qe2 cruise to alaska

• Cunard Line

QE Alaska Review From A First Time Cunard Cruiser

By ceilidh1 , August 9, 2023 in Cunard Line

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I recently sailed on the QE, roundtrip Vancouver-Alaska, and figured I would share some thoughts. Ordinarily, I do live reviews from the ship, but the wifi was SO bad that it had to wait until I got home! As a first time Cunard cruiser, I was quite anxious and not sure what to expect - hoping this will be helpful for other first timers!

While I have never sailed Cunard before, I am a seasoned cruiser with well over 40 cruises under my belt - almost half of which were to Alaska. The reason being - I live within walking distance of the port in Vancouver, so anything that I can do without flying is a win! I primarily sail Princess, but also enjoy NCL and my new favorite Virgin Voyages. Usually, I sail with my kids but this time it was just myself and BFF.

I did a lot of research and video watching to prepare for this sailing, since I really had no idea what to expect. I'm not one for dressing up and I was very worried about having to dress for dinner each night. Luckily, my thoughts on what it mean to "dress for dinner" were way over the top - no, you don't need a full on ballgown each night! We had two gala nights - Ice White and Masquerade - so I treated myself to a nice white dress and a cute black dress and accessories. The other nights, we just dressed in either a cocktail type dress or nice pants and blouse.

I typically like to buy a drink package, simply because I don't want to worry about having a bill when I disembark. Sadly, Cunard priced me out of this - $70USD per day and both guests had to buy. That's $1400USD for drinks. Nope. We ended up deciding to just pay-as-you-go and it was definitely the right choice.

We did purchase the thermal suite for both sea days. The way it is set up online is that you choose a day and a 2-hour time slot. This is not the way it works once you board - the booking is actually for the entire day, rather than two hours, and it was much more to purchase on the ship than to purchase ahead of time. This worked out in our favour!

We also did the two Lido specialty dining, which we pre-purchased online for $25USD per person. I believe it was more to purchase once on the ship. 

We did not book excursions since we had both been to Alaska many times and planned on either just walking around town or enjoying the empty ship. Given that we had pretty crummy weather all trip, this turned out to be the right choice!

Embarkation

Anyone that has ever sailed from Vancouver will know what a gong show this port can be. I used to work shoreside at the port, so know the process like the back of my hand. I still hate it. We were fortunate that there were only two ships in for our embarkation - Disney and QE. We were assigned a 2pm check in time, but decided to arrive around noon (having worked there for so long I know that it's better to arrive right around boarding time). As is the usual process at Canada Place, we dropped our bags at the terminal level, took the escalator up to street level for check in, took the escalator back down to terminal level for security and US CBP, and then boarded the ship. It really is an awkward process! There was a line for check in, but it seemed to move quickly and we were headed back down to a much longer line for security. Once again, if you have sailed from Vancouver, you will know that to go through security and US CBP it's every man (or woman) for themselves. All passengers, regardless of ship or status, go through the exact same lines. It was pretty easy to tell who were on Cunard and who were on Disney - lots of frazzled parents, kids melting down, and the vacation hasn't even started. I'm always amazed at the security points when, after standing in line for half an hour, the person in front of me suddenly realises (or not) that they need to empty their pockets. Then the line gets held up even more as we wait for that person to either proceed through the metal detector with their cell phone, money, and keys in their pocket or hold up everyone behind as one by one they empty every pocket they have. Despite the line, we were still in good spirits and got through in around half an hour. Next up is US CBP - they have the same machines they use at the airport but if you aren't travelling on US or Canadian passports, you have to line up to see an officer. That line was pretty significant, but we got through to the machines quickly, punched in all the details and were on our way. This is where the ships branch off - Disney went to the left and Cunard to the right. The ship had just started boarding at this point and the rep asked if we were priority - nope. We were told to take a seat. There were a bunch of empty rows (I assume folks who had been sitting there had been called to board) and then 5 or 6 rows with people sitting in them. We asked the rep where we should sit and my BFF jokingly said "Can we sit in the first row" - to which the rep said, "Of course!". Huh? Well, we sat there and then were told to come on aboard...but all the other rows were still sitting and waiting. Confused? Us, too! From arrival to stepping foot on the ship was one hour and fifteen minutes. Not the best but definitely not the worst at this port!

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First Impressions

From the first step onto that red carpet, seeing the staff decked out in their cute red outfits and hats I knew this ship would be classy. I was right! The ship was stunning. So tasteful and elegant. I loved the fresh flowers, the art, the decor, and the feeling that you were on a traditional ocean liner as opposed to an amusement park at sea (I'm looking at you RCCL)!

We were delighted to find our cabin was available to us to drop our bags, so that was our first stop. We had an oceanview on deck one. I was initially concerned that this would be a problem as it seemed so low and it was midship next to guest services. The opposite was true! The cabin was so convenient for everything and so quiet. We felt no movement and it was a great set up. I loved the fact there was a sofa in the room!

3rdGenCunarder

Thanks for your thoughts on embarkation. Gong show? I had a different name for it a year ago when, on top of the other stages, we had ArriveCAN and proof of covid test to show! Even without those extras, I always feel like a rat in a maze embarking in Vancouver. 

But once you're on the ship, QE is worth it! She is elegant, although I wish Cunard would get over the feather arrangements. 

After dropping our bags and checking into the muster station, we headed off in search of lunch. I was hoping to find the pub open, or at least a dining room, but it seemed the only option was the buffet. And, like all buffets on embarkation day, it was madness! The food looked great but was lukewarm at best. There were no tables and, if one was vacated, there were no staff to clear them. We ended up standing next to a newly vacated table, with plates in hand, for a good 5-10 minutes hoping that someone would come clear away the remains from the last guests. No one did. In the end, I ended up holding our plates of food while BFF cleared the table and walked the dirty dishes up to the counter. Only then did someone approach and wipe down the table. Not a great first impression, especially after we had been so wowed up to this point! Not surprisingly, no one came to ask if we wanted drinks, so BFF headed off the the drink dispenser and came back with...pineapple juice!? Huh? No lemonade, out of cranberry juice, so pineapple it was. Not that I have anything against pineapple - just seemed kind of random. 

