Queen Victoria

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

The vessel (IMO number 9320556) is currently Bermuda-flagged (MMSI 310624000) and registered in Hamilton.

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 2074-passenger ship Queen Victoria joined Cunard's fleet in December 2007. The vessel is of the same design as Vista-class Carnival ships but is slightly longer. She is the smallest ship in the Cunard fleet. Construction started on May 12, 2006, and the vessel was launched on January 15, 2007 (float-out).

Onboard facilities include 7 restaurants and 13 bars, a ballroom, a show theater, and 3 swimming pools. The bow features heavier steel plating to allow transatlantic crossings. Queen Elizabeth has an almost identical design to her fleetmate Queen Victoria (modified Vista-class). What distinguishes the two Cunard liners is the more angled stern on Queen Victoria compared to the more vertical stern of Queen Elizabeth. Queen Victoria also lacks a covered Games Deck, which is present on Queen Elizabeth.

During the ship's 2017 drydock refurbishment (May 5 - June 4, carried out by Fincantieri in Palermo, Sicily, Italy), the vessel's passenger capacity was increased from 2410 to 2489 by adding a completely new aft deck section. More details are available in the "wiki" section below.

Decks and Cabins

Cunard Queen Victoria staterooms (1037 total) include 126 Suites, 591 Balcony, 147 Oceanview, and 138 Inside cabins, across 9 types and 34 categories. The ship has 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins and 9 studios (single-occupancy cabins). The largest accommodations are the Grand Suites (2130 ft2 / 198 m2 plus a 970 ft2 / 90 m2 terrace).

Cabin categories include Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia, Suites (Grand, Master, Penthouse, Queens, Princess), standard Balcony staterooms, Outside, and Interior (no windows). Most cabins (Britannia Balcony) measure 190-420 ft2 / 18-39 m2, with balconies averaging 70 ft2 / 7 m2.

The ship has 12 decks (all passenger-accessible), of which 7 contain cabins. Overall, 86% of all staterooms are outside, and 71% of those feature private balconies.

Public rooms are primarily located on the lower decks (Decks 2 and 3). Unlike Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria does not have a central circulation corridor; instead, the main corridors run along the port side. The ship features a staircase similar to Queen Mary 2’s grand lobby. Deck 1 (the lowest passenger deck) houses the lowest levels of the three-story Lobby and the Royal Court Theatre. Deck 2 contains the mid-level of the Royal Court Theatre, Golden Lion Pub, casino (non-smoking), Queen’s Room, Chart Room Bar (adjacent to the Britannia Restaurant), Todd English Restaurant, and the lower levels of both the Britannia Restaurant and the library. Deck 3 hosts the upper levels of the Royal Court Theatre, Midships Lounge, Royal Arcade, and the top level of the library. Upper decks are dedicated mainly to passenger cabins. The Health Club and Spa, Lido Restaurant, Winter Garden Lounge, and two outdoor pools are located on Deck 9. Deck 10 features the Commodore Club (a large observation lounge with panoramic ocean views), Hemispheres nightclub, and Churchill Lounge (smokers’ lounge). The Princess Grill and Queen’s Grill restaurants, along with their private lounge and open courtyard, are on Deck 11.

In theory, MS Queen Victoria is a classless ship; however, as on all Cunard liners, passengers are effectively separated by dining venue according to their cabin category and fare paid. The Britannia Restaurant serves standard cabins, Princess Grill serves junior suites, and the Queen’s Grill is reserved for deluxe suites. All other public areas are open to all guests. Grill passengers (Queen’s and Princess Grill diners) also have access to two private outdoor areas on Decks 10 and 11, known as the Grills Terraces.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Queen Victoria offers three main dining venues. Guests in the most exclusive accommodations (grades Q1 to Q7) dine in the Queens Grill, while those in other suite categories (grades P1 to P4) are assigned to the Princess Grill. Passengers staying in Inside, Oceanview, or Balcony staterooms dine in the Britannia Restaurant. All three venues serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Britannia Restaurant offers open seating for breakfast and lunch, with assigned dinner sittings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dining in the Grills follows Cunard tradition, with assigned tables for all meals and flexible dining during opening hours.

