Grand Lobby, Grill Suites and More: Queen Victoria's Big Makeover Revealed
From refreshed Grill Suites to a new wellness café, Queen Victoria will undergo an extensive makeover before returning to service in November 2026
Even Queens deserve a little pampering now and then, and this autumn it will be Queen Victoria's turn.
Cunard has revealed plans for an extensive transformation of its elegant 2,000-guest ship, Queen Victoria, which will enter dry dock in Rotterdam from 17 October to 5 November 2026.
When she returns to service, guests can expect refreshed signature spaces, enhanced accommodation and a new wellness-focused dining venue as Cunard gives the much-loved ship a thoughtful refresh while keeping the British elegance she is known for.
A refreshed welcome on board
The transformation will include a refreshed Grand Lobby, designed to enhance that all-important first impression when guests step on board.
The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it remains the setting for some of Cunard's best-known experiences, including Afternoon Tea, live music and glamorous Gala Evenings.
So, thankfully, it sounds as though the Queens Room will still be ready for everything from an elegant afternoon cuppa to dressing up for a glamorous evening at sea. Very much Queen Victoria behaviour, we think.
The Grill Suites are getting an upgrade too
Cunard's Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will also be enhanced during the dry dock.
The suites will receive new furnishings, sophisticated detailing and thoughtful design updates, with the aim of adding even more comfort and style to Cunard's luxury Grills experience.
For guests who enjoy a little extra space and indulgence on holiday, Queen Victoria's Grills accommodation is set to come back looking even more polished.
New staterooms with ocean views
There will also be eight additional Britannia staterooms introduced on board.
Three of these will be part of a new premium category called Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the ocean.
The new staterooms are available to book to book now for voyages sailing from 11 November 2026.
And let's be honest, waking up to a panoramic sea view is never a bad way to start the day.
Cunard’s Queen Victoria is getting a refit this Autumn
A new Wellness Café arrives on board
Queen Victoria will also become the third ship in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café.
The venue first launched on Queen Anne in 2024 before being introduced on Queen Elizabeth in 2025, and will now make its way to Queen Victoria following her transformation.
The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining, with a menu featuring plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.
It sounds like a welcome option for guests looking for something a little lighter during the day, although we're sure there will still be plenty of opportunities elsewhere on board for those holiday treats too!
Returning in November
Queen Victoria will undergo her transformation at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam between 17 October and 5 November 2026.
She will then return to service for the remainder of her 2026 voyages and continue welcoming guests into 2027.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said Queen Victoria holds a special place in the hearts of Cunard guests and is celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance.
She explained that the transformation has been approached with respect for the ship's heritage and charm, with every detail carefully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to offer the timeless luxury she is known and loved for.
With refreshed spaces, upgraded Grills Suites, new Britannia accommodation and The Pavilion Wellness Café joining the line-up, Queen Victoria is certainly getting plenty of attention during her time in dry dock.
It may only be a few weeks, but this Queen is heading off for a rather impressive autumn makeover, and she'll be back ready to welcome guests from November 2026.