Having to cancel a prior planned Alaska cruise chosen after a lot of research, a friend booked Sojourn and without hesitation we decided to tag along. This was our fourth cruise with Seabourn. The biggest disappointment was lack of any viewing opportunities from the ship itself for any Alaskan wildlife or glacier viewing. The only way to see anything was to book expensive ventures done by either kayaking or zodiac. While other ships seem to locate themselves in areas where whales and eagles and glaciers an be viewed while onboard, this was never the case with Seabourn Sohourn. Also, the captain was pretty much never seen on this cruise nor did he make many announcements. I feel he could have added to experience if he had wanted to. Almost without exception we had to tender into every port. The only day we were even close to the glaciers was the day in Tracy Arm where we anchored over a mile away from the face of the Sawyer Glacier. I had assumed it was because of safety reasons that kept us from getting closer until later in the day (a gorgeous sunny day) a Disney ship twice our size passed us and turned itself to park directly in front of the face of the glacier. The only explanation given was that due to the platforms so people could take off from the boat onto zodiacs for up close viewing placement that the ship could not go closer. Why couldn't we have done an up close visit for a few hours, then re position and allow the excursions so that everyone on the ship could experience the calving and beauty of this fantastic glacier without having to pay over $250 to go out in the zodiacs? Not everyone has the mobility or health to do that. This was the reason I came to Alaska. Since the cruise began and ended in Vancouver the last 4 days were strictly cruising the inside passage passing multiple islands covered with pine trees with mountains - and no wildlife views at all. It also did not call on Skagway and Icy Strait was a total waste of visit. A scheduled day special visit at Klemtu was cancelled due to rainy weather so the last four days were strictly sailing.

The staff could not be more professional and caring. Our luggage was delayed for 3 days and they were so kind to us and offered credit to purchase some needed clothing and provided my husband with a jacket, shirt and tie for the formal evening. Food was excellent after I made some special requests and they went above and beyond to meet any expectations.

All in all, we will travel with Seabourn again someday but not soon. The ships seem a bit drab and faded, need more color and sparkle. After 4 cruises in 2 years we will try a few other lines to compare. We have sailed on Regent and Oceania, so may return to them or try Crystal for our next adventure.