Courtesy: Aaron Saunders | News Source: cruisecritic.com

(1:03 p.m. EDT) -- Cunard has announced it is expanding its 2020 Alaska cruises aboard Queen Elizabeth, offering three additional opportunities for passengers to sail roundtrip from Victoria, British Columbia.

The capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, Victoria is prized for its classic architecture, charming pub culture and world-class attractions like nearby Butchart Gardens. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, travelers can reach Victoria by air from the city's nearby airport, or with ferry service from the British Columbia mainland and Washington State.

A total of seven Victoria-oriented departures are now offered for the 2020 Alaska season aboard Queen Elizabeth.

Sailings range in length from nine to 12 nights and leave roundtrip from Victoria on July 8, July 20, July 30, August 10, August 19, and August 28, 2020. A quick three-night Getaway Cruise from San Francisco to Victoria, calling on Astoria, Oregon, departs on July 4, 2020.

"We are excited to offer our guests this new option of sailing roundtrip into Alaska from Victoria," said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. "After a successful launch of four roundtrip Victoria voyages in July, we have decided to add three additional voyages to meet our guests' demand. Victoria is one of Canada's top-rated destinations and this will give passengers extra time in port to explore the city pre- and post-cruise."

Cunard returned to Alaska this year for the first time in decades and has expanded its 2020 Alaska program with a full season of sailings that primarily depart from Vancouver, June through September.