Cunard reveal new biggest names in exploration and mountaineering

Cunard is bringing together two of the biggest names in exploration and mountaineering as Queen Elizabeth returns to Alaska in 2020 - Sir Ranulph Fiennes and mountaineer Kenton Cool. Acknowledged as the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ by the Guinness Book of Records – Sir Ranulph Fiennes 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. 
 
Also 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 experiences with guests. 
 
Cunard’s Vice President Brand and Product, Lee Powell said, “Cunard has long been associated with a world class enrichment programme that offers our 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.”

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 plus 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. Sir Ranulph will be on board Queen Elizabeth between Vancouver to Juneau (2 to 4 June). Kenton Cool will then join from 12 June to 02 July 2020.