Cunard’s newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth has kicked off its Alaska season from Seattle, marking the beginning of the line’s new year-round deployment in North America. Next, the ship heads to the Caribbean. To catch up with the brand and better understand the importance of the ship in the market, we spoke with Liz Fettes, senior vice president of commercial for North America at Cunard.
What does Queen Elizabeth’s arrival in Alaska this season mean for the North American market?
Queen Elizabeth's arrival is a significant moment for Cunard. It marks the first time in Cunard’s 185-year history that we will have a ship in North America year-round. This ship will spend its summer season in Alaska and its winter season in the Caribbean.
Queen Elizabeth recently underwent a major revitalization ahead of this North American residency, to blend our rich history with modern luxury and amenities.
Liz Fettes of Cunard
Credit: 2025 Cunard
In this market, we offer luxury on a grand scale while delivering unforgettable vacation memories for our guests. Think longer voyages, unique destinations and unmatched days at sea, all deeply rooted in our distinctive style and heritage. After a voyage, our guests can return home fully enriched by immersive experiences both onboard and ashore.
How has the ship been refreshed for the region, and how does Cunard do Alaska differently?
Queen Elizabeth’s refresh focused on offering our guests a more refined experience onboard, with beautifully updated spaces that combine classic Cunard style with modern comfort. Our guests can relax, unwind and connect with the environment around them, with new and refreshed alfresco dining and relaxation spaces, which is especially crucial when exploring destinations like Alaska.
Some of the standout features include a new design inside the Commodore Club, which is a beautiful, sophisticated cocktail lounge with panoramic views. For wellness-minded travelers, we now have the Pavilion Wellness Cafe, a brand-new dining venue first introduced onboard our newest ship Queen Anne, featuring healthy, craveable cuisine and a plant-forward menu.
We've also partnered with Harper's Bazaar for our Wellness at Sea Program, bringing a special curation of treatments to our Mareel Wellness and Beauty spa, along with nutritious smoothies and rejuvenating masterclasses.
This season, Queen Elizabeth is sailing from Seattle — an exciting new embarkation destination for us. Our guests can experience our legendary White Star service and ocean grandeur against the stunning backdrop of Alaska.
At Cunard we are the experts at slow travel; our itineraries prioritize relaxation and deeper cultural immersion. Guests will explore places like Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, while curated shore excursions — from whale watching in Juneau to scenic rail journeys in Skagway — offer deeper engagement with the region.
Onboard, we bring Alaska to life through expert-led talks from adventurers, naturalists and historians, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. And, critically, we are deeply committed to responsible tourism, working with local partners and focusing on environmental stewardship in everything we do.
What opportunities does this present for travel advisors?
Positioning one of our legendary Queens in North America year-round opens up fantastic opportunities for our travel advisor partners, whether they've worked with Cunard for years or are just getting to know us.
Queen Elizabeth's revitalization means we're offering an even more elevated onboard experience for guests who appreciate meaningful, elevated experiences. Our immersive and thoughtful itineraries from new, easily accessible homeports in Seattle and Miami, create a fresh and appealing package for clients seeking a signature luxury travel experience.
We’ve loved reintroducing our partners to our quintessential British luxury hospitality and onboard traditions, such as our legendary afternoon tea, and showcasing Cunard’s unique offerings in this market.
What’s next for Queen Elizabeth after Alaska?
This October, Queen Elizabeth will travel to Miami to begin her maiden season in the Caribbean. This is a significant move for us because it marks the first time we're dedicating a ship to a full Caribbean season from the cruise capital of the world.
Each Caribbean voyage will feature a brand-new lineup of onboard entertainment, including Broadway and West End performers such as Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster. We will also be introducing our new Abbey Road Studios Listening Lounge, offering curated playlists and bringing the sonic history of the world’s most celebrated artists — from The Beatles to Ed Sheeran — onboard. We can't wait for our guests to experience this one-of-a-kind partnership.
This is the Caribbean reimagined, with a mix of incredible destinations, immersive experiences and Cunard’s signature White Star service.
