Seabourn marks new ship, return to Alaska
If you like small-ship luxury cruises, this is a great year to be sailing with Seabourn (cruise. center/seabourn). The line has just taken delivery of its new, 450-guest Seabourn Encore and is preparing to kick off Alaska cruises for the first time in nearly two decades. The line also continues to offer all-inclusive voyages around the world aboard its stylish fleet that includes Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest.
The Seabourn Encore is just like her nimble fleetmates, but with a few more bells and whistles. Despite her similarities, it is actually the largest ship ever constructed for Seabourn, at 40,350 tons. What differentiates her from her sisters is an additional passenger deck and newly reconfigured public spaces, all of which incorporate feedback from Seabourn’s past guests.
In charge of her overall design is Adam D. Tihany, the most sought-after interior designer in the industry. Mindful of the fact that Seabourn guests can sail for weeks or even months at a time on-board the same vessel, Tihany designed public spaces that are a visual feast, with unique colour patterns and decor schemes intended to enhance the sense of discovery as guests move about the vessel.
There’s just one problem: Seabourn Encore has been so eagerly anticipated that many of the voyages for her maiden season are either sold out or darn close to it. But there are some exceptions, like the magnificent 10-day Yachtsman’s Mediterranean voyage on July 26. This one starts in Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and visits Amalfi, Taormina, Xlendi, Valetta, Bonifacio, Monte Carlo, Bandol and Palamos before concluding in Barcelona. It’s a great itinerary, and it still has availability in all suite categories.
If I had to pick one itinerary, though, I’d choose the 16-day Jewels of Arabia & India. This one departs on Oct. 25 from Dubai and ends in Singapore. With ports of call in Qatar, Oman, India and Sri Lanka, plus a nice mix of days at sea, it’s a great way to see these exotic countries. And there’s still availability on this one at press time.
Closer to home, there’s good reason to sail aboard Seabourn Sojourn to Alaska. One of the most luxurious ships sailing to the region, she’ll operate her very first season of voyages from Vancouver and Seward this year. Make no mistake, these aren’t your average Alaska cruise. Guests will see the “big three” ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, but Seabourn will also take them to more authentic, outof-the-way ports of call in both Alaska and British Columbia.
This includes ports like Wrangell, Alaska, with its wonderful Petroglyph Beach; and Alert Bay, B.C., famed for its collection of intricately carved First Nations totem poles.
You won’t find weeklong cruises here — and that’s a good thing. Seabourn’s shortest voyage to Alaska is an 11-day exploration from Vancouver to Seward. Longer combination cruises can be made that last 25 days. And because I always like to promote round-trip Vancouver cruises whenever possible, look out for the 12-day Ultimate Alaska & Inside Passage cruise departing from Canada Place on Sept. 21.
Last but not least, Seabourn has also made a point to include a full day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park on many of its itineraries. It’s a mustsee for any first-time visitor to Alaska, and a welcomed stop for those returning.
It’s “a fitting way to return to Alaska for the first time in a decade and a half,” said Seabourn president Richard Meadows.
Happy cruising.