Queen Victoria will enter dry dock in Palermo, Italy on May 5, 2017 for a complete bow to stern makeover that will last one month and will extend the 10-year-old ship’s life by another decade.

The multi-million pound upgrade will see the addition of 43 brand new Britannia Club category staterooms with their own dedicated restaurant, a redesign of the liner’s Grand Suites and Deck 8 aft Penthouse Suites, as well as a new Chart Room bar.

All soft furnishing will also be replace, although Cunard Line have insisted that the elegance, history and nostalgia of Queen Victoria’s art deco past will remain.

“For the first time on Queen Victoria, guests can enjoy an elevated experience with large, well-appointed balcony staterooms in prime locations and the new Britannia Club Restaurant will be the perfect setting for those who prefer a more intimate dining experience in one of the finest restaurants at sea,” said Cunard Senior Vice President Simon Palethorpe.

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Queen Victoria’s refurbishment will see the debut of Britannia Club Dining onboard the liner following the addition of an intimate restaurant and 43 spacious Britannia Club staterooms in a prime mid-ship location on Decks 7 and 8.

The Cunard Grand Suites will be reconfigured to maximise space, offering enhanced comfort and entertainment options. The Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia Suites will have similar square meterage to those on Queen Elizabeth at approximately 133 square metres.

Refreshed designs will include a new colour scheme that takes its inspiration from the line’s history with its signature Cunard purple.

The suites will also include floor-to-ceiling windows and doors; a separate service entrance and hospitality preparation area; separate snug room with TV; beautifully-appointed lounge; master bathroom with sea view; second bathroom with guest access; bedroom TV that folds down from the ceiling; walk-in wardrobe with additional storage units; and a generous dual aspect balcony.

Cunard guests will be able to enjoy five new Penthouse Suites on Deck 8 aft which will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, defined living and sleeping spaces and bathrooms with natural light. New colour schemes will reflect Cunard’s signature jewel tones of deep red and captivating geometric patterns.

Cunard’s new Chart Room concept will also debut on Queen Victoria as part of the refit. The new Chart Room will be located on Deck 2 off the Grand Lobby, where Café Carinthia is currently located.

The Chart Room will feature illy coffee, Godiva chocolate treats and light bites by day and stellar cocktails by night. Cunard will also introduce a “gin and fizz” themed menu to the Midships Lounge, including a variety of wines, Proseccos, Cavas and Champagne alongside premium spirits, all blended to create fresh and inspiring cocktails with a modern twist.

In short the refit is Cunard’s response to the recent launch of luxury cruise ships that made world headlines during the last six months, including Regent Seven Seas’ new Seven Seas Explorer and Seabourn’s new Seabourn Encore.

Queen Victoria, launched in 2007, is Cunard’s second-oldest cruise ship (the flagship Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2003 and fully refitted in 2016 at a cost of more than 90-million pounds). Cunard Line have promised more details about her refit in the near future.