As Seabourn wraps up its first-ever Alaska season aboard the Seabourn Encore, the luxury line has already laid out what's next. The 2026 program, which ended on 18 September, saw the all-suite ship complete 18 voyages, call at 17 destinations and take more than 9,000 guests on Ventures by Seabourn excursions — kayaks and Zodiacs led by expedition experts. It clearly worked: the Encore is heading back north.
For summer 2027, the ship will sail from May to September with 18 departures across five itineraries, ranging from a classic week up to a hefty 15 days. In total, the routes cover 15 ports and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Glacier Bay National Park. Every single sailing includes scenic cruising through at least one of the region's signature waterways: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm.
For travellers with more time, Seabourn is again offering The Denali Experience — an optional eight-day, seven-night pre-cruise land journey into Alaska's interior, available with select departures. It pairs the coastal cruise with the state's mountain heartland, which most first-timers never see from a ship alone.
On board, expect the line's Alaska-specific culinary programming to return, matched with a destination-inspired cocktail menu. And if 2027 sells out or doesn't fit your calendar, Seabourn has opened sales for 2028 as well: the Encore will run 16 departures of seven to 21 days between May and September that year.
Why does this matter to holidaymakers? Seabourn sits in the small-ship luxury tier — all-suite accommodation, high crew-to-guest ratios and a more relaxed pace than the mega-ships that dominate Alaska. With just 18 departures on offer for 2027, popular dates (especially July and the Glacier Bay itineraries, which require park permits that limit access) tend to fill early. Longer itineraries of 10-plus days are also a smart way to reach quieter towns and waterways that a seven-day loop can't fit in. Booking well ahead, or considering the 2028 season, gives you the best cabin choice and fare.