By the time we were done eating and exploring, it was around 4:30pm and time for sailaway...or so we thought. We found a place at the aft of the ship (this quickly became our favorite hangout) and settled in to watch the sailaway. My kiddos texted while we were there to say they were coming down to wave us off (we literally live a 7 minute walk from the port). It was so nice to see them and say a final goodbye...except we didn't actually go anywhere. We sat. And sat. And waved. And waved, Then it became awkward, and the kids wanted dinner so they left. We didn't. I'm not sure what the hold up was but we didn't end up leaving until close to 6pm, by which time we had headed in to find dinner!

Apologies for the upside down pictures....

Food is obviously subjective and, after the first not-very-impressive, impression at the buffet you might think I'm here to say the food was awful. Not at all. Hands down, this was the best cruise line food I have ever had - and I've been on my fair share of cruises. The buffet is never my favorite place, but the buffet on QE had some great options - afternoon tea was outstanding, as was the pizza station. I didn't love breakfast, simply because it never changed. The sushi station was wonderful. The food in the dining rooms was consistently great, and don't even get me started on the pub lunch - awesome! We did the Lido specialty - Frontier and Coriander - and loved both. So good and so worth the upcharge. We also enjoyed some good food on deck at the Lido Grill and had some nice pastries at Cafe Corinthia. The room service menu was outstanding - and complimentary. Honestly, I would have been happy to just to have every meal off there! The only problem we had was deciding where to eat as we didn't want to miss anything! I really can't say a bad thing about the food on this ship.

Service in the dining rooms was hit and miss - it often took forever to get drinks (if you were even lucky enough to have a drink server come over). Which leads me to another observation - as two females, we found that we were largely ignored in terms of drink service. It started out amusing but by day three I was mad! We would sit in a lounge and get completely ignored, while a male/female couple would sit on the next table and get approached immediately. In the dining room, I asked our waiter and the food server to send over someone to take a drink order - never came. Is this normal? It became kind of embarrassing having to constantly flag down someone to get us drinks - I felt like they thought I had a drinking problem. The only place this wasn't an issue was in the pub, so we spent much of our time in there!

Pictures of some of the amazing food we had

Entertainment

Like food, I feel that entertainment is somewhat subjective. While I appreciated the pure talent of every entertainer on this ship, the offerings were just not my style. That's not to say they weren't excellent. I just don't want to listen to classical music, pianists, violinists, or harpists every night and I don't have any interest in ballroom dancing, so I felt like I was always wondering what to do. Luckily for me, the pub and the Garden Cafe had the Irish Duo Cula each night and they were fantastic! Have I mentioned how much I loved the pub? I should also say that the production shows we watched were excellent and I really enjoyed them. However, overall, the lack of things that I, personally, am interested in would likely make me think twice about cruising on Cunard again - this trip was great in that it served its purpose of me just relaxing and doing nothing. Most trips I like to go-go-go and experience everything. I didn't feel as if there was enough for me to experience.

Ports on this ship were the usual Alaska ones - Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. We had been to all multiple times so just roamed around. In Alaska we went to our fave places - The Asylum and Jellyfish Donuts, in Skagway we got caught in a torrential downpour, in Juneau we just walked through town, and in Sitka we went to our fave thriftstore. We got closer to the glaciers in Glacier Bay than I have been in many years, so that was pretty cool! I feel guilty being so ambivalent about ports that many experience as a "once in a lifetime" thing - I really am spoiled. Also of note is that we saw whales from the ship several times, many eagles, otters, and a bear off in the distance. Once again, I am spoiled - these sightings are a daily occurrence where I live...

Oops I forgot Victoria! We stayed on the ship!

As mentioned previously, drink service was a bone of contention throughout the cruise. I have never had such an issue getting a drink before - and it's not even as if I had the drink package, so Cunard actually lost money with me!

For the most part, service on this ship was good - I was actually expecting a little more, given what I had read beforehand. Staff definitely did not fall over themselves or go above and beyond (there were a few exceptions to this) and I did find myself faced with the word "no" several times. I was shocked to witness a waiter tell guests in the Commodore Club that they couldn't eat their food from the buffet in there (glacier day and everyone had staked out tables there), I was shocked to hear a bartender in Cafe Corinthia tell a guest that she could not take her pastries up to her room, and I was shocked to be told by guest services that the crappy wifi we had purchased was "out of their control" (by far the worst wifi we have had on any ship). Now, there were exceptions - two staff from the Bookstore giftshop were wonderful, a waitstaff in the pub became a firm friend, the host at Britannia was fantastic, and waitstaff we had in Lido alternative dining were excellent. Our cabin steward was also great!

28 minutes ago, ceilidh1 said:

Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

Disembarkation

The worst day ever is when you get the info telling you that you have to leave! We received the usual Canada customs forms prior to arriving in Victoria. I was also surprised at a blurb from Cunard informing guests that they could not leave the ship in Victoria as embarking in one Canadian port and disembarking in another violated the PVSA. I'm pretty sure that isn't true - this is an American law, no? We were given the option to walk off with our bags, or do the usual route of putting them out the night before. We chose the latter as we had nowhere to be and planned on taking our time. We ended up with a disembarkation time of 10:00am - perfect. We had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room and were pleasantly surprised with the lack of people around the ship - disembarkation morning is usually survival of the fittest and involves hurdling over luggage and pushing through people waiting in the hallways. None of that on this ship. We heard disembarkation groups getting called as we were eating and then it seemed to stop. Around 9:30, we gathered our stuff and headed down to the gangway - we asked what colour they were calling and were told everyone could get off. So off we got. Bags were right where they should be, and I was home by 10:15! Easy peasy.

5 minutes ago, NE John said: Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

That's dinner -fish and chips was only lunch!

As mentioned previously, we had pre-purchased thermal suite passes. This worked out well as, not only did we save a fair amount of money, but we had access for the entire day rather than just 2 hours as we thought. The spa was nice but very small - only 6 heated stone loungers (and they weren't that hot), two steam rooms, a sauna that was out of order (but there was a working one in the change room), and the hydrotherapy pool. I was most looking forward to the pool, but it turned out to be like a warm bath. There were no jets other than the huge firehose type ones that knocked you off your feet, and it was really dark in there. The stone loungers had a great view but needed to be hotter. The steam rooms were nice, as was the sauna in the change room. It should be noted that anyone can use this sauna, as well as the showers in the change room - you didn't need to pay for the spa to do so.

