Queen Victoria Refurbishment: What’s Changing in 2026

Cunard’s Queen Victoria is set to undergo a significant refurbishment in autumn 2026, bringing refreshed interiors, enhanced public spaces and new accommodation to one of the cruise line’s most elegant ships.

Known for its classic Cunard style, grand public rooms and traditional ocean travel experience, Queen Victoria will receive a series of carefully considered updates designed to enhance the onboard experience while preserving the ship’s timeless character. The refurbishment will include refreshed accommodation, a redesigned Queens Room, a new Wellness Café, improvements to the exclusive Grill Suites experience and enhancements throughout the ship.

As more details are revealed, we’ll continue to update this guide with the latest information.

When Will Queen Victoria Be Refurbished?

Queen Victoria is scheduled to enter dry dock between 16 October and 7 November 2026.

Cunard has confirmed that the refurbishment has been carefully planned and will not affect the ship’s published sailing programme. Guests booked before or after the refit can expect voyages to operate as scheduled.

What’s Changing During the Queen Victoria Refurbishment?

The refurbishment focuses on enhancing some of Queen Victoria’s best-loved spaces while introducing a handful of new features.

Confirmed improvements include:

• A fully refreshed Queens Room
• A redesigned Grand Lobby
• A new Wellness Café
• An enhanced Pavilion Pool
• Refreshed Princess and Queens Grill Suites
• Upgraded Grill Lounge and Terrace
• Eight new Oceanview staterooms on Deck 10
• Refreshed carpets and finishes throughout the ship

Additional details are expected to be announced closer to the ship’s return to service.

A New Wellness Café Joins the Ship

One of the biggest additions is the introduction of the Wellness Café in the Pavilion. The new venue will offer fresh smoothies, vitamin-rich juices, seasonal salads, grain bowls and lighter lunch options, providing guests with healthy dining choices in a relaxed poolside setting.

The Pavilion itself will also receive enhancements, including updated blue pool finishes and Cunard’s distinctive chequerboard design, bringing it in line with the look introduced aboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne.

Enhancements for Grill Suite Guests

Guests staying in Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodation can also look forward to an enhanced experience.

The refurbishment includes refreshed suites, redesigned Princess and Queens Grill restaurants, and renewed Grill Lounge and Terrace spaces. Inspired by Victorian jewellery craftsmanship, the updated interiors aim to combine Cunard’s heritage with contemporary comfort while maintaining the exclusivity of the Grill experience.

A New Look for the Queens Room

The Queens Room has long been one of Queen Victoria’s signature venues, hosting everything from Afternoon Tea and ballroom dancing to Gala Evenings.

As part of the refurbishment, the venue will receive an elegant redesign inspired by the intricate orange blossom motif of a brooch once worn by Queen Victoria. The flower also featured in the monarch’s wedding bouquet, giving the refreshed space a subtle connection to royal heritage while retaining its Art Deco-inspired elegance.

New Staterooms on Deck 10

Queen Victoria will gain eight additional Oceanview staterooms as part of the refurbishment.

The new accommodation will include:five Britannia Oceanview staterooms (EB grade), three Britannia Deluxe Oceanview staterooms (EA grade), including one accessible stateroom

The new cabins are expected to become available to book from July 2026.

Will the Refurbishment Affect Existing Cruises?

No. Cunard has confirmed there are no planned changes to Queen Victoria’s published itineraries as a result of the refurbishment.

The work has been scheduled between voyages, allowing the ship to return to service without disrupting guests’ holiday plans.

Book a Queen Victoria Cruise With Bolsover Cruise Club

Looking forward to sailing aboard the newly refurbished Queen Victoria? Our Cruise Experts can help you find the perfect Cunard voyage, whether you’re planning a Mediterranean escape, a Norwegian Fjords adventure or a classic Transatlantic Crossing.

Call Bolsover Cruise Club on 01246 819 819 or browse our latest Cunard cruise deals online.