Seabourn has outlined the advantages of small-ship cruising in Alaska for the 2026 season, with its luxury ship Seabourn Encore offering increased access to Glacier Bay National Park and more sailings through Alaska’s true Inside Passage. Operating seven- and eight-day itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau, the season is designed to deliver deeper immersion into Alaska’s remote landscapes and waterways.
Why ship size matters in Alaska
Seabourn Encore’s intimate scale allows the ship to navigate narrow fjords, secluded channels and coastal passages that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This enables closer glacier viewing, access to less-visited ports and extended scenic cruising through Alaska’s interior waterways.
Seabourn will operate more sailings to Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line in 2026, with every Alaska itinerary featuring dedicated glacier viewing.
Glacier Bay and the true Inside Passage
On southbound voyages from Juneau to Vancouver, Seabourn Encore sails the historic Inside Passage, connecting Alaska with the Pacific Northwest. These daylight sailings pass through fjord-like channels and forested coastlines known for abundant wildlife, Indigenous cultural heritage and the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the rare Kermode, or spirit, bear.
In addition to Glacier Bay, itineraries feature scenic cruising past Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, offering guests multiple opportunities to experience Alaska’s ice landscapes up close.
Expedition-led exploration
Each voyage is supported by a dedicated Expedition Team of naturalists, historians and wilderness experts. Guests can participate in optional Ventures by Seabourn activities including Zodiac cruising, guided hikes and kayaking, returning each day to all-suite accommodation, fine dining and personalised service.
Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn, said the line’s small-ship approach allows guests to experience Alaska in a more meaningful way, combining close-to-nature exploration with Seabourn’s signature luxury.
When to travel
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May to September. Early-season voyages highlight snow-covered peaks and active glaciers, mid-season sailings offer prime wildlife viewing, and late-season departures deliver quieter conditions and autumn scenery.
2026 sample itineraries
Sample sailings aboard Seabourn Encore include:
- 8-day Alaska Inside Passage Explorer & Glacier Bay (14–22 May 2026)
- 7-day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay (22–29 May 2026)
- 14-day Alaska Glaciers, Fjords & Inside Passage (12–26 June 2026)
Seabourn Encore will operate Alaska seasons in both 2026 and 2027, with the option to combine itineraries for extended exploration.
