I cancelled my Alaskan concierge cruise on the Wonder to go with Seabourn instead

[FrancisK7]

I'm a newbie cruiser. We cruised on the Fantasy as a family for the first time last year and we loved it so much, we immediately booked a cruise on the Treasure for May 2026. We are sailing on the Wish in three weeks, and sailing on the Dream with just my wife in January.

So when the Summer Alaskan itineraries were released I jumped on the chance to book a bucket list item of mine for my 40th birthday next year as early as possible to get the best possible price. Since it will be just me and my wife, I initially wanted to book Celebrity and stay in the Retreat. Food is super important to me, but Alaska is also very much about the itinerary, and the excursions. Having the ability to dine in my room was also a factor, as without the kids, we love having hot breakfast, or dinner, in our rooms overlooking a great view. I began fearing I would regret my decision to sway from DCL, and if I was missing Glacier Bay, I might as well stick with what I know.

The only option to have hot meals in your stateroom on DCL is to book a 1-bedroom. So I booked a 02A on the Wonder in September for 17k after seeing how amazing they look with the new refurb. I didn't research any alternative and just accepted this once-in-a-lifetime experience is what it would cost.

Over the last few months I've made a lot more research and realized I would have a more intimate experience that is aligned with my expectations on a smaller ship, and that I shouldn't miss Glacier Bay. I started comparing the options, and with my criteria of food, luxury. in-room dining and comfort, the Seabourn Encore was the clear winner. So I went on their website expecting it to cost more than my DCL concierge cruise (as DCL is a premium brand and Seabourn is categorized as Luxury according to to the one true reference in the matter, Jake from Bright Sun Travels. lol) and I was shocked. I booked a Verandah room for 10K, a 7K saving. I get to see Glacier Bay and have thousands of dollars more for excursions. I modified my DCL Alaskan cruise to another family cruise in the future not to lose out on my deposit.

I feel slightly bummed because this DCL Alaskan cruise would also have been my 5th and made it my Gold CC milestone cruise, so it felt extra special, but I really feel like getting to see Glacier Bay on a smaller luxury ship for 7k less is the better move.

Any seasoned cruiser advice? Am I overlooking something?

 

[AquaDame]

I think a lot of folk will come on and say there is nothing like the Disney experience but I think you did due diligence in researching what was important to you and this makes the most sense. It is going to be subjective as to whether it was 'the right' thing to do.

I've sailed with Ponant which is the closest I've gotten to Seabourne but I hear very good things about them! The entertainment is more basic but still present, and of course none of it will be "Disney". As long as Alaska is the driving force for your vacation and you aren't looking for quite so much going on every day unrelated to where you are (not sure how to quantify the stuff on a Disney ship that is present no matter where they go) I think you're going to have a great time!

FWIW I've been to Alaska twice and STILL haven't gotten to Glacier Bay, so now I'm going to have to go a third time someday as it is important to me. You'll make Gold just a little later and tbh even the Platinum 'benefits' do us little good now they released Pearl as soon as we reached that. You're being smart, IMO!

 

[jimmymc]

If seeing Alaska in-depth is really important and the main focus of the trip, I think this is a good move. Disney strikes a nice balance for most people between Alaska and the onboard DCL fun, but other lines do a better job of focusing on the ports, sights, and luxury experiences like dinner on your balcony.

 

[Lewisc]

I agree with your decision but you asked for opinions after you booked Seabourn and canceled DCL. Why ask? Maybe if you had a courtesy hold on Seabourn and still had DCL

 

[FrancisK7]

I agree with your decision but you asked for opinions after you booked Seabourn and canceled DCL. Why ask? Maybe if you had a courtesy hold on Seabourn and still had DCL

Everything can be changed again with no financial penalty. FOMO is what made me post basically.

 

[Kwami]

I'm not sure why you're surprised that one of the most expensive rooms on the Wonder is more expensive than the cheapest room on the Encore.

But if you're happy with your decision, then why do you care what we all think?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We've been on Seabourn twice now in 2023 and just did one in March/April this year. First cruise was Encore, second was the sister ship of Ovation. We did get to tour in Menorca in April the Venture which is one of their Expedition ships as she was also in port that day and they allowed guests of each of the ships to tour each other which was great. Most of the talk on the two Seabourn FB pages I'm on tend to be about Antarctica as that has been a big focus for Seabourn but there's been plenty about Alaska too and most seem happy about the experiences. There were some recent gorgeous photos from Misty Fjords the other day.

