As Seabourn concludes its 2025 season in Alaska and British Columbia, it is already looking ahead to 2026, the season in which the Seabourn Encore will sail the region for the first time.
Building on the enthusiasm of previous seasons in Alaska, Seabourn will offer a robust program in 2026, with 17 seven-day and one eight-day voyages aboard the Seabourn Encore, between May and September. Each of these itineraries can be combined into 14- or 15-day voyages, giving guests an even deeper exploration of Alaska and British Columbia. With ample opportunities for discovery, travelers will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and extraordinary wildlife in Seabourn’s signature ultra-luxury style, marking the highly anticipated inaugural season of the Seabourn Encore in the region.
The 2026 program has been carefully designed to offer unparalleled access to the best of Alaska, combining iconic stops with hidden gems and exclusive ports. The ship will make prominent calls in Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as visiting seldom-visited destinations, narrow waterways, and passages inaccessible to larger vessels, such as Alert Bay, the Inian Islands, and remote stretches of the Alaskan and Canadian Inside Passage. Glacier viewing will be a highlight of every itinerary, and Seabourn will offer more sailings to Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line, allowing guests to admire multiple glaciers on a single voyage.
“Alaska remains one of our guests’ most sought-after destinations, and we are thrilled to bring Seabourn Encore to the region for the first time,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. “From exploring remote waterways to authentic coastal towns steeped in culture and history, our 2026 season offers experiences that exceed expectations, bringing our guests closer to Alaskan wildlife and communities in the comfort of an ultra-luxury, all-suite ship.”
Immersive exploration with Ventures by Seabourn
At the heart of the Alaskan experience is Ventures by Seabourn, a distinctive program of expertly guided optional excursions on every voyage, designed to bring guests closer to Alaska’s natural wonders. Passengers can kayak in pristine waters or venture out in Zodiacs to get up close to glaciers, spot whales, and quietly explore fjords and inlets inaccessible to larger ships. The Seabourn Encore is equipped with kayaks and Zodiacs that can be launched directly from the ship, allowing for a seamless transition from onboard luxury to Alaska’s untouched wilderness.
These experiences are led by a world-class expedition team of naturalists, scientists, historians, and wildlife experts who accompany each voyage. In addition to leading excursions, they enrich the journeys by sharing information about the region, pointing out wildlife from the deck, and conveying their passion for Alaska in informal moments with guests.
To ensure travelers are prepared, every passenger on a Seabourn Alaska cruise will receive a complimentary, functional, and commemorative Helly Hansen technical jacket. Additionally, those staying in Premium Suites will receive complimentary Swarovski Optik binoculars for wildlife viewing throughout the voyage.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska's jewels, where tidal glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife create a spectacular landscape. Seabourn offers more Glacier Bay sailings than any other luxury cruise line, with exclusive access to witness active glaciers, humpback whales, sea otters, and learn from onboard experts.
Featured itineraries include:
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8 days – Alaska Inside Passage Explorer & Glacier Bay: May 14–22, 2026, from Vancouver to Juneau
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7 days – Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay: May 22–29, 2026, from Juneau to Vancouver
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7 days – Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay: September 11–18, 2026, from Juneau to Vancouver
The Seabourn Encore Alaskan season will coincide with memorable natural and cultural events:
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Summer Solstice – Seven-day Cruise, June 19, 2026, with endless days of natural light.
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Perseid meteor shower – Seven-day cruise, August 7, 2026, coinciding with the astronomical phenomenon (August 12–13).
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Northern Lights – Opportunities to observe them during the season, depending on conditions.
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Holiday trips – Memorial Day (May 22) and Independence Day (July 3, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S.).
While Alaska's breathtaking wilderness unfolds outside, guests will enjoy a luxurious yacht-style ambiance on board. All suites feature private verandas, and exclusive spaces elevate the small-ship experience. These include The Retreat with cabanas and a Jacuzzi, the Sushi restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine, and Solis, offering indoor and outdoor Mediterranean dining. Authentic regional experiences, such as local cuisine and Alaskan entertainment, will also be available onboard.
Throughout the season, you'll also experience Seabourn's signature touches, from Caviar on the Ice parties to cultural enrichment programs and carefully curated entertainment, ensuring that every trip to Alaska is unforgettable.
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