Photo courtesy: Seabourn
For Aussies dreaming of the ultimate luxury adventure at the end of the world, Seabourn has just revealed its incredible expedition team for the 2025–2026 Antarctica season. Setting sail aboard the cutting-edge Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, guests will be guided by a handpicked crew of 23 experts per ship—including ornithologists, marine biologists, geologists, historians and even submarine pilots—all with a passion for exploration and decades of field experience.
Luxury Meets Adventure
Seabourn’s Antarctic expeditions aren’t your average cruise. Picture yourself cruising with seasoned guides who lead thrilling Zodiac landings, wildlife watching sessions, and even kayaking among the icebergs near Pleneau Island. Each landing, lecture and wildlife encounter is made richer by the team’s engaging storytelling—bringing the frozen frontier’s mystique alive.
For those wanting to dive deeper, Seabourn’s custom-built Cruise Sub 7 submarines let guests discover the hidden world beneath the surface, all while learning from marine scientists who’ve discovered new species of whales! On deck, you’ll be taken on epic journeys by guides like Luciano “Luqui” Bernacchi from Patagonia, glacial experts, world-renowned polar photographers and more—ensuring every day is full of “wow” moments and learning.
Signature Expeditions

Between November 2025 and March 2026, Seabourn is launching a suite of epic journeys, like the 11-Day The Great White Continent, 13-Day Antarctica Exploration, and the 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands voyage. All cruises include pre-departure stays in Buenos Aires and charter flights to Ushuaia, unlocking remote Antarctic landscapes like the Lemaire Channel and Neko Harbour.
Every guest receives a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka and waterproof backpack for polar comfort. Onboard, the adventure continues with hands-on photography workshops, polar marine biology sessions and even the legendary Polar Plunge!
Meet the Masters
On board the purpose-built Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, guests will sail alongside an all-star squad of 23 hand-selected experts per ship. This elite crew includes ornithologists, marine biologists, geologists, oceanographers, historians, polar photographers, and even submarine pilots. Each brings decades of field experience, boundless passion and storytelling flair—transforming each voyage into a journey of deep discovery and connection.
- Luciano “Luqui” Bernacchi (Patagonia, Argentina): Senior Polar Guide, Director of the Glaciarium Ice Museum, birdwatcher, and a seasoned leader of polar and remote destination adventures.
- Fridrik P. Fridriksson (Iceland/Norway): A multi-lingual Arctic and polar guide with business smarts and a flair for icy landscapes.
- Chris Clarke (United Kingdom): Boasting 16 years’ expedition cruising, six Antarctic seasons and deep expertise in polar regions.
- Dominic “Dom” Del Rosario (Philippines): 20+ years at sea, from the polar reaches to the South Pacific, and a master of small-boat landings.
- Juan Restrepo (Colombia): Geologist, expert in coastal geomorphology, intrepid explorer of all continents.
- Dr. Merel Dalebout (Australia): Marine biologist, botanist, whale species discoverer, and submarine pilot, bringing the wonders of the deep to life.
- Isaac Yebra (Spain): Submarine pilot, flight instructor, environmental and geology expert—and sustainable olive oil farmer.
- John Shedwick (UK) & Harry Rogers (Australia): Expedition photographers and wildlife/culture documentarians, sharing their skills via in-depth workshops.
- Robert Egelstaff (UK/Canada) & Brandon Payne (South Africa): Legendary kayaking guides and paddling coaches of global repute.
- Brent Houston (USA): Penguin researcher and Nat Geo contributor; one of the world’s foremost authorities on Antarctic birdlife.
- Paul & River Niles (USA): Mariner and naturalist father-daughter duo, sharing the magic of the ocean and polar regions.
- Will Wagstaff (UK): Wildlife guiding legend and Falklands Travel Guide author.
- Gabor Tamasi (Romania), Gillelli Benkarim (Netherlands) & Emily Fosbery (Australia): Zodiac drivers, divemasters, and marine biology educators making every landing safe and memorable.
They are just a handful of the 80+ talented professionals who rotate throughout Seabourn’s Antarctic program, each enhancing your experience with their personal stories and unmatched expertise.
An Immersive Antarctic Experience
This is not just any cruise: Seabourn’s team will lead Zodiac landings on icy shores, kayak excursions among glaciers, expert-led wildlife viewing, and onboard lectures that turn each day into a masterclass in polar science and exploration. Fancy diving under the ice? Submarine pilots will take you beneath the surface in custom-built submersibles for a rare window into Antarctica’s underwater world. With passionate naturalists and field scientists on every voyage, you’ll spot penguins and seals, learn polar history, or even watch marine biologists at work discovering new species.
Signature Expeditions & Comforts
Between November 2025 and March 2026, guests can choose from epic journeys including the 11-Day The Great White Continent, 13-Day Antarctica Exploration, or 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands. Each cruise includes a pre-stay in Buenos Aires and charter flights to Ushuaia for the ultimate remote adventure.
Your comfort is assured; every guest receives a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka and waterproof backpack. You’ll also join hands-on workshops, photo safaris, and even the legendary Polar Plunge—always with a team of experts cheering you on.
Luxury Meets Adventure
With Seabourn, you get the rare opportunity to explore the last true wilderness—guided by explorers, scientists, and storytellers at the top of their game, all while enjoying the cruise world’s finest dining, hospitality and personal service. Every moment is immersive, memorable, and delivered with a sense of true discovery.
To learn more or to secure your place on an Antarctica expedition with the most distinguished team in the business, visit Seabourn’s official website or speak with your favourite travel advisor. This is how you tick Antarctica off your bucket list—with the world’s best at your side.
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