It is a luxurious experience and you'll probably enjoy that it's all included (sans high premium wine and spirits like Dom Perignon). There is also no tipping (it's not expected nor required). There's a list of comp wines you can get from Seabourn Square (considered their main hub of the ship) and you can order drinks anywhere you want although they will always offer a white and a red option for you at dinner.

Encore and Ovation are 100% all verandah too and are priced better than the Quest (oldest remaining ship in that category after Sojourn leaves the fleet next May). As far as pricing yup I've said that about DCL comparison. It can be thousands of dollars less depending on the cruise and it's higher in categories.

Seabourn's entertainment IMO isn't basic but you're not sailing these ships to have these big Broadway style productions, those are for the larger ships. However, you may have Broadway stars as your entertainment

While I never did complete my trip report for our 2023 trip if you have signatures turned on you can see our 2023 cruise on Encore if you want to familiarize yourself with some aspects of it.

In high contrast to DCL you will not see many kids on Seabourn. There are no programs for kids on the ships, no space for them. Alaska may draw some kids however. On our last cruise we (I 36 at the time, my husband 35 at the time) were the youngest by far on the ship, the first cruise there were several around our age plus a few young children (which if you read the trip report caused quite the uproar).

As far as rewards with 2 cruises we're Silver (2nd level) on Seabourn which accounts for 19 sailed days and 3 points for spending. Seabourn does sailed days at the moment for their loyalty.

Wifi is included and we have found that level to be adequate or our usage but if you plan on needing streaming you would upgrade your internet for that.

On our 2023 cruise we had most breakfasts out on the balcony as room service (and their options are plentiful) but our cruise this year the weather was a tad too cool for that.

There is a dress code and it can get very heated in terms of topics but 6pm and later it is Elegant Casual, before that Resort Casual. You will find most passengers at least attempt to be nicer looking at night and there are times that some passengers have been told to go back to their rooms to dress accordingly for dining. Formal night only applies to The Restaurant meaning the rest of the ship you don't have to be dressed up but most tend to, most don't wear tuxes any more. A tie is never required both elegant casual or formal night. The most casual is Earth and Ocean which is outdoors and honestly is normally our favorite places to eat.

If you like sushi you can try that restaurant. During lunch they serve cooked bento boxes, quite yummy and great sake.

 

[Disnsyncey]

So excited for you! One of their ships was more or less following our RCL a few years ago! Sounds amazing!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not sure why you're surprised that one of the most expensive rooms on the Wonder is more expensive than the cheapest room on the Encore.

But if you're happy with your decision, then why do you care what we all think?

I've priced it out multiple times, verandah to veranda but no concierge (because that doesn't exist on Seabourn) and it was $6K less than a DCL cruise for our most recent Med cruise. Calling it cheapest is a bit weird as the OP didn't mention what category they booked only that they booked a verandah. In Verandah (which is the majority of the ship they would be on though all rooms have verandahs) you have V1-V4 categories. To put it another way you can't go lower than a Verandah on the ship they will be on so sure you could, depending on the cruise, save money by doing an inside room or an oceanview room on DCL but it wouldn't make the point any less that when comparing like for like it can be, depending on the cruise, a significant difference in costs.

 

[Dug720]

How'd you cancel a Concierge room with no financial penalty?

 

[FrancisK7]

However, you may have Broadway stars as your entertainment

That would be bloody amazing!

My wife and I will be 39 and 35 on the cruise, so about same as you, we don't mind being the youngest in the crowds. We're not nightclub people so don't have to party hard to have fun. Having great food, great cocktails, good service and the ability to enjoy breakfast while overlooking the Alaskan vistas are my priorities.

I was prepared to pay a lot of money for any cruise product that can combine Remy/Palo quality food, DCL quality entertainment and comfort/luxury like you'd get in NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat, DCL Concierge, etc... but it doesn't really seem to exist. You have to compromise on some front.

There is no doubt we will return to Alaska with the whole family on the Magic or Wonder when the kids are older. And I'd like to experience Alaska as an expedition with the likes of UnCruise one day as well. It looks like a totally different experience, but the staterooms look.... basic, and the food doesn't seem like it would match Luminae, Palo or Seabourn.

Thanks for your post, it got rid of my FOMO in one swoop!

 

[FrancisK7]

How'd you cancel a Concierge room with no financial penalty?

