Luxury Alaska Cruise 2027: Sail With Me Through Glaciers, Wildlife and Oceanfront Indulgence

Dec 9

Quick Summary:

Hosted 7 night / 8 day luxury Alaska cruise on EXPLORA III from Vancouver to Seward, July 16–23, 2027, with every guest in a spacious oceanfront suite and all dining and beverages included.
Personally hosted by David Hawkraven of DESIGNEDTRAVEL, with exclusive group pricing, stacked discounts, flexible hosted support, and fully customizable shore excursions in ports like Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Kodiak, and Hubbard Glacier viewing.
Limited availability with a 25 percent deposit, special fares and a 100 dollar per person booking incentive for deposits made by January 15, 2026, making early commitment the best way to secure preferred suites and added value.

If Alaska has been on your list for years, 2027 is your moment to stop dreaming and start sailing. From July 16 to 23, 2027, I will personally host a one time only luxury Alaska cruise aboard EXPLORA III, sailing from vibrant Vancouver to the icy beauty of Seward. Over 7 nights and 8 days, you will experience dramatic fjords, wildlife rich waters, and a ship designed to feel more like a contemporary luxury hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

This journey is crafted for travelers who crave both comfort and adventure. Think oceanfront terraces in every suite, all inclusive fine dining and drinks, and curated time ashore in iconic Alaskan ports. You can keep your schedule as independent or as hosted as you like, tapping into my guidance and connections when you want extra support or exclusive ideas, and savoring free time when you simply want to drift with the scenery.

Why This Hosted Alaska Cruise is Different

Most Alaska cruises focus on moving people from port to port. This journey is about elevating the entire experience, from the ship you sail on to the way you explore each destination. EXPLORA III is a new generation luxury vessel with fewer than 925 guests, high staff to guest ratios, and spacious suites that start where many traditional cruise cabins end. That means more personal attention, more room to breathe, and more quiet corners to enjoy the scenery with a glass of champagne in hand.

As your host, my role starts long before you step onboard. I work with you to choose the right suite category, design your pre and post cruise plans, and match you with shore excursions that fit your style. Once onboard, I am your dedicated point of contact for questions, logistics, and spontaneous ideas, whether that is finding the perfect bar stool for sail away or helping you secure a last minute helicopter tour. You are never just a booking number. You are a valued guest on a hosted journey with a trusted advisor by your side.

Suite Life: Your Home at Sea

Every accommodation on EXPLORA III is a suite, which completely changes the way you experience an Alaska itinerary. Even the entry level Ocean Terrace Suites are a generous 35 to 39 square meters, with floor to ceiling windows, a private ocean terrace, and a sitting area that makes in suite breakfast or evening room service feel like a treat rather than a compromise.

Ocean Terrace Suites start at 11,191 dollars per suite based on two adults. If you prefer more space, Penthouse Suites begin at 15,181 dollars per suite. Additional suite categories and residences offer even more square footage, expanded terraces, and elevated design. No matter which suite you choose, you benefit from EXPLORA’s all inclusive approach. Top quality dining, wine, cocktails, barista coffee, in suite minibar, Wi Fi, and gratuities are all included, so you are not constantly signing checks or monitoring your onboard account.

Itinerary Highlights: From Vancouver to Seward

This 7 night itinerary balances sea days with immersive ports, giving you time to enjoy the ship while still experiencing the best of Alaska.

Vancouver, Canada: Begin your journey in a city where cosmopolitan energy meets wild surroundings. Stroll through Stanley Park, explore Gastown, or enjoy pre cruise dining before sailing away along the Pacific Coast.
At Sea: Your first full day at sea is your chance to settle into the EXPLORA way of life. Enjoy wellness programming, enrichment talks, pool time, and leisurely meals. The scenery outside the windows shifts from city to coastline to open water, easing you into an ocean state of mind.
Ketchikan: Known for its colorful wooden buildings and rich Indigenous heritage, Ketchikan is a favorite for walking Creek Street, discovering totem history, or taking a flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords. Here you can choose between cultural immersion, outdoor thrills, or a relaxed day in town.
Icy Strait Point (Hoonah): This stop gives you access to whales, dense forest, and glacier views. Activities range from kayaking and hiking to soaring on one of the world’s longest ziplines. It is a spectacular way to experience Alaska’s raw landscapes from land, sea, and air.
Hubbard Glacier: Few travel moments compare to drifting near Hubbard Glacier, North America’s most active tidewater glacier. Larger than the state of Rhode Island, it creaks and calves with dramatic roars as ice breaks into the sea. On EXPLORA III you can witness this from expansive decks, from your private terrace, or from cozy lounges with floor to ceiling windows.
Valdez: Often called the Switzerland of Alaska, Valdez is a postcard of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine scenery. Depending on your interests, you might choose a glacier cruise, wildlife spotting, or photo focused touring that captures the beauty of this region.
Kodiak Island: This is the land of the legendary Kodiak bear. Beyond wildlife, the island also reveals layers of Alutiit and Russian history. Expect a blend of nature, culture, and character filled local encounters.
Seward: Your journey concludes in Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you can extend your adventure with post cruise touring to see more glaciers, fjords, and marine life before heading onward or home.