Final Thoughts

We had a great time on this ship and really enjoyed the elegant, traditional feel of it. I'm not sure I'm quite the typical demographic that Cunard is designed for - I somewhat missed the cheesy, tacky gameshows and I prefer disco to ballroom. As someone that typically sails with kids, I can't say I would rush to take them on this line - they would LOVE the food, but not sure there would be enough to keep them entertained. For a girls/adults trip it was perfect!

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Cunard Cruise Line, Alaska cruise from Vancouver, 11 June, 2024

Cruising from: Vancouver, British Columbia ;

Departure Date: 11 June, 2024 ;

Cruise Line: Cunard Cruise Line ;

Cruise Ship: Queen Elizabeth ;

Duration: 10 days ;

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Victoria, Vancouver ;

10-day Alaska cruise on board Queen Elizabeth.

Day 0 vancouver, british columbia.

Vancouver is located in British Columbia, and is considered one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world, with a thriving cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and a diverse and welcoming population....

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea....

Day 2 Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska is a popular departure port for many Alaskan cruises, offering visitors a chance to explore the Last Frontier's stunning natural beauty, rich history, and culture....

Day 3 Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, located in the Upper Lynn Canal is a place in Alaska where the past lives on. The Port of Skagway is the northernmost ice-free, deep-water port in North America, and serves as a year-round transportation hub between Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northern British Columbia, the Northwest...

Day 4 Icy Strait, Alaska

Icy Strait Point is a unique and remote destination in Alaska that offers visitors the chance to experience the authentic culture and natural beauty of the region. This former cannery town is located on the remote Chichagof Island, and is only accessible by boat or plane.

One of the...

Day 5 Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is a pristine wilderness area in southeast Alaska that is famous for its stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. A cruise through Glacier Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers visitors the chance to witness the raw beauty of this...

Day 6 Ketchikan, Alaska

An Alaskan cruise from Ketchikan is an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world....

Day 7 Misty Fjords, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument, located in the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, is a popular destination for cruise ships due to its stunning natural beauty and unique landscape. Visitors to Misty Fjords can expect to be awed by the towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and...

Day 8 At Sea, At Sea

Day 9 victoria, british columbia.

Victoria, British Columbia's capital, is an occasional Cruise Port during the Alaska cruise season, especially at the beginning or the end of the cruise season, when cruise lines have unique itineraries as they reposition their ships from the south to the north, or vice versa....

Day 10 Vancouver, British Columbia

Experience wildlife, wilderness, and native culture on this Alaska cruise with Cunard Cruise Line. Visit Vancouver, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Victoria, Vancouver. Queen Elizabeth leaving Vancouver, British Columbia, for 10 days from 11 June, 2024.

Alaska cruise from Vancouver June 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Cunard Cruise Line website.

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Queen Elizabeth Overview

A cruise on the Queen Elizabeth , one of Cunard’s three ocean liners, is a chance to step back into the glamorous hey-day of cruising. Passengers can delight in the fabulously British touches of afternoon tea, a game of croquet and a formal royal ball. Queen Elizabeth also has lots of modern features, including a state-of-the-art Computer Centre, relaxing whirlpools and karaoke, for some fun at night. Cunard is also known for its cuisine - we recommend the Lobster Newberg at the Queens Grille and the decadent Cambridge Burnt Cream Tart at the Britannia Restaurant.

• Passenger Capacity: 2,081 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished:  2023

• The Queens Room The full history and grandeur of the Britain’s aristocracy comes alive on Cunard’s ocean liners. To really immerse yourself in the culture, you must have Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Here you will be served tea along with cucumber sandwiches and scones, all while an orchestra plays. The Queens Room is also where the Royal Nights Themed Ball takes places.  

• Royal Spa Unwind completely at the Royal Spa on your next journey. The facility offers a chance to rejuvenate in the soothing waters of the Hydrotherapy Pool at the Royal Bath House. Renew your skin with a facial and revive your romance with a couple’s massage or body wrap. The spa is also home to the Queen Elizabeth’s fitness programs and salon services.  

• The Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre is home to the Queen Elizabeth Theater Company, known for their imaginative musicals and stirring production of Shakespeare classics. Some times this gorgeous theater with balcony seating doubles as a movie theater, showing recent hits and classic favorites.  

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

Adventure is right around the corner with a Cunard Line cruise to Alaska. 

Delight in the historic treasures and scenic pleasures of the Far East on a cruise through Asia aboard Cunard Line’s world-famous ocean liners.

Immerse yourself in the delightful cultures and exotic locales of Australasia with a Cunard Line voyage to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Eastern Caribbean

Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

South Pacific / Tahiti

Inspire yourself with adventure, grand Sydney attractions, and vibrant marine environments on a cruise to Australasia and the Pacific Islands.

Transatlantic

Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Transpacific

Sail to the marvels of the Pacific aboard a marvel of your own with Cunard Line’s exquisite fleet of luxury ocean liners.

U. S. Pacific Coast

Explore some of the most iconic cities in the United States on a Cunard Line cruise to the US Pacific Coast. 

Western Caribbean

Enjoy the allure of a classic cruising experience when sailing with Cunard in the tropical waters of the Eastern Caribbean.

Queen Elizabeth Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is one of the northernmost cities in Australia, offering visitors a beautiful welcome to the great outdoors of Australia.

Melbourne, Australia

Soak up the culture and relaxed environment of Melbourne as you take in the live music, sip some perfect coffee and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Yokohama, Japan

See Japanese history in person as you discover Yokohama, Japan’s biggest port city, where the country was first opened to outside trade after more than 200 years of seclusion.

Fremantle, Australia

Beautiful beaches mixed with alternative art and music fill the Western Australia port city of Fremantle.

Queen Elizabeth Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, queen elizabeth staterooms.

Balcony (BA)

Enjoy the view from your private balcony and the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed stateroom. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf).

