Seabourn Encore: 33-Night Cruise from Vancouver - September 18, 2026

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Ketchikan, Alaska, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Waterproof layers are essential, as rain is common even in summer.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Klawock, Alaska - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Klawock Totem Park features one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in Alaska.

Your ship arrives in Sitka, Alaska at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Wander through this park to see totem poles, learn about Tlingit culture, and enjoy scenic forest trails with opportunities to spot local wildlife.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Kodiak, Alaska, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear, as weather can shift quickly.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Dutch Harbor, Alaska - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Dutch Harbor played a key role during the Second World War, and remnants of that time remain scattered across the hills.

Your ship arrives in Kushiro, Japan at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. This expansive wetland is one of Japan's most important natural areas.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Miyako, Japan, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and regional cuisine at local restaurants.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Sendai, Japan - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Climb the hill to the historical castle site for breathtaking city panoramas.

Your ship arrives in Hitachinaka, Japan at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. This massive coastal park is the star attraction, famous for seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Shimizu, Japan, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Traditional shrines and local festivals reveal a rich cultural heritage.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Tokyo, Japan - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, to experience traditional rituals, admire stunning architecture, and wander the vibrant Nakamise shopping street nearby.

Your ship arrives in Miyako, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Yonaha Maehama Beach is renowned for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters.

With 13 hours hours in Hakodate, Japan - from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Cruise ships dock close to the city, making Hakodate easy to explore independently.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Aomori, Japan - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse introduces visitors to Aomori's most famous festival through vivid displays and large illuminated floats.

Your ship arrives in Akita, Japan at 10:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. This modern museum is best known for works by Fujita Tsuguharu, including a large mural depicting seasonal life in Akita.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Niigata, Japan, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The surrounding countryside features rice paddies and coastline vistas, allowing easy day trips to appreciate both tradition and natural beauty.

As a smaller vessel, the Seabourn Encore means a quicker disembarkation in Kanazawa, Japan - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens.

Your ship arrives in Sokcho, South Korea at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Hike through diverse trails, admire waterfalls, and capture breathtaking mountain vistas.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Kochi, Japan, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Food stalls and small eateries serve regional specialties, including fresh seafood and local dishes cooked in front of you.

Your cruise ends in Osaka (Kyoto and Nara), Japan, where the Seabourn Encore is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Osaka Castle is a stunning historic landmark surrounded by gardens and stone walls.