Sail The Seas Of Luxury: Queen Victoria’s Winter Cruises To The Caribbean And Mediterranean

Published on December 6, 2025

Cunard’s Queen Victoria, one of the most famous luxury cruise ships, has returned to its British homeport in Southampton for the 2025-26 winter season. After a busy summer in the Mediterranean, the ship is now offering a variety of exciting itineraries from the UK, including extended trips to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and other appealing destinations. Queen Victoria’s diverse cruise options promise unforgettable experiences, ranging from short getaways in Northern Europe to longer transatlantic crossings.

A Look at Queen Victoria’s Mediterranean Summer Season

Before starting its winter itineraries, the Queen Victoria spent the summer cruising the Mediterranean. It began its Mediterranean season in April with a series of departures from various ports in Italy and Spain. Departure points included Trieste, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Barcelona, marking the start of seven- to 21-night cruises.

These Mediterranean cruises visited several iconic spots, such as the Adriatic Coast, the Greek Isles, Sardinia, and more. Passengers enjoyed breathtaking views and enriching experiences in some of the world’s most famous regions, including historic cities, sunny islands, and beautiful coastal towns. The ship’s impressive design, modern amenities, and excellent service made the cruise as luxurious as it was scenic.

Winter Season Itineraries from Southampton

With winter’s arrival, Queen Victoria is now based in Southampton, offering a range of itineraries perfect for short and extended cruises. The ship is sailing round-trip from Southampton with a selection of cruises lasting from seven to 35 nights. These voyages highlight some of the most beautiful regions of Europe and beyond.

Popular options include shorter cruises to the North Sea, giving travelers a taste of Northern Europe’s charm. For a longer trip, there are 12-night voyages to Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands, known for their warm climate and stunning landscapes, offer a perfect retreat during the colder months.

In addition to these regional journeys, Queen Victoria will also undertake two transatlantic crossings as part of her winter schedule. These crossings are special since they combine the luxury of a long voyage with stops at several international destinations.

Exciting Caribbean Voyages in Early 2026

Looking ahead to early 2026, Queen Victoria plans to offer two highly anticipated Caribbean cruises. The highlight will be a 35-night voyage departing in January, promising a unique adventure. During this extended cruise, the ship will visit 12 different locations in the Caribbean, including Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Aruba, and Antigua.

In addition to the Caribbean ports, passengers will also explore two Portuguese islands: Madeira (Funchal) and the Azores (Ponta Delgada). This journey will provide the perfect escape for those seeking warmth during the winter.

A Full Range of Destinations for 2025-26

Queen Victoria’s winter season provides something for every type of traveler. Whether taking a brief cruise to the North Sea or a longer Atlantic voyage, there are countless breathtaking destinations. For those who enjoy Mediterranean escapes, the ship will offer cruises stopping in beautiful cities like La Spezia and Naples in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Villefranche and Marseille in France, and Corfu in Greece.

The ship will also visit Kotor in Montenegro, giving passengers a unique chance to explore this relatively undiscovered gem in the Mediterranean. Each of these destinations offers its own charm, blending history, culture, and natural beauty.

Return to the Mediterranean in 2026

As the 2025-26 winter season ends in late April 2026, Queen Victoria will return to the Mediterranean for the summer. The ship’s new itineraries will include 7- to 21-night cruises departing from Spain and Italy. These plans will also extend to Istanbul, Turkey, providing travelers with an amazing opportunity to visit a range of Mediterranean spots.

With stops in some of the most iconic and scenic areas of Europe, Queen Victoria’s Mediterranean season is set to be another unforgettable chapter in the ship’s voyage calendar.

Conclusion: Queen Victoria’s Unmatched Luxury and Global Exploration

Cunard’s Queen Victoria continues to provide guests with a top-notch luxury cruise experience, combining excellent service with some of the world’s most stunning destinations. The 2025-26 winter season unfolds a variety of new itineraries from Southampton, ensuring something for everyone. Whether taking a short European cruise, enjoying a long transatlantic journey, or exploring the Caribbean, Queen Victoria offers an extraordinary voyage for those wishing to travel the world in comfort and style. As the year goes on, the ship’s return to the Mediterranean promises more adventure, keeping travelers coming back for years.