Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Arrives at New Homeport for the First Time
After completing a 19-night transpacific repositioning voyage, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has finally arrived in Seattle for the very first time.
The 90,901 gross-ton vessel arrived on the morning of June 12, 2025, the same day it will embark passengers for its first of many upcoming Alaskan cruises.
Queen Elizabeth’s arrival also marks the first time the ship will homeport in Seattle, expanding the cruise line’s offerings to those passengers interested in luxury sailings out of the Pacific Northwest.
“The Port of Seattle is honored to welcome Cunard and the iconic Queen Elizabeth for their first homeported season in Seattle,” shared Steve Metruck, Port of Seattle’s Executive Director. “This partnership marks a major milestone in our work to expand economic activity and to support local jobs through cruise, and we look forward to advancing together our shared vision for sustainability and responsible tourism.”
“Our view of luxury is rooted in a belief that experiences can be both elegant and relaxed, and our Alaska voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth personify that spirit,” added Liz Fettes, the Senior Vice President of Commercial for North America at Cunard.
The Alaskan voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth in 2025 will run from June 12 through September 25 — after which the ship will be repositioned to Miami.
There are 11 available round-trip cruises during this time, ranging from 7- to 12 nights long. These sailings will call on Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, as well as Victoria in British Columbia.
Passengers will also be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Hubbard Glacier, as well as experience scenic day viewings of the Inside Passage — the world’s longest-sheltered inland waterway.
Those guests on the June 12 sailing will be some of the first to experience the recent upgrades made to Queen Elizabeth, which concluded a dry dock in March of 2025.
What Upgrades Were Made to Queen Elizabeth?
During a three-week-long dry dock earlier this year, the 14-year-old Queen Elizabeth received some major work to improve the overall guest experience.
Revitalized were the ship’s signature spaces, and the Princess and Queens Grills experiences were elevated.
Those passengers staying in the Grill Suites will find that the rooms are now more expansive and include extra amenities, butler services, and even exclusive access to private restaurants and spaces onboard.
Also exclusive for Grill Suite guests is a new three-course Gala Evening menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
Among the upgrades to the ship available to all passengers is the Pavilion Wellness Café, a dining experience focused on mindful eating and feel-good food. Here is some good news — breakfast and lunch at this location are complimentary.
What is sadly not free is the three bespoke journeys available at the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program.
The recover, energize, and relax packages are curated and include a selection of ELEMIS products, nutritious smoothies, wellness treatments, and rejuvenating masterclasses.
Read Also: How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2025?
Beyond the upgrades, there are some experiences available exclusively for the Alaskan cruises on Queen Elizabeth.
This includes an enriching speaker series with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), which will feature experts sharing insights on the region.
There will be a second speaker series with 11 local Alaskans called “Locals Onboard,” including a Denali expeditionist, a master Tlingit dance group, local historians, artists, and photographers.
To further honor Cunard’s presence in the Pacific Northwest, guests onboard will get to enjoy locally sourced wine from Charles Smith Wines, Double Canyon, Goose Ridge, Canoe Ridge Estate, and Elsom Cellars.
While Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Miami in September of 2025, the ship will be back homeporting in Seattle again beginning in May of 2026, offering more Alaskan voyages.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Arrives at New Homeport for the First Time