The Britannia Restaurant, located at the stern, features sea-view windows on the lower level and views of the promenade deck from the upper level. A wide selection of dishes is available, particularly at dinner, with lighter spa menu options offered at all meals. Todd English Restaurant is the main alternative specialty venue. Lunch is available for a $20 per person cover charge (midday to 2:00 p.m.), while dinner costs $30 per person and is served from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended. The Lido Restaurant serves as the ship’s buffet venue, offering panoramic views and seating for 450 guests indoors and outdoors. Dinner is available with waiter service from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for those seeking a more casual dining experience. In-cabin dining is available 24 hours a day at no extra charge, with menu options varying by cabin category. Continental breakfast can also be served in the cabin. A Cunard signature experience is Afternoon Tea, held daily from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Queen’s Room and Grills Lounge, complete with white-gloved service, scones, sandwiches, and pastries.

Cunard cuisine is widely respected for its quality ingredients and refined preparation. Queens Grill accommodates 142 guests and offers an intimate dining experience for suite passengers, while Princess Grill seats 132 guests and serves those in junior suites. Traditional British pub fare is available in the Golden Lion Pub, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is featured at the Todd English Restaurant.

Guests may request their preferred dining sitting at booking. Britannia Restaurant offers two dinner sittings at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Princess Grill and Queens Grill operate without fixed sittings, allowing guests to dine at their convenience during opening hours. Table assignments and seating confirmations are provided in staterooms upon embarkation. Breakfast and lunch do not require reserved seating.

During the day, the dress code is generally country club casual. Evenings tend to be more formal, regardless of whether the night is officially designated as such. After 6:00 p.m., one of three dress codes applies in the main restaurants: Formal (men in dinner jackets or dark suits; women in evening dresses), Semi-formal (men in jackets and ties; women in cocktail dresses or trouser suits), or Elegant Casual (men in jackets, ties optional; women in skirts, dresses, or trousers). Shorts and T-shirts are not permitted in the evenings.

Below is the complete list of Queen Victoria restaurants and food venues.

• Todd English Restaurant (lunch and dinner specialty restaurant, surcharge per person, reservations required)
• Verandah Restaurant (French specialty restaurant, surcharge applies)
• Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, two-level dining room; open-seating breakfast and lunch, assigned dinner sittings at 6:00 or 8:30 p.m.)
• Lido Restaurant (450-seat buffet-style venue for breakfast and lunch; selected sections offer itinerary-inspired dinner options)
• Winter Garden Lounge (supper club-style dining, gourmet cuisine, Afternoon Champagne Tea)
• Queens Grill Restaurant (142-seat venue for Queens Grill suite guests, offering regular and à la carte menus)
• Princess Grill Restaurant (132-seat venue for Princess Grill suite guests only, open seating, same menu as Queens Grill)
• The Courtyard Restaurant (40-seat venue, available exclusively to Grills suite guests)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Queen Victoria is a classic Cunarder, proudly preserving the line’s heritage and traditions. With marble accents, fine woodwork, plush carpets, rich fabrics, and elegant furnishings, the ship exudes refined luxury. Her wide range of activities ensures guests are both entertained and relaxed, blending traditional ocean liner grandeur with a modern, airy atmosphere. Upon embarkation, guests are welcomed into the dramatic three-tier Grand Lobby, featuring a sweeping staircase and striking artwork.

The primary entertainment venues are the Queen’s Room and the Royal Court Theatre. The three-deck-high Royal Court Theatre is designed in classic opera house style with red velvet décor and hosts lectures, concerts, theatrical productions, and movie screenings. Twenty private boxes are available for booking at $50 per couple, including champagne and light refreshments. The Queen’s Room on Deck 2 is considered one of the ship’s most elegant spaces and serves as the venue for cocktails, balls, concerts, dance lessons, and afternoon tea. Café Carinthia, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, and the Chart Room Bar, all on Deck 2’s starboard side, offer relaxed atmospheres, while an additional bar is located aft of the theater. The Commodore Club observation lounge on Deck 10 features floor-to-ceiling windows, adjacent to the Churchill’s Cigar Lounge. Hemispheres nightclub, also on Deck 10, is popular for late-night dancing. Cunard Book Club discussions are hosted by the onboard librarian, and on selected voyages, members of the Royal Astronomical Society lead astronomy lectures and stargazing sessions. The Apple Learning Centre offers computer courses on iMac systems, covering basic skills, photo and video editing, and modern technologies.

Live jazz performances are featured in several lounges and bars, along with bands and solo entertainers. Big Band nights are held in the Queen’s Room. Additional highlights include the glass-roofed Winter Garden Lounge and the two-story library with a spiral staircase, housing over 6,000 books and staffed by two librarians. A dedicated bookshop sells maritime-themed publications, maps, and stationery. The Pavilion Pool area also doubles as a high-energy disco and nightclub.

