WHY IT RATES: This five-month season will mark the first time in 20 years that Cunard has offered cruises in Alaska, making it a momentous time to book with this cruise line.-- Alex Temblador, Associate Writer
Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced today that it will spend a full season in Alaska from June through to September in 2020 on the newly-refurbished ship, Queen Elizabeth. Cunard is making its long-awaited return to Alaska in May 2019, after a twenty-year break. The success of the 2019 programme has led to Cunard doubling the number of voyages in the region for 2020.
This expanded programme will offer ten roundtrip sailings departing Vancouver, ranging from nine to twelve nights, plus one very special cruise to San Francisco including an overnight stay on Independence Day. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking beauty of Alaska - the Great Land - with its awe-inspiring landscapes and magnificent wildlife whilst enjoying the very best in luxury onboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth. Cunard is the epitome of luxury with a unique onboard experience offering the freedom of time and space with exemplary service that is second to none.
"We have had an incredible response to Cunard reinstating voyages to the beautiful Alaska frontier and are delighted to be offering more than double the number of Cunard sailings for 2020. Guests will sail on the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth visiting the most incredible landscapes and Alaskan towns, with longer time in port to enjoy these inspiring and breathtaking destinations," said Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard.
Each Alaska voyage will feature stunning destinations along the Northwest Pacific coast of Alaska and British Columbia including Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and more. In addition, the voyages offer more than 120 excursions to choose from including the awe-inspiring scenic cruising in the narrow waterways of the Inside Passage, the Hubbard Glacier and Sawyer Glacier's twin fjords, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm.
Guests have the opportunity to combine voyages together, which include the Alaska roundtrips from Vancouver and the North Pacific Crossings to and from Tokyo. The 2020 voyages include:
- Alaska roundtrip from Vancouver, 10 nights from June 22-July 2
- Independence Day Celebration, Vancouver to San Francisco with an overnight in port, 3 nights from July 2-5
- San Francisco to Vancouver, 16 nights from July 5-21
- Vancouver to Tokyo, 29 nights from August 29-September 27
Cunard continues its partnership with Rocky Mountaineer, offering pre and post cruise tours on the famous railroad. Tours include either three or five nights' accommodation and two full days on board the train. The expedition travels through a spectacular array of scenery with glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, through winding river canyons, mountain passes and remarkable tunnels. Highlights include the Continental Divide, Kicking Horse Canyon, Spiral Tunnels and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon.
Guests will also be able to take advantage of the three-night pre-cruise tour Vancouver and Whistler Highlights, taking in the best of Vancouver including Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park, and a full day in Whistler and Shannon Falls via the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
Guests will enjoy these incredible itineraries onboard Queen Elizabeth, the youngest ship in the fleet, which has just enjoyed a refurbishment.
This included a new spa concept: Mareel Wellness and 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. The spa offers an extensive new treatment menu with mineral-rich seawater and marine-based experiences as well as a redesign of the entire spa facility. In addition, many public spaces, bars and lounges have been updated and all Grill Suites and Britannia Staterooms have new carpets and soft furnishings.
The Royal Court Theatre had a complete technical overhaul; the Royal Arcade has been enhanced to offer an elevated shopping experience and the outdoor decks have new furniture with a new layout on the Sun Deck.
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