britannia Deluxe Oceanview rooms add a premium step within Britannia. With just three on board, it pays to look early.
Loyal Cunarders will be pleased that the refresh builds on the traditions they love, from ballroom evenings to afternoon tea, rather than replacing them. If you’re considering a 2027 sailing, now is a sensible time to start comparing voyages and cabin grades.
Planning a trip?
Browse our cruises from Southampton for no-fly holidays that start close to home. Or explore our luxury cruises if Grill-style service and afternoon tea at sea sound like your kind of holiday.
FAQs
What has changed on Cunard’s Queen Victoria after the refit?
The three-week refurbishment in Rotterdam brought regal new decor to the Grand Lobby and a redesigned Queens Room with floral and butterfly motifs. It also added eight Britannia cabins, including three Britannia Deluxe Oceanview rooms. There are new furnishings in the Grill Suites and their restaurants, and The Pavilion Wellness Café has opened on the pool deck.
What is a Britannia Deluxe Oceanview cabin?
It is a new premium category within Cunard’s Britannia grade, introduced on Queen Victoria during her latest refurbishment. Three of the eight new Britannia cabins fall into this category. Each has floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the sea views, giving a brighter outlook within the Britannia grade.
When does Queen Victoria’s 2027 world cruise depart?
Queen Victoria is due to begin a 109-night world cruise on 10 January 2027. The voyage takes in 32 ports, with Sydney, Hong Kong and Cape Town among them. It also features maiden calls at Dakar in Senegal and Durban in South Africa, giving the refreshed ship a long showcase for her new look.
