Seabourn Encore Alaska. Expedition. Will we like Seabourn?

[Pushka]

I think there are a few Seaborn people so would appreciate collective thoughts. Alaska. We are revisiting Alaska in a couple of years having completed one cruise with Viking. This one popped up and has me rethinking.

14-Day Glacier Bay, Fjords & Inside Passage Cruise Itinerary | Seabourn

www.seabourn.com

So all the ins and outs of Seabourn please. I have a hold on the last midship suite I think. Expires 28 July. Refundable deposit I think.

 

[VPS]

Go for it.

Service was impeccable. As you know I did Antarctica with Seabourn for 21 days on my own and they really looked after me. Always made sure I was on a mixed table for dinner if I wanted.

All drinks are included (including spirits although there are some high end spirits and wine that you can pay for) The staff to passenger ratio is good and they remember you after a couple of days. Some friends that were on my cruise recently went on the same ship in Japan and there was a barman that remembered them.

If you book through Virtuoso you get a free excursion.

 

[Pushka]

Go for it.

Service was impeccable. As you know I did Antarctica with Seabourn for 21 days on my own and they really looked after me. Always made sure I was on a mixed table for dinner if I wanted.

All drinks are included (including spirits although there are some high end spirits and wine that you can pay for) The staff to passenger ratio is good and they remember you after a couple of days. Some friends that were on my cruise recently went on the same ship in Japan and there was a barman that remembered them.

If you book through Virtuoso you get a free excursion.

I used to know someone who was an Agent, but when he was a teenager. I've seen you reference Alex, I think that's him if he's from SA. Is he still around do you know?

Yes I was reading your trip and this one sounds similar but opposite ends of the earth . And not as cold. I'm so tempted. MrP is so into photography now that the Explorer excursions on a zodiac would be fab for him.

How did you find getting into the zodiacs? I can kayak just fine but get in and out from land. Not a boat.

 

[RooFlyer]

How did you find getting into the zodiacs? I can kayak just fine but get in and out from land. Not a boat.

Not done Seabourne, but if you don't mind a comment .... on both SilverSea and Ponant, and I can't imagine Seabourne would be different, the crew went to great lengths to help less mobile pax in and out of the Zodiacs. Study box in the zodiac to step on to, so its not a big drop, 2 crew on the edge of the zodiac supporting you, holding your hands/arms (even if you don't need it!) and one in the zodiac there if needs be. You then sit and slide along to make way for the next. Ditto getting out.

If the sea is heaving a bit, they will turn the ship a bit so the zodiacs are in its lee.

I'll try to drag up a pic.

 

[Pushka]

The one issue I'm reading about on CC is that it's also two 7 day cruises combined. So two of everything but the itinerary is completely different on the two legs. I guess if you know in advance it's not such a big deal. 7 day cruises are not long enough for all pfaff that goes with cruising.

And just checked virtuoso and it's the same Alex.

 

[VPS]

I had some concerns about getting in and out of the zodiacs and I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. The crew were very patient and helpful. It is actually easier than it looks.