Sharon and Brian had always dreamed of a Cruise to Alaska! The image of shimmering Glaciers, snow capped mountains, vast expanses of Wilderness and the thought of Salmon, Bears, Whales and other wildlife made this a cruise of our dreams. So when the opportunity came up to take a Seabourn Cruise…it was an easy decision to make!
It is really important to look into the various cruise companies…and Cruise Ships… before you decide which one is BEST for YOU. (this is where the Cruise Experts at East Burwood Travel can help!). There are numerous Cruise companies like Holland America Line, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Seabourn, Azamara, and Silversea…just to name a few. Look into the size of the Ship…They vary from around 400 passengers to over 2,500 passengers. Also look into the duration of the Cruise….this may vary from 7 nights to a fortnight. Most Cruises sail between Seattle or Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage) or Juneu. Most cruises will visit ports like Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau. Our cruise in September was extremely smooth and given that many of the days in the “Inside Passage” this is the case for the majority of cruises.
Sharon and Brian chose the Seabourn Sojourn as the 420 passenger maximum was appealing. We also liked the 11 day itinerary that started in Vancouver – visited Ketchikan, Wrangell, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Icy Strait Point and ended in Seward (Anchorage).
The Seabourn Sojourn is a relatively small ship with just 229 Cabins (Suites – all External). It is classed as “Luxury Cruising” with drinks included – even premium spirits and champagne! Too good to resist. There is a restaurant onboard that offers world class dining enhanced through a partnership with Chef Thomas Keller. We also liked the optional excursions offered by the ships own kayaks and Zodiacs which got is up close to the action! We will always remember getting right up close to the Glaciers and we even had a whale swim right under our Zodiac! Unforgettable!
There is a “No Tipping” policy! Wow – took away a lot of stress as Tips are included in the price!
Seabourn also offer a complimentary jacket which was invaluable to keeping us warm!
A smaller ship allows cruisers to be off and exploring compared with the larger ships which often have queues to embark and disembark.
The meals and service were beyond amazing! Lobster, Shrimp, Steaks and all tastes and diets in between were catered for! A highlight for us was the “High Tea” offered every afternoon along with the choice of Champagne and Caviar delivered to the suite …on request….AT NO EXTRA COST!
We enjoyed ALL the ports we visited and were very lucky to see a variety of Wildlife…in their natural habitat. We saw Eagles, Seals, Bears, Salmon and Whales.
Sharons highlight was the kayak trip to Tracy Arm Fjords (North & South).
Brians highlight was the Helicopter Optional Excursion that landed ON THE MENDENHALL GLACIER! With a walk on the glacier, listening to the icy rumple and the flowing melting ice – accompanied by a glaciologist! And then the scenic helicopter flight through the valleys!
They both were in awe when the ship sailed into Misty Fjords, “parked” amongst the towering snow-capped peaks and the Captain set it to “Rotate” – a virtual revolving restaurant with views of the glaciers!
Please call Sharon on 9808 1177 to make your Alaska dreams a reality!
