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Seabourn Encore's Inaugural Season in Alaska in 2026

Seabourn, recognized as a leader in luxury voyages and expedition travel, is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season in Alaska and British Columbia. With the end of the 2025 season nearing, the cruise line is already looking forward to its newest vessel, Seabourn Encore, making its first journeys in this stunning region from May through September 2026.

The upcoming season will boast an impressive schedule of 17 seven-day sailings along with one eight-day voyage onboard Seabourn Encore. These itineraries are designed to offer the ultimate exploration of Alaska and British Columbia, with options to combine sailings for 14- or 15-day adventures. Guests can look forward to breathtaking views, rich cultural experiences, and the chance to encounter diverse wildlife—all delivered in Seabourn's signature ultra-luxury style.

Seabourn's itineraries aim to provide travelers with unparalleled access to Alaska's iconic sights and lesser-known gems. Notable stops will include popular ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan, but the route will also venture into remote locations, narrow inlets, and passages that larger cruise ships can't access. Unique destinations include Alert Bay, the Inian Islands, and untraveled stretches of the Alaska and Canadian Inside Passage, ensuring every itinerary is a unique experience. Notably, every Seabourn Voyage will feature memorable glacier viewing opportunities, with several more sailings into Glacier Bay National Park than any competing luxury cruise line. This will give guests the rare opportunity to observe multiple glaciers within a single journey.

Mark Tamis, the president of Seabourn, expressed excitement over the 2026 offerings, stating, "Alaska continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for our guests, and we are thrilled to bring Seabourn Encore to the region for the very first time." He highlighted the blend of exploring isolated waterways with authentic cultural interactions available to guests, ensuring a memorable journey imbued with the comforts associated with Seabourn's luxury ships.

Enhanced Experiences with Ventures by Seabourn

Central to the Alaska experience with Seabourn is the unique Ventures by Seabourn program, which offers optional, expertly led excursions on each voyage aimed at connecting guests with the natural beauty of Alaska. Explorers may choose activities such as kayaking on pristine waters or utilizing Zodiacs to approach glaciers, spot whales, and navigate into fjords and coves inaccessible by larger vessels. Seabourn Encore is well equipped for these explorations, outfitted with kayaks and Zodiacs that can be launched directly from the ship, seamlessly integrating onboard luxury with outdoor adventure.

An experienced expedition team, which includes naturalists, scientists, and historians, will accompany each journey, enhancing the adventure by sharing valuable insights regarding the region—whether spotting wildlife from the deck or providing informal discussions about Alaska's unique environment. From ocean cruising to wildlife encounters, the collaboration between the ship and the expedition team promises experiences that blend luxury travel with a sense of adventure.

Every passenger sailing with Seabourn Alaska will receive a complimentary custom Helly Hansen all-weather jacket, perfect for their explorations and serving as a lasting memory of their journey. Premium Suite guests will have the added luxury of using Swarovski Optik binoculars throughout their journey to enhance wildlife watching.

Glacier Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Glacier Bay National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Alaska’s iconic treasures, featuring stunning landscapes populated by dramatic tidewater glaciers, towering mountains, and rich wildlife. Seabourn's commitment to providing extraordinary access to Glacier Bay is unmatched, with more special sailings into this premier national park, allowing guests to observe multiple glaciers and witness the vast marine life that thrives in these waters, all while learning from onboard expert guides about the area's natural history.

Highlights of the 2026 Voyage Season

The 2026 program is specially crafted to align with notable celestial and seasonal occurrences, offering guests fantastic opportunities to witness memorable sights along the way. Some highlighted voyages include:

• - Summer Solstice Voyage: Departing on June 19, 2026, this seven-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise coincides with the summer solstice, providing nearly endless daylight for stunning views.
• - Perseid Meteor Shower Voyage: Scheduled for August 7, 2026, this journey aligns with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, turning the night sky into a shooting star spectacle.
• - Northern Lights Viewing: Selected voyages throughout the season grant travelers the chance to gaze at the aurora borealis, contingent on the weather conditions.
• - Holiday Voyages: The 2026 season will also coincide with key U.S. holidays, including a Memorial Day sailing on May 22 and a Fourth of July cruise on July 3, offering guests a unique way to celebrate while exploring Alaska's natural beauty.

Onboard Experience at Seabourn Encore

While the spectacular allure of Alaska awaits onshore, Seabourn Encore promises to enchant its guests with unmatched onboard elegance. The suite accommodations feature private verandas and an inviting yacht-like atmosphere, ensuring passengers enjoy their time in the lap of luxury. Dining options include traditional Japanese dishes at Sushi, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Solis, and the exclusive Retreat area, which offers private cabanas and a whirlpool for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Seabourn has included regional influences in onboard activities, serving up local cuisine and entertainment to immerse guests in Alaska's vibrant culture. With additional space and stunning terraces from each suite, travelers can appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them in comfort and privacy.

Signature Moments that Create Lasting Memories

Throughout the sailing season, Seabourn will present its signature experiences, from Caviar on the Ice deck parties to engaging enrichment programs that promise to inspire and enrich each voyage. This ensures that every trip through Alaska is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.

For detailed information about the 2026 Alaska season or to explore a variety of Seabourn cruise options worldwide, guests can call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or consult a certified travel advisor.

About Seabourn

As an exceptional leader in ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel, Seabourn operates six modern ships featuring all-suite accommodations and ocean views. The cruise line's award-winning dining options, top-tier service, and relaxed atmosphere make Seabourn a home away from home for its guests. Their voyages encompass more than 400 ports globally, catering to every travel desire. Seabourn is a proud member of Carnival Corporation and provides travelers with exclusive partnerships and vibrant experiences renowned for luxury and unparalleled service.