Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has completed 15 years of active service, marking another longevity milestone for one of the brand’s most recognizable ships.
Delivered in 2010, the vessel was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and entered service as the second Queen Elizabeth to sail under the Cunard name. Since then, the ship has become a familiar presence across Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska and the Caribbean.
Over the past decade and a half, Queen Elizabeth has carried hundreds of thousands of guests on voyages ranging from short regional cruises to extended world segments. The ship is known for maintaining Cunard’s traditional design cues, including grand public rooms, formal dining spaces and classic ocean liner styling.
At 90,900 gross tons, Queen Elizabeth accommodates just over 2,000 passengers, positioning her as one of Cunard’s mid-sized vessels. The ship offers a blend of traditional and modern features, including a three-deck Grand Lobby, Royal Court Theatre and extensive promenade deck.
The vessel has also undergone periodic refurbishments to keep her competitive within the premium cruise segment. Updates over the years have included refreshed staterooms, enhanced dining venues and technical upgrades to improve efficiency and guest comfort.
Queen Elizabeth continues to play a central role in Cunard’s deployment strategy. In recent seasons, the ship has been deployed in regions where demand remains strong for classic cruising experiences paired with contemporary itineraries.
As Cunard prepares for future fleet investments and evolving guest expectations, Queen Elizabeth’s 15-year milestone highlights the staying power of well-maintained ships with a clear brand identity.
Queen Elizabeth’s milestone also comes at a time when several long-serving cruise ships continue to prove their longevity, including Marella Explorer 2, which recently marked three decades at sea, highlighting how well-maintained vessels can remain commercially and operationally relevant well beyond their original design life.
