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Seabourn Cruises

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Seabourn Cruises fleet

Seabourn pursuit, seabourn venture, seabourn ovation, seabourn encore, seabourn quest, seabourn sojourn, seabourn odyssey, review of seabourn cruises.

Seabourn (seabourn.com) is a luxury cruise line (1986-founded, operational since 1988) headquartered in Seattle (WA USA) well-established as an ultra-luxury, expedition-style travel brand. Seabourn operates global itineraries - from short breaks in the Caribbean to exotic 100+ day-long voyages around the world.

Seabourn is owned by Carnival Corporation and is part of the "World's Leading Cruise Lines" group, which also includes AIDA , CCL-Carnival , Costa , Cunard , HAL-Holland America Line , Princess and P&O .

NEWS : On May 24, 2022, CNBC rumored that Carnival Corporation is in discussions with Saudi Arabia's PIF-Public Investment Fund to sell Seabourn.

Company history

Seabourn Cruise Line was founded in 1986 under the name "Signet Cruise Lines" by Atle Brynestad (Norwegian private investor) and Erland Raastad (president of the companies "Kloster Cruise" and "Royal Viking Line").

The name "Seabourn Cruise Line" was adopted shortly afterward, following objections over trademark ownership by Signet Oil & Gas Co (Colorado USA).

Seabourn's current President is Natalya Leahy, who (in March 2023) replaced Josh Leibowitz. She was previously employed as Holland America Group's COO (Chief Operating Officer) managing the Carnival Corporation's subsidiaries Princess, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Australia.

Seabourn Cruises logo

Seabourn Pride (the company's first vessel) entered service in 1988, followed by sistership Seabourn Spirit in 1989. A third boat (originally planned for 1990) was delayed due to financial constraints. The vessel was eventually purchased by Royal Viking Line (1972-founded/1998- defunct ) and launched in 1992 as "Royal Viking Queen". In 1994, it was transferred to Royal Cruise Line as "Queen Odyssey".

In 1991, Carnival Corporation purchased a 25% stake in Seabourn. In 1996, Carnival upped its stake to 50%, providing Seabourn with the needed capital to buy Queen Odyssey (renamed Seabourn Legend). In 1998, Carnival Corporation purchased the remaining 50% stake in Seabourn, acquired Cunard Line (from Kvaerner ASA), and finally merged the two brands into the Cunard Line entity.

In 1999, three Cunard liners (Royal Viking Sun, Sea Goddess I, Sea Goddess II) were transferred to Seabourn under new names (respectively, Seabourn Sun, Seabourn Goddess I, Seabourn Goddess II). In 2001, Carnival Corporation bought out the NCL-Norwegian shares. Seabourn's parent company became Carnival's wholly-owned subsidiary. Seabourn Goddess 1 and Seabourn Goddess 2 were purchased for SeaDream Yacht Club by Atle Brynestad (Seabourn's founder).

In 2002, Seabourn Sun was transferred to Holland America Line (Carnival-owned subsidiary), thus reducing Seabourn's fleet to the three original vessels. The company was demerged from Cunard and reorganized as an independent brand (still part of Carnival Corporation). On March 31, 2011, Seabourn Cruise Line ceased operations from Miami Florida USA and transferred its operations to Holland America's headquarters in Seattle WA .

In 2014, Seabourn Pride left the fleet and was transferred (as Star Pride ) to Windstar . In 2015, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit were also transferred to Windstar (now Star Legend and Star Breeze ).

Company changes

Since 2018, Seabourn offers fleetwide "K+M Chocolate" products. These are high-quality chocolates by the "Keller Manni Chocolate" company (founders Michelin chef Thomas Keller and Armando Manni / olive oil producer from Italy). The custom-made for Seabourn chocolates are hand-crafted (produced in Napa Valley, California). Among the signature flavors are the milk-based hazelnut, smoked chili, blood orange, cherry, as well as the dark chocolate "sea salt".

In late-March 2019, Seabourn signed a partnership with Pixvana Inc (Seattle-based company) to create TableVision (virtual reality/interactive training platform based on Pixvana's SPIN Studio) for Main Dining Room waitstaff training.

On August 15, 2019, Seabourn opened bookings for its new "Private Air" program (privately chartered jet service) that allows customers to fly to homeports/departure cruise ports via private jets rather than commercial airlines. The new service is global and offers a variety of private jet aircraft (as models and sizes) to charter, accommodating groups of any size (upon request) and plane capacity 5 to 16 passengers. Seabourn's fly-cruise packages offer access to thousands of airports (private and commercial) worldwide. Pricing varies by aircraft and itinerary and is inclusive of cruise and flight fares, valet luggage service, onboard food and drinks (including caviar, champagne and premium spirits by the glass), onboard Wi-Fi, transfers (to/from home, airports, seaports) and next-port protection (up to 1000 mi).

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

In March 2023, Carnival Corporation (shipowner) sold the 14-year-old Seabourn Odyssey to the Japanese shipping company MOL (Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd) . Along with the sale, Seabourn signed a time-charter arrangement with MOL that allowed the company to operate Odyssey's voyages scheduled thru October 11, 2024.

In June 2023 was introduced new 24-hour in-cabin dining menus listing gourmet dishes prepared by Anton Egger (company's Master Chef and Culinary Consultant Chef) and Franck Salein (company's Senior Corporate Chef). Introduced on Seabourn Venture in June, the new menus were rolled out fleetwide by October.

In July 2023, Seabourn's culinary program was expanded with new dishes (in The Restaurant/main dining room) fleetwide as well as "Sushi in the Club" (on select ships). Most dishes are made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients (depending on the visited regions/destinations). The Restaurant's upgraded menu includes new appetizers (Oyster au Gratin with Champagne, Fresh Oysters on Ice/with caviar and vodka) and new entrees (Lobster En Bellevue Parisienne, Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon/Roquefort Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Pan Seared Sablefish/Baked Crusted Cod with Tomatoes). "Sushi in the Club" (on the ships Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest) is available every night (between 6-9 PM) and offers fresh-made sushi bites served with sake.

In October 2023 was announced that on Seabourn Quest in January 2024 debuts the fleet's first Solis Restaurant. The premium dining venue offers daily prepared dishes of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is based on the Mediterranean destinations/regions visited by Seabourn, including the Italian and French Rivieras (Central Med) as well as Turkey and the Greek islands (Aegean). Solis Restaurant's menu was developed by Anton Egger (Seabourn's Master Chef) and Franck Salein (Seabourn's Senior Corporate Executive Chef). The new restaurant has limited seating, provides a chic atmosphere and also offers a large selection of premium wine brands and a separate cocktail menu. In 2024-Q2, Solis will be rolled out on three other Seabourn ships (Encore, Ovation, Sojourn).

On February 21, 2023, Seabourn signed a multi-year ship charter agreement/exclusive partnership with APT Travel Group (Australian Pacific Touring) for chartering two ships (Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit). APT expedition cruises were scheduled for 2025 with a deployment in Northern Europe (UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland), Australia/Kimberley, and Antarctica in 2025. The charter deal was signed by Natalya Leahy (Seabourn) and David Cox (APT's CEO).