Balcony (CA)

Balcony (cb).

Balcony (A1)

Your Britannia Club Balcony stateroom offers the luxury of inside space and a stunning view from your private balcony. You will also dine in the intimate Britannia Club Restaurant, offering you the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. The Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony

Balcony (A2)

Inside (LC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Inside staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (GA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Deluxe Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (GB)

Inside (gc).

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (ID)

Inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (FB)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers an abundance of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have two beds, a living area and a shower.

Oceanview (FC)

Oceanview (EB)

Oceanview (ec), oceanview (ef).

Oceanview (KC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

As our guest in a abluxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Master Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Grand Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Princess Grill Suite is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Luxurious features such as a private balcony, separate seating area and a spacious bedroom make your Princess Grill Suite the ideal home from home. You also enjoy access to the Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath with shower along with a living area and balcony.

Photo Gallery for Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Queen Elizabeth

Princess Grill

Top 10 Queen Elizabeth Cruises

• Queen Elizabeth 28 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 3 NIGHT U. S. Pacific Coast CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 23 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From San Francisco, California (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 25 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From San Francisco, California (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 18 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 30 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 7 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Fremantle, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 12 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Fremantle, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 5 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 10 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

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Queen Elizabeth

Cruise line Cunard

• Miami (Florida)
• Sydney (NSW Australia)
• Seattle (Washington)
• Yokohama (Tokyo, Japan Kanagawa)
• Vancouver (BC Canada)

Queen Elizabeth current position

Queen Elizabeth current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 55.12251 N / -134.03973 W) cruising at speed of 20.6 kn (38 km/h | 24 mph) en route to JUNEAU. The AIS position was reported 1 hour ago.

Current itinerary of Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth current cruise is 39 days, one-way from Vancouver to Sydney . The itinerary starts on 09 Sep, 2024 and ends on 18 Oct, 2024 .

Specifications of Queen Elizabeth

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Queen Elizabeth Itineraries

Queen elizabeth review, review of queen elizabeth.

The 2010-built MS Queen Elizabeth cruise ship is same-designed as MS Queen Victoria (2007) and has as fleetmates the Cunard liners RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004) and the fleet's newest boat (2024-built) Queen Anne .

The vessel (IMO number 9477438) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310625000) and registered in Hamilton . The flag state/registry was changed from Southampton (UK) to Bermuda in order to be able to host onboard weddings.

On the 10th of October 2007, Cunard announced the ship's name. Cunard's last traditional-design Atlantic Ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969-built, IMO 6725418) retired in 2008 (on Nov 27th).

The cruise ship was named after and christened by HM Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). The namesake is the Royal Navy battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier (2014-built).

History - construction and ownership

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise brand, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies . In 2015, Cunard Line celebrated its 175th anniversary.

The 2300-passenger liner Queen Elizabeth is a luxurious ocean liner. QE appeared in October 2010 when she was named in a grandiose ceremony by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Reminding the rich inheritance of the first Cunarder to bear the name, her stylishness both echoes that legendary age and improves her luxury modern charm. QE- the running mate to Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria has a modified design and is slightly larger than Queen Victoria, having more vertical stern.

With her black hull, white structure and red funnel signals, externally Cunard Queen Elizabeth has the charm of the company's British heritage, following Cunard's tradition. Modern luxury and the best of Cunard's values are what guests can expect onboard.

The ship is identical in design to MS Queen Victoria, although the max passenger capacity is slightly higher because of the steeper stern. This difference is the reason why the largest suites (at the stern) have smaller balconies. The games deck is covered by a roof at the end of deck 11, which is not similar to the sports deck on Queen Victoria with her not continuous canvas covering. RMS Queen Elizabeth's original whistle was used to make a copy of it for the new ship.

Unlike previous Cunard ships, this is not a true liner, as it doesn't have a heavy plating (throughout the hull). The bow is constructed with heavier plating in order to cope with Transatlantic crossings. Also, the ship has a high freeboard.

The ship's decor is different from Queen Victoria's, although with identical interior arrangements. As a tribute to the previous Elizabeths (the original one and the QE2), this cruiser evokes the 1930s, when Cunard's first QE was launched. A feature on Queen Mary 2 (not available on Queen Victoria) is the Britannia Club section of the restaurant, featured on Queen Elizabeth. This way passengers in Britannia staterooms are allowed to use single-seating dining arrangements, not having to upgrade to the more expensive Grill cabin grades.

Decks and Cabins

Cunard Queen Elizabeth staterooms (1043 total) include 127 Suites, 611 Balcony, 146 Oceanview and 162 Inside cabins, in all 9 types and 34 categories. The ship has 20 wheelchair-accessible and 9 studios (single-occupancy cabins). The largest are the Grand Suites (1495 ft2 / 139 m2 plus 970 ft2 / 90 m2 terrace).

Cabin types include Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia, Suites (Grand, Master, Penthouse, Queen, Princess), Standard Balcony staterooms, Outside and Interior (windowless). Most cabins (Britannia Balcony) are sized 190-420 ft2 / 18-39 m2, with cabin balconies sized 70 ft2 / 7 m2.

The boat has 12 decks (all passenger-accessible) of which 7 are with cabins. Of all staterooms, ~85% are outside, with 71% of them with step-out balconies.

The Princess and Queens Grill suites are situated around the ship, with excellent views, or in the midships, where balconies are deeper. Most of the top suites are on Deck 7, in addition to Queens Grill penthouses, two Master and two Grand Suites which include huge balconies, separate dining areas, and whirlpool baths. These are named after the knighted Cunard Commodores. The Master Suites have a bath with a sea view, and the top category- the Grand Suites offer outdoor dining and a wraparound balcony. Queens and Princess Grill offer personalized stationery and marble bathrooms. The intimate Grill restaurants offer exceptional menus (with sophisticated creams and browns that glitter crystal and gold) and exciting sea views- located on Deck 11. The doors open to the Courtyard, and steps will lead you to the upper Grills Terrace, providing more exclusivity than the lower one, available for all guests.

