SEABOURN ENCORE TO MAKE MAIDEN ALASKA DEBUT IN 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Carnival Corporation's (NYSE:CUK) ultra-luxury brand Seabourn announced that Seabourn Encore will make its maiden voyage to Alaska and British Columbia in 2026. The program includes 17 seven-day sailings and one 8-day sailing between May and September 2026, with options to combine into 14- or 15-day voyages.

The ship will feature the Ventures by Seabourn program, offering expert-led excursions with kayaks and Zodiacs launched directly from the ship. Seabourn will provide more sailings into Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line, and every voyage will include a glacier experience. Special voyages are planned around the Summer Solstice, Perseid Meteor Shower, and major U.S. holidays.

Positive

• First-time deployment of Seabourn Encore in Alaska expands luxury cruise capacity
• More Glacier Bay National Park sailings than any other luxury cruise line
• Flexible itinerary combinations allow for extended 14-15 day voyages
• Ship's small size enables access to exclusive ports and narrow waterways

Negative

• None.

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Seabourn looks ahead to Seabourn Encore's first voyages in Alaska and British Columbia 
from May to September 2026

SEATTLE, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Seabourn wraps up its 2025 season in Alaska and British Columbia, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel is already looking ahead to 2026, when Seabourn Encore will sail to the region for the very first time.

Building on the excitement of past Alaska seasons, 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, travelers 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 program has been carefully designed to deliver unrivaled 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." 

Immersive Exploration with Ventures by Seabourn
At the heart of Seabourn's Alaska experience is Ventures by Seabourn, a signature program 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 traveler 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.

Glacier Bay: Alaska's UNESCO Treasure
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska's crown jewels, where dramatic tidewater glaciers, towering mountains, and rich wildlife create a breathtaking landscape. Seabourn offers more sailings into Glacier Bay than any other luxury cruise line, giving guests unrivaled access to this premier national park to witness multiple active glaciers, spot humpback whales and sea otters, and learn about the park's natural history from onboard expedition experts.

- 8-Day Alaska Inside Passage Explorer & Glacier Bay – May 14-22, 2026 from Vancouver to Juneau
- 7-Day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay – May 22-29, 2026 from Juneau to Vancouver
- 7-Day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay – Sept. 11-18, 2026 from Juneau to Vancouver

Additional Season Highlights
Seabourn Encore's maiden season in Alaska will be marked by voyages that naturally coincide with remarkable celestial and seasonal events, giving guests the chance to witness unforgettable moments along the way:

• Summer Solstice voyage – including a seven-day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage, departing Juneau on June 19, 2026, timed to the longest days of the year when Alaska enjoys nearly endless daylight for scenic viewing.
• Perseid Meteor Shower voyage – a seven-day Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage, departing Vancouver on August 7, 2026, coinciding with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower (August 12-13), when shooting stars light up Alaska's night skies.
• Northern Lights Viewing – Throughout the season, voyages offer the chance to spot the aurora borealis, depending on conditions.
• Holiday voyages – Memorial Day: a seven-day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay, departing Juneau on May 22; and Independence Day celebrating the USA's 250^th birthday: a seven-day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage, departing Juneau on July 3, 2026. These sailings naturally line up with U.S. holidays, offering guests a unique way to celebrate while exploring the beauty of Alaska.

On Board Seabourn Encore
While Alaska's wilderness captivates outdoors, Seabourn Encore will delight guests on board with the ship's yacht-like luxury atmosphere. All-suite accommodations feature private verandas, while exclusive venues and amenities elevate the small-ship luxury experience. Guests can unwind at The Retreat, a private sanctuary with cabanas and whirlpool; savor traditional Japanese cuisine at Sushi; or dine indoors and al fresco at Solis, Seabourn's fine-dining venue featuring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Guests will also enjoy authentic Alaska experiences on board, from regionally inspired cuisine to local entertainment, bringing the culture of the Great Land to life. With more space to relax on the private veranda of every suite, travelers will have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery in comfort and privacy.

Signature Seabourn Moments
Throughout the season, Seabourn will also showcase its signature touches, from Caviar on the Ice deck parties to engaging enrichment programs and thoughtfully curated entertainment, ensuring every journey through Alaska is as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

For more details about Seabourn's 2026 Alaska season, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor. 

About Seabourn:
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK).

Find Seabourn on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. 

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SOURCE Seabourn

FAQ

When will Seabourn Encore start its first Alaska season?

Seabourn Encore will begin its maiden Alaska season in May 2026, operating through September 2026 with 17 seven-day sailings and one 8-day sailing.

What unique features does Seabourn Encore offer for Alaska cruises?

The ship offers all-suite accommodations with private verandas, Ventures by Seabourn program with kayaks and Zodiacs, expert expedition teams, and exclusive venues including The Retreat and Sushi restaurant.

How many Glacier Bay sailings will Seabourn offer in 2026?

While the exact number isn't specified, Seabourn will offer more sailings into Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line, with every voyage featuring a glacier experience.

What special amenities are included on Seabourn's Alaska cruises?

Guests receive a complimentary Helly Hansen all-weather jacket, and Premium Suite guests get access to Swarovski Optik binoculars. The ship also features expert expedition teams and signature experiences like Caviar on the Ice deck parties.

What special event voyages are planned for Seabourn Encore's 2026 Alaska season?

Special voyages include the Summer Solstice cruise (June 19), Perseid Meteor Shower voyage (August 7), and holiday sailings for Memorial Day (May 22) and Independence Day (July 3).