The Queen Elizabeth – Cunard Cruise Line‘s youngest cruise ship – is currently in dry-dock for the first time since she entered service in 2010. In addition to regular maintenance, she will receive a number of significant improvements during the refit period. Most notably, a portion of the existing casino space will be remodeled to include nine new solo passenger accommodations.
“Queen Elizabeth is already a much loved ship and following this multi-million dollar refit, she is sure to shine brightly for years to come,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Cruise Line. “Whilst there has been investment across the ship, we are particularly delighted to announce that following this refit, there will be staterooms for single travellers on board a Cunard ship for the first time since QE2.”
Accommodations
Eight of the single staterooms will be a variant of the ocean view category while the remaining one will be a standard inside cabin. Across all staterooms, carpets are being replaced and TVs are being upgraded to flat panels of mostly 32″ or larger. Sun awnings will be installed on the open deck areas around the Lido pool and Grills Upper Terrace towards the top of the ship to provide additional shade and comfort.
Dining and Shopping
Also at the Lido buffet, the decor and flow of the dining area will be improved. For shoppers, the retail space onboard will be expanded with a new layout and lighting to include new fine jewelry and watch stores. A dedicated portrait studio will also be added as will new touch screens in the photo gallery in which guests can more easily find and select their onboard images.
Technical
New environmentally-friendly exhaust scrubbers will be installed to help filtrate the ship’s engine emissions. Queen Elizabeth will exit the dry-dock on June 1, 2014 in preparation for her June 4th cruise to Amsterdam.
For more information on the Queen Elizabeth, visit Cunard Cruise Line‘s website here.
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: CUNARD CRUISE LINE