Cunard knows how to make an entrance. The line with white gloves, Gala evenings and proper martinis brings that style to the Caribbean.

From October 2025 to April 2026, Queen Elizabeth will sail a new season that mixes food, theatre and sunshine. Think warm nights, big music and menus with a local twist. It is classic Cunard with fresh island colour.

The plan is bold. Across select voyages, nearly 120 limited-time shows will be presented. The food program begins with dishes and drinks that speak to the ports. In short, this is a season for travellers who want a story with every sunset.

“At Cunard, we’re proud of our collaborations with iconic Broadway and West End theater companies, award-winning performers and world-class chefs skilled at blending cultural connection with culinary artistry,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “Queen Elizabeth will introduce new extraordinary performances, while culinary offerings and a collection of shore excursions authentically connect our guests to the incredible array of different destinations on our voyages.”

A banquet with a Caribbean accent

Food on Cunard is never a side note. It is part of the show. The new dining experience, Karibe, tips its hat to the islands. Jerk chicken arrives with a modern twist. Tiger prawns bring heat and snap. Slow-cooked goat curry delivers depth. Menus across the ship will echo the itinerary, so what is on the plate reflects where you have been. A poolside, street-food style menu keeps things easy on sea days. Signature cocktails use local ingredients, so the islands are in the glass and the view.

Then there is The Whispering Hour, an elegant happy hour co-presented with Whispering Angel wines (whisperingangel.com). It runs at the Lido Pool Club and the Grill’s Terrace. Expect live music, ice carving, generous fruit displays, and photo moments galore. Sunset Celebrations (pre-dinner) and Deck Parties (after-dinner) bookend Cunard’s famous Gala evenings with a relaxed island tone.

Curtain up at sea

Theatre is the big headline. Queen Elizabeth will stage the first at-sea production of the multi-award-winning musical Come From Away (comefromaway.com). The book, music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show is now ten years old. Its message about kindness still lands. At sea, it is set to be the moment everyone talks about.

There is more. Broadway and West End performers will appear across the season. Sutton Foster (Tony Award-winner) joins the voyage that departs Miami on 20 January. Alumni from Wicked, Chicago, The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera are set to perform under Cunard’s Artists in Residence banner. This is not a token show or two. It is a complete program with a real pedigree.

Soundtracked sophistication

The Commodore Club has a new persona. It is now the Abbey Road Listening Lounge (abbeyroad.com). Settle in for a guided journey through music and film scores. Hear The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz and Fela Kuti. Enjoy themes from Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Barbie, Wonka and Black Panther. Drinks have been matched to the listening sessions. A display of replica studio gear adds a touch of fun.

Talks to stir the mind

Cunard’s Insight Speakers series brings a change of pace. Astronauts and Olympic medallists are on the roster. Notably, actor Hugh Bonneville—known to many as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey – will join the 12-night Eastern Caribbean voyage that departs Miami on 27 November. Expect sharp stories and warm humour.

A queen refreshed

Queen Elizabeth provides a polished stage for all this. The Royal Court Theatre has been enhanced. The Queens Room is redesigned for dancing and Gala Evenings. The new Lido Pool Club shines at the heart of the open decks. The Grills Suites and key dining rooms have been finessed. The look is modern, yet the soul stays true to the line.

Practicalities

The inaugural Caribbean voyage leaves Miami on 16 October 2025. The season wraps in April before the ship returns to Seattle for Alaskan voyages in summer 2026. When writing, fares start from USD $1,079 per person, twin share, in a Britannia Balcony stateroom. For bookings or details, speak with your travel advisor or visit cunard.com.

Shore days, done properly.

Food and theatre are the stars, yet shore days also shine. Cunard has tuned its excursions to the islands. Expect small-group tours, local guides and time to wander. Think rum tastings with a bit of history. Garden walks where the guide knows every plant. Calm beaches with shade, chairs and cold water on hand. It is not rushed. It is not loud. It is travelling with manners.

Families and couples

The program suits many types of travellers. Couples can enjoy late shows, quiet bars, and long dinners. Families will like the pool deck by day and the deck parties by night. The entertainment team keeps things friendly, not frantic. You can dress to the nines for Gala night and keep it simple the next day. That balance is part of the appeal.

Dress codes, done right

Gala Evenings remain a highlight. They give the voyage rhythm and a sense of occasion. The Queens Room is made for it, and the band swings. The dance floor is smooth. For those who enjoy a jacket and polished shoes, it feels like coming home. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Sunset Celebrations offer a relaxed way to join in, spritz in hand as the sky turns pink.

Service with memory

One reason many guests return to Cunard is service. The crew remember names and small preferences. Coffee arrives how you like it. A seat is found when you need one. The tone is warm, never fussy. That human touch matters even more on a busy, event-rich voyage. It keeps the pace calm.

Health, wellness and the sea air

The itinerary may be complete, but the ship gives you quiet corners. Walk the deck at dawn. Swim before breakfast. Book a treatment in the spa. Read in the library with the sunlight on the page. These steady, simple moments anchor the trip. They let the theatre and the parties shine without ever feeling too much.

Value in the detail

Pricing for the Caribbean season starts at USD $1,079 per person, twin share, in a Britannia Balcony stateroom. That buys not only a cabin and meals. It buys access to the theatre program, the listening lounge, and the talks. It buys a refreshed ship and crews who set a high standard. For many travellers, that value sits in the details, the well-timed turndown, the efficient tender, the clear daily program.

Tips for booking well

Choose an itinerary that matches your pace. If you love shows, pick a sailing with the biggest performance schedule. Aim for a route with more sea days if you want space to read and rest. Book shore tours early if they are small in size. Leave room for a spontaneous beach afternoon. Pack for Gala nights, but pack light. Laundry is quick and straightforward. And always build in time for a proper sailaway. It is a small ritual that feels like old-world travel at its best.

Final thought

Cunard has not tried to reinvent itself in the Caribbean. It has refined itself. The food feels local. The shows feel current. The service remains classic. That blend of tradition with a fresh accent gives this season its charm. It reads as confident and considered. It should suit loyal guests and first-timers alike.