In March 2024 was appointed Mike Fulkerson as VP/Vice President nd CMO/Chief Marketing Officer. He has 20+ years of experience in chief marketing positions, serving companies like Canyon Ranch (hospitality/resorts, spas, culinary), Marriott International Inc (hotels, residential and timeshare properties), Mattel Inc (toy manufacturing and entertainment), Activision Publishing Inc (video game publisher, parent of Activision Blizzard).

In 2016 and 2018, the fleet joined two newbuilds - Encore and Ovation .

Seabourn Cruises new ship

Compared to the Odyssey-class units, the new boats are ~1/5 larger in size (LOA 210 m, volume 40350 GT-tons), ~1/3rd bigger as passenger capacity (638 max), with 1 additional deck (12 decks), re-designed venues, expanded public spaces, biggest Spa at sea, new onboard programming. Traditionally for Seabourn ships, all passenger cabins (all-suite categories) are with private balconies.

In July 2018, Seabourn signed a letter of intent with "MARIOTTI DAMEN Cruise" for building 2 polar-class expedition ships with the following specifications.

  • length 170 m
  • GT tonnage 23,000 tons
  • ice-strengthened hull (PC6 ice-class)
  • 132 balcony cabins
  • capacity 264 passengers plus 120 crew (including 26 expedition crew of experts - scientists, historians, naturalists)
  • 2 mini-submarines (6-guest, by U-Boat Worx), sea kayaks, 24x Zodiacs (RIBs/inflatable motorized boats used for near-shore cruising, landings and tendering)
  • shell doors (at waterline level) allow convenient access to the Zodiacs.

The total open-deck space is approx 2750 m2 (29,600 ft2).

The first vessel ( Venture ) was scheduled for June 2021 (later postponed to December 2021, April 2022, and. eventually, July 2022). The second unit ( Pursuit ) was initially planned for delivery in 2022 (May) but was postponed to March 2023.

new Seabourn cruise ship mini-submarine

Seabourn's 30th Anniversary (2018)

In 2018, the company celebrated its 30th Anniversary featuring as highlights:

  • Fleet expansion - from 4 to 5 vessels with the launch of Seabourn Ovation in May 2018.
  • Adding new onboard cocktail offerings, including "Passion Pearls" cocktail by Brian van Flandern.
  • Introducing a new "30th Anniversary Wine Package" with price-inclusive quality champagnes and wines.
  • At the shipboard Shops were available for purchasing a unique collection of pearls and 30th Anniversary themed logo merchandise.
  • Passengers on all ships were offered Seabourn company history-themed trivia games.
  • Also in 2018 were introduced new onboard programs, including two Wellness Cruises (led by Dr. Andrew Weil).
  • The company's 2018 itinerary program included over 170 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a selection of Seabourn Journeys (shore tours).

Seabourn's ship cruising experience

The travel brand Seabourn was established on the principle that personal service in stylish surroundings would appeal to independent-minded, sophisticated passengers with lifestyles that demand the best.

The original Seabourn megayachts and their new fleet mates have been lovingly maintained and proved to be a great success over the years. Recognized as a leading small-ship luxury line, Seabourn delivers all extras, expected by its clientele - a stocked minibar in all suites, elegant amenities, complimentary wines, and spirits.

Seabourn Cruise Line's guests may also expect the unexpected - from exclusive luggage tags and travel document portfolios to the pleasure of a complimentary massage while lounging at the pool. Seabourn will even arrange for your luggage to be picked up at home and delivered to your suite.

The line presents an intimate and exceptional cruising experience. The smaller size of its vessels allows calling at smaller ports and up-close-and-personal encounters with the destination.

The atmosphere onboard is elegant but unpretentious. All rooms are suites, equipped with designer soaps, and the latest amenities, such as flat-screen televisions and Bose Wave sound systems. A bottle of champagne greets all guests in the cabin. Beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton linens and fluffy duvet covers with feather pillows. A well-stocked in-suite bar and Pure Pampering therapeutic bathing menu are provided in each suite. In addition, guests benefit from the services of a Personal Suite Stewardess, ready to cater to every need.

The abundance of public space makes passengers feel as if they have the vessel to themselves - no annoying lines or crowds here. Bar drinks are complimentary. Seabourn cruise ship passengers may choose to dine when and where they want on any of the luxurious ships of the line. Each dining venue offers a different atmosphere and different dishes, but all use innovative cooking techniques and perfect ingredients like Black River Ossetra Caviar.

Seabourn Cruises new ships

Daily team trivia contests, lectures, wine tastings, and other quiet pursuits are usually scheduled, but most passengers are satisfied to just do what pleases them. Focused on personalized service, the line has designed unique programs like Caviar in the Surf and Shopping With the Chef, to further enhance onboard experience.

Seabourn's liners attract a broad mix of ages (40-something and above), and offer a variety of itineraries from more mainstream calls to the offbeat, in order to continue to draw new passengers.

While most of the cruisers are likely to be American, Seabourn appeals to well-off and well-traveled vacationers from a variety of countries, particularly English-speaking Great Britain, South Africa, and Australia, among others.

In 2019, Seabourn signed a partnership deal with the company "Shaoching Bishop and Chef Thomas Keller" to provide fleetwide the Regiis Ova Caviar brand. The company partners directly with selected sturgeon farms to source high-quality caviar.

Shipboard smoking policy

According to the new Seabourn Cruises smoking policy (implemented in 2017), smoking is not allowed in all the ship's indoor venues, also in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Smoking is also banned in the ships' Observation Lounge (previously allowed after 8 pm). Smoking is allowed on Sky Bar's open-air starboard area (midship Deck 9 / Deck 10 on Encore and Ovation ships) and also on the starboard open-air pool terrace of The Club lounge (Deck 5 aft).

Smoking cigarettes, as well as cigars and pipes smoking is allowed on Seabourn Square lounge's open-air terrace (deck 7 aft).

Smoking E-cigarettes in cabins is allowed.

Passengers who don't comply with the company's smoking policy are fined a cleaning fee (USD 250 per day).

“Seabourn Source” Web App

The Seabourn Source app was launched in August 2017. It can be accessed by all passengers (on a complimentary basis) and fleetwide. Seabourn Source offers up-to-the-minute access to the voyage's daily details directly on passengers' smartphones, tablets or laptops. Users can tap the new app to instantly:

  • stay on top of shipboard account records;
  • review daily activity as well as entertainment schedules;
  • track port times (arrivals and departures);
  • peruse meal times and menus for all dining venues;
  • browse and book shore trips;
  • learn about wellness classes and spa treatments;
  • connect to paid satellite internet.

The mobile app further connects cruisers to the company’s complimentary digital newspaper-magazine PressReader Offline, which offers full editions of 2500+ global media sources. They can be downloaded to personal Android or iOS devices while at sea or in port. Seabourn Source operates on a shipboard network, so users do not incur additional Internet/cellular data charges while in use.

Loyalty program

The company's loyalty program ("Seabourn Club") allows earning membership points for each day. Accumulated points (onboard days) count toward Milestone Awards. The most expensive offer is a free cruise - up to 7-day itinerary (with 140 Sailed Days) and up to 14-day itinerary (with 250 Sailed Days). Every Milestone is also celebrated with an onboard event and a jewelry gift (by Tiffany & Co)

In addition to Milestone Awards, passengers earn Seabourn Club Points qualifying them for bonus perks. Seabourn points establish the membership levels.

