Following a very successful 2017 season Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, is headed back to Alaska and British Columbia in 2018 with an exciting lineup of guided Ventures by Seabourn optional, for-charge shore excursions. The new excursions for 2018 invite guests to explore the extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife of The Last Frontier and Canada’s Inside Passage via double sea kayak, Zodiac, catamaran and hikes.
The 11-, 12- and 14-day sailings planned in the region aboard Seabourn Sojourn will feature multiple opportunities for guests to enjoy up-close exploration that is enjoyable, approachable and eye-opening. Guests opting to take a Ventures by Seabourn experience will enjoy adventurous activities that are professionally planned and operated, and escorted by expert guides.
The line has released a new video showcasing a captivating look at the luxuries, excitement and expertise that combine to create the Seabourn experience and Ventures by Seabourn in Alaska and British Columbia.
Featured Ventures by Seabourn excursions are available on select itineraries and ports, and include:
- Exploration of Aialik Glacier by Kayak or Zodiac – Expect a depthless experience on pristine water that spreads like a mirror before the prow, with quality time in a habitat brimming with diverse wildlife and surrounded by waterfalls, ice and glaciers. Not uncommon is an opportunity to see a glacier calving during the exploration, sending “bergy bits” crashing into the sea.
- Exploration of Holgate Glacier by Kayak or Zodiac – Get acquainted with local wildlife while exploring Holgate Fjord, Holgate Glacier, and surrounding waterfalls. This is a one-off chance for a thoroughly immersive experience of perusing a remote destination in detail.
- Exploration of College Fjord by Kayak or Zodiac – Available only on the June 16 voyage of Seabourn Sojourn, this adventure explores an area rarely visited by cruise ships. Located in the northern sector of Prince William Sound, the fjord contains five tidewater glaciers, five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller glaciers, most named for East Coast colleges.
- Inian Islands Exploration by Kayak or Zodiac (Inian Islands) – Cross Sound is one of the main gateways for migratory humpback whales entering the sheltered waters of Alaska, and also where a variety of wildlife make the islands their home. Guests on board will have an opportunity to hopefully see them in their natural habitat, including the Steller sea lions, Horned and Tufted puffins, Sea otters, Harbor seals, Bald eagles and other bird species.
- Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Hike (Juneau) – Immerse with a local guide and the Seabourn Sojourn Ventures team to witness an incredible variety of fauna and flora en route to the base of Mendenhall in Juneau. Then don a helmet and, ice conditions permitting, step into the spectacular ice caves of the glacier.
- Perseverance Trail Hike (Juneau) – Here is a moderate to strenuous foray through the Alaskan temperate rain forest near Juneau that’s not to be missed. Learn about local fauna and flora, as well as Alaskan and Native history, including entertaining stories of Juneau’s past and the influential Gold Rush era.
- Davidson Glacier Hike & Zodiac (Haines) – Take a Zodiac ride to Glacier Point just outside of Haines and, after a “wet landing,” switch from rubber to hiking or mountaineering boots and follow a local guide through the temperate rain forest. Upon reaching the base of Davidson Glacier, gear up for an exhilarating glacier walk covering more than six miles and rising 180 feet. The final approach traverses boulder-strewn, loose-rock glacier moraine.
- Moose Meadows Intercoastal Hike & Zodiac (Haines) – This adventure includes a Zodiac ride over Moose Bay in Haines followed by a coastal hike with a local guide along the western side of Chilkat Peninsula that proceeds from Moose Meadows to Twin Coves. The undulating terrain is surrounded by magnificent mountain and glacial scenery.
- Exploration of Sawyer Glacier/Endicott Arm by Kayak or Zodiac – Legendary scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfalls and boundless beauty wait via Zodiac through Tracy Arm/ Sawyer Glacier. The Zodiacs will allow guests to get close to view the face of the glacier and to hopefully see wildlife, including birdlife, Mountain goats, Sea lions and Harbor seals.
- Glacier Exploration by Catamaran – See the best of Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm fjords including close-up examination of the majestic Sawyer or Dawes Glaciers, ice conditions permitting, from the comfort of a deluxe, water jet-powered catamaran that is uniquely designed to provide the best-possible views. There will be frequent stops on the jade-colored sea to view wildlife such as Harbor seals, Mountain goats and Bald eagles.
- Rainbow Falls Adventure Hike (Wrangell) – This moderate-to-strenuous hike on Wrangell Island heads into Alaska’s temperate rain forest over the Rainbow Trail, a manmade boardwalk that winds through incredible forest scenery en route to magnificent Rainbow Falls. The local guide will share details of natural and human history along the way.
- Rainbow Falls Adventure Hike – Up & Over! (Wrangell) – All of the above and more, including going over the top of the mountain to explore the other side of Wrangell Island. The hike covers 7.5 miles, with interpretation of natural and human history throughout.
- Anan Creek – Bear Viewing & Photography (Wrangell) – A bear expert and photography specialist will team up for this ultimate bear-viewing experience – arguably the best Alaska has to offer. Anan Creek is an ancient Tlingit Native fishing site on the south end of Wrangell Island, with the largest pink salmon run in Southeast Alaska attracting significant numbers of black and brown bears. The observation platform and photography blind overlook cascading falls with bears standing by to catch jumping fish. Available on select voyages.
- Exploration of Misty Fjords by Kayak or Zodiac (Rudyerd Bay) – Explore the most remote part of Misty Fjords National Monument, a territory explorer John Muir classed as among the most beautiful places he had ever seen. The narrow far end is not accessible by ship – but it is by Zodiac or kayak. Only a privileged few can claim to have seen the marvelous tribute to the majesty of nature.
- Misty Fjords Explorer by Catamaran (Rudyerd Bay) – Cruise in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska while learning about the natural and human history of this remote and remarkably beautiful wilderness. Highlights include New Eddystone Rock, Rudyerd Bay, “God’s Pocket” and “Owl Cliffs,” as well as a visit to a rookery amid the mist of glistening waterfalls.
- Exploration of Finlayson Channel by Zodiac (Klemtu, B.C.) – The ultimate immersive experience in an area unreachable by land. Stay on the lookout for birdlife, Steller sea lions and possibly Humpback whales while soaking up the magnificent scenery all around.
- Exploration of Klemtu Coast by Kayak (Klemtu, B.C.) – Paddle the waters of British Columbia amidst a wealth of scenery and wildlife. A sheltered area south of Klemtu offers great opportunities to view birdlife and possibly whales.
- Exploration of Cormorant Marine Park by Kayak or Zodiac (Alert Bay) – Explore one of the best places to encounter Western Canada’s prolific wildlife. Navigate the waters and keep an eye out for seals, whales, eagles and more
Seabourn Sojourn’s 2018 season in Alaska and British Columbia combines ultra-luxury comforts with onboard programs such as Seabourn Conversations and wildlife watching on deck. The unique voyages combine Alaska’s most popular ports with rarely visited hidden gems of the Inside Passage and British Columbia.
In addition, Seabourn is offering the Denali Experience, an exclusive and optional Seabourn Journey available before or after all Seabourn Alaska voyages. The five-day Denali Experience is a fully escorted, custom-designed overland adventure promising awe-inspiring wonder with luxury accommodations and culinary options. Venturing into the Great Land, Seabourn guests will soar high above glaciers during a sightseeing flight, as well as head deep into the protected wilderness of Denali National Park with a guide to spot grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, caribou and more.
For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com. A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225.
