05 Oct 2026
8 Nights
Seabourn Venture
Arctic Canada
Scenic / Brand Expedition Test
Scenic / Brand Expedition Test
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05 Oct 2026
Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It's a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don't venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There's easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks. It's a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.
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Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Read MoreThis holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.
Before Seabourn, open-seating dining on a cruise ship was unheard of. Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.
Our more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative, features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly.
Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting.
The Constellation Lounge is the highest indoor viewing point on each ship. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering guests stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as their eyes can see, heightening their expeditionary spirit while bringing them closer to wildlife and wonders at sea and in port.
In addition, the expedition team will be in the lounge regularly to help identify points of interest, wildlife and geological wonders. Imagine glimpsing killer whales, waddling penguins, and sea lions in Antarctica; sleepy-eyed sloths, sprightly monkeys, and colorful parrots in the rainforests of South and Central America; and icebergs bobbing in the seas and waterfalls rushing over cliffs in the far reaches of the Arctic and Northern Europe – all from the comfort of the Constellation Lounge.
The Constellation Lounge offers Seabourn’s popular Early Morning Riser continental breakfast, while afternoons features the line’s popular and recently enhanced Afternoon Tea service. Steeped in the tradition of proper English tea service, yet as fresh and memorable as a newly brewed pot, the elegant daily tea service incorporates the finest luxury tea brand TWG Tea. As the sun dips and the night sky lights up, live piano entertainment delights guests as cocktails and tapas are served both before and after dinner.
Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.
Each evening, our skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board.
More and more of our guests relish the opportunity to engage with destinations in a more interactive, experiential and participatory way. We created Ventures by Seabourn® to provide these travelers with exciting, adventurous optional activities that are expertly planned, professionally operated and escorted by skilled expert guides.
Enhance..
On select sailings featuring Ventures by Seabourn® excursions, share your voyage with a knowledgeable, experienced expedition team of scientists, scholars, naturalists and more. These fascinating, accomplished experts will be part of our complimentary Seabourn Conversations program, providing you an in-depth understanding of the history, ecology and culture of the places you visit. On board, their valuable insights are offered both in formal presentations and in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure.
Extend
In select ports of call and destinations, optional Ventures by Seabourn® excursions, guided by our Expedition Team, invite you to explore spectacular destinations on exhilarating sea-level adventures. Launching from your ship on board our fleet of sturdy, Zodiac® boats or paddling in double sea kayaks, these adventures will vary depending on your itinerary, but include thrills such as cruising picturesque fjords and waterways, trekking on scenic islands, viewing birds, seals, whales and other wildlife up-close, and surveying massive, white-blue icebergs.
Ventures by Seabourn vs Excursions: What's the Difference?
First launched in 2013, Ventures by Seabourn was introduced for guests who have dreamed of experiencing a Seabourn expedition, but are unable to sail on one of our expedition ships.
Unlike traditional shore excursions, the expedition team is placed aboard select sailings to offer knowledge, commentary, education on the destinations, and to lead hikes, Zodiac cruises, and kayaking in remote areas. It allows Seabourn guests to experience expedition-style encounters with the landscapes, but do it on the traditional Seabourn ships that our guests know and love.
The Discovery Center, which is adjacent to the Expedition Lounge on Deck 4, acts as the teaching & academic center for natural history and cultural programming in an environment spacious enough to accommodate all guests at one time. Each day, guests will visit this venue for insightful lectures, briefings, and Seabourn Conversations enrichment programming designed to help educate them throughout their expedition experience. The world-class 26-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists will deliver rich, insightful lectures and discussions on a broad array of topics related to the region where guests are sailing. Inspired by the compelling landscape of some of the expedition destinations, the Discovery Center incorporates the organic shapes of topography maps against the elegant curves of the plush custom seating.
Audio-visual experiences will come to life through high-definition screens 2.5 meters high by 10 meters wide, showing a variety of programming to create a captivating experience that whets the appetite and creates excitement for each destination.