Each onboard day earns 1 Club Point.

Each onboard day in Penthouse or Premium Suite earns 1 additional Club Point.

Each night on escorted Seabourn Journeys (shore excursions) earns 1 Club Point.

Every USD 500 spent on onboard and pre-cruise online purchases earns 1 Club Point.

The next table shows all the benefits provided by the Seabourn Club loyalty program.

Cruise Travel Awards 2016

In 2016, Seabourn wrapped up the year with a total of 22 cruise travel industry awards, several of which were readers' choice nominations. Over the years, the cruise line has consistently been rated a "top choice" in the luxury travel segment.

Follows the list of the company's 2016 awards by the industry's most renowned online publishers and brands.

  • (Conde Nast Traveler) - "Best Small Ship Cruise Line", "Favourite Cruise Line - Small Ships"
  • (Travel Weekly) - "Best Cruise Ship - Under 1000 Berths"
  • (Cruise Awards International) - "Best Boutique Cruise Line"
  • (Cruise Critic) - "Best Luxury Cruise Line"
  • (Magellan Awards) - "Small Cruise Ship", ""Spa Design", "Seabourn Blog", "Shore Excursion", "Itineraries", "Direct Marketing", "Luxury Ship" (Seabourn Quest), "Loyalty Program", "Entertainment"
  • (Luxury Travel Advisor) - "Luxury Small Ships"
  • (Porthole Magazine) - "Best Small Ship" (Seabourn Sojourn), "Best Service"
  • (SHAPE Healthy Travel) - "Best Cruise to Refresh and Rejuvenate"
  • (Town and Country Travel / "Classic Luxury" category) - "Design", "Active Travelers", "Food", "On-Shore Activities".

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Seabourn expanded its cancellation policy fleetwide (all vessels) with penalty-free cancellation of voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Seabourn's fleet was fully operational by June 6, 2022.

Operations resumed in 2021-2022 with the ships ODYSSEY (July 18, 2021/Caribbean from Bridgetown Barbados), OVATION (July 3, 2021/Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens), QUEST (May 10, 2022/Mediterranean from Venice), SOJOURN (June 6, 2022/Europe-Mediterranean from Athens), ENCORE (February 19, 2022/Europe-Canaries-Mediterranean from Lisbon), VENTURE (April 10, 2022/ Maiden Voyage from London-Greenwich), PURSUIT (May 23, 2023/ Maiden Voyage from Reykjavik Iceland).

  • SOJOURN's "World Cruise 2021" (141-day from Miami to Barcelona), Europe 2021 program (Baltic-Mediterranean) and "World Cruise 2022" (145-day from Los Angeles) were canceled.
  • ENCORE's Mediterranean 2021 program (homeporting in Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome) and Asia 2021-2022 program (homeporting in Singapore and Hong Kong) were canceled.
  • QUEST's Antarctica-South America 2021-2022 program was canceled.
  • The newbuild VENTURE's delivery was delayed (due to T. Mariotti shipyard closures) and the inaugural cruise was rescheduled from July 5 (Antarctica) first to December 11, 2021 (Norwegian Fjords) and eventually for April 10, 2022 (Arctic Norway from London).
  • Seabourn also canceled planned for 2021 itineraries in the Caribbean (from Barbados), Alaska-BC Canada (from Vancouver and Juneau), Asia (from Hong Kong and Singapore) and Australia New Zealand (from Sydney and Auckland).

All prepurchased through Seabourn packages and services were fully refunded in FCC (future cruise credit). All canceled bookings received 125% refund in FCC (based on the fares paid) with rebooking. Customers receiving an FCC can rebook until January 31, 2021, any currently scheduled Seabourn cruises with departures prior December 31, 2021.

All booked 2020 itineraries, plus bookings on departures through December 31, 2021, can be canceled up to 30 days prior departure ("Book with Confidence") with full refunds (100% of the fare paid in FCC) valid for 12 months. Seabourn's "Book with Confidence" policy was enhanced in late-May, offering to all departures in 2021 the "Best Fare Guarantee" allowing customers to request the lowest pricing offered for their voyage - even if the fares drop after booking.

Itinerary of Seabourn Cruises

Summer 2024 and winter-spring 2025 expedition voyages (ships pursuit and venture).

Both ships explore remote corners of the world, from the South Pacific and Antarctica to the Arctic (Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada). The program includes Seabourn's first visit to northern Australia's Kimberley coast where Seabourn Pursuit operates between June-August 2024.

In addition to Kimberley, Seabourn Pursuit (March-October 2024) visits destinations in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Guam USA, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and also has scheduled a Transpacific crossing from Chile to Melanesia. Meanwhile, Seabourn Venture returns for another season in the UK, Ireland, Greenland, Norway, Iceland, and Arctic Canada.

Both ships sail to "The Great White Continent" at the end of 2024-early 2025.

In the South Pacific, Seabourn Pursuit offers 6x 10-day Kimberley sailings (between Broome and Darwin ) in June, July, and August 2024. The ship also operates a series of 15-day itineraries to Papua New Guinea and West Papua (May and June) and again in August and September 2024, with combos/B2Bs of up to 35 days available.

In March-April and again in September-October 2024, Seabourn Pursuit sails between the South Pacific Islands and South America/Chilean coast with a series of voyages 14-17-20-day itineraries. Combos/B2Bs of up to 37 days are also available.

Seabourn Venture offers 3x 14-day UK voyages (between Greenwich-London England  and Leith-Edinburgh Scotland ) in April-May 2024, with 2 different itineraries and availability for up to 28-day B2Bs. In June through September 2024, the ship sails through Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic, with a series of 11-12-day Svalbard itineraries , a 15-day North Atlantic crossing (Svalbard to Greenland and Iceland), an 11-day Iceland Circumnavigation, 11 to 15-day voyages in Iceland and Greenland. The season ends with a 14-day Atlantic  crossing from Greenland to St John's, Newfoundland Canada . B2BS of 28 days are also available.

Seabourn Pursuit offers the Seabourn Antarctic Experience (21-day, Feb 2024) and then on 11x voyages (11-13-21 days) between October 2024 and mid-March 2025.

Seabourn Venture is deployed in the Arctic with 9x voyages (11-13-21 days) as well as Antarctic voyages (November 2024 through to March 2025).

2025-2026 expedition voyages (ships Pursuit and Venture)

The forthcoming 2025-2026 expedition itineraries present a series of explorations to some of the world's most remote and exotic locations on the ultra-luxury expedition ships,  Seabourn Venture  and  Seabourn Pursuit . The extensive roster comprises more than 40 captivating voyages, encompassing destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, the Amazon, Australia's Kimberley region, the South Pacific, the  Northwest Passage , and more.

Seabourn Venture, between May 2025 and March 2026, offers 21 voyages spanning from 8 to 28 days, covering an extensive range from the Arctic to Antarctica. The itineraries promise immersive encounters in Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland, characterized by towering ice formations and cultural shore excursions in addition to breathtaking, uninhabited fjords.

In August 2025, Seabourn Venture embarks on a historic journey through the Northwest Passage, retracing the paths of earlier seafarers and explorers.

The vessel also ventures southward to Antarctica, dedicating three months to explore the "Great White Continent," providing passengers with the opportunity to navigate around impressive ice formations and encounter unforgettable wildlife.

