Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Arrives in Miami for First-Ever Caribbean Season

Cunard made history this week as the Queen Elizabeth arrived at PortMiami for the very first time, marking the start of the line’s inaugural Caribbean season and a new chapter in the luxury brand’s 185-year story.

The freshly refurbished Queen Elizabeth will now homeport in Miami for two consecutive Caribbean seasons, offering itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean through spring 2026.

A Regal Welcome to PortMiami

The ship’s arrival on October 16 was celebrated with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony between Cunard’s officers and PortMiami officials.
Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO, praised the milestone as a symbol of continued growth and diversity in the port’s cruise portfolio.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth to PortMiami,” said Webb. “The addition of Cunard enhances our world-class cruise offerings with a legacy of elegance and service that truly embodies luxury at sea.”

The celebration also featured special guests, including author and television personality Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm, who joined the ship’s inaugural sailing.
“To me, Queen Elizabeth is a kindred spirit,” Altschul remarked, echoing the excitement shared by guests and crew alike.

Luxury Redefined for the Caribbean

Following the festivities, the 90,900-gross-ton ship departed on a 12-night voyage through the Eastern Caribbean, calling at Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands before returning to Miami on October 28.

The upcoming season will include sailings ranging from 9 to 21 nights, blending Cunard’s timeless British sophistication with vibrant Caribbean flair.
Each voyage will highlight new onboard experiences introduced as part of the ship’s extensive 2025 refurbishment.

A Modernized Queen

Before her Miami debut, Queen Elizabeth underwent a comprehensive refresh earlier this year to elevate guest comfort and entertainment.
Upgrades include:

• Royal Court Theatre: enhanced with advanced lighting and sound for large-scale productions.

• Queens Room: redesigned to host Cunard’s signature Gala Evenings with new décor and expanded dance space.

• Lido Pool Club: revamped with upgraded cabanas, new poolside furnishings, and more shaded areas.

• Staterooms and Suites: refreshed with modern décor, premium amenities, and new butler service for Grills Suites guests.

Dining has also been reimagined for the Caribbean market. The new Karibe restaurant introduces coastal-inspired cuisine featuring local ingredients and regional flavors.

Meanwhile, the Commodore Club has been transformed into the Abbey Road Listening Lounge, paying homage to classic British recording studios with curated music sessions and signature cocktails.

Entertainment will feature nearly 120 live performances, including the first-ever at-sea production of Come From Away and guest appearances by Broadway and West End stars such as Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

Queen Elizabeth and Brilliant Lady meet in Port Miami channel - Cruise Ships Live Port Miami webcam on YouTube

Wellness and Enrichment

Guests can also enjoy Cunard’s enhanced wellness program, including the new Pavilion Wellness Café and Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea, offering fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness experiences tailored to longer sailings.

Looking Ahead

Once the ship completes its Caribbean deployment in April 2026, Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Seattle for her second summer season in Alaska, continuing a tradition of global voyages under the Cunard flag.

As Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth begins her first-ever Caribbean chapter, she brings with her not only British heritage and elegance — but a renewed vision of luxury cruising that bridges the timeless and the tropical.