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.

 

[VPS]

If you decide to go ahead, let me know and I can give you a referral which will give you a $250 US credit

 

[Pushka]

If you decide to go ahead, let me know and I can give you a referral which will give you a $250 US credit

Ok. I think we will. How does this work? After I've booked?

 

[drron]

I knew the fellow who set up Seabournes Expedition cruising well He was with Silversea and he was on our first few cruises we did with them. He helped plan itineraries and was excellent with the running of excursions. So Seabourne Expedition cruises should be very good.

 

[VPS]

Ok. I think we will. How does this work? After I've booked?

REFER YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY AND EARN A $250USD SHIPBOARD CREDIT – FOR YOU BOTH!

On Seabourn a lot of our first-time guests were recommended by one of our Seabourn Club members. We’re proud that Club members think enough of us to refer Seabourn to their friends and family. To express our gratitude and provide a special welcome to any referred first-time guests, we created Seabourn Club Referral Rewards -- a $250USD per-suite shipboard credit for both the referring Club members and their referred guests to enjoy.

Once your first-time friends or family have booked a future Seabourn voyage, simply register them for their Reward on our website. Then download and submit a Referral Rewards redemption form to receive your own Reward on the same or a later voyage. We sincerely thank you for referring your friends and family to Seabourn. Any friend of yours will be especially welcome on board -- and be treated to the very best luxury hospitality at sea.

Now you have limitless possibilities as Seabourn Club Referral Rewards can be earned each time you refer a new guest AND what’s even more exciting is that you can combine up to two rewards on any one voyage, making $500USD on board spending money for YOU.

 

[Pushka]

REFER YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY AND EARN A $250USD SHIPBOARD CREDIT – FOR YOU BOTH!

On Seabourn a lot of our first-time guests were recommended by one of our Seabourn Club members. We’re proud that Club members think enough of us to refer Seabourn to their friends and family. To express our gratitude and provide a special welcome to any referred first-time guests, we created Seabourn Club Referral Rewards -- a $250USD per-suite shipboard credit for both the referring Club members and their referred guests to enjoy.

Once your first-time friends or family have booked a future Seabourn voyage, simply register them for their Reward on our website. Then download and submit a Referral Rewards redemption form to receive your own Reward on the same or a later voyage. We sincerely thank you for referring your friends and family to Seabourn. Any friend of yours will be especially welcome on board -- and be treated to the very best luxury hospitality at sea.

Now you have limitless possibilities as Seabourn Club Referral Rewards can be earned each time you refer a new guest AND what’s even more exciting is that you can combine up to two rewards on any one voyage, making $500USD on board spending money for YOU.

Nice. I'll book tomorrow and dm you with details. Deposit refundable which is rather impressive. And low risk. Have to live another couple of years

And you will have to take another cruise for the deal.

 

[Lux]

Okay, I will give some thoughts as a TA who has also sailed this region. Please don't shoot the messenger.

I have cruised abooard Encore, but didn't rate it massively relative to Silversea, Regent, and Crystal. Very American centric. Didn't find the food super elevated. Found it hard to get a decent coffee. They would ask your cabin number when entering the main dining room and seat your table allocation seemed relative to your cabin grade and sea days.

Also, Seabourn Encore isn't a purpose built expedition ship, unlike Seabourn Pursuit. Encore carries 600 guests. Yes, they have zodiacs that they use over the Alaska season, which would offer some nice scenic cruising opportunities.

I would recommend you consider Crystal. Their food is absolutely the best on water right now.

I would recommend itineraries that include Wrangell to try and get conifrmed on a visit to Anan Bear Observatory.

In Sitka there are some great local operators I can steer you towards which offer better value then the ship tours. DM, etc.

 

[VPS]

Nice. I'll book tomorrow and dm you with details. Deposit refundable which is rather impressive. And low risk. Have to live another couple of years

And you will have to take another cruise for the deal.

If I must

 

[Pushka]

Okay, I will give some thoughts as a TA who has also sailed this region. please don't shoot the messenger!

I have cruised abooard Encore, but didn't rate it massively relative to Silversea, Regent, and Crystal. Very American centric. Didn't find the food super elevated. Found it hard to get a decent coffee. They would ask your cabin number when entering the main dining room and seat your table allocation seemed relative to your cabin grade and sea days.

Also, Seabourn Encore isn't a purpose built expedition ship, unlike Seabourn Pursuit. Encore carries 600 guests. Yes, they have zodiacs that they use over the Alaska season, which would offer some nice scenic cruising opportunities.

I would recommend you consider Crystal. Their food is absolutely the best on water right now.

https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-cse-011-270527

or

https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-cse-011-270701

I would recommend itineraries that include Wrangell to try and get conifrmed on a visit to Anan Bear Observatory.

In Sitka there are some great local operators I can steer you towards which offer better value then the ship tours. DM, etc.

Thanks. I checked their site. And there is only one cruise for the month touching Alaska and starts from San Diego.

We aren't foodies. We like tasty food and not sure we'd pick a cruise for the food but I do know people love Crystal. And Wrangell, yes, that seems a bucket list excursion.

 

[Lux]

Thanks. I checked their site. And there is only one cruise for the month touching Alaska and starts from San Diego.

We aren't foodies. We like tasty food and not sure we'd pick a cruise for the food but I do know people love Crystal. And Wrangell, yes, that seems a bucket list excursion.

Agh wrong year, I didn’t process that you are looking at 2028.

 

[RooFlyer]

I don't have any pics of on/off zodiacs - you are told to put everything away and keep both hands free. But you can see, always 2 on the ship to help you on and off, and a third keeping a watch on things. Plus the person in the zodiac.



For wet landings, its turn towards the back of the zodiac, swing legs and into the water with at least one to help you plus the zodiac driver. Reverse, to get back - with the little stool thing if the water is a bit deep.

Twice on Ponant they have put towels down for grip if its a landing on rocks or a scramble up them.