Cunard reveals plans for Queen Victoria refit

The M/V Queen Victoria. (Credit: Cunard)

Carnival Corporation’s British luxury brand Cunard has revealed plans for an extensive transformation of Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from dry dock this fall with refreshed signature spaces, including Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

The luxurious 2,000-guest ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026, returning to service ready to welcome guests on board for the remainder of her 2026 voyages and 2027 program. 

Queen Victoria‘s signature spaces will be updated, including a refreshed Grand Lobby and a redesigned Queens Room. The changes are intended to preserve the ship’s traditional character while accommodating Cunard’s Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Cunard’s Grill Suites experience will be refreshed and elevated. Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design, delivering the ultimate in comfort and style at sea.

Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views. The new staterooms will go on sale starting July 20, for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

Reflecting the growing importance of wellness to today’s luxury traveler, Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its highly successful launch on Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

“Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces she offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is. From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back on board to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves.”

Queen Victoria will return to service on November 7, 2026, beautifully prepared to welcome guests for a 2027 program of voyages spanning the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, the Canary Islands and beyond.