Tuesday

06-17-2025 Vol 1994

Queen Elizabeth Begins Alaskan Voyages from Seattle: A New Era for Cunard

The iconic Queen Elizabeth has officially embarked on her inaugural Alaskan season, marking a significant milestone in Cunard’s illustrious history of luxury travel. This season will see the ship homeport in Seattle, where it will operate from June to September 2025.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, a plaque-and-key ceremony was held in Seattle, underlining the ship’s new base of operations in the Pacific Northwest. Cunard’s Queens have represented the zenith of British luxury travel for 185 years, making this debut particularly notable.

Queen Elizabeth offers a range of Alaskan voyages lasting from seven to 11 nights, with prices starting at $1,109 per person for balcony accommodations based on double occupancy. Guests will have the opportunity to explore stunning destinations such as Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia, immersing themselves in the breathtaking scenery of the Inside Passage and majestic glaciers.

Liz Fettes, Senior Vice President of Commercial for North America at Cunard, emphasized the unique offerings of a Cunard voyage, saying, “Historic grandeur, refined elegance, bespoke experiences and unparalleled personal service are cornerstones of a Cunard voyage. Our view of luxury is rooted in a belief that experiences can be both elegant and relaxed, and our Alaska voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth personifies that spirit.”

In preparation for its Alaskan voyages, Queen Elizabeth has undergone a remarkable refresh, featuring revitalized signature spaces and an elevated experience specifically for Princess and Queens Grills guests. These enhancements include expansive suites, added amenities, and exclusive access to private onboard spaces and restaurants, ensuring a luxurious atmosphere throughout the voyage.

Adding to the allure, Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux has crafted an exquisite three-course Gala Evening menu exclusively for Grill Suite guests, elevating dining to new heights for travelers seeking a distinctive culinary experience.

In addition, the inaugural Alaska guests will have the pleasure of being among the first to experience The Pavilion Wellness Café onboard, alongside the Harper’s Bazaar® Wellness at Sea program. This program features a unique collection of wellness treatments, nutritious smoothies, and rejuvenating masterclasses, curated to enhance overall well-being during the voyage.

Onboard enrichment experiences tailored for Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska season will further enhance guest experiences. Continued collaboration with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) will facilitate an enriching speaker series featuring expert insights into the region’s geography and culture.

Moreover, a “Locals Onboard” speaker series will showcase 11 local Alaskan speakers, including a master Tlingit dance group, a Denali expeditionist, and local historians, artists, and photographers, providing travelers with a deeper understanding of the area’s unique heritage and artistry.

Cunard is also paying homage to the Pacific Northwest by serving regional wines from local wineries such as Elsom Cellars, Charles Smith Wines, Double Canyon, Canoe Ridge Estate, and Goose Ridge, further connecting guests with the local culture.

Steve Metruk, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle, expressed excitement over Cunard’s homeporting season, stating, “The Port of Seattle is honored to welcome Cunard and the iconic Queen Elizabeth for their first homeported season in Seattle. This partnership marks a major milestone in our work to expand economic activity and to support local jobs through cruise, and we look forward to advancing together our shared vision for sustainability and responsible tourism.”

With this Alaskan season well underway, Cunard’s passengers eagerly anticipate the upcoming Caribbean voyages scheduled to commence in October, marking another chapter in the storied legacy of Queen Elizabeth.

image source from:https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/16/cunards-newly-refreshed-queen-elisabeth-arrives-to-seattle-for-the-first-time-in-a-special-series-of-voyages-to-alaska/

Charlotte Hayes