Part of our Cruise Lines guide →
Seabourn Expeditions at a glance
- Expedition fleet
- Two identical sister ships: Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
- Guest capacity
- 264 guests per ship, all-suite accommodations.
- Polar capability
- Built for PC6 Polar Class operation — high-latitude voyages and rougher sea conditions.
- Exploration tools
- 24 Zodiacs for all guests at once, double sea kayaks, and two custom-built submarines rated to 300 metres.
- Included
- All Zodiac, kayak and expedition landings, open bar, and dining with menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller.
- Best for
- Sophisticated travelers who want immersive adventure without giving up five-star comfort.
True expedition vessels, not dressed-up cruisers
Seabourn Expeditions takes everything travelers love about the brand's ultra-luxury ocean cruising — intuitive service, fine cuisine and elegant style — and brings it into some of the world's most remote and untouched destinations, without sacrificing a single comfort.
These ships aren't dressed-up cruisers with a few added toys. They are true expedition vessels — equipped for Polar Class exploration and built for adventurers who prefer crystal stemware with their glacial views.
Inside, suites are generously sized, most with private verandas, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms. Common areas maintain Seabourn's classic yachting feel — elegant but never stuffy.
The expedition fleet
Seabourn's expedition fleet is two identical sister ships — Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit — each carrying just 264 guests. Both are designed for PC6 Polar Class operation, built for high-latitude voyages and rougher seas while maintaining a striking level of elegance inside.
| Ship | Guests | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seabourn Venture | 264 | Purpose-built expedition ship; PC6 Polar Class, 24 Zodiacs, two submarines, all-suite with private verandas on most |
| Seabourn Pursuit | 264 | Identical sister ship; same Polar Class capability, Zodiac fleet, submarines and Discovery Center |
Guest counts and specifications as published by Seabourn; confirm per sailing.
Each ship carries 24 Zodiacs — enough to accommodate all guests without rotation — plus double sea kayaks for silent paddling through fjords, ice fields or coral bays, and two custom-built submarines for underwater exploration up to 300 metres below the surface.
On board you'll find a state-of-the-art expedition lounge and a dedicated Discovery Center for enrichment, plus thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces with fire pits and infinity-style hot tubs for post-adventure relaxation.
Where they travel
Seabourn's expedition itineraries reach places traditional ships can't: Antarctica and South Georgia, the Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Northern Norway), the Amazon River, Australia's Kimberley region, the South Pacific and Indonesia, and the Northwest Passage.
Each sailing balances Zodiac outings, scenic cruising, cultural immersion and enrichment programming, designed by a world-class expedition team.
Planning a polar voyage? Our guides to Antarctica and the Arctic cover the regions in depth.
The expedition experience
Life on board is curated to Seabourn's signature style: all-suite accommodations with personalised stewardess service, gourmet dining across multiple venues with menus designed by Thomas Keller, an open bar throughout the ship, and all Zodiac, kayak and expedition landings included.
An expert expedition team of scientists, naturalists, historians and guides is available throughout the journey, with daily briefings and lectures in the Discovery Center on floor-to-ceiling screens with real-time expedition updates.
Submarine dives are available for an additional cost — a once-in-a-lifetime underwater perspective. Back on board, warm up with caviar service in the Observation Bar, a massage at the wellness spa, or mulled wine around the firepit under the midnight sun.
What makes Seabourn Expeditions unique
Five things set the line apart: luxury without compromise however remote the destination, cutting-edge exploration tools from 6K underwater cameras to quick-launching Zodiacs, a deep bench of expert guides, itineraries spanning both polar ice and lush tropics, and curated experiences delivered with zero chaos.
The expedition team runs deep — ornithologists, glaciologists, marine biologists, archaeologists and more — guiding landings and bringing each destination to life. Select sailings add helicopter flyovers, submarine dives and curated cultural visits, all delivered with refined polish.
Is Seabourn right for you?
Seabourn suits sophisticated travelers seeking immersive adventure without sacrificing the finer things — people just as thrilled by a penguin rookery as by a perfectly crafted Negroni. Whether new to expedition cruising or a seasoned explorer, they expect meaningful exploration, elegant ambiance and seamless service.
We book across every expedition line, so we can compare Seabourn's ships and fares directly with alternatives like Silversea, Ponant and Scenic before you commit.
A strong fit if you want
- Purpose-built polar ships with submarines, kayaks and 24 Zodiacs
- All-inclusive fares: landings, open bar and Thomas Keller menus
- All-suite accommodations with personalised stewardess service
- Polar ice one season, the Amazon or Kimberley the next
Look elsewhere if you want
- A casual, boots-and-fleece expedition atmosphere
- The lowest possible fare to Antarctica or the Arctic
- Big-ship entertainment, casinos and nightlife
- Included submarine dives — they carry an additional cost
Seabourn Expeditions FAQs
How many expedition ships does Seabourn have?
Two identical sister ships: Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, each carrying 264 guests in all-suite accommodations and built for PC6 Polar Class operation.
What's included on a Seabourn expedition cruise?
All Zodiac, kayak and expedition landings are included, along with an open bar (Champagne and top-shelf spirits), gourmet dining across multiple venues with menus designed by Thomas Keller, and a full enrichment programme. Submarine dives carry an additional cost.
Where do Seabourn's expedition ships sail?
Antarctica and South Georgia; the Arctic including Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Northern Norway; the Amazon River; Australia's Kimberley region; the South Pacific and Indonesia; and the Northwest Passage.
Do Seabourn's expedition ships really have submarines?
Yes — each ship carries two custom-built submarines rated to 300 metres below the surface, equipped with 6K underwater cameras. Dives are optional and priced separately.
Is Seabourn a good choice for a first expedition cruise?
Yes if you want genuine expedition capability — Polar Class ships, 24 Zodiacs, an expert expedition team — wrapped in five-star service. If you'd prefer a more casual, adventure-first atmosphere, another line may suit you better. We're happy to talk it through.
Keep exploring
Expedition cruise lines
Every line we book, compared side by side — who each one suits and why.
Silversea Expeditions
The closest ultra-luxury rival — butler service in every suite and a PC6 flagship.
Antarctica
When to go, what it costs, and how to choose the right voyage south.
Expedition ships
The ships behind the lines, with our own reviews and comparisons.