Theoretically, MS Queen Elizabeth is a classless ship, but passengers are actually separated (like on all Cunard liners) as their onboard dining locations are according to their cabin's category/cruise fares paid. Britannia Restaurant is for regular cabins, Princess Grill - for junior suites, and the Queen's Grill is for deluxe suites. All the other public rooms are free to be used by all passengers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Four main dining rooms and the Verandah- an alternative restaurant, the Lido- a buffet and a changing specialty option, are Queen Elizabeth suggestions. The Britannia Restaurant is the main dining room on board the ship, where everyone dines except the Grills and Britannia Club cabins. You may choose between two seating- 6,00p.m. and 8,30p.m. Britannia is open for full served breakfast on sea days from 8,00a.m. to 9,30a.m., on port days from 7,30a.m. to 9,00a.m.; lunch is from 12,30p.m. to 2,00p.m., open seating at both. A wide choice is on the dinner menu- five appetizers, six entrees (two of which vegetarian choices), two salads, six desserts, including cheese.

A step up from Britannia is the Britannia Club, which is a separate room for inhabitants of top-grade Britannia cabins. The menu is as, in Britannia, the atmosphere- more exclusive, dinner is from 6,30p.m. to 9,00p.m., open seating, breakfast and lunch served also there. The two Grill restaurants are on Deck 10, accessible with special keycards, sharing the outdoor terrace with a splashing fountain, sheltered by high walls. The Princess Grill's menu is similar to Britannia, but with more items and a la carte menu. Queens Grill's menu is with bigger a la carte menu and you can have what you want.

The Verandah Restaurant on Deck 2 offers really outstanding food and is available to all passengers. It is open from 6,30p.m. to 9,00p.m., for lunch from 12,00p.m. to 1,30p.m. If you dine there you will enjoy a real luxury cruise. The Lido is a 24-hour casual dining venue on Deck 9. Breakfast is served from 4,00a.m. to 11,30a.m., and is followed by lunch until 3,00p.m., afternoon tea is at 6,00p.m., dinner- from 6,00p.m. to 11,00p.m., snacks available through the night. Other dining venues are Cafe Carinthia on Deck 3, which is open from 7,00a.m. and serves breakfast- pastries, lunch- quiches and salads, and afternoon tea. The Lido and the Queens Room offer afternoon tea and sandwiches, burgers, pasta and other, as well as the menu from dining rooms.

The Britannia Club, which is one of the four basic QE dining rooms, replaced the Chart Room bar which is available on Cunard's Queen Victoria, while the Todd English specialty restaurant, featured on both QM2 and QV, became The Verandah. This restaurant, managed by Cunard's executive chef, is remindful of the glory days of the first Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, on which The Verandah Grill was regarded as the finest restaurant at sea. The Midships Bar, which is another much-loved Cunard's feature, is back, as is the Yacht Club nightspot, which is a lounge fondly remembered by fans of QE2 for its late-night dancing. Despite that Cunard is American owned cruise company, there's no lack of British icons such as a Fortnum & Mason hamper ordering service, Harris Tweed for sale and a sunlit Garden Lounge that's spiritual by the glass houses of Kew Gardens.

When you book you may request a sitting. The Britannia restaurant has two for dinner - at 6 p.m. and at 8.30 p.m. Princess Grill and Queens Grill do not have sittings - when they are open, you can dine any time you choose. A note for confirmation sitting and table number will be left in your stateroom when you board. Lunch and breakfast do not require allocated tables or sittings.

During the day, passengers definitely tend towards country club casual dress code. At night, even when it isn't a formal-designated evening, people dress anyway. There are three dress codes in the main restaurants after 6 p.m. each evening - which one applies each night you will be told in pre-voyage documentation and daily program in your stateroom: Formal (men - dinner jacket with a black tie or dark business suit; women- evening dress); Semi-formal (men- jacket and a tie; women - cocktail dress/trouser suit); Elegant casual (men - a jacket, tie is optional; women - skirt, dress or trousers). Shorts and T-shirts or shorts are not permitted!

Follows the complete list of Queen Elizabeth restaurants and food bars.

• Verandah Restaurant (French specialty restaurant at a surcharge)
• Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, 2-level Dining Room; serves open-seating Breakfast and Lunch. Dinners are waiter-served, with 2 assigned sittings at 6 or 8:30 p.m. Inside is the Britannia Club which is a private dining room for Britannia Club Balcony guests)
• Britannia Club Restaurant (single-seating, complimentary dining venue for AA-Balcony Room guests only)
• Lido Restaurant (450-seat buffet-style restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch; In two of its sections are offered itinerary-inspired dishes for dinner)
• Winter Garden Lounge (supper club/formal dining venue; features gourmet food and Afternoon Champagne Tea)
• Queens Grill Restaurant (142-seat, for Queens Grill Suite guests; with regular and an a-la-carte-priced menu)
• Princess Grill Restaurant (132-seat, Princess Grill Suite guests only; open-sitting, with the same menu as at the Queens Grill)
• The Courtyard Restaurant (40-seat; serves Grills staterooms guests only).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Queen Elizabeth cruise liner is quite similar in many aspects to her sibling, Queen Victoria, in most of the design, cabins and enrichment programs. The decor indefinably feels lighter; chic, geometric Art Deco-inspired interiors unlike to the heavier Victoriana. There is beautiful artwork, rich Italian marble, polished wood and soft light everywhere, diffused by glittering chandeliers. The rippling sounds of a harp, soft piano or gentle jazz trio throughout the public places emphasize the whole feeling of old-fashioned glamour. There isn't neon or glitz on this vessel, and there are some gimmicks. Instead of capturing the public's imagination with water slides and high-tech discos, Cunard cruise company cashes in on its awesome inheritance, a sense of cause and old-fashioned pursuits like ballroom dancing, lawn bowls or afternoon tea in the Garden Lounge.

