Princess Grill Suites | Wetravel2u's Weblog

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria 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 Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” added McAlister.

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

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 from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2

Deck plans published on Cunard’s website show that the company is planning to add 30 new staterooms to the Queen Mary 2.

Set to undergo a major refurbishment program in 2027, the 2004-built vessel will see the introduction of new suites and inside cabins.

Designed as the world’s first modern ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2 currently carries 2,620 passengers in double occupancy, and that will now increase by approximately 2.5 percent..

Most of the extra staterooms will be added to a section of Deck 13 that is being turned into a new accommodation area.

Currently housing a sun deck, the space will offer 18 Princess Grill Suites, as well as five inside staterooms.

On Deck 9, the current Concierge Lounge is being converted into four additional inside cabins, while a new Penthouse Suite is being added to Deck 8.

The premium accommodation takes over an area adjacent to the ship’s library, which is currently occupied by a book store.

Cunard is also replacing part of the Queen Mary 2’s Teens and Kids Zone on Deck 6 with four new inside staterooms.

Other changes to the vessel’s deck plan include the addition of a new sun deck on Deck 14, as well as the removal of the Boardwalk Café from Deck 12.

While no details of the refurbishment have officially been confirmed at press time, Cunard’s website confirms that the Queen Mary 2 will undergo enhancements ahead of next year’s summer season.

The 151,400-ton ship is expected to enter drydock in late March 2027 before welcoming guests back on May 9, 2027.

The cabin additions follow a recent trend in the cruise industry, which has seen cruise lines adding significant numbers of new staterooms to their older ships.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Norwegian, Holland America and Celestyal are among the brands that added capacity to vessels in drydock recently.