Furthermore, Seabourn Venture embarks on a unique sea safari voyage deep into the Amazon, offering two 9-day roundtrip journeys from  Manaus  departing on October 12 and October 21, 2025, as well as a 12-day voyage from Manaus to  Rio de Janeiro  departing on October 30, 2025.

Commencing in late March 2025, Seabourn Pursuit embarks on 20 voyages spanning from 10 to 20 days. The voyages commence in the South Pacific, featuring pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and cultural interactions.

Subsequently, the ship heads to Australia's Kimberley region, famous for its red sandstone gorges, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and rich Aboriginal heritage.

Finally, Seabourn Pursuit navigates back across the Pacific to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, uncovering the region's remarkable biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Notable voyages include two 21-day roundtrips from  Buenos Aires  departing on December 16, 2025, and February 26, 2026, along with a 28-day sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires commencing on November 11, 2025.

Between May and July 2025, Seabourn Pursuit embarks on a series of 10-day departures exploring the Australia and Kimberley Coast region, connecting Broome  and  Darwin, Australia .

Four additional voyages are scheduled, including a pair of 20-day journeys departing on March 18, 2025, from  San Antonio, Chile , to  Papeete, Tahiti , and another on October 10, 2025, from Papeete to San Antonio. Moreover, an 18-day cruise from Papeete to Sydney is planned to commence on April 7, 2025, followed by a 16-day Remote Shores of New Guinea & Indonesia voyage sailing from  Sydney  to Darwin on April 24, 2025.

Both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit embark on extraordinary Antarctic expeditions, featuring zodiac excursions to towering icebergs and penguin colonies, complemented by guided hikes through pristine and seldom-visited landscapes, and the option for kayaking and submarine excursions.

Between November 2025 and March 2026, a total of 16 departures are planned, offering 11- and 13-day Antarctic voyages.

Alaska, Canada and New England USA (summer & fall 2025)

The array of cruises for 2025 encompasses a total of 24 all-inclusive voyages. These voyages are divided into two regions: Alaska during the summer and Canada/New England during the fall.

During the summer, Seabourn Quest is stationed in Alaska. Her itineraries alternate between 7-day and 14-day journeys. The shorter trips navigate between Juneau and Vancouver , while the 2-week cruises follow a round-trip route from Vancouver. Thanks to the vessel's modest size, housing 225 suites, she can adeptly traverse the intricate fjords in Southeast Alaska. This enables guests to explore noteworthy sites like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm / Endicott Arm , in addition to prominent port towns like Ketchikan and Sitka . The cruises also incorporate Seabourn's Ventures by Seabourn program, offering expedition-style excursions such as kayaking, Zodiac cruising, and hiking for those interested.

Subsequently, beginning in September, Seabourn Sojourn , boasting 225 cabins, embarks on a series of fall foliage cruises between Montreal and New York . The itinerary encompasses various destinations including Quebec City , Halifax in Nova Scotia, Portland in Maine, and Newport in Rhode Island, contingent on the specific voyage.

Mediterranean & Northern Europe 2025

Seabourn's 2025 European season (March thru November) offers a range of itineraries encompassing the Mediterranean, Northern Europe (UK, Baltic, Norway) and Spain's Canary Islands. The program is based on three ships ( Ovation , Encore , Sojourn ) and 60+ voyages.

Seabourn Sojourn visits the Canaries and Moroccan cities before repositioning north to Norway's and Iceland's coastlines, and the rustic charm of the British Isles.

Seabourn Encore visits Easter Med ports (in Greece and Turkey) and the Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian coast.

Seabourn Ovation visits in the Mediterranean iconic Italian and French riviera ports (like Portofino and St. Tropez .

Itineraries range from 7- to 24 days (many are combinable into B2Bs) and offer late-night and overnight por stays.

Seabourn Sojourn's British Isles voyages visit Oban (Scotland) and Saint Helier (Jersey, Channel Islands) .

Arctic voyages visit Reykjavik (Iceland) and Tromso (Norway) .

Between March and November 2025, Seabourn's ships Encore and Ovation are deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic for a total of 24 sailings (7 to 14 days). Highlights include "Shopping with the Chef" experiences, guided by Seabourn chefs, at unique regional markets in destinations such as Croatia, Montenegro, Barcelona , Venice , and more.

Seabourn Encore's 7-day itineraries are to and from Piraeus-Athens), Haifa-Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Venice, or Dubrovnik (Croatia). Additionally, 14- to 32-day B2Bs provide guests with extended opportunities to savor local culinary arts, culture, and hospitality. Call ports include Kusadasi-Ephesus and Katakalon-Olympia.

From March to November 2025, Seabourn Ovation has scheduled 25 sailings (7 to 14 days) leaving from Lisbon , Rome-Civitavecchia , Barcelona, or Monte Carlo . Call ports include Cartagena (Spain) and Cagliari (Sardinia Italy).

Between February and April 2025, Seabourn Sojourn has four cruises to Morocco and the Canaries (7 to 14 days) visiting El Hierro and Casablanca (Morocco) .

2025-2026 (ships Ovation, Encore, Quest, Sojourn)

The 2025-2026 season includes several fresh itineraries in Japan, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Hawaiian Islands. Between September 2025 and March 2026, Seabourn's quartet of vessels -  Seabourn Ovation ,  Seabourn Encore ,  Seabourn Quest , and  Seabourn Sojourn  - explore 105 destinations across 40+ countries through 72 unique itineraries. Ranging from 7 to 22 days in duration, these voyages offer the option for combination to craft more extensive travel experiences. Additionally, travelers can enhance their journeys with pre- and post-cruise excursions.

In a new addition for autumn 2025, Seabourn introduces cruises amidst Japan's vibrant foliage aboard Seabourn Quest. Navigating the Japanese archipelago, the vessel makes inaugural calls on all 4 main islands.

Simultaneously, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn embark on Caribbean expeditions, with departures from  San Juan ,  St. Maarten ,  Miami , and  Barbados  featuring fresh itineraries.

Seabourn Encore, on the other hand, resumes journeys to Southeast Asia, offering 14-day cruises inclusive of overnight stays in  Ho Chi Minh City . Concurrently, Seabourn Sojourn provides holiday sailings around the picturesque Hawaiian Islands.

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Bridge on Seabourn??

By worcestergal , November 6, 2017 in Seabourn Cruise Line

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Cool Cruiser

worcestergal

We are considering a cruise on Seabourn next March. My husband is an avid bridge player and wants to make sure that Seabourn will have organized duplicate bridge games on our at-sea days. I know that is available now, but I've heard a rumor that Seabourn is going to stop offering bridge classes and duplicate games in 2018. Is there any truth to this "grape vine" talk?

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I hope not. We book cruises with sea days so my wife can play duplicate

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No more bridge? Gee, I hope that rumor isn't true! Bridge is a must-have activity for me.

  • 2 weeks later...

I called Seabourn to check on the rumor. The rep with whom I spoke said she has not heard that, that she would have gotten a notification if it were true and that bridge is very popular so she doubts Seabourn would eliminate it.

Of course speaking with a rep is not gospel, so if anyone else has a contact at Seabourn who can officially dispel the rumor, please follow up.