Live music is played all over the ship. If you enjoy evening drinks in Midships bar or Cafe Carinthia, listen to the pianist and the harpist in the Grand Lobby. The Golden Lion pub presents a singing pianist, quizzes, karaoke. Every day dancing, morning, noon and night on Queen Elizabeth- most in the Queens Room built for the purpose, gold and blue. A large dance floor and stage for band complete the picture. Single ladies are accompanied by gentleman hosts. Jazz concerts and piano recitals are also held there. Every few nights Royal Balls are organized in the Queens Room. Other evening events are shows in the theatre, with 20 V.I.P. boxes. Forward is the Empire Casino and the Golden Lion pub. The pub is cozy and modeled as a British pub, is cozy enough. Roulette, Texas Hold'em, BlackJack and numerous slots are available in the casino- a nonsmoking area. The only smokers places are on balconies, the starboard side on Decks 3 and 10, in Churchill's Lounge on Deck 10. The Midships Bar has seating around a marble bar and comfortable armchairs. In Queens Room, where a lot of people gather each evening drinks are also served. Bigger lounges and bars are on Decks 9 and 10.

Family-oriented in terms of facilities, Queen Elizabeth has the look of a "grown-up" ship. For that reason, families might feel better on P&O or Princess lines. The Zone on Deck 10 is a teenagers' room for computer games, air hockey, Xbox, and for the smaller ones QE suggests a colorful children's playroom full with toys. Outdoor deck space is featured, as well. These operate on port days only, but you better book in advance.

Cunard cruise ship weddings, ceremonies, and parties could be held in some of the QE's lounges. There is no chapel on board the QE ship.

Follows the complete list of Queen Elizabeth lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Court Theatre (832-seat, 3-deck, with a giant movie screen; hosts high-tech visual programs, grand musical productions, and shows, as well as theatrical spectacles, performances by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
• iStudy (Cunard ConneXions; separate meeting rooms featuring Internet computers); Internet Centre
• Grand Lobby Atrium (with a grand piano, grand sweeping staircase, interior glass-wall lifts)
• Golden Lion Pub (116-seat traditional British pub bar; features a large selection of the UK and international beers, large-size TVs, live entertainment, small dance floor)
• Empire Casino (222-seat, 6000 ft2 / 610 m2; with 115 slots and 11 gambling tables, served by Casino Bar)
• Queens Arcade (quiet area for relaxation with panoramic views)
• Cunard Place (nautically themed museum); Clarendon Fine Art gallery; Images Gallery (photo gallery)
• Cunard ConneXions (a complex of 3 rooms which host onboard events)
• Chart Room (cocktail bar with live jazz)
• Queens Room (2-level formal dancing ballroom; hosts evening dancing parties and daily dance lessons)
• Veuve Cliquot (Champagne Bar); Cafe Carinthia (patisserie, specialty teas and coffees bar); Midships Bar & Lounge
• Royal Arcade (boutique shops, top name brands); Fortnum and Mason Shop
• The Alcove (a quiet room with a big jigsaw puzzle); Card Room
• Royal Spa & Fitness Centre (size 20000 ft2 / 1860 m2, 2-level; with a Spa, Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite, Finnish and Herbal Saunas, Treatment Rooms, Relaxation Lounge, Aromatic Steam Room, Beauty Salon)
• Fitness Centre (Gym Room and Weights area; with exercise bikes, Elliptical machines, treadmills, steppers, rowing machines, yoga mats; has Aerobics Room for classes)
• The Library (with a large book selection - over 6000 volumes)
• Pavilion Pool (with 2 Whirlpools and poolside Bar); Lido Pool (with 2 Whirlpools, Bar and Grill)
• Commodore Club (indoor observation lounge with panoramic windows and live piano music)
• Admiral's Lounge (premium liquors)
• Churchill's Cigar Lounge (smokers room with a selection of fine liquors and cigars)
• The Yacht Club Lounge & Disco (nautically themed, glass-domed)
• The PlayZone (indoor/outdoor kids area for children 7+ yo); The Zone (for children 8 to 12 yo); Teen Zone (teenagers club area)
• Games Deck (glass-domed; with tennis court, shuffleboard, croquet, quoits, giant chess, golf simulators, first time at sea complimentary fencing lessons)
• The Terrace (private outdoor area, Grill passengers only); The Grills Lounge (Grill Suites guests only).

Itineraries

Queen Elizabeth itinerary program each year has a World Cruise leaving roundtrip from Southampton UK , with several one-way itinerary segments. The liner also sails in Europe (Canaries, Mediterranean and UK mini cruises), leaving from Southampton.

In February 2018, Cunard announced that for season 2019-2020, the cruise liner will be deployed in Australia to serve a 101-day program. During this season (December 2019 through March 2020), the ship had scheduled 6 roundtrips from Melbourne and 2 roundtrips from Sydney NSW on itineraries to Tasmania, New Zealand, South Australia, Papua New Guinea (14-day from Sydney, with maiden port calls to Conflict Islands and Kiriwina / Trobriand Islands).

For season 2019 (February-March), the ship had a 54-day long Australian season with homeporting in Sydney NSW and Melbourne. In 2019 and 2020, the liner offered a unique for Cunard Alaskan program based on roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada (read more in the Wiki section).

In summer 2021 (July through October), Cunard scheduled for Queen Elizabeth an ex-UK season with 10 "British Isles Voyages" and 3 "Sun Voyages" (3- to 12-nights itineraries). "British Isles Voyages" offered scenic coastal cruising including Jurassic Coast (Dorset England), Land's End (Cornwall England), Scotland's Isle of Arran , Kintyre Peninsula, Sound of Mull. Four ex-UK voyages visited Belfast Ireland , Greenock , Invergordon , Liverpool , Newcastle , Holyhead Wales (first-time for Cunard). Balcony cabin prices per person (with double occupancy) started from GBP 600/EUR 700/USD 830 (4-night British Isles Voyages), GBP 900/EUR 1050/USD 1240 (7-night Sun Voyages), GBP 1300/EUR 1520/USD 1790 (10-night British Isles Voyage). Bookings were opened only for UK residents.

In late-October 2021, Cunard canceled Queen Elizabeth's Asia 2022 program (a total of 19 itineraries planned between Feb 20 - May 17) which was based on homeporting in Yokohama Japan . The revised 2022 schedule included roundtrips from homeport Southampton to Norway, Spain's Canary Islands, and Western Mediterranean ports, ending with a Grand Voyage (westbound Transatlantic crossing and Panama Canal transit) ending in Vancouver (BC Canada) .

