Alaska's Ivory Corridor: A Passage Through Glass and Granite
Navigate the pristine silence of Glacier Bay and the rugged Alaskan fjords aboard the ultra-luxury Seabourn Encore. From the Tlingit heritage of Sitka to the emerald winding channels of the Inside Passage, witness the raw power of the North from the most refined vantage point at sea.
The Sapphire Spine: Alaska’s Living Geology
Alaska is best understood through the lens of movement—the slow creep of a massive glacier, the breach of a humpback whale, and the steady churn of a luxury vessel through mirror-still fjords. This 7-day odyssey begins in Juneau, the only state capital accessible only by sea or air, and moves immediately into the high-drama landscape of Glacier Bay National Park. Here, the world feels ancient and crystalline, as you witness the thunderous "white thunder" of calving ice from the expansive teak decks of the Seabourn Encore.
As we navigate southward, the journey transitions from raw geology to deep cultural heritage. You’ll explore Sitka’s unique blend of Tlingit spirit and Russian history, wander the stilted boardwalks of Ketchikan’s Creek Street, and breathe the rain-scented air of the Misty Fjords National Monument. This is a route designed for the curious traveler, offering "Ventures by Seabourn" excursions that allow you to kayak through glacial meltwater or trek into old-growth rainforests with expert naturalists.
Life on the Quest mirrors the serenity of the shoreline. With an nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, the experience is defined by "Intuitive Luxury"—an open bar with premium spirits, world-class dining, and the quiet satisfaction of the "Seabourn Square" social hub. You arrive in Vancouver not just well-traveled, but recalibrated by the immense scale and profound silence of the Great North.
Related Videos:
Trip Itinerary
Juneau, Alaska (Embarkation)
Welcome to Juneau, the remote capital of Alaska, where the wilderness begins at the edge of the city streets. Upon arrival, transfer to the Seabourn Quest and settle into your luxury suite. Take the afternoon to explore the ship's refined spaces or catch the Mount Roberts Tramway for a panoramic view of the Gastineau Channel.
As we set sail this evening, enjoy a glass of champagne on deck as the rugged peaks of the Panhandle begin to slide by. This is the start of a journey into the heart of the North, defined by contemporary elegance and raw natural beauty.
Glacier Bay National Park (Cruising)
Today is a day of monumental silence. We navigate the icy waters of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living laboratory of glacial retreat. From the comfort of the ship, you will witness the massive Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers as they meet the sea.
Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of mountain goats on the rocky cliffs, humpback whales in the sapphire depths, and harbor seals lounging on floating ice. The onboard expedition team provides expert commentary, detailing the geological forces that continue to shape this crystalline wilderness. It is an immersive masterclass in the power of nature.
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka offers a fascinating cultural duality, where the totem poles of the Tlingit people stand alongside the onion-domed cathedrals of the island's Russian past. Wander through Sitka National Historical Park, where towering totems are nestled within an ancient spruce forest, or visit the Raptor Center to see the rehabilitation of Alaska's iconic bald eagles.
Set against the backdrop of the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka is often considered the most beautiful port in Alaska. Whether you choose to explore the historic streets or join a Ventures by Seabourn kayak excursion through the surrounding islands, the pace today is one of thoughtful discovery.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' Ketchikan is a vibrant gateway to the Tongass National Forest. Explore the historic Creek Street boardwalk, a former red-light district now home to artisan galleries and shops perched on stilts over the rushing water. For a deeper look at the region’s heritage, visit the Totem Heritage Center, which houses one of the world's largest collections of 19th-century totem poles.
The surrounding rainforest is a lush, emerald world waiting to be explored. You may choose to trek through the canopy or embark on a boat tour through the nearby inlets to spot black bears and bald eagles. As we depart this evening, the ship's outdoor lounges provide a perfect vantage point for the rugged coastline of the Revillagigedo Island.
Misty Fjords & Prince Rupert, BC
The morning is spent cruising through the ethereal Misty Fjords National Monument. Here, 3,000-foot granite cliffs rise vertically from the sea, veiled in the mist and waterfalls that give the monument its name. The Seabourn Quest’s maneuverability allows for an intimate look at these dramatic geological features.
In the afternoon, we cross into Canadian waters to visit Prince Rupert, British Columbia. This coastal town is rich in First Nations history and maritime legacy. Visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia to learn about the intricate art and traditions of the Haida and Tsimshian people, or explore the historic cannery sites along the rugged shoreline.
Inside Passage (Scenic Cruising)
Today is a celebration of the legendary Inside Passage. This intricate labyrinth of islands, channels, and fjords is one of the most scenic maritime routes on earth. Spend your day at leisure on board, perhaps enjoying a restorative morning at the Spa at Seabourn or finding a quiet corner in Seabourn Square to watch the emerald mountains slide by.
The Inside Passage is a prime corridor for wildlife; keep an eye out for pods of orcas, Dall's porpoises, and the white heads of bald eagles perched in the trees. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a final celebratory dinner in The Restaurant, toasting to the immense scale and quiet beauty of the Great North as we head toward the Canadian coast.
Vancouver, BC (Disembarkation)
Our voyage concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. As the ship glides under the Lions Gate Bridge and docks at Canada Place, take a final moment to appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery that defines the Pacific Northwest.
After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or your local hotel. Whether you choose to extend your stay to explore Stanley Park and the vibrant culinary scene or begin your journey home, you leave with the profound silence of Glacier Bay and the majesty of the Alaskan fjords as your newest memories.
Where You’ll Stay
Seabourn Encore
Modern Ultra-Luxury, Done Quietly
Seabourn Encore delivers that rare “everything just works” kind of luxury—intimate scale, impeccably attentive service, and an atmosphere that never tries too hard. It’s designed for travelers who want the polish of a high-end hotel, the ease of an all-suite ship, and days that flow from port exploring to pool-deck lounging without ever feeling rushed.
Onboard, the ship hits a sweet spot: enough variety to keep things interesting (multiple dining venues, lounges, spa and wellness spaces), but not so much sprawl that it feels like a floating shopping mall. This is the kind of ship where you can do “busy” if you want—then disappear into calm whenever you don’t.
Accommodations lean heavily into indoor-outdoor living, with suites made for slow mornings and sunset decompression. And when you want a little extra “ship clout,” the premium suites add that elevated, residential feel—bigger verandas, more space to host, and the kind of setup that makes sea days genuinely craveable.
What's Included
- Accommodations: 6 nights aboard the ultra-luxury Seabourn Encore in an all-suite sanctuary.
- Gourmet Dining: All meals on board, including specialty venues.
- Open Bar: Complimentary premium spirits, fine wines, champagnes, and soft drinks throughout the ship.
- In-Suite Bar: Your suite’s bar is fully stocked and replenished daily according to your preferences.
- Service: 24-hour room service and a dedicated Suite Host and Attendant to ensure every detail is perfect.
- Onboard Perks: All gratuities, port charges, and Wi-Fi.
- Scenic Cruising: Guided narration by the onboard Expedition Team during transits through Glacier Bay and Misty Fjords.
- International Airfare: Flights to Juneau and from Vancouver.
- Ventures by Seabourn: Optional, expert-led kayak, zodiac, and hiking excursions (priced per outing).
- Spa & Wellness: Specialized treatments and massages in the Spa at Seabourn.
- Shore Excursions: Discretionary land tours in Sitka, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert.
- Personal Expenses: Boutique purchases and telecommunications beyond the standard Wi-Fi.
- Travel Insurance: We highly recommend a comprehensive policy for Alaskan voyages. Get a quote →
