For 185 years, Cunard’s fleet has represented the pinnacle of ocean travel, ferrying passengers across the world’s seas with an unmistakable blend of British elegance and maritime tradition. Now, the cruise line is charting new waters with Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural season homeporting in Seattle, marking the first time a Cunard vessel has called the Pacific Northwest home.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Queen Elizabeth emerges from an extensive refresh that has elevated her already impressive credentials, with revitalized signature spaces and an enhanced Princess and Queens Grills experience that includes expansive suites, dedicated butler service, and exclusive access to private dining venues. The crown jewel of these updates is a three-course Gala Evening menu crafted exclusively for Grill Suite guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
A new approach to Alaska cruising
From June through September, Queen Elizabeth will offer seven to 11-night Alaska voyages starting from USD1,109 per person for a balcony stateroom. Her carefully curated itineraries venture to some of Alaska’s most spectacular destinations: Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia. Guests will witness the pristine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and the dramatic face of Hubbard Glacier, while scenic days navigating the Inside Passage provide front-row seats to the world’s longest sheltered inland waterway.
What sets these voyages apart is Cunard’s commitment to meaningful cultural immersion. The cruise line has partnered with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to offer expert-led speaker series, while their “Locals Onboard” program features 11 Alaskan speakers, including a master Tlingit dance group, Denali expeditionists, and local historians, artists, and photographers. It’s an approach that goes beyond mere sightseeing to offer genuine insight into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
Wellness meets luxury
Inaugural guests will also be among the first to experience The Pavilion Wellness Café and the new Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program. This thoughtfully designed wellness offering includes three curated Journeys featuring bespoke treatments, nutritious smoothies, rejuvenating masterclasses, and a selection of ELEMIS products. It’s a sophisticated take on shipboard wellness that feels both indulgent and restorative.
The ship’s dining program pays homage to its Pacific Northwest homeport with wines from regional producers including Elsom Cellars, Charles Smith Wines, Double Canyon, Canoe Ridge Estate, and Goose Ridge. It’s these thoughtful touches that distinguish a true luxury experience from mere premium pricing.
Caribbean bound
Come October, Queen Elizabeth will relocate to Miami for her maiden Caribbean season, another first for Cunard. This winter positioning represents the cruise line’s first dedicated full-season Caribbean deployment and will feature an impressive entertainment roster including Broadway and West End performers on every voyage. The lineup includes Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster and an exclusive production of the acclaimed musical Come From Away.
For travelers seeking an alternative to the increasingly crowded Alaska cruise market, Queen Elizabeth’s Seattle season offers something genuinely different: the opportunity to experience America’s Last Frontier through the lens of 185 years of British maritime excellence. It’s luxury travel as it should be – elegant, personal, and utterly unforgettable.
Queen Elizabeth Alaska voyages from Seattle are available June through September 2025. Visit the Cunard website for more information.
About the Author: Staff Writer