Photos of Queen Elizabeth

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Cunard Line brings the 10 millionth cruise passenger to Victoria BC

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Cunard Line enabling shore power capability fleetwide

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Other Cunard cruise ships

• Queen Mary 2
• Queen Victoria

Queen Elizabeth Wiki

The Fincantieri Monfalcone -built Queen Elizabeth as vessel design is similar to P&O UK's Arcadia , Princess' Coral and Island , and Costa's Luminosa and Deliziosa . HM Queen Elizabeth II is the ship's Godmother. The naming ceremony was on October 11, 2010. The British monarch also christened Cunard's RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004), and in 1967 - Queen Elizabeth II (QE2 ship ceased operations in 2008).

The inaugural cruise/maiden voyage started on October 12, 2010, leaving from homeport Southampton to Canaries (Spanish autonomy territory). The itinerary visited Lisbon , Cadiz , Tenerife , Santa Cruz de la Palma and also Funchal (Madeira Island, Portugal) . For its first year of service, Queen Elizabeth did around 142,000 mi (230,000 km) of cruising to 100+ different destinations. Among the many celebrities who participated in the onboard show programs were Ruth Scott, Lord Jeffrey Archer, Brian Hoey.

The ship's first birthday was celebrated in Malta (Port Valletta) on October 12, 2011.

On January 13, 2011, the 3 Cunard liners met in the USA ( New York City ) on a second "Royal Rendezvous" to commemorate the second year after the first Royal Rendezvous. On this occasion, Elizabeth and Victoria crossed together the Atlantic Ocean. All Cunard ships gathered again in Southampton on June 5, 2012, to celebrate HM's diamond jubilee. A month later (on July 15), for the first time ever, Queen Elizabeth and QM2 docked together in Hamburg (Germany) .

In October 2011, the vessel changed its registry/flagstate  from the UK to Bermuda, which allows cruise wedding ceremonies to be held on the ship. The word “Southampton” on the stern was replaced with “Hamilton”.

On March 12, 2013, the liner passed by RMS Queen Mary - an earlier Cunard fleet member. QM is now permanently docked at Long Beach CA (Los Angeles) , serving as a ship hotel. On March 13, 2017, the ship departed on its ever first cruise leaving roundtrip from Japan ( Kobe-Osaka ). The 7-day itinerary (March 13-20) came after the local municipal government asked Cunard to schedule a Kobe-based cruise as in 2017 Port Kobe celebrated its 150th anniversary. The voyage included the Japanese ports Kagoshima , Busan , Hiroshima  and Kochi . This "surprise cruise" became part of the 2017 world voyage. CLIA's "2017 Summit at Sea" conference (May 9-17, 2017) was held onboard the ship. The itinerary (May 8-12) was roundtrip from Southampton to Hamburg .

In 2019, Cunard repositioned the liner for a 2-month long season in Australia (February-March), with departures from homeports Melbourne and Sydney on 7 cruises to NZ, South Australia, and Tasmania. For the liner's Australian deployment, Cunard partnered with 4 local brands (R.M.Williams / fashion, Akubra Hats, Starward Whisky/distillery, and Australian Dance Theatre). Under the Starward distillery partnership, the ship carried "The Seafarer" (a 225-litre barrel of the boutique whisky). It was loaded in Sydney NSW and positioned on the top deck to spend 12 months around the world, and will be opened in February 2019 at the Australian season's start. The partnership with Australian Dance Theatre will result in live performances, along with onboard dance classes and workshops.

Operated regularly and starting in January each year, Queen Elizabeth offers Cunard World Cruise deals with affordable pricing, popular destinations, and big-city ports to visit around the world.

Cunard cruises Alaska 2019-2020

In 2019, MS Queen Elizabeth had scheduled Cunard's first-ever Alaskan cruise season in over 20 years. The 27-day Pacific Ocean crossing itinerary (Asia-Alaska repositioning, May 5-31, 2019, Yokohama to Vancouver ) included as call ports Aomori , Tomakomai-Sapporo , Kodiak , Juneau , Anchorage , Skagway , Sitka , Ketchikan , Icy Strait Point . Cunard's 2019 Alaskan program included all four 10-night long roundtrips out of Vancouver to Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier .

On Queen Elizabeth, Cunard offers culturally-rich shipboard programming for all 2019 cruises to Alaska. The program includes four 10-day roundtrips (themed ‘The Last Frontier") with departures from Vancouver BC (2019 departure dates - May 21 and 31, June 10 and 20), with call ports Icy Strait Point , Juneau , Ketchikan , Sitka , Victoria BC , Skagway . Highlights include scenic cruising through Inside Passage , Hubbard Glacier , Tracy Arm Fjord . Cunard’s 2019 Alaskan program includes the following special onboard amenities:

• Lectures by Dr. Rachel Cartwright - a naturalist with 20+ years of experience in Alaska
• Live performances by Alaska Native Voices and members of Huna Tinglet tribe
• Presentations by LaDonna Rose Gundersen - cookbook author and commercial fisherwoman
• Dedicated in-cabin TV entertainment, including the documentary series “The Ketchikan Story”
• Complimentary hot cocoa and blankets provided on Sun Deck
• Live Navigation Bridge commentaries

On Queen Elizabeth, Cunard also planned a full 2020 Alaskan season (June through September). Due to high demand, the Alaskan 2020 program was doubled (in comparison to 2019) with 10 roundtrips from Vancouver (ranging 9 to 12 days) plus one roundtrip to San Francisco (overnight on Independence Day).

Each Alaskan voyage offers popular destinations along the coast of British Columbia (Canada) and Alaska (USA), and longer port times in Juneau , Ketchikan , Skagway , Sitka . In addition, these voyages offer scenic cruising in Inside Passage , Hubbard Glacier and along Sawyer Glacier ( Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm ). Cunard customers also can combine these itineraries into B2Bs (back-to-back cruises) . Cunard's 2020 Alaskan cruises include:

• 10-day "Alaska Voyage" roundtrip from Vancouver (June 2-12, 2019), fares start from USD 1600 pp.
• 3-day "Independence Day Celebration" from Vancouver to San Francisco (July 2-5), fares start from USD 600 pp.
• 16-day repositioning from San Francisco to Vancouver (July 5-21), fares start from USD 2660 pp.
• 29-day repositioning from Vancouver to Tokyo (August 29-September 28), fares start from USD 4460 pp.