The Royal Spa and Fitness Centre offers panoramic ocean views, relaxation areas, treatment rooms, and a glass-enclosed fitness facility. The complex includes a beauty salon, gym with aerobics area, thermal suite with steam rooms and saunas, treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a rasul chamber for hammam-style steam and mud therapies.

Queen Victoria is not specifically designed for families with young children. Children must be at least two years old to participate in nursery programs without parental supervision. Deck 10 features a children’s playroom with toys and The Zone, designed for teenagers with computer games. Both areas include access to outdoor deck space.

Cunard weddings, ceremonies, and private events can be hosted in selected lounges onboard Queen Victoria. The ship does not feature an onboard chapel.

Below is the complete list of Queen Victoria lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues.

• Royal Court Theatre (830-seat, three-deck venue with large movie screen, hosting theatrical productions and performances)
• iStudy (Cunard ConneXions learning center with internet computers)
• Grand Lobby Atrium (featuring a grand piano, sweeping staircase, and glass elevators)
• Golden Lion Pub (116-seat traditional British pub with live entertainment)
• Casino (222-seat, 6000 ft2 / 610 m2, featuring 115 slot machines and 11 gaming tables)
• Queens Arcade (quiet relaxation area with panoramic views)
• Cunardia Museum and Gallery; Clarendon Fine Art Gallery; Images Photo Gallery
• Cunard ConneXions (three-room complex for onboard events)
• Chart Room (cocktail bar with live jazz)
• Queens Room (two-level ballroom for dancing and formal events)
• Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar; Café Carinthia; Midships Bar & Lounge
• Royal Arcade (boutique shopping area)
• The Alcove (quiet room with puzzles); Card Room
• Royal Spa & Fitness Centre (20000 ft2 / 1860 m2, two-level wellness complex)
• Fitness Centre (gym and aerobics room)
• The Library (over 6000 volumes); The Book Shop
• Pavilion Pool and Lido Pool (each with whirlpools and poolside bars)
• Commodore Club (observation lounge with live piano music)
• Admiral’s Lounge (premium spirits)
• Churchill’s Cigar Lounge (smokers’ lounge)
• Hemispheres (glass-domed observation lounge and nightclub)
• The PlayZone (kids area); The Zone and Teen Zone
• Games Deck (glass-domed, featuring sports courts and activities)
• The Terrace and Grills Lounge (private areas for Grills suite guests)

Itineraries

Queen Victoria’s itinerary program centers on an annual World Cruise roundtrip from Southampton, UK, along with one-way segments offered by Cunard. The ship also operates European itineraries, including cruises to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and short UK voyages, all departing from Southampton.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Cunard suspended MS Queen Victoria’s operations for more than two years (March 2020 through June 2022), with the ship returning to service on June 5.

Queen Victoria is Cunard Line's second newest liner by year built, together with her "Cunard Queens" sisterships Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Mary 2. Based on the Spirit-class design, Queen Victoria is similar to the liners Arcadia (P&O UK), Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess and Island Princess, and Costa Cruises’ Luminosa and Deliziosa. Carnival Corporation originally ordered the vessel for Holland America Line, but prior to completion she was reassigned to Cunard Line.

This Cunard liner was named after Queen Victoria (1819-1901, Empress of India). The ship’s godmother is Camilla Parker (Duchess of Cornwall). A well-known detail from the naming ceremony is that the first champagne bottle thrown against the hull did not break, traditionally considered a bad omen. A second bottle was launched moments later and broke successfully. To date, no serious incidents have been reported involving the ship. Her maiden voyage was a 10-day Northern Europe itinerary (December 11-21).

Unlike traditional Cunard liners, Queen Victoria is not classified as an ocean liner, based on her propulsion system and hull design. She features a reinforced bow and higher freeboard to better cope with North Atlantic weather conditions. The ship introduced the first true theatre at sea with private boxes and boasts the largest ballroom afloat, the Queen’s Room.

On December 15, 2010, Cunard’s first female captain, Inger Olsen (born in the Faroe Islands), assumed command of the ship. In October 2011, the vessel changed her registry/flag state from the UK to Bermuda, allowing onboard cruise wedding ceremonies. Consequently, the name “Southampton” on the stern was replaced with “Hamilton.”