(1) Quest: 17 Mar (Manaus to Monte Carlo)

(2) Sojoum: 19 Mar (Singapore - Hong Kong)

(3) Encore: 22 Mar (Singapore - Dubai)

These 3 are planned to have a Bridge Director. Don't know about any others in March.

That alone dispels the rumor. Thx

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SEABOURN ANNOUNCES WESTERN KIMBERLEY TRADITIONAL OWNERS, WUNAMBAL GAAMBERA, AS GODPARENTS OF SEABOURN PURSUIT

Seabourn Makes Milestone Moment as First Cruise Line to Appoint Aboriginal Traditional Owners as Godparents

VIEW VIDEO HERE

SEATTLE, April 18, 2024 – Seabourn , the leader in ultra-luxury cruises and expedition travel, is thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit , the line’s newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship.

Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits, as well as Seabourn’s commitment to sustainable tourism. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s June 22-July 2, 2024 voyage in the Kimberley region of Australia.

“We believe no one can give a better blessing to our ship than the communities we visit. We truly believe in the transformative power of travel, and when we visit local communities, we are able to both celebrate their culture and drive positive sustainable change in the places they call home,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “When we set out to name the godparent for Seabourn Pursuit , we knew we wanted to do something that celebrates this special moment for the ship and also allows us to drive long-term sustainable positive change in line with the values Seabourn and our guests stand for.”

The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a region in the Kimberley that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau).

Christening the ship is a symbolic event that bestows blessings upon everyone who will ever sail on board. The godparents bring good luck and protection to the vessel with this maritime tradition. Godparent to the Wunambal Gaambera people can be described as garrangarru – which is a word used to describe a mother or listener. Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC), its country and people, embody ideal ambassadors or godparents for Seabourn Pursuit . Their rich cultural history and deep connection to the land and sea, alongside their established sustainable tourism initiatives along the Kimberley Coast, make them a natural fit for Seabourn Pursuit’s inaugural season in Western Australia.

Representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation will be at Ngula Jar Island on the Uunguu Coast to welcome Seabourn Pursuit guests and to participate in the inaugural dedication ceremony on June 29, 2024. 

A Lasting Partnership: Investing in Sustainable Tourism

As part of this appointment with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing authentic works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell. In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with pearl shells and various art supplies and polishing materials to foster sustainable, commercial arts and craft initiatives year-round for Wunambal Gaambera artists and craft producers. 

Seabourn intends to work alongside Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they share their unique Uunguu Experience – the sharing of their Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers looking after and keeping the country healthy.

“We, the Wunambal Gaambera people, have a communal need and responsibility to look after and prosper from our country. Seabourn’s contributions will assist us to be on country, look after and keep our land and sea country healthy, strengthen our Wanjina Wunggurr culture, and create economic opportunities for our people,” said Catherine Goonack, Chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation. “It is important we are looking after our country in the way of our Wanjina Wunggurr law. We are happy when we and our future generations are living and working on our healthy Wunambal Gaambera Country. We appreciate Seabourn’s support to us in these efforts and look forward to sharing our unique Uunguu Experience with Seabourn and their guests as the garrangarru or Godparents of the Seabourn Pursuit .”

Seabourn's monetary contribution, along with funding already received from the State Tourism Authority, Tourism Western Australia, will contribute to Wunambal Gaambera’s development of tourism facilities and products for Traditional Owners to live on their country during the dry season when tourism operators can access the vast coastline of the Kimberley region. Seabourn congratulates Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation’s implementation of their Uunguu Visitor Management Plan to reconnect with their country, to manage visitor access and take leadership in the tourism industry, and to engage with water-based visitors who arrive on their land, thus participating in the value chain that operators like Seabourn offer. Ngula Jar Island will be featured on all Seabourn itineraries in the Kimberley, ensuring consistent visitation to Wunambal Gaambera Country.

“This is a wonderful collaboration of Wunambal Gaambera and Seabourn that is augmented by Tourism Western Australia, demonstrating our shared values and the promise of greater opportunities for Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region. We are proud to support Wunambal Gaambera’s Ngula Jar Island development as we strive to position Western Australia as the leading Australian destination for authentic Aboriginal experiences,” said Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia. “We know visitors to Western Australia — the Dream State — are seeking immersive Indigenous experiences and the work we are supporting on Ngula Jar Island will enable this to happen. The ongoing visitation fueled by premium cruise tourism operators, like Seabourn, provides the necessary market to make this initiative successful and sustainable.”

Seabourn’s newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit , is an intimate ship with private, yacht-like atmosphere, featuring 132 luxuriously appointed ocean-front veranda suites — taking ultra-luxury travelers further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world. Led by a world-class 24-person Expedition Team to deliver immersive experiences throughout the entire journey, each voyage offers exclusive experiences such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Further information on Seabourn Pursuit , suites and public spaces of the ship can be found here . For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, or visit www.seabourn.com . 

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK).

For additional information about WGAC , please visit:

·        https://www.facebook.com/uunguulife

·        https://www.instagram.com/uunguulife/

·        https://www.linkedin.com/company/wunambal-gaambera-aboriginal-corporation/mycompany/

Find Seabourn on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Pinterest . 

Notes to Editors:

Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.  Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for: 

·       Ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort

·       All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed with a private veranda

·       Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations

·       World-class 24-person Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences and guiding you throughout your entire journey 

·       Inclusive Experiences at every stop, such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling, and scuba diving

·       Optional, guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art, custom-built 6-guest submarines, providing the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration, kayaks, and other destination experiences**

·       Nearly 30,000 square feet of spacious open deck space for optimal nature and wildlife viewing

4K GSS Cineflex camera capable of broadcasting imagery from up to 3 miles away on monitors located throughout the ship

·       Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on Ice, Polar Plunge, and more 

·       Open bridge*, providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey 

·       Handcrafted itineraries designed to take the luxury traveler further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world

·       Daily enrichment throughout the ship with expert-led ‘Fireside chats’, daily recaps and briefings, lectures, and Seabourn Conversations®, plus a multifunctional interactive virtual bridge

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink

·       Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences 

·       World-class dining venues are all complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish 

·       Tipping is neither required, nor expected 

·       Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times 

·       Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design 

·       Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program*

·       Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability 

*At the Captain’s discretion 

**Optional programs, for additional charge

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The 3 types of Seabourn cruise ships, explained

Gene Sloan

Among cruise lines that focus on high-priced luxury trips, Seabourn has one of the simplest fleets.

All the line's ships fall into one of three groups: The Encore-class ocean ships, the Odyssey-class ocean ships and the expedition ships (which Seabourn has not given a class name).

Each of these groups is made up of ships constructed around the same time to the same basic design. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Seabourn operates seven vessels — two Encore-class ships, three Odyssey-class ships and two expedition ships. That number is set to drop by one in 2024 when one of the Odyssey-class vessels leaves the Seabourn fleet .

Here, we explain the distinctive features of Seabourn's three ship classes, so you can plan the luxury cruise that's right for you.

An introduction to Seabourn ships

Seabourn is one of about half a dozen major cruise lines that compete in the market for "ultra-luxury" cruises — voyages that promise a high level of elegance and pampering and have a high price tag to match. The company, which debuted in 1988, claims to have pioneered the niche.

