Key Aspects:
- Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth made history with its first-ever arrival at PortMiami on October 16, 2025.
- The milestone event launches a two-season Caribbean schedule featuring itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
- Port officials presented a ceremonial plaque to Cunard’s captain and officers.
For the first time in its storied 185-year history, Cunard is bringing one of its famed Queens to Miami.
On October 16, 2025, the recently refreshed Queen Elizabeth arrived at PortMiami to begin a two-season residency of Caribbean sailings, marking the luxury line’s debut homeport in the region.
PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb welcomed the ship, noting that Cunard’s presence adds a new layer of elegance to the port’s lineup of cruise offerings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth to PortMiami,” said Webb, who went on to commend the cruise line’s investment in Miami.
“With the addition of Cunard to Miami’s roster of cruise line offerings, passengers will be able to sail aboard ships with a legacy of elegance and comfort,” Webb added. “We are grateful for this new partnership and continued growth at the Cruise Capital of the World.”
The arrival was marked with a ceremonial plaque exchange and dockside celebration attended by port officials, cruise executives, and special guests.
Among those aboard was Patricia Altschul, author, philanthropist, and television personality from Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” who joined the inaugural sailing.
“To me, Queen Elizabeth is a kindred spirit,” said Altschul as she welcomed the vessel to Miami.
Her remarks echoed the celebratory tone of the day, as Liz Fettes, senior vice president of commercial for North America at Cunard, shared in the cruise line’s excitement.
“We are redefining luxury cruising in the Caribbean with our gracious service, sumptuous Art Deco design, and new, heart-stirring entertainment,” said Fettes.
Following the celebrations, the 90,900-gross-ton vessel carrying up to 2,000 passengers embarked on a 12-night Eastern Caribbean voyage.
The roundtrip itinerary will call in Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands before returning to Miami on October 28, 2025.
The inaugural season will feature 9- to 21-night voyages to destinations across the Eastern and Western Caribbean through April 2026.
At that time, Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Seattle for her second summer season in Alaska, which she just wrapped up on September 25.
Miami Receives a Modernized Queen
Before arriving in Miami, Queen Elizabeth completed an extensive refresh in March 2025 designed to enhance its signature spaces and guest experience.
The ship’s Royal Court Theatre has been upgraded with advanced sound and lighting systems for major productions, while the Queens Room, a centerpiece for Cunard’s formal Gala Evenings, has been redesigned to better accommodate live music and dancing.
Queens Room Queen Elizabeth (Photo Credit: Cunard)
The Lido Pool Club now features upgraded cabanas, new poolside furnishings, and expanded shaded areas to reflect its Caribbean deployment.
Staterooms and suites across all categories have also been refurbished with updated décor and enhanced amenities, while the line’s top-tier Grills Suites now offer butler service and access to exclusive dining venues.
Dining has also evolved with new concepts introduced for the Caribbean season. For example, Karibe brings Caribbean coastal cuisine and local ingredients to the menu.
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The ship’s Commodore Club has also been transformed into the Abbey Road Listening Lounge, featuring curated music sessions and signature drinks inspired by classic British recording studios.
Onboard entertainment will include nearly 120 live performances during the Caribbean run, highlighted by the first-ever at-sea production of “Come From Away” and guest performances by Broadway and West End talent, including Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.
For wellness, Queen Elizabeth debuted the Pavilion Wellness Café and the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, rounding out the new look and offerings.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