Operated annually and typically starting in January, Queen Victoria World Cruise voyages rank among the most anticipated in the industry. Compared to other cruise lines, Cunard’s world voyages are competitively priced and feature itineraries calling at major global ports and iconic destinations.

Prices started from GBP 14,000 (~USD 18,200 / ~EUR 15,400) per person, based on double occupancy in a Britannia Inside stateroom.

MS Queen Victoria refurbishments review

Queen Victoria’s 2022 drydocking (May 2-19) took place at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 2023, the vessel was again drydocked, this time at Navantia Cadiz, for routine maintenance.

During the 2017 drydock refurbishment (May 5 through June 4, carried out by Fincantieri in Palermo, Sicily, Italy), an additional 43 Britannia Club staterooms and several single-occupancy cabins were installed. According to Cunard Line, these changes were driven by passenger demand.

• A total of 18 balcony cabins and 15 inside cabins were added on decks 6, 7, 8, and 9. New interior staterooms were also created in the aft sections of decks 5, 6, 7, and 8.
• Five new Penthouse Suites were added.
• The total number of staterooms increased from 1,004 to 1,037.
• These deck plan modifications also increased the ship’s maximum passenger capacity from 2,410 to 2,489.
• Refits and enhancements were made to several popular public venues, including the Lido Sun Deck, Winter Garden, and Britannia Club Restaurant. All staterooms were upgraded with large flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The 2017 refurbishment cost Cunard approximately GBP 30 million (USD 40 million). The increased passenger capacity was achieved by adding an entirely new aft deck section.

The ship’s 2015 drydock (December 2014 through January 2015) resulted in no major deck plan changes, except for the addition of new single cabins on deck 2. The drydocking was conducted at Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany and focused primarily on hull and propulsion maintenance, including Azipod bearing replacements. Nearly 2,000 workers were involved, accounting for approximately 600,000 man-hours. The refit included:

• Nine single cabins (eight Oceanview and one Interior) added on deck 2 (port side), utilizing space previously occupied by the casino.
• Over 20,000 m2 of new carpeting installed throughout public areas, along with updated wall paneling.
• 3,100 new mattresses fitted in all staterooms and suites, accompanied by new sheets and towels.
• Installation of tea and coffee pantries in the Britannia dining room.
• Floor renovations in the Queen’s Room ballroom.

Additional awnings were installed on Lido Deck 9 around the pools, expanding shaded seating and relaxation areas.

Cunard South America Cruise 2025 (Queen Victoria)

The table below outlines the 78-night “South America Discovery” roundtrip itinerary from the UK.

Cunard’s South America 2025 voyage was also offered in several shorter segments departing January 9 (12 days Southampton–Fort Lauderdale, 28 days Southampton–Rio de Janeiro), January 21 (52 days roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale), February 25 (17 days San Antonio–Fort Lauderdale, 31 days San Antonio–Southampton), and March 14 (14 days Fort Lauderdale–Southampton, 16 days Fort Lauderdale–Hamburg).

Alternatively, Cunard offered an 85-night roundtrip voyage from Hamburg, Germany under the name “South America Discovery From Hamburg,” departing January 4. Shorter ex-Hamburg segments departing the same date included 5 days Hamburg–Southampton, 17 days Hamburg–Fort Lauderdale, and 33 days Hamburg–Rio de Janeiro.

Cunard World Cruise 2022 (Queen Victoria)

Cunard’s World Voyage 2022 aboard Queen Victoria was a 108-day roundtrip from the UK (Southampton), also available as a 97-day itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, and included a Panama Canal transit.

The World Voyage 2022 (January 10 through April 29) visited 30 ports, included 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and featured five overnight port stays (Sydney NSW, San Francisco, Cape Town, Singapore, and Hong Kong).

Destinations visited included Bermuda; the USA (Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Honolulu); the Caribbean (Aruba, Panama); Costa Rica; Mexico; Samoa; Fiji; New Zealand; Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns); Papua New Guinea; the Philippines; China (Hong Kong); Singapore; Malaysia; Sri Lanka; Mauritius; South Africa; Namibia; and Spain’s Canary Islands (Tenerife).

Queen Victoria World Cruise 2022 was bookable either as a full 108-night voyage or as one of six shorter segments: Fort Lauderdale–Southampton, Singapore–Southampton, Cape Town–Southampton, Southampton–San Francisco, Southampton–Sydney (Australia), and Sydney–Hong Kong.