Like all such brands, Seabourn operates ships that are far smaller and more intimate than the giant floating megaresorts operated by Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line . Instead of thousands of passengers, each Seabourn vessel is designed to hold a few hundred people.

Still, while the ships are smaller than what you'll find at a mass-market line, they're not cramped. Indeed, they're among the most spacious ships at sea when measured by their space-per-passenger ratio, which is about 50% higher than what you'll find on many mass-market ships. They also operate at a nearly one-to-one ratio of staff to passengers — one of the highest levels in the cruise business.

Both space-per-passenger ratios and staff-to-passenger ratios are measurements used as shorthand for the luxury level of a vessel.

Seabourn ships also offer such luxury touches as marinas for water-based play when the vessels are anchored in calm and sunny locales.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Every cabin is a suite, and the number of restaurants, bars and lounges is impressive for vessels of this size.

Two of the line's three types of ships — the Encore class and Odyssey class — are similar in design. The main difference between the two is that the Encore-class ships are bigger. They essentially are Odyssey-class ships with an additional deck for extra suites and public areas.

seabourn bridge cruises

As a result, the Encore-class ships can hold 600 passengers, based on double occupancy, while the Odyssey-class ships are designed to carry up to 458 passengers.

The third and newest class of Seabourn ships, the expedition ships (Seabourn doesn't use a formal class name for these vessels) are much smaller ships specifically built for expedition cruising — a type of adventure-focused cruising that involves visiting hard-to-reach and off-the-beaten-path places such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

Expedition ships are designed to hold 264 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Seabourn ships aren't as big or opulent as the luxury vessels operated by some of its competitors, most notably Regent Seven Seas Cruises (which mostly markets vessels carrying 700 to 750 passengers). The line offers a more subdued, intimate sort of luxury. If it's soaring spaces loaded with pricey marble and crystal chandeliers you're after, Seabourn may not be for you. However, if you prize intimacy and elegance without a lot of showiness, Seabourn ships could be a good choice.

Encore Class

Ships in class: Seabourn Ovation (2018); Seabourn Encore (2016).

seabourn bridge cruises

Seabourn's two Encore-class ships, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore, are the biggest vessels in the line's fleet. If you're in the "bigger is better" camp regarding cruise ships, these are the Seabourn vessels you'll want to pick.

That said, the ships aren't all that different than the line's smaller Odyssey-class vessels (more on those below). Built on the same platform as the Odyssey-class ships, just with one more deck, they feature all the same main public spaces that exist on the earlier vessels, often in the same locations, with a handful of additions, the most notable being a sushi restaurant.

As is the case with the Odyssey-class vessels, the hub of each Encore-class vessel is its centrally located public gathering place known as Seabourn Square.

A revolutionary concept when it first debuted on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Square might best be described as the ship's living room. Filled with comfortable seating, workstations with computers, a puzzle table and cases lined with books, it's a multipurpose space that is part lounge, part cafe and part library.

On one end of Seabourn Square is its most alluring feature — a European-style coffee bar serving carefully crafted cappuccinos and other espresso drinks, plus freshly baked pastries, homemade gelato and other nibbles. The spacious room is also home to a circular concierge area at its center where staff can help you book activities, and a guest services desk and a desk where you can book future cruises.

seabourn bridge cruises

Other major public areas on each Encore-class ship include the Grand Salon, a theater-like space with tiered seating that is home to entertainment at night and serves as a lecture hall during the day. The Club is a cozy lounge with a bar and a tiny casino on the side. At the top of the ship, overlooking the bow is the Observation Bar, which offers stellar 270-degree views (even better views than what is available from the bridge, one deck below).

Dining options include The Restaurant, the ship's main dining room, which offers elegant sit-down meals; The Patio, a poolside venue serving lighter fare; and The Colonnade, a casual eatery with both buffet and table-service dining during the day.

The Patio converts into the table-service-only Earth & Ocean for dinner. In the latter configuration, it offers bistro-style cuisine that rotates throughout each voyage.

In addition, the ship is home to The Grill by Thomas Keller, an eatery created by the famed chef. It offers his take on the classic American restaurant of the 1950s and 1960s, with his versions of such iconic American dishes as New York strip steak and lobster thermidor. Keller also designed dishes for family-style dinners with set menus served in The Colonnade on select nights.

Related: The 5 best places you can visit on a Seabourn ship

Unique to this class of ships is Sushi, a dedicated sushi restaurant with just 30 seats. Tucked away in a corner off a central stairway, it's a hidden gem offering lovely and innovative sushi and sashimi plates at night. During the day, it serves disassembled "bento boxes" with cooked entrees such as miso salmon and teriyaki chicken — the latter arriving with miso soup and small dishes of salad, rice and oshinko.

As is often the case with luxury vessels, none of the eateries have an extra charge.

The Encore-class ships also have a small but sumptuous spa and wellness center with five treatment rooms, a thermal area, a salon and a fitness area.

seabourn bridge cruises

Decor-wise, the Encore-class ships have a more yacht-like look than the older Odyssey-class vessels, with interiors created from top-to-bottom by well-known hospitality designer Adam Tihany. Tihany didn't work on the earlier vessels, which have a more Nordic-style sleekness.

I find the Encore-class ships more enticing in their design than the Odyssey-class ships, thanks to Tihany's rethinking of the decor. That said, I have mixed feelings about their larger size, which results in a slightly more crowded feel. This is most noticeable when at the main pool areas of the vessels, which aren't much bigger than the main pool areas on the Odyssey-class ships, despite the ships carrying about a third more passengers.

On the plus side, the Encore-class ships have several additional hideaways for outdoor lounging tucked into little nooks at their fronts and backs.

Odyssey Class

Ships in class: Seabourn Quest (2011); Seabourn Sojourn (2010); Seabourn Odyssey (2009).

seabourn bridge cruises

As noted above, Seabourn's three Odyssey-class ships are similar to its two Encore-class ships in design, with the main difference being that they are a bit smaller. At 32,326 gross tons, the three vessels measure about 23% smaller than the Encore-class vessels. They hold about 24% fewer passengers.

The result is that the Odyssey-class ships provide a more intimate feel. The basic layout of the ships in the two classes is roughly the same, albeit with a few notable differences. On the Odyssey-class vessels, you're traveling with fewer people, which results in everything from fewer crowds around the main pool to fewer people in the casual The Colonnade eatery at lunchtime.

As with the Encore-class ships, the public areas of the Odyssey-class ships revolve around a centrally located public gathering space called Seabourn Square, featuring elements of a lounge, cafe and library.

The Odyssey-class ships also have Grand Salons with tiered seating for entertainment and lectures, a cozy The Club bar and lounge, and a ship-top Observation Bar that offers sweeping views.

seabourn bridge cruises

The biggest difference with the Odyssey-class ships is that they have one less deck and, therefore, 24% fewer suites. In public areas, the only notable difference is that there is no sushi restaurant and a smaller The Grill by Thomas Keller. (Initially, these ships didn't have Thomas Keller restaurants, but they were carved out of space previously dedicated to the casual eatery, The Colonnade.)

The deck where the sushi restaurant and large Thomas Keller restaurant are located on the Encore-class ships is the deck that is missing on the Odyssey-class ships.

