A regal revival at sea as Cunard brings British elegance to the Pacific Northwest.
If the seas had a queen, she just docked in Seattle, corseted in British elegance and polished to a mirror-like shine. Yes, Cunard’s newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth has finally arrived at the Port of Seattle, setting the tone for a season of luxury voyages to the pristine, glacial wilderness of Alaska.
It’s her first-ever homeporting in the city, and Seattle’s seagulls haven’t stopped squawking about it.
Queen Elizabeth’s debut in the Pacific Northwest is no small maritime matter. As Cunard celebrates 185 years of sailing with all the aplomb of a well-aged single malt, this jewel of the fleet is dropping anchor for a double-season residency, inviting guests to voyage between seven and 12 nights through some of the world’s most soul-stirring scenery.
British Brilliance Meets Alaskan Grandeur
“This is a blend of grace and glacier,” said Liz Fettes, Cunard’s Senior VP of Commercial for North America, who had one hand on the microphone and the other on a flute of something fizzy. “Luxury doesn’t have to be stuffy. It can be elegant, relaxed, and utterly unforgettable. That’s what Queen Elizabeth in Alaska is all about.”
And she’s not wrong.
The ship’s presence in Alaska is just Act One of a North American residency that’ll see her cruise through misty fjords this winter, before heading south for her maiden season of Caribbean splendour. But for now, it’s the chillier delights of the Last Frontier that beckon—wild coastlines, humpback sightings, and ports with names that sound like they’ve come straight out of a Jack London novel: Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria (the Canadian one, not the one near Melbourne).
A Refresh Fit for Royalty
Cunard didn’t just dust off the chandeliers. Queen Elizabeth has undergone a substantial sprucing-up, and by all reports, she’s gleaming like the Crown Jewels on coronation day.
The ship now sports revitalised signature spaces and enhanced Princess and Queens Grills experiences—Cunard’s top-tier suites—with butler service, private dining, and a sense of exclusive serenity you don’t find in your average floating casino.
A new jewel in the crown? A menu curated by none other than Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, who’s whipped up a Gala Evening of three-course delights for Grill Suite guests. Think foie gras meets foamy fjords.
Wellness and Wonder on the Waves
For those who prefer detox over decadence, the ship now features the Pavilion Wellness Café and a Harper’s Bazaar® Wellness at Sea program, offering treatments, smoothies and masterclasses to help cruise guests feel like they’ve been dipped in glacier-fed rejuvenation.
Expect three bespoke journeys, a partnership with ELEMIS, and the sort of pampering that would make even a snow leopard purr.
Immersive Experiences—Onboard and Ashore
Of course, it wouldn’t be Cunard without a little cerebral enrichment. Guests aboard Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska voyages will enjoy a robust speaker series in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, as well as a uniquely local lineup dubbed “Locals Onboard.”
This includes a master Tlingit dance troupe, a Denali expeditionist, and storytellers from Alaska’s rich cultural tapestry—photographers, historians, and artists all sharing their wisdom like warm blankets on a cold night.
Even the wine list is getting the Pacific Northwest treatment, featuring varietals from Elsom Cellars, Charles Smith Wines, and other esteemed regional producers. It’s all designed to bring a taste of the land aboard the sea.
Port of Seattle Rolls Out the Red Carpet
Seattle’s no stranger to ship launches, but this one has the air of a royal wedding. Steve Metruck, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle, was all smiles.
“We’re honoured to welcome Queen Elizabeth to her first homeported season here,” he said. “It’s a proud milestone for the city and for cruise-driven economic growth.”
That’s not just tourism spin. The partnership is expected to generate jobs and advance the Port’s sustainability ambitions, as Cunard continues its efforts to tread lightly on these majestic waters.
Caribbean Calling
Come October, Queen Elizabeth will set sail southward, repositioning to Miami for a first-ever full Caribbean season. This tropical chapter brings even more glamour, with Broadway and West End stars gracing the decks.
Yes, Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster will headline, alongside an exclusive production of the acclaimed musical Come From Away—a poignant tale of grounded passengers that’ll feel right at home on a ship designed for endless movement.
It’s a season promising steel drums, strong cocktails, and star-studded evenings worthy of Cunard’s storied legacy.
Book Your Voyage
So whether it’s fjords in fleece or palm trees in linen, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is offering something few others can: a cruise experience rooted in tradition, dressed in elegance, and delivered with a wink of British charm.
For more information, visit www.cunard.com or consult your local travel advisor—ideally one with a decent wine cellar and an even better hat collection.
By Anne Keam
