The Province

Seabourn returning to Alaska in 2018

- Aaron Saunders

Ultra-luxury line Seabourn (seabourn.com) is returning to Alaska in 2018, once again sending the pretty Seabourn Sojourn on longer voyages between Vancouver and Seward. And right now, Seabourn is offering up some pretty amazing deals for those looking to sail to Alaska — and beyond — with the line.

From now until March 13, 2018, Seabourn is running its “Signature Savings Event” that adds some inciting incentives for those who book early. These perks can include a compliment­ary three veranda suite category upgrade; a compliment­ary upgrade from an oceanview suite to a veranda suite; up to $500 USD shipboard credit per suite; up to a $500 CAD air credit per person; reduced deposits; and up to fifteen per cent savings on so-called Combinatio­n Cruises (typically two voyages booked back-to-back to create a single cruise itinerary).

In Alaska, this offer is available on Seabourn’s 11-day “Ultimate Alaska Sojourn” that operates between Vancouver and Seward. Calling on Ketchikan, Rudyerd Bay, Wrangell, Sitka, Haines, Juneau and — new for 2018 — Icy Strait Point, this itinerary that Seabourn has created is far from your average Alaska cruise.

I sailed on this itinerary in June of 2017 and was surprised by just how immersive this Alaska cruise was. In addition to calling on big-name ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, it was in the smaller, off-the-beaten-path locales like Wrangell and Haines that Seabourn’s Alaska cruise product really shone. Seabourn’s new “Ventures by Seabourn” program provided true expedition-style adventures ashore, including hikes and shoreline exploratio­ns by kayak; while a full lecture program on-board highlighte­d the history of Alaska and British Columbia.

It doesn’t hurt that Seabourn’s on-board amenities don’t spare any expense, either. From inclusive beverages and gratuities to the line’s stellar service, the on-board experience aboard Seabourn Sojourn was so relaxing, soothing and educationa­l that it is easy to see why many of the line’s guests won’t even consider sailing with another cruise line.

Seabourn’s Signature Savings Event is available on select itinerarie­s around the world, on new bookings made between now and March 13, 2018. Some of the eligible itinerarie­s depart as early as February, and the latest voyages that qualify for these specials depart in October. The full list of sailings that qualify can be found on Seabourn’s website, or by visiting your favourite travel agent.

While it’s tempting to sail around the world with Seabourn, I just might head back to Alaska again this year. My sailing on Seabourn Sojourn was that good.

 ?? — AARON SAUNDERS ?? Seabourn Sojourn is returning to Vancouver and Alaska again in 2018 and there are some strong incentives offered for those booking a spot on the voyage early.
— AARON SAUNDERS Seabourn Sojourn is returning to Vancouver and Alaska again in 2018 and there are some strong incentives offered for those booking a spot on the voyage early.
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