The expedition ships

Ships in class: Seabourn Pursuit (2023); Seabourn Venture (2022).

seabourn bridge cruises

Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture are the Seabourn ships you book to get off the beaten path.

Much smaller than the other vessels in the Seabourn fleet and designed to carry just 264 passengers each, they're both expedition ships — small vessels built extra tough to travel to the most remote and hard-to-reach parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As is typical for ships of this type, they both have extra-thick hulls and other features that allow them to bump through ice in polar regions. They carry Zodiac boats for landings in remote areas that have no infrastructure. They also sail with expedition guides to lead you on the landings and explain the wildlife and scenery.

Related: Luxury adventure cruise ships you have to see to believe

Still, unlike many expedition ships, Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture are luxurious vessels, with many of the upscale venues and amenities found on Seabourn's bigger, more traditional luxury ships. If you know the bigger ships, you'll feel right at home on the expedition ships.

Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture both have Seabourn's signature Seabourn Square area that offers snacks, coffee and a guest services desk. Each offers a version of the main restaurant called The Restaurant and the more casual The Colonnade eatery.

seabourn bridge cruises

Rounding out the public spaces are a smaller version of Seabourn's spa and wellness center and a bar and lounge called The Club.

Suites on these vessels are especially swanky, with bright bathrooms all featuring bathtubs. Walk-in closets provide ample storage, even for long sailings, and every room has a small drying closet for outdoor adventure clothing. The latter is a welcome touch after rainy days and wet landings (when you put on waterproof boots provided by the ship and step off the Zodiac into the water when you reach the shore).

In addition, small in-room touches, like Swarovski binoculars and a pillow menu, further enhance the ship's already thoughtful design.

The expedition ships also offer features that are unique to their class, from a "mud room" with cubbies where passengers can prep for landings in remote places such as Antarctica to a pair of submarines that are available for extra-fee underwater excursions.

In short, the ships are like smaller, more adventurous versions of the bigger Seabourn vessels.

Bottom line

The three types of Seabourn ships vary significantly in size , but they all are similar in their onboard venues and amenities. If you've been on any Seabourn ship and loved it, you'll surely love its other vessels, too.

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All You Need to Know about Moscow River and Moscow Bridges

seabourn bridge cruises

Moscow Bridge. Photo by Alexander Smagin

Moscow River is the main waterway of the Russian capital. Within the city, its length is 80 km, width varies from 120 m to 200 m. The narrowest part of the river is located near the Kremlin, and the most extensive is near the Luzhniki Stadium that hosted World Cup 2018 . The depth of the Moscow River averages from 3m to 6m, and in some places it reaches 14 m.

Taking a walk along the Moscow River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation of Moscow in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th century.

While traveling on the Moscow River, in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking, you can see all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River cruise, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours tour.

Undoubtedly, Moscow bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots of Moscow, as well as the most romantic. Here is our short overview of them:

Great Stone Bridge – is the main bridge of Moscow. Back in the 17th century on this site was constructed the first stone bridge of Moscow.

  Patriarshy Bridge is one of the youngest bridges of Moscow, built in 2004. The bridge is pedestrian and connect the Christ the Saviour Cathedral with Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s to address the nation on his New Years’ speeches.

Borodinsky Bridge erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino, a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812, which every schoolboy in Russia knows about.

Bagration Bridge one of the pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was built to mark the 850th anniversary of Moscow in 1997.

Krymsky Bridge was in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges back in the early 20th century. The bridge was named after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to attack the Russian capital in the 16 th century.

And now let’s slightly move to the embankments of Moscow river! It has 37 embankments and the most popular are Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

Pushkinskaya embankment is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Green theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.

Vorobyevskaya embankment is part of Vorobyevy Gory (Sparrow Hills) nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is believed to be the place for taking serious decision in life.

Embankment in Kolomenskoye has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The river journey around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.

Taras Shevchenko embankment is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.

Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. Almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

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There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

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This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

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If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

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Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

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Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

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“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

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Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Cruise Port Amsterdam

Sea cruise calendar

The sea cruise calendar lists all the information about the arrival and departure of the cruise ships at Cruise Port Amsterdam

The terminal of Cruise Port Amsterdam is an all year round destination. In this calendar you’ll find all the information regarding the arrival and departure dates.

The times of arrival and departure are specified by the agent as a guideline, this is not fixed and could be changed at any time. Cruise Port Amsterdam attempts to keep the calendar up to date. However you should always check, the most up to date information with your booking agency, before departure.

No data available

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 09 Feb

08:00 - 07:30 uur Departure: 24 Feb

08:30 - 20:00 uur

Viking Saturn

08:00 - 18:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 02 May

Norwegian Star

06:00 - 17:00 uur

Celebrity Silhouette

08:30 - 07:30 uur Departure: 06 May

Norwegian Prima

10:00 - 19:00 uur

Norwegian Getaway

11:00 - 18:30 uur

07:00 - 17:45 uur

Jewel of the Seas

07:00 - 16:00 uur

08:00 - 19:00 uur

Viking Mars

06:00 - 15:30 uur

Viking Star

Celebrity Apex

Norwegian Dawn

11:00 - 21:00 uur

07:00 - 19:00 uur

07:00 - 17:00 uur

Seabourn Ovation

08:00 - 21:00 uur

World Navigator

08:00 - 23:00 uur

07:00 - 18:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 13 Jun

Seven Seas Navigator

13:00 - 02:00 uur Departure: 16 Jun

Seabourn Quest

MSC Virtuosa

Vasco da Gama

06:00 - 18:00 uur

04:00 - 17:00 uur

06:00 - 16:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 11 Jul

Seven Seas Voyager

10:00 - 16:00 uur Departure: 14 Jul

Nieuw Statendam

11:00 - 19:00 uur

07:00 - 21:00 uur

04:30 - 18:00 uur

08:00 - 17:00 uur

07:00 - 17:15 uur

10:00 - 22:00 uur Departure: 03 Aug

Carnival Legend

05:00 - 18:30 uur

Seven Seas Splendor

Seven Seas Mariner

19:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 12 Aug

06:00 - 18:30 uur

08:00 - 16:00 uur

08:00 - 13:00 uur

Serenade of the Seas

Seabourn Sojourn

07:00 - 15:00 uur

Resilient Lady

19:00 - 18:30 uur Departure: 25 Aug

18:00 - 19:00 uur Departure: 27 Aug

Azamara Onward

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 31 Aug

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 01 Sep

12:00 - 22:00 uur

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 05 Sep

Disney Dream

06:45 - 19:15 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 12 Sep

09:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 17 Sep

Viking Venus

14:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 20 Sep

18:15 - 17:00 uur Departure: 21 Sep

Hanseatic Spirit

10:00 - 14:00 uur Departure: 18 Oct

Silver Dawn

13:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 22 Oct

13:00 - 13:00 uur Departure: 26 Oct

Norwegian Encore

Queen Victoria

21:00 - 06:00 uur Departure: 18 Nov

07:00 - 17:30 uur Departure: 21 Nov

11:00 - 23:00 uur

Mein Schiff 3

07:00 - 22:00 uur

13:00 - 22:00 uur

12:00 - 23:00 uur

07:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 17 Dec

07:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 27 Dec

07:00 - 06:00 uur Departure: 01 Jan

08:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 01 Jan

AFAR Logo - Main

Indigenous Landowners in Kimberley, Australia, to Serve as Stewards of a New Luxury Cruise Ship

The wunambal gaambera traditional owners in western australia will serve as the godparents of the luxury expedition vessel “ seabourn pursuit” . here’s what the pact means for the community, the destination, and for those sailing with seabourn..

