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Queen Victoria back from $40m refit with new restaurant, staterooms

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The new Britannia Club restaurant
Britannia Club balcony staterooms and dining plus a new Chart Room bar and redesigned suites were all part of Queen Victoria's just-completed $40m refit.

The Cunard vessel returned to Southampton Thursday following its four-week refurbishment at Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard.

'The combined investment of $172 million for Queen Victoria’s refit along with Queen Mary 2’s remastering is a testament to Cunard’s commitment to our iconic vessels and enhancing our passenger experience,' said Josh Leibowitz, svp, Cunard North America.

Queen Victoria added a Britannia Club Restaurant and 43 spacious Britannia Club staterooms in prime locations on Decks 7 and 8. Passengers in these accommodations have the flexibility of dining when they choose. Located in the space of the former Chart Room, the new restaurant resides alongside the main Britannia restaurant on Deck 2.

All the ship's staterooms were refreshed and gained large flat-screen televisions and tea and coffee-making facilities. Further enhancements included redesigned Penthouse and Grand suites.

Five of the Penthouse Suites were completely redesigned to maximize space and luxury. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, private balcony, additional storage space and bathrooms with luxurious whirlpool baths.

The Grand Suites—Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia—were also redesigned to maximize space, with similar square footage to those on Queen Elizabeth at approximately 1,436 square feet. The refreshed designs include floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate snug room with television, lounge, master bathroom with sea views and dual aspect balcony, as well as a second bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.

A new concept introduced as part of the refit, the Chart Room was relocated just off the Grand Lobby, replacing Café Carinthia. It provides illy coffee, Godiva chocolate treats and light bites by day, before transforming into a luxurious cocktail lounge by night.

In other changes, the aft Lido Sun Deck was extended to provide more space. Windbreakers and additional sun loungers and luxury cabanas were introduced, while the shaded area was enlarged for alfresco dining. Full beverage service is available throughout the day and into the evening, along with live entertainment.

The Winter Garden on Deck 9 gained elegant lounge furniture and a statement floor.

Queen Victoria sailed from Southampton for the Canary Islands as part of a 14-night 'Festival of Flowers' voyage.