Seabourn To Return To Alaska For The First Time In 15 Years

Luxury, small-ship cruise line Seabourn has announced its plan to return to "The Great Land" of Alaska beginning in 2017. Responding to high guest demand and having not deployed a ship there for 15 years, Seabourn Sojourn will offer a series of 11-, 12-, and 14-day itineraries sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Anchorage (Seward), Alaska.

Seabourn will offer unique voyages combining Alaska's most popular ports with rarely visited hidden gems of the Inside Passage. Taking advantage of Seabourn Sojourn's intimate size and nimble maneuverability, guests will enjoy a view of The Last Frontier that larger ships cannot access. Itineraries include visits to iconic sites, such as the towering forests along the Inside Passage; the calving of glaciers and humpback whales breaching in the Kenai Fjords; Juneau, the state capital, inaccessible by road; Ketchikan, the southernmost and arguably most-colorful town in the state; and Sitka, whose Tlingit history traces back 10,000 years.

Interspersed on Seabourn Sojourn voyages will be visits to unspoiled hideaways such as Alert Bay, British Columbia, a tiny Namgis First Nations community offering rare insights into the region's aboriginal cultures; and Klemtu, a small island outpost in the Inside Passage. In spots such as Misty Fjords and the hauntingly beautiful Tracy Arm, guests will be able explore wildlife-rich waterways, forested mountain vistas, and lacy waterfalls up close via Ventures by Seabourn, an innovative optional program of Zodiac and kayak excursions led by Seabourn Sojourn's expedition team of naturalists, science, wildlife, and historical experts. The same expedition team will be on hand on deck, pointing out, interpreting, and enhancing desirable locations.

In addition, each of the new 11-, 12- and 14-day cruises will include complimentary Seabourn all-weather jackets; inspiring Seabourn Conversations with special onboard guest speakers; opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and shore; and a "Caviar on the Ice" deck party and other special deck events.

Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

-- Intimate ships with no more than 300 suites
-- Unique itineraries visiting must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot follow
-- Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing their guests
-- Spacious all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views, many with verandas
-- Gourmet dining experiences as fine as the best restaurants anywhere
-- Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured with lunch and dinner

"Seabourn's return to Alaska has been a long time coming and highly anticipated," said John Delaney, Seabourn's senior vice president, global marketing and sales. "We're looking forward to sharing with our guests the highlights of Alaska, from the mountains and glaciers to the picturesque frontier towns and amazing wildlife. But they'll also see an uncommon Alaska, a side that few visitors ever get to see. No other line can show them in such ultra-luxury Seabourn style," added Delaney.

Seabourn's return to Alaska begins with the "11-Day Ultimate Alaskan Sojourn," departing Vancouver, British Columbia on June 1, 2017, bound for Anchorage, Alaska, with the Queen Charlotte Sound, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Behm Narrows, Wrangell, Decision Passage, Sitka, Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, Haines, Juneau, and Icy Strait Point in between.

Image Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises