Cunard’s ship Queen Elizabeth made an inaugural arrival in Seattle (Washington) on June 12th, marking the first time the vessel has been homeported in the city for Alaskan voyages.
Following the summer season in the Inside Passage, she will transit the Panama Canal to Miami (Florida) for a full Caribbean season—a first in Cunard’s history.
Out of Seattle, the ship offers 7- to 11-night roundtrip Alaskan itineraries, departing weekly through early autumn.
Cunard’s Senior VP for North America highlighted the convenience these voyages offer to West Coast USA tourists, noting that they will be able to "travel with ease, travel from your backyard".
A Seattle Port welcomed the deployment, observing that the partnership would bolster the local economy, support employment, and align with the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Educational enrichment will be woven throughout the Alaska season through a collaboration with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, featuring onboard lectures and contributions from 11 regional experts—including historians, photographers, and cultural presenters from Alaska.
Come October, Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Miami to commence a dedicated Caribbean season—the first of its kind for the line. Departing from October 16, the program will include itineraries ranging from 9 to 28 nights, visiting iconic destinations such as Bridgetown (Barbados), Montego Bay (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and St John’s (Antigua).
In preparation for these milestones, the ship underwent a significant 3-week drydock refurbishment in Singapore (from February to March), which refreshed passenger spaces—including the Commodore Club, Queen’s Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion—and introduced the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme.
Emphasizing her adaptability to diverse climates, the ship’s outdoor deck areas were adjusted: extra sun shades were added in preparation for Caribbean warmth, and decks were updated to offer improved views of Alaskan glaciers.
With her dual homeports and revitalised public spaces, Queen Elizabeth embarks on a season that reconnects West Coast travellers to Alaska and positions her for full-season Caribbean sails—a testament to Cunard’s evolving deployment strategy in North America.