Our guests travel with us because they want to see, hear, learn and discover new places and experiences. To ensure that our guests have memorable and enriching experiences in the over 450 ports of call we offer annually, we contract the best local agents to create and operate some 12,000 carefully curated shore experiences, offering our guests a range of choices in duration, content and the type of activity involved to fully satisfy their wishes. To assist our guests in choosing among these numerous excursion options, we are categorizing our overall Shore Experiences by Seabourn into seven ‘Collections,’ according to the general interests they are designed to captivate.
The Cultural Collection
The Cultural Collection explores the arts, ideas and legacy of places, including access to UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world.
The Bespoke Collection
The Bespoke Collection affords guests opportunities to customize their shore experiences by arranging private cars and drivers, guides, yachts, reservations and other services in ports of call
The Adventure Collection
The Adventure Collection is an array of excursions offering guests active and participatory experiences in ports, including Ventures by Seabourn™ and expedition excursions on our Expedition ships.
The Mindful Living Collection
The Mindful Living Collection consists of guided shoreside experiences in Mindful Living, designed in partnership with world-renowned integrative medicine pioneer.
The Epicurean Collection
The Epicurean Collection invites guests to explore the unique flavors of a destination by indulging their passion for tasting both traditional and contemporary foods and drinks.
The Essential Collection
The Essential Collection offers shorter-duration introductory experiences such as guided walking tours, allowing guests with general interest to learn the highlights about a port.
The Journeys Collection
The Journeys Collection offers escorted pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland experiences of two to 13 days, exploring iconic landmarks impossible to visit during a scheduled port call.
The Landing Zone is the area where exploration begins. There are two landing zones, port and starboard side on Deck 3. The launch and recovery point for landings, it's a spacious environment where guests change and clean their gear in comfort, as well as a place to store excursion essentials like boots. It's designed for functionality, accessibility and ease, offering direct access to one of the 24 Zodiacs available for Ventures by Seabourn® adventures. In tropical areas, it's the place to kick off scuba, snorkelling and similar undersea adventures.
Shopping with the Chef — at local food markets. Shop a bustling Sicilian market, gather spices in Istanbul or explore the local wines of Tuscany and Provence. Wherever you are in the world, you'll enjoy an insider's look at unique regional markets with an expert Seabourn chef as your guide
The art of conversation has always been central to the Seabourn experience.
Our voyages attract interesting, interested people –people who enjoy talking together, sharing their interests, their adventures and discoveries, and their life stories with longtime and newfound friends. Their enthusiasms and curiosity are far-ranging, and these are what spark their desire to travel the world.
To encourage and enhance this satisfying aspect of your Seabourn voyage, we invite luminaries of particular interest and accomplishment to join our guests on board – and bring fascinating insights, expert opinions and delightfully entertaining diversions to the conversation.
Daring explorers, heralded chefs, learned scholars, celebrated performers and renowned experts from every arena of the arts, sciences, politics and the humanities share your journey on our intimate ships. They each bring skilled presentations of their expertise for guests to enjoy. But just as importantly, they participate in the daily social scene, sharing meals, adventures ashore and casual chats throughout the voyage. On some ships, they lecture. On Seabourn, they join the conversation.
The Expedition Lounge, located on Deck 4, is the heart of the ship. A gathering place for the curious, guests are invited to relax or linger with a complimentary cocktail or glass of fine wine from the bar as they share photos and stories from the day with their fellow travelers and the onboard staff. The Expedition Lounge will be central to the Seabourn expedition operation where guests convene before and after expeditions each day.
Custom furniture designed in a variety of warm, natural materials creates an inviting, tactile atmosphere. An ode to the adventurous, the Expedition Lounge features an etched glass partition displaying a vintage map of Antarctica and vitrines showcasing intricate tools and devices of the trade. Two large touchscreens will also display a wealth of information including photos, navigational charts, weather charts, and maps.
The liveliest lounge on board is the scene of daily afternoon tea service. It is a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks and dancing to live music. After dinner, the dancing music continues, and later a DJ spins dance music until late at night. Another terrace of open deck aft of The Club boasts a plunge pool and two small whirlpool spas.
Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Venture, and Seabourn Pursuit offer Sushi in The Club, serving a variety of light sushi bites freshly made to order each evening.
