Seabourn Made History When Two of its Ships Met in Antarctica

Last Wednesday, the Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, the line’s two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, sailed side by side for the first time in history, marking a significant milestone for the industry leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel. To celebrate Seabourn Pursuit’s inaugural Antarctic season, the sister ships gathered close to the entrance to Neko Harbour, which is framed by towering icescapes. Guests and team members celebrated the historic meeting with caviar and champagne served on the ships’ expansive bows.

Stig Betten, captain of Seabourn Pursuit, said, “It was an exhilarating day, and we could not think of a better way to commemorate our first trip to Antarctica than meeting up with our sister ship, Seabourn Venture.” “Many close friends and colleagues from each ship cheered and toasted to each other as we embarked on our expeditions to Antarctica, marking a new era in ultra-luxury expeditions.”

The captain of Seabourn Venture, Jeroen Schuchmann, said that the arrival of Seabourn Pursuit to Antarctica for the first season was an incredible “Seabourn Moment” for the guests and crew. “Seeing our two ships sail side by side at the start of our Antarctica season solidifies that we at Seabourn can introduce so many more individuals to breathtaking, remote destinations that few will ever visit.”

“It was amazing to wake up this morning and join our guests and team virtually at this historic moment for our Brand. We had a dream to bring Seabourn Signature Luxury to the world of exploration,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “Watching our two-purpose built ultra-luxury expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, next to each other today, and watching our guests raising champagne to each other with a breathtaking backdrop of Neko Harbor made me so proud. We truly brought this dream to life and redefined expedition experiences.”

The Seabourn Pursuit has just embarked on its first season in Antarctica, while the Seabourn Venture is starting its second. Both ships will operate 11- to 13-day voyages to Antarctica and 21-day voyages to South Georgia, Falkland Islands, and Antarctica. These itineraries include Zodiac excursions where guests can sail among icebergs, observe penguin colonies up close, and stroll and hike across pristine, seldom-visited landscapes with the ship’s Expedition Team. Submarine and kayak tours will be offered as extras.

Launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit offer guests the same luxurious small ship experience they have come to expect from Seabourn, enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to provide its most comprehensive range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person expedition team of elite, world-renowned scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. 

Built to PC6 Polar Class specifications, the ship is equipped with a wide variety of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. There is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space, special touches at every turn, and indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views. In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites.

When in range of SpaceX’s Starlink, the ships’ enhanced Wi-Fi connections will provide expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity, and more reliable service.

The Seabourn Pursuit and the Seabourn Venture, like the rest of the Seabourn fleet, have well-appointed and elegant public areas, eight restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, and luxurious all-suite accommodations, including two-story Wintergarden suites.