Home » CRUISE NEWS » Queen Elizabeth Homeports in Miami for 2025 Caribbean Season with New Refurbishments
Published on
November 2, 2025
Cunard Cruises is making history by homeporting the Queen Elizabeth in Miami for the 2025 Caribbean season. This marks the first time in the cruise line’s 185-year history that one of its ships will be based in the U.S. for an entire Caribbean sailing season. The refurbished Queen Elizabeth, which recently underwent an extensive makeover, embarked on her first voyage from PortMiami on October 16, offering guests a chance to enjoy nine, twelve, and twenty-one-night itineraries through April 2026.
Refurbished Queen Elizabeth: A New Look for an Iconic Ship
Following a comprehensive three-week refurbishment at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore, Queen Elizabeth now features a refreshed design that combines luxury, heritage, and modern amenities. The ship’s new look includes revitalised spaces such as the Commodore Club, the Queens Room, and the Garden Lounge, all of which reflect the ship’s elegant Art Deco-inspired style. One of the standout features is the Queens Room, which boasts a newly designed ballroom dance floor and stained-glass windows inspired by Buckingham Palace’s gardens.
These refurbishments are not only aesthetic but practical, improving the overall guest experience. The Grills suites, the most luxurious cabin category, have been upgraded with new furnishings and added details, making them an even more exclusive option for discerning travellers.
Entertainment Highlights: Broadway-Caliber Show and More
One of the most exciting aspects of Queen Elizabeth’s 2025 Caribbean season is the introduction of “Come From Away”, the Tony Award-winning musical, which will be performed onboard. This at-sea production marks the first time that Cunard will stage the musical on one of its ships. The performance, which lasts one hour and forty minutes, features a talented ensemble cast and will be performed twice during each Caribbean voyage.
In addition to the musical, the Artists in Residence program will bring guest stars to select sailings. For example, Sutton Foster, a two-time Tony Award winner, will perform on the February 4, 2026 departure, providing passengers with an unforgettable cultural experience while at sea.
More Onboard Entertainment: A Diverse Programme for All
Queen Elizabeth’s newly revamped entertainment offerings are sure to cater to a wide range of interests. Guests can enjoy a variety of enriching experiences, including:
The Abbey Road Listening Lounge: A 60-minute experience in the Commodore Club, featuring iconic tracks from The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and other legendary artists, paired with signature Cunard cocktails.Insight Speakers Programme: Lectures from notable figures, including Hugh Bonneville, best known for his role in Downton Abbey, who will speak on the November 27, 2025 departure.The Royal Court Theatre: Beyond Broadway performances, guests can enjoy a variety of live shows, including dance performances and special guest entertainers, all adding to the entertainment vibrancy aboard the ship.Cunard’s Commitment to Excellence in Luxury and Wellness
In line with Cunard’s commitment to wellness and luxury, Queen Elizabeth now offers the Pavilion Wellness Café, a venue dedicated to plant-based cuisine and healthy eating. This wellness-focused café, which serves breakfast and lunch, is part of the ship’s broader commitment to offering guests a healthier, more sustainable dining experience. Additionally, Cunard has introduced the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme, which offers three-day wellness packages designed to promote relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery.
For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Queen Elizabeth continues to offer a variety of fine dining options, including the Karibe dining concept, which celebrates Caribbean coastal cuisine, and special celebrations on the Lido Deck, where locally-inspired street food and tropical cocktails are served.
Queen Elizabeth’s Heritage and Traditional Offerings
While the modern updates to Queen Elizabeth are certainly exciting, the ship has retained much of the charm and heritage that Cunard is known for. Guests can explore the rich history of Cunard through various heritage displays and photographs scattered throughout the ship, including a stunning marquetry panel in the triple-height atrium depicting the original RMS Queen Elizabeth.
Fans of British culture will find plenty to appreciate, such as the Golden Lion pub, where guests can enjoy classic British dishes like fish and chips or sticky toffee pudding, perhaps paired with a signature Cunard ale.
Queen Elizabeth Brings Luxury to the Caribbean
As Cunard Cruises sets sail for its 2025 Caribbean season, the Queen Elizabeth is ready to provide an unparalleled experience for travellers seeking luxury, culture, and adventure. With its refurbished spaces, Broadway-caliber entertainment, and expanded wellness offerings, Queen Elizabeth promises a vacation unlike any other. Whether indulging in a performance of Come From Away or relaxing in the refined surroundings of the Grills suites, guests will find a perfect blend of elegance, relaxation, and exploration on every voyage. The homeporting of Queen Elizabeth in Miami offers Caribbean-bound travellers a new level of convenience and luxury, marking a new chapter in Cunard’s storied history of premium cruising.
