Seabourn Names Expedition Team for Encore’s 2026 Alaska Debut

Seabourn has named an expedition team of naturalists, scientists, historians and on-water guides for Seabourn Encore’s inaugural Alaska season, scheduled to run from May through September 2026, as more cruise operators add capacity and new ships to the region.

Seabourn Encore’s first Alaska season: timing, routing, and itinerary focus

Seabourn said Seabourn Encore will operate during Alaska’s core cruise window from May to September 2026, sailing one-way voyages between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Juneau, Alaska. The itineraries are designed to combine scenic passages with port calls and expedition-style outings delivered through the line’s Ventures by Seabourn program.

For the season, Seabourn has pointed to glacier and coastal calls that include Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, the Inian Islands, Rudyerd Bay in Misty Fjords, and Alert Bay. The line has also positioned the deployment around Glacier Bay National Park, saying it plans to feature Glacier Bay more frequently than other luxury competitors.

Seabourn highlighted a mix of longer and shorter sailings for the deployment, including a 15-day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise and a seven-day Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage Cruise. The ship is also scheduled to operate seven- and eight-day voyages between Vancouver and Juneau during its Alaska season.

What guests can expect onboard and ashore

Seabourn said the expedition team will expand both onboard and shore-side programming, pairing guided activities with interpretation intended to provide cultural, ecological, and historical context. The company’s plan includes complimentary Seabourn Conversations focused on Alaska and British Columbia, covering topics such as geology, ecology, and cultural history.

Alongside scheduled lectures and talks, Seabourn said guests can expect informal access to specialists throughout the voyage, including day-to-day conversations onboard and interactions in settings such as dining venues and deck-side wildlife viewing.

Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president of expedition, framed the staffing model as central to the product. “It takes a vibrant team of experts to bring one-of-a-kind adventures in Alaska to life for our guests,” West said.

Ventures by Seabourn: expedition-style activities planned for 2026

Seabourn said Ventures by Seabourn programming on Seabourn Encore will include guided experiences on land and at sea, supported by dedicated kayak staff and Zodiac operations. West said the team’s energy is meant to match the destinations on the itinerary: “The passion of the naturalists, scientists, historians, and seafarers we have assembled…is as compelling as the experiences they’ll lead,” she said.

• Expedition-style hiking outings: Seabourn said the expedition staff will lead guided hikes designed to bring guests closer to coastal landscapes while adding expert interpretation along the route.
• Kayaking with dedicated guides: The company said kayaking will be supported by lead and assistant kayak guides, with the on-water team focusing on small-group access to scenery and wildlife habitats.
• Zodiac cruises: Seabourn said Zodiac operations will be used for shoreline exploration and wildlife viewing, offering a lower-profile platform for accessing areas not typically reached by larger craft.

Who’s on Seabourn Encore’s 2026 expedition team

Seabourn’s announced roster for the maiden Alaska season includes expedition leadership roles, dedicated kayak guiding positions, and lecturers covering themes that range from Indigenous culture and marine conservation to geology and ocean science. West said the group was selected to deepen the guest experience: “They are eager to share their expertise and offer guests a deeper connection to the region,” she said.

Expedition leadership and guiding roles

• Lead expedition leader: Seán Bercaw, described by Seabourn as a commissioned U.S. Naval Officer who trained with Navy SEALs, is set to lead the team during the inaugural season.
• Second and assistant expedition leaders: Brian Mahoney, a former geology professor, will serve as second expedition leader, with Chris Clarke named as assistant expedition leader.
• Kayak guiding staff: Patricio Conconi and Rob Egelstaff were named lead kayak guides, with Laura Colgan listed as assistant kayak guide supporting the kayaking program.

Lecturers and subject-matter specialists

Seabourn said the lecturer group will include Lori Snyder, Ely Allred, Brent Houston, Mara Unkefer, Sarah Sinn White, and Amy Venema, with programming that addresses Indigenous culture, marine conservation, geology, and oceanology.

Alaska’s cruise market adds ships, new entrants, and new programming

Alaska continues to draw additional cruise activity, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s State of the Cruise Industry 2025 report, which cited 3.8% growth in cruise visitors expected in 2025. Several lines are also introducing new deployments and onboard programming tied to Alaska itineraries.

MSC Cruises is bringing MSC Poesia to Alaska on seven-night itineraries from Seattle, and the line has partnered with marine conservation group Orca to integrate educational programming and citizen science initiatives, including sessions hosted by a Marine Mammal Observer. Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is also set to launch Alaska cruises with roundtrips from Seattle and Vancouver.

Princess Cruises, meanwhile, is introducing Star Princess to Alaska, a Sphere-class ship the line says will feature new stateroom categories and Sanctuary Suites, which include access to a private pool and dining experiences.

Luxury and expedition operators widen the range of Alaska itineraries

Beyond new ship deployments, established brands are emphasizing differentiated experiences. Holland America Line is adding shore excursions that include an exclusive moose experience at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, offering guided, behind-the-scenes tours. The line also continues to market a broad portfolio of options, with more than 200 excursions in Alaska.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is pairing its Alaska sailings with event-driven travel, including the June 2025 Klondike Blooms Alaska Inside Passage sailing aboard Seven Seas Explorer, which the company said coincides with Fifa World Cup action in Vancouver.

Looking further ahead, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has chartered the Greg Mortimer, a Polar-Class 6 ship, for three years beginning in 2027. The operator said the ship’s design allows access to more remote destinations, while onboard amenities such as top-deck hot tubs aim to balance comfort with expedition-style cruising.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Seabourn Encore’s inaugural Alaska season?

Seabourn Encore’s first Alaska season is scheduled to run from May through September 2026.

What routes will Seabourn Encore sail in Alaska?

Seabourn said the ship’s itineraries are planned as voyages between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Juneau, Alaska, including seven- and eight-day sailings and longer options such as a 15-day itinerary. Itinerary calls and highlights named by the line include Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, the Inian Islands, Rudyerd Bay in Misty Fjords, and Alert Bay, along with a stated emphasis on Glacier Bay National Park.

What is Ventures by Seabourn on Alaska sailings?

Ventures by Seabourn is Seabourn’s expedition-style programming, built around expert-led interpretation and small-group experiences. For Seabourn Encore in 2026, the line said it will include guided hiking, kayaking supported by dedicated kayak guides, Zodiac cruises, and onboard Seabourn Conversations about the region.

Who leads the expedition team on Seabourn Encore in 2026?

Seán Bercaw is the lead expedition leader for Seabourn Encore’s inaugural Alaska season. Seabourn also named Brian Mahoney as second expedition leader and Chris Clarke as assistant expedition leader.

How does MSC Cruises incorporate marine conservation in Alaska?

MSC Cruises has partnered with the marine conservation group Orca to integrate educational programming and citizen science initiatives onboard MSC Poesia during its Alaska sailings, including sessions hosted by a Marine Mammal Observer.

Seabourn’s Alaska plans place Seabourn Encore into a market where cruise itineraries are concentrated between May and September and where new ships and new programming are continuing to expand the range of options, from expert-led expedition activities to conservation partnerships and new-build luxury amenities.