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Aerial view of "Seabourn Pursuit" in Kuri Bay in Western Australia's Kimberley region

Kuri Bay in Western Australia’s Kimberley region is among the ports Seabourn Pursuit will visit this summer.

Courtesy of Seabourn

There are myriad steps when it comes to launching a cruise ship, from designing and building the ship itself to decorating the interior and finding the right crew to set sail, to name a few. Before the inaugural sailing, it is tradition to call upon a prominent public figure to serve as godparent of the ship, typically a godmother. This tradition dates to the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, who turned to their gods to bless their ships and keep them safe during their journeys.

This week, Seabourn made seafaring history in announcing the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Western Australia as the godparents of the luxury cruise line’s newest expedition ship, the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit . With this announcement, Seabourn says it will be the first cruise line to appoint traditional Indigenous landowners as godparents of a cruise ship.

The history of the Wunambal Gaambera traces back 70,000 years in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. They are the Traditional Owners of a region in the Kimberley that includes Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau), Yirinni (Hunter River), and Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay); Seabourn Pursuit will call upon Ngula Jar Island during its voyages. In choosing the Wunambal Gaambera as godparents of the ship, Seabourn says that it is rededicating its commitment to the stewardship and sustainability of the communities and environments its ships visit worldwide.

Four Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Western Australia dancing on sand

As part of the pact with Seabourn, Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Western Australia will receive funding to develop land-based tourism facilities.

Photo by Chris Trantina/Ocean West Media

“We believe no one can give a better blessing to our ship than the communities we visit. When we visit local communities, we are able to both celebrate their culture and drive positive sustainable change in the places they call home,” Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, said in a release.

As part of the partnership, Seabourn will support a community of local artists whose original works will be available to passengers aboard the Seabourn Pursuit and to other visitors to the region, and it will invite local guides onto the ship to share their stories with guests. Seabourn is also making a monetary contribution (the cruise line did not disclose the amount) that will be combined with funding already received from the State Tourism Authority, Tourism Western Australia, to help finance the Wunambal Gaambera’s masterplan to develop seasonal land-based tourism facilities in the Kimberley.

King George River Gorge in Kimberley, Australia, with river winding through jagged sandstone cliffs

King George River Gorge is among the sites in the Kimberley that Seabourn guests will visit.

Photo by Marion Carniel/Shutterstock

On June 22, Wanumbal Gambeera Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Catherine Goonack, Uunguu Ranger, and Senior Traditional Owner Desmond Williams, and Senior Traditional Owner Maria Fredericks will represent the community aboard the Seabourn Pursuit for the dedication ceremony in the Kimberley.

The Wunambal Gaambera people “have a communal need and responsibility to look after and prosper from our country. Seabourn’s contributions will assist us to . . . look after and keep our land and sea country healthy, strengthen our Wanjina Wunggurr culture, and create economic opportunities for our people,” Goonack said in a statement.

After the dedication ceremony on June 22, Seabourn Pursuit will set sail on its 10-day Inaugural Voyage: Discovering the Kimberley , departing from Broome and calling upon Lacepede Island, Talbot Bay, Montgomery Reef, Freshwater Cove, Kuri Bay, Hunter River, Ashmore Reef, Vansittart Bay, and King George River before arriving in Darwin.

In addition to the Kimberley, the vessel will also sail in Papua New Guinea, West Papua, Indonesia, and across the South Pacific between Chile and Melanesia through October 2024.

A penthouse suite on the "Seabourn Pursuit," with desk, chairs, and balcony

All of the accommodations on the Seabourn Pursuit are suites.

While the naming and inaugural Kimberley voyage will take place in June, the luxury expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit , sister ship to Seabourn Venture , actually launched and has been sailing since August 2023. The ship was designed to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations, including polar regions, and has 24 Zodiacs, two submarines, as well as kayaks onboard for deeper exploration.

Seabourn Pursuit is an all-suite vessel with a duo of two-story Wintergarden suites, in addition to eight dining venues, a spa and wellness center, gym, pool, hot tubs, a Discovery Center for academic talks, and retail stores.

Low dunes and seagrass frame one of Amelia Island’s serene beaches.

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Seabourn Opens Bookings for Shorter 2026 World Cruise Segments

Seabourn has opened for booking nine shorter segments from its 2026 “ Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems” world cruise .

Guests who sign on for the entire world cruise will spend 129 days aboard Seabourn Sojourn, visiting 63 destinations in 14 countries along the way. The cruise starts in Los Angeles on January 6 and ends in Vancouver on May 15. 

But for travelers who don’t want to commit to the full voyage, Seabourn is offering shorter itineraries that range from 10 to 49 days long. 

For instance, guests can spend 39 days traveling from Sydney to Hong Kong during the “Coral Coast: Circumnaviation & Sapphire Seas” leg of the journey, or 22 days sailing from Tokyo to Vanoucer on the “Golden Garndes & Glaciers” itinerary.

“Our 2026 world cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn will be a remarkable voyage visiting destinations throughout an impressive portion of the Pacific,” says Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “This region will feature extraordinary cultural and culinary experiences as well as scenic natural wonders for guests to create memorable Seabourn Moments."

The Seabourn Sojourn in Australia.

IMAGES

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  3. Seabourn Cruises "Seabourn Legend" at the London Tower Bridge! Tower Bridge London, Cruise Ships

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  6. The Bridge on Seabourn Ovation Cruise Ship

    seabourn bridge cruises

VIDEO

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  3. Seabourn Pride Passes Under Tower Bridge

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  5. Seabourn Sojourn Arrival in Sydney Harbor

  6. Seabourn Ovation

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    SEATTLE, April 18, 2024 - Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruises and expedition travel, is thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, the line's newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship. Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship.

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  20. All You Need to Know about Moscow River and Moscow Bridges

    Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River cruise, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours tour. Undoubtedly, Moscow bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots of Moscow, as well as the most romantic. Here is our short overview of them: Great Stone Bridge - is the main bridge of Moscow. Back in the 17th century on this site ...

  21. Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia's

    Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

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    Seabourn Cruise Line. A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships ...

  25. Scenic Eclipse II cruise ship arrives in Australia for the first time

    Cruise line's ultra-luxury yacht arrives in Australia for the first time. Julietta Jameson and Brian Johnston. April 19, 2024 — 10.12am. Normal text size. Larger text size. Very large text ...

  26. Seabourn to Christen New Ship in Kimberley, Australia

    While the naming and inaugural Kimberley voyage will take place in June, the luxury expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit, sister ship to Seabourn Venture, actually launched and has been sailing since August 2023.The ship was designed to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations, including polar regions, and has 24 Zodiacs, two submarines, as well as kayaks onboard for deeper exploration.

  27. Seabourn Opens Bookings for Shorter 2026 World Cruise Segments

    Seabourn has opened for booking nine shorter segments from its 2026 " Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems" world cruise. Guests who sign on for the entire world cruise will spend 129 days aboard ...