Silversea has commenced its 2026 Alaska and Arctic programmes, marking the beginning of a dual-season deployment across two of the world’s principal expedition cruising regions. The first of the company’s 30 Alaska voyages departed on May 14th, followed a day later by the opening of its Arctic season, which comprises 21 voyages aboard expedition vessels operating in high-latitude waters.
The company stated that the Alaska itineraries focus on coastal navigation through glacier-lined waterways and combine calls at established ports with lesser-visited destinations. Sailing between Vancouver and Seward, Silver Whisper and Silver Moon are scheduled to operate voyages through 13 destinations, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Valdez and Pine Island, while also transiting areas such as Seymour Narrows and glacier regions along the Inside Passage.
Silversea president Bert Hernandez indicated that the company’s long-standing presence in both polar regions continued to centre on immersive destination experiences, noting that the Alaska and Arctic deployments were intended to combine remote landscapes with specialist-led exploration. He further observed that voyages through Alaska’s glacier waterways and Arctic wildlife regions were designed to offer passengers a closer engagement with the natural environment.
The Arctic season is being conducted aboard Silver Endeavour and Silver Wind, with itineraries spanning 4 countries and 55 destinations, reaching as far north as 80 degrees latitude. Ports and expedition regions include Svalbard, Disko Bay, Ilulissat and segments of the Northwest Passage. Several voyages incorporate overnight stays to allow for extended exploration ashore.
The expedition programme is supported by specialist teams including naturalists, marine biologists, historians and glaciologists. Daily operations are expected to include zodiac landings, guided hikes, kayaking activities and wildlife observation opportunities focused on species such as polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, whales and seabird colonies. Voyages later in the season may also encounter the Midnight Sun and the early return of the Aurora Borealis across northern polar waters.
Silversea also confirmed an expansion of both programmes for 2027, with 36 Alaska voyages and 19 Arctic departures planned. Future itineraries include Inside Passage sailings between Seward and Vancouver aboard Silver Moon, alongside extended Arctic expeditions between Longyearbyen and Reykjavik aboard Silver Endeavour, combining Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland within longer high-latitude voyages.