Throughout, shore excursions remain fully customizable. You can book with EXPLORA directly or work with me and Designed Travel to arrange private guides, small group experiences, or bespoke adventures that align with your pace and preferences.

Hosted Pricing and Booking Benefits

Because this is a hosted journey, you enjoy special advantages when you book through me. Guests on this sailing receive a 5 percent discount that stacks on top of other promotions EXPLORA may be offering, which means added value on top of the already premium experience. In addition, if you place your deposit by January 15, 2026, you will receive an extra 100 dollar per person reduction applied to your final payment in 2027.

A 25 percent deposit is due within three days of receiving your full quote. Final payment is due by April 17, 2027, and special hosted pricing is capacity controlled and expires on January 15, 2026. Availability is limited, especially for higher suite categories and prime locations on the ship, so early commitment is key to securing your preferred suite and rate.

The cancellation policy is standard for luxury cruising. For Ocean Suites and Penthouses, you can cancel up to 151 days prior with a 200 dollar administration fee. From 150 to 91 days before departure, 25 percent of the journey fare is non refundable, increasing to 75 percent from 90 to 31 days, and 100 percent within 30 days of sailing. Because this is a special departure, travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

Life Onboard: Culinary, Wellness and Atmosphere

One of the most appealing aspects of EXPLORA III is that it feels intentionally designed for guests who love space, design, and choice. With fewer than 925 guests onboard, public areas feel refined rather than crowded, and the service reflects a boutique hotel mindset. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, there is room to socialize when you wish and retreat when you prefer quiet.

You will find nine restaurants and lounges, plus 24 hour in suite dining. From casual oceanfront spots perfect for lingering after time ashore to more formal venues that showcase global flavors, dining is a highlight rather than an afterthought. Paired with a fully inclusive beverage program, you can order your favorite wine, craft cocktails, or mocktails without worrying about surprise charges every time you sign a slip.

Wellness is woven into the ship experience through heated pools, whirlpools, a spa with ocean inspired treatments, and programming that ranges from fitness to mindfulness. Outdoor decks create multiple vantage points to watch for whales, marvel at glaciers, or simply sit wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink as Alaska drifts past.

Sustainability and Style: Green and Gorgeous

EXPLORA III is the fleet’s first LNG powered ship, meaning it dramatically reduces emissions compared to traditional cruise vessels. For travelers who are conscious of their footprint, this offers a more responsible way to access remote environments like Alaska’s fjords and coastal communities. You can travel boldly while treading more lightly, pairing environmental consideration with elevated comfort.

Design wise, the ship leans into contemporary European styling rather than over the top glitz. Neutral palettes, natural materials, and thoughtful lighting create an atmosphere that feels chic and calming, more like a design forward hotel than a floating theme park. It is an ideal backdrop for travelers who prioritize aesthetics and ambiance along with destination focused exploration.

Hosted but Flexible: Your Cruise, Your Way

A key distinction on this journey is that there are no mandatory group events. Booking into the hosted group unlocks preferred pricing and access to me as your advisor and onboard host, but you remain completely free to shape your days and evenings however you like. If you prefer privacy, you can enjoy the benefits quietly. If you love community, you can opt into casual meetups, shared dinners, or small group experiences as they arise.

This flexibility makes the sailing a smart choice for mixed groups. Solo travelers can feel supported and welcomed, couples can savor romantic time together without feeling locked into a rigid group schedule, and friends or families can dip in and out of hosted moments as it suits them. You decide how social or independent you want your Alaska story to be, knowing there is always a familiar face onboard who understands the ship, the itinerary, and your personal preferences.

Ready to Reserve Your Suite

If Alaska has been calling, this hosted cruise is a rare opportunity to answer that call with a curated, fully supported experience. From the moment you submit your quote request, you have an expert on your side to guide you through suite selection, air and hotel planning, excursion choices, and all the details that turn a beautiful itinerary into a truly seamless journey.

With limited availability, special pricing that ends January 15, 2026, and incentives for early bookers, now is the time to claim your place. Reserve your suite, then let the anticipation build as we design an unforgettable summer 2027 Alaska adventure together.

Submit your interest here: https://www.designedtravel.co/alaska-2027-cruise