Cunard Returns to Alaska

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Kicks off Inaugural Season in Alaska with Maiden Call to Homeport of Vancouver on May 21

Series of unique experiences underpin newly expanded 2020 programme, that now includes Glacier Bay

Queen Elizabeth kicked off Cunard’s return to Alaska in its West Coast homeport of Vancouver. Queen Elizabeth will sail four ten-night roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver in 2019, and ten voyages in 2020.

To celebrate this inaugural season, Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, Master of Queen Elizabeth, along with Simon Palethorpe, President, and Josh Leibowitz, Senior Vice President North America, of Cunard, welcomed on board dignitaries from the Port of Vancouver for a traditional Plaque and Key Ceremony, welcoming the ship to the city.

It was announced that Cunard will visit the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay during its 2020 Alaska voyages. Cunard will be the only cruise line offering 10, 11 and 12 day round trip voyages from Vancouver in 2020 that soak up the majestic and pristine drama of both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. In other experiences only to be found on Cunard, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Alaska with Cultured Heritage Guides on every sailing. For relaxation, guests can indulge in Mareel Wellness & Beauty (Cunard’s new holistic spa concept) on every voyage, offering oceanic treatments and meditation rituals inspired by the wilderness.  As night falls, with the backdrop of Alaska, guests will enjoy a unique sense of occasion with an Ice White Ball in the spectacular Queens Room on every voyage.

Cunard’s 2019 programme runs May through June and, due to popular demand, the company has doubled its Alaska programme in 2020, offering a full season from June through September. All voyages are roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from nine to 12 nights and one getaway voyage to San Francisco for an overnight stay on the 4th of July 2020. The Alaska voyages will feature full days in ports such as Ketchikan, Victoria, Juneau, Skagway, and others.

“We are thrilled to launch our inaugural Alaska season in Vancouver,” said Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard. “Alaska is one of the world’s most inspiring destinations, and our guests now have the opportunity to sail into this spectacular region while enjoying the luxury and style of a Cunard ship. With Glacier Bay added to our 2020 Alaska itineraries, our guests will have an even more dramatic front-row seat from which to witness the immense beauty of the region.”

UK Guests who book a 2020 Alaska Voyage by 31 July, 2019 receive:

• Additional money to spend on board (including drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions)

• Complimentary stateroom upgrade (guests can choose the stateroom they want and then pay for the stateroom a grade lower)

Queen Elizabeth, the youngest ship in the fleet, underwent a refit at the end of last year, launching the new spa concept Mareel Wellness & Beauty, developed in partnership with industry innovator Canyon Ranch. The new spa offers a holistic approach with a focus on the healing energy of the sea.

Cunard continues its partnership with Rocky Mountaineer, offering pre- and post-cruise tours on the famous railroad. Tours include three or five nights’ accommodation, plus two full days on board the train. Highlights include the Continental Divide, Kicking Horse Canyon, Spiral Tunnels and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon.

Source: Cunard