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Cunard charts full Alaska season in 2020

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Queen Elizabeth just emerged from a refit in November
Cunard plans a full season in Alaska from June through September 2020 on the recently refurbished Queen Elizabeth. This follows the line's return to Alaska in May 2019 for the first time in 20 years.

Vancouver round-trips, San Francisco getaway

The expanded 2020 program will offer 10 round-trip voyages from Vancouver, BC, ranging from nine to 12 nights, and one getaway cruise to San Francisco for an overnight stay on Independence Day.

'Due to strong demand and passenger feedback, Cunard has more than doubled its voyages in Alaska, visiting the most incredible cities with longer time in port to enjoy this inspiring destination,' said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America.

Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka are among the destinations. In addition, the voyages offer scenic cruising in the narrow waterways of the Inside Passage, to Hubbard Glacier and Sawyer Glacier’s twin fjords, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm.

Voyage combinations are available, including the Alaska round-trips, Independence Day cruise and the North Pacific crossings from Yokohama or to Tokyo.

Among the cruises is a 10-night round-trip from Vancouver on June 2, with fares starting at $1,599 and the July 2-5 Independence Day celebration from Vancouver to San Francisco with an overnight there, priced starting at $599. The 16-night San Francisco to Vancouver voyage departing July 5 begins at $2,659, while the 29-night Vancouver to Tokyo sailing on Aug. 29 is priced from $4,459.

Recent ship update

Queen Elizabeth, the youngest ship in the fleet, just emerged from a refit in November that included the launch of a new spa concept, Mareel Wellness & Beauty, developed in partnership with Canyon Ranch. Many other public spaces, bars and lounges were updated and all Grill Suites and Britannia staterooms have new carpets and soft furnishings. The Royal Court Theatre got a complete technical overhaul, the Royal Arcade shopping experience was elevated and the outdoor decks have new furniture with a new layout on the Sun Deck.

Rocky Mountaineer

Cunard continues its partnership with Rocky Mountaineer to offer pre- and post-cruise tours on the famous railroad traveling through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Tours include three- to five-nights’ accommodation plus two full days aboard the train.

A three-night pre-cruise tour of Vancouver and Whistler highlights takes in Vancouver higlights including Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park, with a full day in Whistler and Shannon Falls via the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.

Early booking offers

Travelers who book Britannia accommodations on voyages of at least seven nights by Feb. 28, 2019, will receive free on-board credit up to $600 per stateroom, and third and fourth travelers in the same room will pay only $100 per person.

Those booking Grill Suite accommodations by Feb. 28 will receive on-board credit up to $2,000 per stateroom, a free drinks package and free gratuities. Third and fourth travelers in the same stateroom pay only $500 per person.