As part of a strategy to strengthen its global brand presence, Cunard has invested $40 million to redesign the Queen Victoria.
Refurbishment work began on May 5, and the ship is scheduled to reappear in Palermo, Italy, on June 4 with a range of updates. Following the recent refresh of the flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria receives its own version of Britannia Club balcony staterooms and a dedicated Britannia Club restaurant, along with updates to existing Britannia staterooms. In total, 43 Britannia Club staterooms will be renovated. The Grand Suites and Penthouse Suites will also be completely refurbished.
“Cunard guests are very passionate about their ships, so we have given great consideration to Cunard’s aesthetic integrity and rich 176-year history,” said Alan McVitty, director of M Design. “We drew inspiration from archival imagery of Cunard ships as well as architectural elements from the company’s buildings in Liverpool and New York.”
The new Britannia Club Dining will offer flexible dining times, replacing the original Chart Room next to the main restaurant. Suites named Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia will be reworked to provide square footage comparable to suites on Queen Elizabeth.
The redesigned Cunard Grand Suites will introduce a refreshed palette and contemporary fittings to improve comfort and entertainment. Features will include floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, a service prep area, a snug with TV, a lounge, a master sea-view bathroom, a second bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a balcony. Five new Penthouse Suites will also be added, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living and sleeping areas and bathrooms designed to maximize natural light.
The former Chart Room will be relocated to Deck 2 near the Grand Lobby, forming a new Chart Room concept. During the day it will serve coffee and Godiva chocolate, and in the evening it will operate as a cocktail venue. A gin-and-fizz themed menu will be introduced in the Midships Lounge to complement the updated social spaces.
