I cruise every month. Not only is it my job to bring the best in travel to baby boomers like us, but to be completely honest, it’s also my therapy, my thrill, my rhythm. So when I heard that Queen Elizabeth, the recently refreshed ocean liner from Cunard, was setting sail from PortMiami for the first time ever, it instantly shot to the top of my bucket list.
Not only is Miami one of my home ports, it’s now the new temporary home of one of the most iconic cruise ships on the planet. After 185 years of embodying British luxury, Cunard is finally bringing its White Star Service to the Caribbean, and I couldn’t be more ready for it.
Let’s be real: there’s cruising, and then there’s Cunard. This is not your standard vacation-at-sea. With its Art Deco interiors, black-tie gala nights, world-class performances, and elegant design, the Queen Elizabeth isn’t just a ship. It’s an experience. And for the first time, it’s accessible right from my backyard.
Why This Cruise Is Different
This isn’t just another Caribbean itinerary. Cunard has tailored an entire Caribbean season around the Queen Elizabeth, with voyages ranging from nine to 21 nights, running from October 2025 through April 2026. These aren’t cookie-cutter trips. They’re curated, indulgent journeys visiting ports like St. Lucia, Barbados, Cozumel, and Belize – all while wrapped in the elegance that Cunard is known for.
The entertainment onboard is next-level. We’re talking the first-ever at-sea performance of Come From Away, plus appearances from Broadway and West End stars – including Sutton Foster. The Commodore Club has been transformed into the Abbey Road Listening Lounge (yes, Beatles vibes at sea), and there’s even a new dining concept called Karibe, celebrating coastal Caribbean cuisine with bold spices and elevated twists.
This is luxury redefined, not just white tablecloths and polished service, but new energy, real joy, and modern flair.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Ship
The Queen Elizabeth recently got a glow-up, and it shows. From revamped staterooms and redesigned common spaces to the new Lido Pool Club and the elegant Queens Room for dancing the night away, every inch of the ship has been refreshed for a new era of travelers.
There’s even a wellness angle. The ship now features the Pavilion Wellness Café and a partnership with Harper’s Bazaar® Wellness at Sea, with spa journeys, smoothie bars, masterclasses, and more. So you can decompress while sailing from island to island, which is what I love to do. There’s nothing like the complete and total relaxation of a spa at sea.
Miami to the World
Having Cunard sailing from PortMiami is a huge deal – not just for me personally, but for the cruise world at large. Miami is already the Cruise Capital of the World, but this partnership brings a whole new level of glamour to the lineup.
As Patricia Altschul put it during the ship’s Miami arrival celebration, “To me, Queen Elizabeth is a kindred spirit.” Same here. This ship speaks to those of us who crave travel that’s not just about where we’re going, but how we get there.
What’s Next?
If all goes according to plan, I’ll be boarding the Queen Elizabeth sometime this season. Maybe for a shorter nine-night trip to the Eastern Caribbean, maybe for a full 21-night voyage that does it all. Either way, this isn’t just another cruise – this is the cruise.
And after the Caribbean? She’s heading to Alaska for summer 2026. So who knows… maybe that’s the next dream to chase.
One thing’s for sure: Queen Elizabeth has officially entered my monthly cruising orbit – and I’m ready to sail.
- For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, travelers can contact their Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.
