Exploring Alaska Onboard Seabourn Sojourn

During a recent voyage with Seabourn Cruise Line from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska, my fellow passengers and I visited off-the-beaten-track hamlets such as Misty Fjords, Wrangell and Endicott Arm, in addition to well-traveled haunts like Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau.

The 11-day sailing took place onboard the 229-suite Seabourn Sojourn, which, at 32,000 gross tons, is an ideal size for Alaskan cruising. It’s spacious enough to offer a variety of dining options, plenty of deck space and top-notch entertainment, but small enough to access remote anchorages and to provide a congenial, intimate setting. 

Most public spaces are situated aft on Sojourn’s eight guest decks, save for an observation lounge at the top of the ship and alabaster-paneled The Restaurant on Deck 4. The strikingly designed Sojourn was one of the first ships to forgo a traditional reception desk; it’s now part of a multipurpose venue — Seabourn Square — which also features a coffee bar, boutiques and a living room-style lounge overlooking the stern. Other signature Seabourn design hallmarks include a soaring, skylight-topped spiral staircase and an open bow area with its own Jacuzzi.

Incongruous with the ship’s otherwise cutting-edge design, the Grand Salon showroom is challenged by some 10 stout structural pillars that obstruct the view from most angles. Because I found the shows, guest artists and enrichment lectures on the sailing to be of high-quality, this was especially frustrating. I discovered another curious design hitch when trying to charge my electrical devices: There was just one 110-volt outlet in my suite (so pack a converter).

I was greatly impressed with the ship’s staff, who provided warm and intuitive service. Some even achieved the seemingly impossible feat of greeting us by name throughout the voyage.

In addition to included drinks and tips, extra Seabourn perks ranged from two caviar events; custom parkas (especially useful on excursions); the Galley Market Luncheon, an open galley lunch buffet; and the Neighborhood Block Party — where I was able to meet with shipmates in the suite corridors as butlers circulated with bubbly — to a Seabourn Signature farewell gala featuring live music and the ship’s officers gathered on deck.

The sterling service and menu of delicious courses at the once-per-cruise The Grill by Thomas Keller (complimentary, but reservations are required)  exceeded my already high expectations — including what is, without a doubt, the best Caesar salad at sea. Another favorite dining experience was The Patio, a poolside venue with an open kitchen and an evolving menu of fixed dinner courses. Also praiseworthy were the top-notch pastries, baked goods and homemade gelato in all dining venues.

Special to Seabourn, but not included in the fare, are the Ventures by Seabourn excursions that utilize the ship’s own zodiacs, kayaks and expedition staff. I especially enjoyed the convenience of gearing up and departing directly from the ship. Kayaking underneath basalt cliffs and gushing waterfalls on a rainy day in Misty Fjords with tireless expedition leader Nicky Bunting — and then again a few days later in Endicott Arm, as the Dawes Glacier dramatically calved in the distance — were memorable experiences. A nice plus was having members of the same expedition staff provide itinerary-specific lectures on Alaska’s geology, history and marine life.

For those with extra time and budget, Seabourn offers an ideal pre-cruise Banff to Vancouver extension on the fabled Rocky Mountaineer train. The seven-night option includes an overnight in Calgary; three nights at Banff’s The Rimrock Resort Hotel; several local tours (including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake); an overnight in Kamloops; and an overnight in Vancouver.

The Details
Seabourn Cruise Line 
www.seabourn.com