I modified the cruise for another destination altogether at a future date in a non-concierge room. Deposit carries over but remains non refundable even if you cancel this new non-concierge reservation.

 

[Mom2Anna&Elsa]

I’ve heard from two friends that have cruised Alaska that glacier bay is a must-do.

I think you made the right choice.

 

[Dug720]

I’ve heard from two friends that have cruised Alaska that glacier bay is a must-do.

I think you made the right choice.

I know I'm weird, but I didn't find Glacier Bay all that much more impressive than the other glaciers.

 

[Dug720]

I modified the cruise for another destination altogether at a future date in a non-concierge room. Deposit carries over but remains non refundable even if you cancel this new non-concierge reservation.

OK. I was confused since you indicated no financial loss. As long as you still plan to go on a DCL cruise at some point, there's no loss.

 

[Kwami]

All of the 7/8-night Seabourn Alaska cruises in 2026 seem to be one-way cruises, so that's something else to consider. It's a bit trickier to fly back from Juneau. You're also giving up the Disney theater shows for whatever entertainment Seabourn has going on. The atmosphere is decidedly more "adult" with a dress code, a casino, and no Disney characters. There's probably less stuff to do on sea days.

But if you prioritize food and dining on your verandah and going to Glacier Bay, then the Encore is probably better for you.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

That would be bloody amazing!

My wife and I will be 39 and 35 on the cruise, so about same as you, we don't mind being the youngest in the crowds. We're not nightclub people so don't have to party hard to have fun. Having great food, great cocktails, good service and the ability to enjoy breakfast while overlooking the Alaskan vistas are my priorities.

I was prepared to pay a lot of money for any cruise product that can combine Remy/Palo quality food, DCL quality entertaining and comfort/luxury like you'd get in NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat, DCL Concierge, etc... but it doesn't really seem to exist. You have to compromise on some front.

There is no doubt we will return to Alaska with the whole family on the Magic or Wonder when the kids are older. And I'd like to experience Alaska as an expedition with the likes of UnCruise one day as well. It looks like a totally different experience, but the staterooms look.... basic, and the food doesn't seem like it would match Luminae, Palo or Seabourn.

Thanks for your post, it got rid of my FOMO in one swoop!

Yeah we're pretty low key people which throws people off due to our age. We're not fussy people but Seabourn does try hard to please. We didn't have cavier this last cruise but our first cruise we did. That's a Seabourn thing if you're into it that cavier is always available (no charge) whenever you want it.

On our last cruise a few months back one of the early entertainers while we were in Portugal was Ricardo Afonso. He's done West End productions and countless other theatre productions, multiple Disney and Dreamworks recordings for the Portuguese dubbing, was the lead in the band in the 2012 Olympics for the handover, etc. I'm not going to say every show we've seen on Seabourn has been the most amazing thing out there but we've really enjoyed them overall.

One of my favorite photos was this one in Montenegro in 2023 (excuse the rest of the stuff on the pic I was using the snipping tool)


We technically hold a future cruise credit as we just couldn't make a decision while we were on the ship a few months ago but they already had certain 2027 ones out including the segments for the World Cruise.

 

[FrancisK7]

OK. I was confused since you indicated no financial loss. As long as you still plan to go on a DCL cruise at some point, there's no loss.

Yeah we are very committed into the Disney bubble at this point. We'll be sailing DCL as a family once a year until the kids don't want to go anymore, which I hope is never. It's the perfect family vacation and getaway for us.

 

[FrancisK7]

We're not fussy people but Seabourn does try hard to please.

Do you agree with the assessment that Seabourn is luxury without being stuffy?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

There's probably less stuff to do on sea days.

Not in the least, sea days are where they do tons of activities

All of the 7/8-night Seabourn Alaska cruises in 2026 seem to be one-way cruises, so that's something else to consider.

Seabourn doesn't focus on round trips in general, they focus on long cruises. The lowest you can do is a 7-day cruise so a lot of them will be one-way to all sorts of destinations.

The atmosphere is decidedly more "adult" with a dress code, a casino, and no Disney characters.

Well this seems utterly silly to even mention. Disney is the only one who would have Disney characters so that feels like a duh moment. It's luxury/ultra luxury market so yes resoundingly of course it's going to be more adult. As far as the casino pfft it's not at all the focal point of the ship, you pass it as you enter The Club but it's hardly a thing. Most people conjure up Vegas when they think of casinos on cruise ships but that is something you might see more on a large mega ship.