CUNARD’S Queen Victoria, made her much-anticipated return to Southampton this month (June 2017). The Queen has had an impressive makeover and she was showing off an array of new features following her £34 million refurbishment. Here’s a first-look at the ships new interiors. It is clear that attention has been paid to the smallest detail (check out the floor to ceiling windows in the Penthouse suites) has been taken to ensure passengers are greeted with the ultimate luxury experience from the moment they walk up the gangplank. 
The jewel in the queen’s crown is the exquisite design of the new Britannia Club Restaurant. There are also 43 sparkling new Britannia Club staterooms. Further enhancements on board include beautifully refined and redesigned Queen Grill Suites and Penthouse Grill Suites, as well as a luxurious new sun deck offering space and tranquillity and a stunning enhanced Winter Garden. Every stateroom has been refreshed, including the installation of large flat screen TVs and much requested tea and coffee making facilities. The regal ship, which was taken out of service on May 5 to undergo the refit at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo in Italy, has just set off on a floral adventure to the Canary Islands, as part of a special Festival of Flowers voyage. Cunard invested £90 million on Queen Mary 2 in 2016, so this latest ‘refresh’ for Queen Victoria shows the cruise line’s commitment to delivering a seriously luxurious experience to guests. “Our design and innovation teams have surpassed themselves - every fine detail and enhancement has been carefully considered to meet our guests’ needs and provide an incomparable cruise experience, ”says Simon Palethorpe, Senior Vice President, Cunard. “We have carefully refreshed and enhanced existing décor, taking inspiration from her art deco heritage, whilst also adding new exciting features that add to the elegance that makes Queen Victoria so iconic”.. 
What you can expect: AFT LIDO SUN DECK This stunning lounge space has been extended to provide guests with additional deck space and access to the rays from sunrise to sunset. Windbreakers and additional sun loungers and luxury cabanas have also been introduced, while the shaded area has been extended for those looking to dine al fresco.. WINTER GARDEN A beautiful room for relaxation located in the heart of deck 9. Guests can sip their favourite tipple on the elegant lounge furniture while looking out through the floor to ceiling windows at the stunning view. In addition there is a glorious glass canopy. BRITANNIA CLUB STATEROOMS In a prime mid-ship location on decks 7 and 8, all staterooms have been upgraded and refreshed with newly-designed carpets featuring a contemporary geometric design as well as the addition of new soft furnishings. New flat screen TVs and, by popular request, tea and coffee making facilities (At last. Ed.) . The additional 43 balcony staterooms will be further enhanced with premium balconies and a nine-pillow concierge menu to ensure maximum comfort for guests on board. BRITANNIA CLUB DINING The new Britannia Club restaurant has gone through a full interior re-design and will offer guests the flexibility to dine whenever they choose. Located in the space of the former chart room. PENTHOUSE SUITES Five of Queen Victoria’s elegant Penthouse Suites have been completely redesigned to maximise space and luxury. The new suites feature floor to ceiling windows and doors, private balcony with stunning sea views, additional storage space and beautiful bathrooms with luxurious whirlpool baths. With butlers and concierge also on hand to take care of your every need. GRAND SUITES The Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia Suites have been redesigned to maximize space, with similar square footage to those on Queen Elizabeth at approximately 1,436 sq.ft. Mirroring a luxurious residential apartment, refreshed designs include floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, a separate snug room with TV, beautiful lounge, master bathroom with sea views and dual aspect balcony, as well as a second bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. 
CHART ROOM A new concept introduced as part of the Queen Victoria refit, the Chart Room is located just off the Grand Lobby and will provide guests with Illy coffee, Godiva chocolate treats and light bites by day, before transforming into a luxurious cocktail lounge by night. www.cunard.co.uk. Hilary Doling Posted 14/617
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