Luxury cruise line Cunard is bringing together two of the biggest names in exploration and mountaineering as Queen Elizabeth returns to Alaska in 2020.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes – acknowledged as the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ by the Guinness Book of Records – will headline the start of an engaging series of lectures; sharing personal insights as Queen Elizabeth sails through the pristine beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Guests will experience a first-hand account of Sir Ranulph’s notable expeditions. These include the 1972-82 Transglobe - the first surface journey around the polar axis; as well as the Pentland South Pole Expedition, which was led by Sir Ranulph and achieved the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Continent. Sir Ranulph has since climbed Mt Everest as well as the North Face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps, guided by Kenton Cool, and has raised some £18.3 million for charity throughout his career.

In addition, joining Cunard on board Queen Elizabeth, is mountaineer Kenton Cool, one of the finest alpine climbers of his generation. Mr Cool has summited Everest a staggering fourteen times while in 2009 he guided Sir Ranulph’s Everest expedition. Mr Cool holds the unique title of being the first person in history to climb the three Everest peaks, the so-called Triple Crown, in one climb – an achievement thought to be impossible. He will share this and other remarkable life experiences with guests.

Lee Powell, Vice President Brand and Product, Cunard said, “Cunard has long been associated with a world class enrichment programme that offers guests exclusive access to some of the most revered and inspirational speakers.

“As we enter our 180th year in 2020, we are excited about this partnership with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Kenton Cool; undoubtedly two of the finest outdoor record achievers in living memory. What could be more fitting than hearing unique first hand perspectives from the world’s most experienced explorers whilst sailing Alaska aboard Cunard’s majestic Queen Elizabeth and taking in the awe-inspiring natural backdrops of Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.”

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Sir Ranulph will be the first of the Cunard’s guest speakers to be featured and will be on board Queen Elizabeth between Vancouver to Juneau (2 – 4 June, 2020). Kenton Cool will then join from the 12 June - 02 July, 2020.

Earlier this year 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 a Cultured Heritage Guide 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 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.

For travel agents, The Academy Online module ‘Alaska, by Cunard’ has been updated to now include Glacier Bay information. Agents earn five Shine points for completing the module and over the coming months can earn an extra 20 Shine points for moving through the Academy’s ranks. Agents also have the opportunity to earn 300 Shine points for their Cunard fare bookings. For more travel agent specific information please see shinerewardsclub.com

About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating 180 years of operation in 2020. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria with destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia. In 2017, Cunard announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet that will be launched in 2022. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 2000 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned by Carnival Corporation since 1998.

Cunard

Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST

t: 0344 338 8641 w: cunard.com

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