A place to enjoy some light reading or to socialize with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you're looking for. Seabourn Square is the true ‘living room’ of the ships. An inviting sociable space where guests will find a charming European style coffee bar, Seabourn Square has been designed as an open, comfortable environment for guests to interact with onboard officers and the expedition team and engage in conversation with family and new friends. The space is also home to the highly-trained Guest Services staff, who provide a range of concierge services such as general ship information, assistance with special service requests, port and travel information, and more.
A selection of coffees are prepared by the skilled onboard baristas some using beans roasted in Seabourn Square. For those feeling a bit hungry, Seabourn Square offers freshly made pastries and other on-the-go breakfast items in the morning, as well as an assortment of light sandwiches and desserts later in the day, along with a selection of artisanal gelati made on board. Guests will also find a wide range of books in the adjoining library, with a host of titles on subjects such as adventure, expeditions and other topics of interest to enjoy while onboard. Staying current with the news is made easy with tablets featuring the Press Reader news application available to browse each day.
Located on Deck 6, at the forward-most part of the vessel, the Bow Lounge provides the closest access to water level via the foredeck, making it the perfect spot for guests to spend some time watching for marine life. Within a few steps, guests can be outside, with a vantage point that is ideal to watch the ship’s course, spot wildlife, or take in the beautiful natural scenery.
The Bow Lounge introduces some technological enhancements, providing guests with a first for Seabourn with touch screens showing the ship’s plotted location, as well as navigational charts and scientific information used to help guide the ship on its journey. Large screens project live footage from mounted cameras outside the ship, and from a drone when conditions permit, while the touch screen monitors invite guests to explore on their own with a live map, weather information, and notes detailing upcoming expeditions. Expedition Team members will be available within the Lounge throughout the day to interact with guests, answer questions, provide interpretation and aid in spotting wildlife.
The space provides direct access to the Bow Sprit on Deck 6 forward (when conditions permit) to give guests the sensation of standing in front of the ship and views of waves parting and ice sloughing off the bow at the waterline.
Overlooking the beautiful Pool Patio, the open-air Sky Bar presents you with a gorgeous setting to take a break from the afternoon sun while enjoying a refreshing tropical beverage, or spend the evening enjoying a few social cocktails under the stars.
One of the most FUN evenings during any cruise, Evenings Under the Stars is a night where guests can let their hair down and simply be in the moment. Enjoy Let’s Dance! with great live music, interact with fellow travelers and be spoiled in true Seabourn style by our food and beverage team with Desserts Under the Stars. A signature event, this dance party has been a part of the line’s rich culture, and a Seabourn cruise is not complete without Let’s Dance! and Desserts Under The Stars.
Weather permitting, this high-energy dance party is hosted poolside and under the stars by the entire entertainment team, featuring performances by The Band, vocalists and dancers. There is even the possibility your Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director might jump on stage to perform, as well! Guests can expect music that appeals to everyone’s taste with a great mix of hit songs. It’s a real treat and guests LOVE Evenings Under the Stars!
Many veteran cruisers specifically choose cruises that provide at least a few days at sea. The Card Room is a great choice for the sea-loving cruiser who craves that languorous feeling of lazy leisure. There will be loads of on board activities during those days, including a great game of bridge.
For meetings and gatherings, our ships offer meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The meeting rooms can be arranged to guests’ specifications including theater-style or with tables; and each of the rooms have large-screen TVs for presentations. Guests may also reserve the Card Room when available. Our crew members are happy to assist guests with meeting room reservations and setup.
Whether you're buying souvenirs for your friends at home or want a memento of your vacation, our Shops will have what you need. Shop for fashion and cosmetics at The Boutique, jewelry and fine watches at The Collection, or logo cruisewear at the Shop.
A Zero-proof cocktail experience featuring a unique array of non-alcoholic cocktails
Zero @ Sea offers an inventive menu of mixology cocktails, with ingredients and flavors free of alcohol, such as elderflower, bursts of fresh citrus, botanical spirits, and more.
Zero @ Sea cocktails are available fleetwide in all bars and lounges aboard the ships together with an upgraded selection of nonalcoholic wines, sparkling wines, and beers.
The new cocktails were developed by Seabourn’s expert culinary and beverage team, led by Michael Simon, senior manager of restaurant and bar operations, and Francisco Fernandes, corporate manager service operations.
