Behind the scenes on the Queen Elizabeth ship in Miami: Here are 5 takeaways
The Queen Elizabeth has made its debut at PortMiami, marking the first time a Cunard cruise ship has called the Magic City home. The ship offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, with plans to operate from Miami for two winter seasons.
FULL STORY: Take a look inside the Queen Elizabeth as ship makes Miami home for first time
Here are the highlights:
- Historical significance: Cunard, with a rich history dating back to 1840, brings its style to Miami, featuring bellhops in traditional English uniforms to evoke a storied past when only the wealthy traveled by sea.
- Ship features: The Queen Elizabeth accommodates 2,081 guests and offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a large library, multiple dining options, and a ballroom for nightly live music, appealing to a more reserved and mature crowd.
- Cruise itinerary: The ship’s inaugural voyage from Miami includes a 12-night Caribbean cruise with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Bridgetown, Barbados, before returning to Miami.
- Dining and accommodations: Passengers can enjoy high-end dining experiences, including a restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, and a variety of accommodations, with more than two-thirds of the 1,045 staterooms featuring private balconies.
- Tourism impact: Miami-Dade tourism officials hope the Queen Elizabeth’s presence will attract more British tourists, as the UK remains a significant market for Miami International Airport, with plans for the ship to operate from Miami again in the 2026-2027 season.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.
This story was originally published October 21, 2025 at 10:29 AM.