By
Laura Hyde |
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has arrived at PortMiami in Florida, where it will homeport for the first time in Cunard’s 185-year history, sailing nine- to 21-night Caribbean itineraries until April 2026.
A plaque-and-key ceremony celebrated this ship’s arrival on 16 October, with Patricia Altschul, author, philanthropist and the Grand Dame on reality TV show ‘Southern Charm’, joining the celebration as a guest onboard the inaugural Caribbean voyage.
“To me, Queen Elizabeth is a kindred spirit, and I am thrilled to help welcome her to this stunning city,” said Altschul. “Cunard is a cruise brand for anyone who appreciates traveling with timeless glamour.”
The ship, which was refurbished earlier in 2025 ahead of its maiden season in Alaska, will sail voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern itineraries will visit ports including San Juan, Puerto Rico; St John's, Antigua; Castries, St Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Philipsburg, St Maarten; and Road Town, Tortola.
Western Caribbean cruises will visit ports such as Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
“I want to commend Cunard’s investment in our community,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO at PortMiami. “With the addition of Cunard to Miami’s roster of cruise line offerings, passengers will be able to sail aboard ships with a legacy of elegance and comfort. We are grateful for this new partnership and continued growth at the ‘cruise capital of the world’.”
Queen Elizabeth’s Caribbean voyages will feature new Caribbean inspired dining at Karibe, a dining venue serving cuisine with “bold spices and modern twists”. The Lido Deck will also offer locally inspired street food, tropical cocktails, and special sunset celebrations and deck parties.
Onboard entertainment includes the first-ever at-sea production of the musical ‘Come From Away’, a multiple Olivier and Tony Award winner. Broadway and West End performers from productions such as Wicked, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and more will perform onboard.
“At Cunard, we believe true luxury is as much about warmth and joy as it is about sophistication,” said Liz Fettes, senior vice president of commercial for North America at Cunard. “With Queen Elizabeth’s arrival, we are redefining luxury cruising in the Caribbean with our gracious service, sumptuous Art Deco design and new, heart-stirring entertainment – all paired with the Caribbean’s charm, lively rhythms and genuine hospitality.”
Following its winter season in the Caribbean, Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Seattle in May 2026, sailing a second season of Alaskan itineraries during summer 2026.