Seabourn’s spas offer a wide spectrum of massages, facials, and beauty treatments, blending traditional practices from around the world with the most up-to-date techniques. Seabourn’s spas are suitable for guests wishing to maintain a personal fitness regime or discover a new one. A well-equipped ocean-view gym and Motion Studio is staffed by professional fitness trainers, and a full-service salon for men and women complement the spas.
SPA AND FITNESS SERVICES INCLUDE*
*Class offerings may vary by ship.
Offering the perfect setting for a sunny afternoon, the swimming pool is surrounded by an expansive sundeck with chaise lounges, shaded seating, two large whirlpool spas, and is within steps of the Patio Grill. Sun loungers and cabanas are arrayed in a mix of sun and shade. A stage provides occasional live music for dancing.
Spa & Wellness, our onboard wellness program, focuses on mindful living (along with some major pampering). This carries through to both spa experiences and fitness and wellness classes, all offered by on-board wellness experts. And if you're not taking part in one of the wellness programs, it's just a good place to grab a great workout, with state-of-the-art equipment and luxurious amenities.
All Grand Wintergarden Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalised stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Expansive apartment-style suite stretching over two decks located midship. Entry opens to seamless double height views and generous lower level living area large enough for entertaining with a dining table for four, separate guest bath and pantry with wet bar stocked with a customised selection of spirits. Sculptured staircase leading to upper level and the master bedroom with a queen-sized Duxiana Axion 15 adjustable high-performance sleep system facing expansive windows, a wall of closets along with advanced technology including a roll-up LG OLED TV. Separate walk-in closet adjacent to the five-piece bathroom complete with a whirlpool spa tub and separate shower. Wintergarden suite guests also enjoy wildlife and vista spotting using a Swarovski ATX Interior spotting scope. The tripod-mounted scope, with its 25-60x85 lens capability, is for use in-suite while onboard. Entertainment experience features a high-end Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5 speaker system and Bang & Olufsen H4 Bluetooth headphones for guest use onboard.
All Wintergarden Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalised stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Expansive apartment-style suite stretching over two decks located midship. Entry opens to seamless double height views and generous lower level living area large enough for entertaining with a dining table for four, separate guest bath and pantry with wet bar stocked with a customised selection of spirits. Sculptured staircase leading to upper level and the master bedroom with a queen-sized Duxiana Axion 15 adjustable high-performance sleep system facing expansive windows, a wall of closets along with advanced technology including a roll-up LG OLED TV. Separate walk-in closet adjacent to the five-piece bathroom complete with a whirlpool spa tub and separate shower. Wintergarden suite guests also enjoy wildlife and vista spotting using a Swarovski ATX Interior spotting scope. The tripod-mounted scope, with its 25-60x85 lens capability, is for use in-suite while onboard. Entertainment experience features a high-end Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5 speaker system and Bang & Olufsen H4 Bluetooth headphones for guest use onboard.
Wintergarden Suite Features
Large windows
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
All Signature Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet, personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalised stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Foyer entry to living area with high-definition TV, dining table for four, guest bath, pantry with wet bar and large windows. Separate bedroom with queen-sized bed, makeup vanity, generous closet space and a glass door leading to a large curved 595 square foot veranda that includes its own canopied whirlpool spa tub, sun loungers, sofa and chairs. A five-piece bathroom with a separate shower and tub.
Signature Suite Features
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Owner's Suites on Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalised stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Entry with large closet to store gear and personal belongings. Comfortable living area with high-definition TV, writing desk and dining table for two for meals in-suite. Glass door leading to a curved veranda with sun loungers and a table for four. Separate bedroom with queen-sized bed has its own high-definition TV, a large window, makeup vanity and walk-in closet. Five-piece bathroom designed with multiple doors that can create a half-bath, and also features a separate shower and bathtub.
Owner's Suite Features
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Approximate total space: 527 sq. ft. (49 sq. m.) including veranda of 97 sq. ft. (9 sq. m.) All Penthouse Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Penthouse Suite Features
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
All Panorama Veranda Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalised stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Semi-circular separate living area with comfortable seating and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Queen-sized bed or twin beds oriented to face the windows to enjoy views of beautiful scenery and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Bathroom features a separate shower and large soaking tub placed next to a wide window.
*Some veranda sizes vary.
