Luxury cruise specialist Seabourn has announced that its Seabourn Encore ship will sail to Alaska and British Columbia for the first time ever in 2026.
The news comes as Seabourn wraps up its 2025 season in Alaska and British Columbia.
Seabourn is set to deliver a robust program in 2026, with 17 seven-day sailings and one 8-day sailing on board Seabourn Encore between May and September.
Each of these voyages can be combined to make 14- or 15-day voyages, offering guests an even deeper exploration of Alaska and British Columbia. With ample opportunities to experience the region, travellers will discover the breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and remarkable wildlife in Seabourn’s signature ultra-luxury style, setting the stage for Seabourn Encore’s highly anticipated maiden season in the region.
The 2026 programme has been carefully designed to deliver unrivalled access to the best of Alaska, and each itinerary blends iconic highlights with hidden treasures and unique ports of call. The ship will make marquee stops such as Juneau and Ketchikan, while also visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations, narrow inlets and passageways not accessible to larger ships, such as Alert Bay, the Inian Islands and remote stretches of the Alaska and Canadian Inside Passage.
In addition, glacier viewing is a must-see when sailing to Alaska, and every Seabourn voyage will feature a glacier experience. The season will also offer more sailings into Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line, allowing guests the rare chance to view multiple glaciers on a single journey.
“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,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. “From exploring remote waterways to authentic coastal towns rich with culture and history, our 2026 season offers experiences beyond the expected, bringing guests closer to Alaska’s wildlife and communities with the comfort of an ultra-luxury, all-suite ship.”
At the heart of Seabourn’s Alaska experience is Ventures by Seabourn, a signature programme of optional, expert-led excursions on every voyage designed to bring guests closer to Alaska’s natural wonders, such as the wildlife, the landscapes, and the culture. Guests may paddle pristine waters by kayak or venture out by Zodiac to approach glaciers, spot whales, and slip quietly into fjords and coves inaccessible to larger ships. Seabourn Encore is equipped for this style of exploration, carrying kayaks and Zodiacs that can be launched directly from the ship, making it easy for guests to step seamlessly from their ultra-luxury experience on board into Alaska’s untouched wilderness.
Guiding these experiences is Seabourn’s world-class expedition team, a group of seasoned naturalists, scientists, historians, and wildlife experts who are on board throughout the season. Beyond leading kayak and Zodiac tours, they enrich every voyage by offering insightful information about the region, pointing out wildlife from the deck, and sharing their passion for Alaska in informal moments with guests. Together, the ship and expedition teams create an experience that balances ocean cruising with the spirit of true expedition, luxury travel with a sense of discovery.
To ensure guests are ready for their adventures, every traveller on a Seabourn Alaska voyage will receive a complimentary custom Helly Hansen all-weather jacket, both functional for exploration and memorable as a keepsake. In addition, Swarovski Optik binoculars will be available for guests booked in Premium Suites for complimentary use throughout the voyage to spot wildlife.
Earlier this year, Seabourn debuted its Seabourn Quest ship in Alaska. – Seabourn Cruises to Debut Seabourn Quest Ship in Alaska | ittn.ie