Cunard Line offers for booking over 140 shore tours in Alaska, including "Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest", "Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest", "Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery", "Dogsled Adventure by Helicopter", "Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure", "Cooking in Alaska's Wildest Kitchen", "Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour", "Scenic Mountain Ascent and World's Largest ZipRider".

Other Alaskan shore excursions are themed as ATV Expedition, Wilderness Cruise and Silverking Lodge Seafood Feast, White Pass Scenic Railway (Luxury Class), Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast, Misty Fjords Seaplane Exploration, Ghosts, and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour, Exclusive Burro Creek Waterfall Lodge and Crab Feast.

Cunard also offers pre- and post-cruise rail tours, that include 3- or 5-day hotel plus 2 full days on the train. Rocky Mountaineer train travels through scenic destinations, such as the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, mountain passes, tunnels, and river canyons.

MS Queen Elizabeth refurbishments review

The ship's last drydocking was in 2023 (March 16 thru April 3) in Singapore , conducted at Sembawang shipyard (owned by Sembcorp Marine Ltd). The project was for regularly scheduled maintenance works, including hotel upkeep, technical overhauls, steel works, minor machinery updates.

The ship's 12-day drydock refurbishment in 2018 (November 15-27, at Damen Shiprepair Brest in Brest France ) resulted in the following changes:

• All staterooms (cabins and suites) were upgraded.
• (deck 3) Royal Arcade was redesigned.
• (deck 1) Royal Court Theatre (main show lounge) was completely overhauled (its audio and video equipment was upgraded).
• (Lido deck 9) open-deck spaces on Sun Deck were upgraded with new furniture, shaded seating areas were expanded.
• (deck 9) ship's wellness complex "Mareel Wellness & Beauty" (Spa, Beauty Salon) was extensively refurbished, and its treatments menu was upgraded via partnership with Canyon Ranch.

Maintenance works included stabilizers, ABB Azipods (azimuth thrusters), water-ballast tanks, EGCS (scrubbers/exhaust gas cleaning system), piping and ducting, safety equipment (lifeboats, liferafts), tender boats, renovations of hallways and corridors, cleaning and repainting the hull. All works were conducted at Damen Shiprepair Brest shipyard.

The boat's drydock 2014 was conducted by Blohm+Voss (in Hamburg Germany ) and resulted in the following changes:

• hull works (cleaning and repainting) and routine maintenance
• technology enhancements: filter system upgrade, scrubbers (new eco-friendly technology to lower exhaust gasses and bettering the fuel efficiency), Azipod (Azimuth thruster) propulsion modifications
• onboard enhancements: new carpeting in all public spaces, passenger cabins (new mattresses and flat TVs), restaurant renovations (plus new coffee-tea makers), new jewelry shops (on Promenade Deck 3), restyling of the Lido buffet area (Deck 9), Photo Studio upgrade (new touch screen photo processing system), new sun-awning systems (on open decks 9 and 12)
• 9 new single cabins were added on Deck 2 (8 Oceanview, 1 Standard Inside) taking some of the Casino space.

WE’RE CELEBRATING 65 YEARS IN TRAVEL! Book your cruise by 30th September to enter a prize draw to win a £650 travel voucher!

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Home > Destinations > Alaska Cruise Deals

Alaska Cruises

Embarking on one of the most captivating adventures, cruises to Alaska promise a voyage of untamed beauty and breathtaking landscapes, immersing yourself in the wild grandeur of the Last Frontier.

Sailing from Vancouver , Seattle or Seward, an Alaska cruise promises a journey of breathtaking vistas and unforgettable encounters. As the ship glides through the pristine waters, the charming port of Juneau awaits, where towering glaciers and lush forests paint a striking contrast against the clear blue skies.

Enjoy the quaint town of Ketchikan offering a glimpse into Alaska’s rich Native American heritage and is a prime spot for experiencing the thrill of salmon fishing. One of the crown jewels of any Alaskan cruise, Glacier Bay reveals a landscape that’s carved by time itself. Towering ice formations creak and groan as they make their slow march towards the sea, creating a spectacle that words struggle to capture.

Then there’s the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, a train journey that complements the majesty of Alaskan cruises. This luxurious train ride weaves through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, showcasing towering peaks, pristine lakes, and charming alpine towns. It’s a voyage of its own, a perfect prelude or postlude to an Alaskan adventure.

Some of the most popular cruise destinations in Alaska are:

Glacier Bay

A trip to Glacier Bay National Park is a journey into the heart of untamed Alaska, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our natural world.

As a tapestry of ice and nature, it showcases some of the most magnificent glaciers on the planet.

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is a blend of rugged wilderness and modern charm. Explore the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier, enjoy whale watching tours, or immerse yourself in rich Native Alaskan culture.

Rocky Mountaineer

Upgrade your Alaskan experience with a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer , a luxury train journey that traverses the most breathtaking landscapes of North America. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies with glass-domed windows and open-air viewing platforms.

When is the best time to visit Alaska?

The best time to cruise Alaska is during the summer months, particularly between mid-June to mid-August. During this period, you’ll experience milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and have the best chance of seeing wildlife. Additionally, the chances of rain are slightly lower than in the shoulder months of May and September. However, it’s worth noting that while May and September can be cooler and wetter, these months might offer smaller crowds and better deals.

It’s also essential to consider factors like local holidays, festivals and peak tourist seasons. It’s always a good idea to consult with one of our cruise agents who will give you the best advice!

Which cruise lines sail to Alaska

Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Holland America , Hurtigruten , Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Royal Caribbean , Scenic Ocean Cruises , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises , Viking Ocean Cruises & Windstar Cruises .

Book Your Alaska Cruise

Our cruise specialists at Southampton Cruise Centre are here to help! Call us from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week on 02380 658 386 . Or search our collection of Cruises to Alaska below and send us an enquiry online! 

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