ALASKA — BY LAND, BY SEA
Seabourn brings unique expedition-style experience to the world of luxury cruising
Alaska is one of my favourite cruise destinations. Despite the rain that can (and usually does), blanket the area, Alaska is filled with abundant natural beauty. Fjords with impossibly tall mountains disappear into the mist and fog, and mammoth glaciers crack and calve into the sea with an enormous thunderclap.
Luxury line Seabourn (cruise. center/seabourn), has returned to Alaska for the first time in 15 years, sending the 450-guest, all-suite Seabourn Sojourn on a series of 11-, 12- and 14-day runs from Vancouver and Seward. These include the 11-day Ultimate Alaskan Sojourn from Vancouver to Seward; the 12-night Ultimate Alaska and Inside Passage operating round-trip from Vancouver (September only); or the 14-night Ultimate Glacier & Fjord Adventure, which calls on three British Columbia ports: Prince Rupert, Alert Bay, and the Tsimshian First Nation village of Klemtu.
My voyage was Seabourn Sojourn’s third cruise to Alaska, but you’d never know from how polished and professional the experience was. In a region where every line seems to do the same seven-day runs to the same three ports, Seabourn’s Alaskan itineraries are like a breath of fresh air.
In addition to a unique port lineup that included calls on Ketchikan, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Glacier Bay National Park, Endicott Arm, Haines and Sitka, my 11-day voyage from Vancouver to Seward was noteworthy for its immersive qualities. Alaskan Brewing Company beers are stocked on board, and fresh B.C. salmon was served in the main restaurant on our first night out of Vancouver. Menus were varied throughout Seabourn Sojourn’s three primary dining options, but locally sourced products seemed to always be available.
Stylish and attractive, you’ll be tempted to never leave the Seabourn Sojourn. Staff — who hail from areas around the world — are exceptionally friendly and eager to please. Service is never stuffy, and I was pleasantly surprised by the line’s relaxed dress code. No need for tuxedos every night; slacks and a nice shirt will suffice most evenings. Many lines claim to anticipate your every need; Seabourn is one of the few that actually does.
If you can pull yourself from Seabourn Sojourn’s all-luxury embrace, you’ll find plenty to do on land in Alaska. In addition to a full lineup of shore excursions, Seabourn distinguishes itself in Alaska with its Ventures by Seabourn program.
Ventures by Seabourn brings expedition-style experiences to luxury cruising in Alaska. These include active hikes of varying degrees of difficulty; kayaking excursions; and zodiac tours (currently limited to British Columbia ports of call on Alaskan sailings).
Though they come at an additional cost, these Ventures by Seabourn excursions are unlike anything else offered in Alaska. During my voyage, I hiked the picturesque Rainbow Falls trail on a half-day excursion in Wrangell; kayaked among the ice in Misty Fjords; and an adventuresome hike to ice caves of Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau. If you’re tired of the usual assortment of salmon bakes and bus tours that typify the Alaska shore experience, you’re going to love what Seabourn is doing with its Ventures program.
This was my 10th voyage to Alaska. I’ve sailed here on big ships, luxury ships, and “pocket” vessels that barely hold 60 guests. Seabourn successfully blends the best characteristics of all three together on its new voyages to Alaska. It offers “big ship” style amenities, including multiple lounges and nightly production shows. It offers a true luxury product, with inclusive beverages, complimentary specialty dining, and no need for gratuities. And through its uncommon itinerary and its Ventures by Seabourn excursions, it provides a decidedly small-ship expedition experience.
Few cruise lines spend the whole day anchored in Misty Fjords so guests can go kayaking. Seabourn does.
Seabourn Sojourn guests also have the option of extending their Alaska experience with a four-day pre- or post-cruise tour to Denali National Park.
Available on Seabourn’s Ultimate Alaska departures between Vancouver and Seward, this includes a flightseeing adventure above Denali; a guided wilderness tour through the heart of the park; and a scenic rail journey to Anchorage.
Apart from Alaska, Seabourn offers cruises around the world aboard their fleet of four luxury vessels, including the new, 600-guest Seabourn Encore, which was christened in Singapore earlier this year.
A fifth ship, Seabourn Ovation, sets sail in 2018.
Happy cruising.
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