Alaska awaits: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth hosts a star–studded lineup of explorers and adventurers
The allure of Alaska’s pristine wilderness takes on new dimensions aboard Cunard’s newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth, where world–renowned explorers and scientists will share their extraordinary adventures with fellow voyagers.
A floating academy of extraordinary minds
For the 2025 Alaska season, Cunard has curated an exceptional roster of speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, promising an intellectually rich journey through one of Earth’s last frontiers.
The partnership, now in its third year, transforms each voyage into a floating symposium where cocktail conversations might revolve around polar expeditions and dining companions could include storm chasers and astronauts.
From space to storm – meet the legendary speakers
The caliber of speakers reads like a modern–day explorer’s hall of fame. George Kourounis, the RCGS Explorer in Residence, brings tales from his global storm–chasing adventures and Discovery Channel expeditions. Airline captain Laval St. Germain shares the distinction of being the only Canadian to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, while NASA astronaut Andrew Fuestel offers a literally astronomical perspective, having flown to space three times.
Among the most compelling presenters is Sunniva Sorby, whose achievements include being part of the first all–female team to ski to the South Pole and the first female duo to overwinter alone in the Arctic. Her advocacy for polar region protection adds contemporary relevance to the historical significance of Alaska’s landscapes.
Behind the scenes with television’s most adventurous personalities
The programing extends beyond the RCGS speakers to include television personalities and adventurers such as Robson Green of “Extreme Fishing,” comedian Ruby Wax, and Sarah Outen, the youngest woman to sail solo from Japan to Alaska. Bill Wichrowski from “The Deadliest Catch” brings authentic maritime expertise, while Native Cultural Heritage Guides provide essential indigenous perspectives on every voyage.
Where luxury meets enlightenment
What sets these Alaska voyages apart is the seamless integration of luxury and learning. Queen Elizabeth’s recent refit ensures that guests can contemplate glacial formations from elegantly appointed observation decks and discuss natural phenomena over expertly crafted cocktails.
The ship’s Insights enrichment program creates intimate venues for these remarkable individuals to share their experiences, whether describing the sensation of walking in space or the challenges of Arctic survival.
“We’re excited to continue this collaboration for a third season in Alaska. Cunard takes pride in offering an experience that’s not only beautiful and luxurious, but also provides stimulating educational components.”
Katie McAlister, Cunard president.
Planning your journey of discovery
The Alaska season runs from June to September, with each voyage featuring different combinations of speakers. Whether your interests lie in scientific exploration, extreme sports, or conservation advocacy, these journeys promise to transform a luxury cruise into a life–enriching adventure.
For discerning explorers seeking more than mere sightseeing, Cunard’s Alaska voyages with RCGS speakers offer the rare opportunity to learn from those who have pushed the boundaries of human exploration – all while enjoying the refined comfort and service for which Cunard is renowned.
For more information visit the Cunard website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
