Seabourn Christens First Purpose-Built Expedition Ship

Seabourn officially named its first purpose-built expedition cruise ship, Seabourn Venture, during its maiden voyage to the white continent, Antarctica. Widely hailed as the most luxurious expedition cruise ship ever built, the ship will be sailing in Antarctica this winter, followed by expedition cruises from Brazil to the Arctic. 

Guests onboard served as the official godparents during the naming ceremony, which took place in the fast ice in the Weddell Sea, a remarkable part of Antarctica nestled behind the Antarctic Peninsula.   

Seabourn Venture Officially Named

Seabourn officially named its newest cruise ship, the expedition vessel Seabourn Venture, during her maiden voyage to Antarctica, on November 20. Captain Stig Betten parked the ship in the sea ice in the Weddel Sea in Antarctica, allowing guests to explore the polar sea before coming back onboard for the ceremony. 

“We’ve eagerly awaited Seabourn Venture’s maiden voyage to Antarctica since the moment the ship debuted earlier this year,” said Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz. 

“The extraordinary continent encapsulates exactly what we hope to bring to guests who sail aboard our new ship: adventure, discovery, and awe-inspiring wonder. With the beauty of the Antarctic landscape and scenery in the background, it truly was the perfect place to name the most luxurious expedition ship, Seabourn Venture,” he continued.

Global adventurer, mountaineer, and polar-explorer Alison Levine serves as the official godmother of the ship, carrying out her ceremonial duties virtually, while the 200 guests onboard serve as honorary godparents. The naming was made official by breaking a bottle made out of ice against the ship’s hull.

The first cruise to Antarctica is not the first cruise for the luxury expedition cruise ship. The vessel sailed on her maiden voyage in July from Tromso, Norway. Seabourn chose Antarctica for the naming ceremony as the southernmost continent represents everything for which the ship is intended.

During their time in Antarctica, guests will have the chance to experience everything the continent offers through hiking tours and zodiac cruises led by a team of 26 wildlife experts, scientists, historians, and naturalists. Guests can also go kayaking and even go below the waterline through one of the two expedition submarines onboard. 

Year Full of Exploration

On her maiden Antarctic season, which runs through February 2023, Seabourn Venture will sail on 11- to 22-day voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands that will offer up-close encounters with untamed wilderness and wildlife.

In March and April 2023, Seabourn Venture will embark on a series of seven- to 12-day expedition voyages in Brazil and the Amazon, followed by two itineraries to the British Isles and Iceland in May. 

Between June and August 2023, Seabourn Venture will explore the Arctic with a series of 14- and 15-day voyages to Greenland and Iceland. On August 27, 2023, the ship will embark on a 23-day journey across the Northwest Passage.

Seabourn Venture is a purpose-built Ultra-Luxury Expedition cruise ship built with sailing through ice in mind. The 200-million dollar, 264-passenger cruise ship features all-balcony oceanfront suites and has an open-bridge policy where guests can see the officers at work. The vessel is all-inclusive, with complimentary champagne, spirits, wine, and caviar.