October 1, 2026 — Cunard has set dates for a major spring 2027 refit of Queen Mary 2, which will add 31 new cabins and refresh the Grill restaurants. Closer to home, Hurricane Rachel has cost Queen Elizabeth a call in Cabo San Lucas.
Queen Mary 2 refit: March 31 – May 9, 2027
Queen Mary 2 will go into dry dock at Damen Shiprepair in Brest, France on March 31, 2027 and return to service on May 9, 2027. The first port after the refit has not been announced (TBA). The work includes:
- 31 new staterooms: 16 Princess Grill Suites and 15 Britannia staterooms
- New interiors, furnishings and bathrooms in all existing Grill Suites
- Renovated Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants
- More open deck space and expanded kennels for pets crossing the Atlantic
- A redesigned Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa, new luxury shops and digital upgrades to the Illuminations planetarium
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein said the investment will keep the world’s only ocean liner in regular transatlantic service earning “attractive returns for decades to come.” The timing means the ship is back before the peak summer crossing season.
Queen Elizabeth skips Cabo San Lucas
Queen Elizabeth’s sailing beginning October 1, 2026 has cancelled its Cabo San Lucas call because of Hurricane Rachel. Cunard has added sea days ahead of the next scheduled stop at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.
What it means for airline travelers
- No QM2 sailings during the refit. If you want a spring 2027 transatlantic crossing, there are none between March 31 and May 9. Check that any QM2 booking or quote doesn’t fall in that window.
- Transatlantic crossings are one-way. You’ll need air at one end, usually into or out of New York (JFK/EWR) and London (Heathrow) for Southampton. Space-available travelers should plan backup flights for the flying leg.
- Queen Elizabeth guests: Missing Cabo means more sea days, not a change to the voyage’s end date, so existing flight plans stand unless Cunard tells you otherwise.
- Interline and industry fares: No change to travel-industry rates or eligibility has been announced.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — Weinstein: Queen Mary 2 Refit to Deliver Returns for Decades
- Cruise Fever — Back-to-Back Hurricanes Force Cruise Ships to Juggle Itineraries in Pacific
