by Phil Cappelli
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Tue February 24, 2026
Seabourn is elevating its Alaska program this summer with an all-new expedition team meant to enhance adventures through deeper, expert-led exploration.
The 2026 expedition team, made up of naturalists, scientists and experts in wildlife, history and watercraft, will lead Ventures by Seabourn. The program features expedition‑style hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac cruises on voyages between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Juneau, Alaska.
Highlights of the trip include Hubbard Glacier, Tracy/Endicott Arm, the Inian Islands, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords) and Alert Bay. Sample itineraries include the 15-Day Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise and the 7-Day Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage Cruise.
“It takes a vibrant team of experts to bring one-of-a-kind adventures in Alaska to life for our guests, and the Expedition Team on board Seabourn Encore is uniquely suited to the task,” said Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president of expedition. “The passion of the naturalists, scientists, historians, and seafarers we have assembled for the ship’s maiden season to Alaska is as compelling as the experiences they’ll lead.”
Joining the team as the lead expedition leader is former U.S. naval officer Seán Bercaw. Bercaw is a seasoned sailor and has logged nearly 200,000 nautical miles across his journeys.
Heading up the kayak team are lead kayak guides Patricio Conconi and Rob Egelstaff. Conconi, originally from Buenos Aires, has explored every continent and has experience guiding in Argentina, New Zealand and Greenland.
Egelstaff brings impressive credentials to the team, having been named one of the world’s top‑20 canoeists by Paddler Magazine in 2020.
The team is rounded out by six more lecturers who will deliver in-depth programming focused on wildlife, marine science, geology, conservation and regional culture.
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