As part of its plan for greater global brand recognition, Cunard redesigns its Queen Victoria ship for $40 million.

Enhancements began May 5 and the ship is scheduled to reemerge in Palermo, Italy, with new enhancements June 4. Following the remastering of flagship Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria will be redesigned with its own Britannia Club balcony staterooms and restaurant, along with a refresh of existing Britannia staterooms. In total, 43 Britannia Club staterooms will be renovated. The Grand Suites and Penthouse Suites will also be entirely redone.

“Cunard guests are very passionate about their ships, so we have given great consideration to Cunard’s aesthetic integrity and rich 176-year history,” said Alan McVitty, director, M Design. “We drew upon inspiration from archival imagery of not only Cunard’s ships but of the architectural elements of its buildings in Liverpool and New York.”

The Britannia Club Dining will let guests eat at times of their choosing and the new dining venue will displace the original chart room adjacent to the main restaurant. Additionally, the Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia Suites will be given comparable square footage to that aboard the Queen Elizabeth.

The Cunard Grand Suites will sport new colors and designs in an effort to enhance its comfort and entertainment features. The room will include floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, a service entrance prep area, a snug room with TV, a lounge, a master sea-view bath, a second bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a balcony. Five new Penthouse Suites will also include floor-to-ceiling windows, separated living and sleeping areas, plus naturally lit bathrooms.

The removal of the former chart room will bring about a new Chart Room concept on Deck 2 near the Grand Lobby. The room will feature coffee and Godiva chocolate during the day, and cocktails in the evening. A gin and fizz-themed menu will be introduced in the Midships Lounge.