Approximate total space: 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m.) including veranda of 75 sq. ft. (7 sq. m.)* Suites on Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Suites 513-516, 611-614, 711-714, 802-805; Total space: 417 sq. ft. (39 sq. m.) incl. veranda of 85 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.) All Panorama Veranda Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets. *Some veranda sizes vary.
Panorama Penthouse Suite Features
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Penthouse Spa Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV, fully stocked bar and refrigerator and spacious marble bath with double vanities.
More information coming soon...
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Luxury Product Executive
Sales Manager for SixStarCruises
Senior Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
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Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
My expedition around the British Isles was an incredible experience. It was wonderful to enjoy the adventure whilst still experiencing the luxury of Seabourn. I'm going into my 15th year working in the travel industry and this was the best trip I've ever done.
The welcome/safety meeting onboard is where we first met the crew. There are 24 Expedition Team Members on-board, ranging from academics, scientists and naturalists. Their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm really showed throughout the whole cruise, the tours and the lectures. You can tell they are genuinely excited to be there.
We spotted plenty of puffins and seals while exploring the Isle of Man and Isles of Scilly on zodiac excursions, led by members of the expedition team. They were always on hand to share their knowledge and expertise so we could learn more about the incredible creatures we were seeing. We had Luciano Bernacchi, the Expedition Leader, guiding our zodiac excursion. We sailed around the coast of the Calf of Man, taking our Swarovski binoculars (which are available to all guests) to spot the variety of different wildlife.
There are 24 zodiacs on board, varying in size. I was surprised by how sturdy they are on the water, even at speed. The guide gauges how fast you want to go, either a leisurely ride or a full-on jet ride as they’re taking you to and from the shore.
The onboard experience was phenomenal; exquisite dining and expedition talks really do bring the day’s activities and excursions to life. The relaxed ambience on board provided the perfect respite from a busy day of exploring. Expedition cruising with Seabourn truly combines the best of exploration and ultra-luxury cruising.
One of the notable differences with an Expedition cruise is that the schedule is fluid, plans can and do change depending on sightings, the weather and many other factors - safety will always come first. Seabourn talked about one of their Expedition cruises where the captain stopped the ship at 1am as there was a polar bear right beside them, and guests were woken up to take pictures!
The Seabourn Venture ship itself has a very different feel compared to ocean ships; you really feel like you're staying in a luxury ski lodge. There were only 160 guests onboard, with maximum capacity of the ship holding 264 passengers. There are no formal nights and the dress code is much more relaxed. There are two main restaurants on board: the Colonnade, for more relaxed dining and The Restaurant, which is perfect if you want something a little more formal. We had breakfast delivered to the suite and dined on the veranda several times.
All in all, we had a fantastic trip. It really helped me get an even better understanding of the product and just how special the expedition cruises are. I cannot wait for my next one!
If you have been looking into expedition cruising, enjoy a bit of adventure, or would like some more information, I would be happy to speak with you in more detail about the operations behind the expeditions and how it all works on board.
My favourite moment has to be using the zodiacs and getting up close and personal to the all the wildlife! It was incredible to enjoy the adventure whilst experiencing the luxury of Seabourn.
Seabourn have Parker jackets, designed exclusively for them by Helly Hansen. We ordered our Seabourn Expedition Parkers six days before travelling, which I'd recommend, as they were then waiting for us in the suite when we embarked. Mine was a little on the large side, however, and this was easy to change at the Parker Exchange the following day. The parker is multi-layered and perfect for zodiac tours.
Luxury Product Executive
Something that makes a Silversea Expedition so special is the destinations that they allow you to explore. Visiting the Polar Regions is something that not everyone can say they've experienced, so when I was offered the opportunity to sail around Antarctica on-board Silver Endeavour, I felt extremely lucky! An Expedition Cruise is something I've always dreamed of experiencing and it's safe to say it went beyond all of my expectations!
Silversea boasts the largest group of Expedition Ships in the industry and each vessel with its' individual amenities and a history of exploration that dates back to 1995, is a testament to Silversea's success at providing passengers with unforgettable expedition experiences.
