Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Kenton Cool to join Queen Elizabeth in Alaska

Two of the biggest names in exploration and mountaineering will be on board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth as she returns to Alaska in 2020.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes – acknowledged as the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ by the Guinness Book of Records – 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.

Mountaineer Kenton Cool will also be joining Queen Elizabeth and is 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 life experiences with guests.

Lee Powell, Vice President Brand and Product, Cunard said:

Cunard has long been associated with a world-class enrichment programme that offers 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.

Sir Ranulph will be the first of the Cunard’s guest speakers to be featured and will be on board Queen Elizabeth between Vancouver to Juneau (2 – 4 June, 2020).

Kenton Cool will then join from the 12 June – 02 July, 2020.

View Cunard’s Alaska cruises here