Passengers onboard the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth will be the first to see Cunard’s new spa concept, launched with US wellness specialist Canyon Ranch.

Called Mareel Wellness and Beauty, the spa will also launch on Queen Victoria later this month and on Queen Mary 2 in November 2020.

The spa treatments are inspired by the ocean and the name comes from an Old Norse word marueldr, which combines marr, meaning sea, with eldr, meaning fire – so Mareel means ‘phosphorescence on the ocean’.

The spas will have a new couples suite for seaweed bathing rituals; a meditation room; fitness centre; and treatments featuring seawater and marine-based experiences.

Queen Elizabeth has been refurbished during a two-week period in dry dock in Brest, France.

Many of the public areas have been updated and all Grill Suites and Britannia Staterooms have new carpets and soft furnishings.

The Royal Court Theatre has been overhauled and several public rooms, bars and lounges have new carpets.

Angus Struthers, Cunard’s marketing vice-president, said: “We are delighted to share news of Mareel Wellness & Beauty, Cunard’s first ever own spa concept. 

Wellbeing is key to life, and feeling relaxed in mind and body is an important part of any holiday.”

Queen Elizabeth will see set sail on January 3 from Southampton to Australia via Cape Town, South Africa.

The ship will be based in Australia until March 30, 2019, then depart for Tokyo, for two voyages, and on May 5, it will start a transpacific voyage to relocate to Alaska for a maiden season until June 30, before heading back to Southampton via the Panama Canal.