Tuesday, October 24, 2017

The Legendary Cunard Experience Returns to Alaska with the Launch of Queen Elizabeth’s 2019 Voyages

In 2019, Cunard will sail to Alaska, once again bringing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest to guests. A series of voyages beginning in May 2019 will combine the magnificence of Alaska with the luxury of Cunard as Queen Elizabeth sails from Japan to Alaska and then remains in the region through June. The ship will then transport passengers down the West Coast of the United States, through the Panama Canal to New York, on to Iceland and the British Isles.

“Cunard is thrilled to make our return to Alaska with our youngest ship Queen Elizabeth,” said Josh Leibowitz, Senior VP, Cunard North America. “Our guests can now explore the region on the best itinerary in Alaska—four 10-night round-trip Vancouver sailings with more time in port and opportunities to visit the natural wonders of Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.”

To start the Alaska program, Queen Elizabeth will sail from Tokyo (Yokohama) to Vancouver with a 27-night voyage on May 5, 2019. Guests will cross the International Date Line sailing to the Alaskan port of Kodiak, home to the Alutiiq people for more than 7,000 years. The next stop is the capital of Juneau, then passing the pristine Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm, on to the quaint town of Skagway, and Icy Strait Point before visiting Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, B.C., and Vancouver.

Once in Alaska, Queen Elizabeth will offer four 10-night roundtrip Vancouver sailings, departing May 21 and 31 and June 10 and 20, 2019. Itineraries feature scenic cruising through the scenic waterways of the famous Inside Passage as well as full days in several of the region’s highlight ports to discover the history and culture of the area. Guests will experience the gold rush spirit of Skagway and Juneau, the native tribes of Ketchikan and the Russian charm of Sitka. The itinerary also includes the Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, and Victoria, B.C.

From Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth heads to the vibrant cities of San Francisco and then Los Angeles, for a rare overnight stay on July Fourth, a perfect way to celebrate the diverse beauty of North America.

For those looking to expand their adventure, guests can remain on board for the full Grand Voyage. After departing from Vancouver and stopping in California, the ship continues through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale or New York before crossing the Atlantic to reach the dramatic shores of Reykjavik, Dublin, Glasgow on to London. Grand Voyages can be booked from 21- to 49-nights.

Rocky Mountain Rail Land Tours are offered pre- and post- cruise including three or five nights’ accommodation and two full days aboard the train. The journey 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.

Early booking is available to World Club members beginning October 30, 2017 with reservations being opened to the general public starting on October 31. For those looking to enjoy the coveted Grills experience, an early booking benefit of complimentary drinks and gratuities is available from October 30, 2017 to February 28, 2018. More information on Cunard’s Alaska voyages can be found at Cunard.com/Alaska-cruises.

Image Courtesy of Cunard Line

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