Despite its' smaller size, like the rest of the ships in Silversea's fleet, you'll never be short of ways to entertain yourself on-board Silver Endeavour. When it comes to meal times, take your pick of four delightful dining options including Silversea's signature, The Restaurant, as well as The Grill and Il Terrazzino serving up authentic Italian dishes. If you'd prefer a light bite, the Arts Café is the perfect place to grab something to eat and enjoy a quiet catch up with your fellow passengers.
We spent our time on-board staying in Silver Suite, which is a firm favourite amongst Silversea guests, featuring a private veranda boasting stunning ocean views, spacious living and dining areas and a personal butler service that made our voyage feel extra special. No matter which suite you choose to stay in, you can be sure to find everything you need to experience ultimate comfort at sea!
Embarking from St George Island, we were so excited for our first landing in Orne Harbour. It was there that we took our first steps onto the Antarctic Peninsula, taking a hike to see colonies of chinstrap penguins and phenomenal views. That same afternoon we headed out on our first zodiac cruise at Whilhelmina Bay, during which we saw dramatic icebergs and humpback whales, which was an unbelievable start to our voyage.
It's hard to put into words how truly breath-taking Antarctica as a destination is. Kayaking through the pristine waters of Paradise Harbour, paddling through icebergs and seeing penguins up close was truly incredible. In true Silversea style we were welcomed back aboard the zodiac with champagne, hot chocolate and cookies! They truly go above and beyond to make every stage of your voyage incredible.
From taking a stroll along snow covered plains and stopping in awe of the elephant seals posing with their huge, beautiful eyes to leaping into 1C water for the polar plunge, it was an exceptional trip beyond anything I could have ever wished for.
Stepping aboard alongside Specialist Cruise Concierge, Katie, I was immediately in awe of not only Silver Endeavour's beauty but also Silversea's staff who gave us the warmest welcome! The ship is simply stunning with clean fresh décor and beautiful spaces, all built with a purpose. The staff were amazing and what stood out most was that they were as excited as us to be there as we departed, spotting whales and taking in the breath-taking scenery.
Another highlight of our Antarctic trip was the day we headed out on a kayak excursion. Taking a short zodiac out, we slid into the 2 man kayaks and then we were off to explore the tranquil waters of Paradise Bay and Skintorp Cove. It was phenomenal, the water was so still and calm and we kayaked in our group of 12, led by two guides Tommy and Tyler for around 4km, before stopping still for a moment to take in the calm and quiet, which was simply amazing.
The next morning's activity was at Peterman island, so we took a short zodiac to shore where the knowledgeable on-board expedition team had designed three trails, one out to see colonies of Gentoo penguins, another up to an amazing view point and finally to see some more colonies of Adelie penguins, which was a real bucket list ticker for us!
Whilst you are waiting for the the polar plunge in the mud room, take advantage of a small tipple on offer whilst waiting to warm your inside up a little! The atmosphere in the mud room is great - the staff are there to encourage you, music is playing and there is a nervous excited feeling among those waiting. When it is your turn, staff will take your robe and keep it safe for when you are out of the water.
It is a little scary walking down the last steps in your swim things, getting the belt tied on and stepping on to the zodiac! Make sure that you get a good video of you doing it and if you want something specific let them know. My video isn’t the best, so I wish I had been a little more bold and said what I would have liked! Make sure you ask for some of the scenery to be captured and which way round you want the camera etc. When it comes to jumping, just go for it – jump in, don’t just step if you can. The photos will be much better!
When you get out, the staff are waiting with your robe and a towel ready to get warm, and you can again have a little tipple of your choice to warm back up! Some people headed straight for the sauna on board to warm up, which was very popular. I opted to dash back to the Suite for a lovely warm shower and dry dressing gown. The shower and warmth felt lovely!
My top tip would be to ask your butler to have a bottle of champagne on ice for when you get back to the suite, which you can crack open and toast to you successfully doing the polar plunge!
Sales Manager for SixStarCruises
Each day is just an incredible as the next in the Galápagos; you never know what you are going to see and the scenery is just stunning, you could blink and miss something incredible.
This really is a once in a lifetime experience where no day is the same, and I can honestly say this was the most incredible trip I have ever taken in my life. The Galápagos Islands are an absolute must for your bucket list!
