Duration
33 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
20 Ports
18 September
Setting sail from Vancouver
Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a city that rewards exploration, an eminently liveable place and an easy gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia. The culinary scene here is a particular draw, with seafood galore and some fantastic Asian restaurants, and the city has also been at the forefront of the craft beer movement. Verdant Stanley Park is a favourite of locals and visitors alike, while Kitsilano's beaches and wooden houses are wonderfully picturesque. Cultural attractions tend to be on a smaller scale than you'd expect from a city of this size, but the thrill of stumbling across one of Vancouver's quirky little galleries is all part of the city's appeal.
Our tip
Canadians call their one-dollar coins “loonies” (because it bears the image of a loon) and their two-dollar coins “toonies” so sort out your vocabulary and talk like a local!
19-20 September
At sea
21 September
United States: Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a great introduction to Alaska’s natural attractions, situated at the foot of towering Deer Mountain and within easy reach of the Misty Fjords. The colourful wooden buildings of Creek Street, the old red light district, are a reminder of Ketchikan’s former status as a rough and ready frontier town; these days, things are rather more civilised!
22 September
United States: Klawock
23 September
United States: Sitka
Sitka was founded by Russian fur traders in 1799 as the city of New Archangel, and there is still a discernible Russian influence here, including the distinctive St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The town also enjoys spectacular natural surroundings, facing the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Mount Edgecumbe.
24-25 September
At sea
26 September
United States: Kodiak
Kodiak is known as Alaska’s ‘Emerald Isle’ thanks to the lush green countryside, a landscape crisscrossed by gushing salmon-filled streams that provides a home to around 3,000 Kodiak bears, the world’s largest. Ships dock in Kodiak city, an important fishing port with a fascinating Russian heritage.
27 September
At sea
28 September
United States: Dutch Harbor
Dutch Harbor is the port that serves the city of Unalaska, and is known for the hardy fishermen who brave the turbulent, icy seas off the Aleutian Islands. Points of interest include the remains of defensive fortifications built during the Second World War and the striking Russian Orthodox church.
29 September - 5 October
At sea
6 October
Japan: Kushiro
The misty fishing port of Kushiro, on the east coast of Hokkaido, is the gateway to the protected marshlands of Kushiro Mitsugen National Park. These extensive wetlands are the only place in Japan where you can still find the endangered Japanese crane, a graceful bird with a distinctive red crown.
7 October
Japan: Miyako
8 October
Japan: Sendai
Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region, founded in the 16th century by the powerful samurai lord Date Masamune. His legacy lives on in the ruins of Sendai Castle, heavily damaged by Allied bombing during the Second World War. The city also plays host to the colourful Tanabata Matsuri festival every summer.
9 October
Japan: Hitachinaka
The city of Hitachinaka is situated on the east coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, in an area known for its long sandy beaches and busy fishing ports. Don’t miss the famous Hitachi Seaside Park, which lights up with pale blue nemophilia flowers during the spring and crimson kochia bushes in autumn.
10 October
Japan: Yokohama (Tokyo)
In a state of constant renewal and forever looking to the future, densely populated Tokyo is a dazzling introduction to Japan and its utterly unique culture. With more neon than Las Vegas and more Michelin stars than Paris, it’s a real assault on the senses.
11 October
At sea
12 October
Japan: Miyako
13 October
Japan: Hakodate
Situated at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open up to international trade in the 19th century, and a scattering of European-style buildings remain. Take a ride on the historic streetcar, tuck into delicious seafood or enjoy a revitalising dip in an onsen (hot spring).
14 October
Japan: Aomori
The city of Aomori, at the northern tip of Honshu island, is best known for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, which lights up the streets every August. There is still plenty to see during the rest of the year, including elegant Hirosaki Castle, pretty Lake Towada and the Seiryu-ji Temple, home of the largest Buddha statue in Japan.
15 October
Japan: Akita
16 October
Japan: Niigata
Set amongst snowy mountains on the west coast of Honshu, the city of Niigata is known for its ski resorts, seafood and hot springs, and produces some of the finest sake in Japan. Other attractions nearby include Shibata’s impressive castle and the town of Murakami, renowned for its traditional wind-dried salmon.
17 October
Japan: Kanazawa
Kanazawa rivals Kyoto for historical significance, though the city is far less overrun with tourists. The 17th-century Kenroku-en garden is the jewel in Kanazawa’s crown, filled with pretty ponds and waterfalls, and the city is also home to exceptionally well preserved samurai and geisha districts.
18 October
At sea
19 October
South Korea: Sokcho
The fishing port of Sokcho is the gateway to the mountainous Seoraksan National Park, home to wildlife including the rare Korean goral, musk deer and Tristram’s woodpecker. Sokcho is also less than 40 miles from North Korea, with the possibility of visiting the fascinating DMZ Museum at the border.
20 October
At sea
21 October
Japan: Kochi
The small, laid back city of Kochi is situated on the south coast of Shikoku island, an important place of pilgrimage for Japanese Buddhists. Three of the 88 temples on the pilgrimage route are in Kochi, and the city is also known for its elegant 17th century hilltop castle.
22 October
Arriving in Osaka
Osaka, Japan's third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food and its fiercely independent spirit. This is where the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant was first invented, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.
Your home from home
What we love
When Seabourn introduced the three sisters, they changed the face of luxury cruising. Seabourn Encore and her sister Seabourn Ovation, with 604 guests on board, take things a step further, with lots of new thinking and special additions, continuing Seabourn's magical ability to surprise and delight.
Capacity |
604 Guests |
---|---|
Crew | 450 International Staff |
Style |
The contemporary décor appeals to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan crowd. With lots of outside space, you can enjoy an al fresco experience if you choose. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Vancouver
If you’re not committed to the waterfront where the ships come in, we love the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
Stay a little longer in Canada
If you’ve time, set aside a couple of days to travel to Knight Inlet Lodge for bear viewing.