Celebrity Flora is a luxury yacht holding a maximum of 100 guests which is considerably smaller than any ocean cruise liner, so you have a much more intimate experience where you can get to know who you're travelling with.
The Galápagos itinerary is packed with either one or two islands being visited per day and up to three excursions. There aren't any sea days on this itinerary, and because you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities to see the wildlife, you tend to do all three everyday. We did all the activities offered, and they are catered to all ages which is great. Because of this, the evenings are laid back and relaxed which is nice.
You have a 7PM overview of the day, then at 7:15, you sign up for the activities for the following day. Dinner then starts at 7:30 and most people tend to retire to their suites once they have eaten.
It is an early start most mornings, with the first tour usually beginning around 8AM to 8:30AM, but you do enjoy around three to four hours free time in the afternoon to relax on the top deck.
The staff on Celebrity are phenomenal - I have been on a lot of cruises and this was the best service I have ever received. They knew you by name when you boarded, had your drinks ready for you after the first day, remembering exactly what you preferred. It honestly felt like the staff and guests were one big family, and they went above and beyond in every aspect.
Swimming with penguins, sharks and sea turtles was a memory that I will never forget. Although I'd have to say that my main highlight was the Giant Tortoise Ranch. These animals are just incredible to witness, and having the opportunity to be surrounded by them in the wild and walking with them was simply mesmerising.
My main advice is to immerse yourself in every opportunity to explore. The itinerary is very busy, being only a week to two weeks, so make the most of every moment you have while on your trip.
When packing, comfort is key, due to the itinerary. I'd recommend packing some water shoes or closed toed sandals for the wet landings (As you will be disembarking onto the beach with water around knee height). And make sure you bring a good camera for all of the great pictures that you will capture! Walking shoes or sturdy trainers are also important for the walks and hikes to ensure you're as comfortable as possible.
Senior Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
I travelled on a 12-night Arctic expedition on board Greg Mortimer - a trip that should be on anyone’s bucket list. The morning after embarkation in Svalbard, we had about an hour of free time, where I took the opportunity to walk on the top deck and enjoy the scenery. During the lecture we were given a Polar Bear Safety briefing, they advised us in detail on what we would do as a collective group if we were out on the Zodiacs/on land should we encounter one of these amazing creatures.
We all enjoyed a Zodiac landing in Recherchefjord the next day, I opted for the long walk and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were able to see some of the flowers that we had been advised about the day before in the lecture. The terrain was very spongy underfoot but still quite rocky. We saw several varieties of birds such as king eiders, guillemots, purple sandpipers and kittiwakes.
Being able to wake up with the ship stationary and surrounded by ice was so peaceful and tranquil. Everyone was on polar bear watch and eager to find this magnificent animal.
Much to our surprise, we then saw a pod of about 40-50 Beluga whales, it was unbelievable, the whales were too far to photograph to get a clear image of these beautiful animals, but the sight was magnificent.
We then had our daily recap, and they gave us some further information about Beluga whales.
After dinner we then went to enjoy our evening…but then we heard ‘Ding Ding Starboard Side!’ – there was a buzz in the air as we ran to any viewing platform we could find and grabbing the binoculars and cameras for our first glimpse of the one thing we had all been searching for… the polar bear! It was a mesmerising moment seeing how gracefully this beautiful animal walked along the shore one through the water and onto the sheet ice whilst it stalked the seals it had hoped to catch. We were all in awe of its beauty and watched this magnificent polar bear until the early hours of the morning.
Watching a polar bear walking along the ridge, before entering the water and swimming in front of us - what an amazing experience! Walking out onto a floating ice sheet where polar bears roam was another experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. The childlike excitement from the passengers as they’re making snow angels in the ice was just magical. Each day is different to the next, and every moment is more surreal and spectacular than you could ever imagine. We also enjoyed a Zodiac cruise around Yoldiabukta Bay.
We had an unbelievable time, admiring the pointed mountain backdrops and tidewater glaciers. We were in awe of the amazing walrus we were able to see as they really are huge! It was incredible how close we were able to get to these amazing animals.
We were also taken to a beautiful landing spot where we were able to see many of the Arctic birds – kittiwakes, Brünnich’s guillemot and northern fulmars. It was stunning! We were even lucky enough to see some puffins!
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