Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn (seabourn.com) is a luxury cruise line founded in 1986 and operational since 1988, headquartered in Seattle (WA, USA). It is well-established as an ultra-luxury, expedition-style travel brand, and was initially named "The Yachts of Seabourn". Seabourn operates global itineraries ranging from short breaks in the Caribbean to exotic, 100+ day-long voyages around the world.

Seabourn is owned by Carnival Corporation and is part of the "World's Leading Cruise Lines" group, which also includes AIDA, CCL/Carnival, Costa, Cunard, HAL/Holland America Line, Princess, and P&O.

Company History

Seabourn Cruise Line was founded in 1986 under the name "Signet Cruise Lines" by Atle Brynestad (Norwegian private investor) and Erland Raastad (president of "Kloster Cruise" and "Royal Viking Line").

The name "Seabourn Cruise Line" was adopted shortly afterward, following objections (over trademark ownership) from Signet Oil & Gas Co (Colorado, USA).

Seabourn's current President is Natalya Leahy, who replaced Josh Leibowitz in March 2023. Before this, she served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Holland America Group, managing Carnival Corporation's subsidiaries Princess, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Australia.

Seabourn Pride, the company's first vessel, entered service in 1988, followed by sistership Seabourn Spirit in 1989. A third vessel (originally planned for 1990) was delayed due to financial constraints. It was eventually purchased by Royal Viking Line (founded in 1972, defunct in 1998) and launched as "Royal Viking Queen" in 1992. In 1994, it was transferred to Royal Cruise Line as "Queen Odyssey".

In 1991, Carnival Corporation purchased a 25% stake in Seabourn. By 1996, Carnival increased its stake to 50%, providing Seabourn with the capital needed to acquire Queen Odyssey (renamed Seabourn Legend). In 1998, Carnival acquired the remaining 50% stake in Seabourn, purchased Cunard Line (from Kvaerner ASA), and merged the two brands into the Cunard Line entity.

In 1999, three Cunard liners (Royal Viking Sun, Sea Goddess I, Sea Goddess II) were transferred to Seabourn under new names (Seabourn Sun, Seabourn Goddess I, Seabourn Goddess II). In 2001, Carnival Corporation bought out NCL-Norwegian shares, making Seabourn a wholly-owned subsidiary. Seabourn Goddess I and Seabourn Goddess II were later sold to SeaDream Yacht Club by Atle Brynestad.

In 2002, Seabourn Sun was transferred to Holland America Line, reducing Seabourn's fleet to the three original vessels. The company was demerged from Cunard and reorganized as an independent brand, still part of Carnival Corporation. On March 31, 2011, Seabourn ceased operations from Miami, Florida, and transferred its operations to Holland America's headquarters in Seattle, WA.

In 2014, Seabourn Pride was transferred to Windstar Cruises as Star Pride. In 2015, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit followed suit and were transferred to Windstar as Star Legend and Star Breeze.

The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) acquired two cruise ships from Seabourn for MOL's subsidiary Mitsui Ocean Cruises. The vessels are Seabourn Odyssey/Mitsui Ocean Fuji (sold on March 17, 2023) and Seabourn Sojourn/Mitsui Ocean Sakura (sold on February 28, 2025).

Company Changes

Since 2018, Seabourn has offered fleetwide "K+M Chocolate" products, high-quality chocolates from "Keller Manni Chocolate" (founded by Michelin chef Thomas Keller and Italian olive oil producer Armando Manni). The custom-made chocolates, hand-crafted in Napa Valley, California, include signature flavors like milk-based hazelnut, smoked chili, blood orange, cherry, and dark chocolate "sea salt".

In late March 2019, Seabourn partnered with Pixvana Inc (Seattle-based) to create TableVision, a virtual reality/interactive training platform for Main Dining Room waitstaff, based on Pixvana's SPIN Studio.

On August 15, 2019, Seabourn launched its "Private Air" program, offering privately chartered jets to fly customers to homeports or departure cruise ports, bypassing commercial airlines. The service is global and offers a variety of private jet aircraft, accommodating groups of 5 to 16 passengers. Seabourn's fly-cruise packages include access to thousands of airports (both private and commercial), along with valet luggage service, food and drinks (including caviar, champagne, and premium spirits), onboard Wi-Fi, transfers (to/from home, airports, seaports), and next-port protection (up to 1000 miles).

On May 24, 2022, CNBC reported that Carnival Corporation was in discussions with Saudi Arabia's PIF (Public Investment Fund) to sell Seabourn.

On June 6, 2022, NCLH expanded its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". The program now includes a commitment to responsible animal food sourcing practices (for pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within its supply chain. By 2025, the goal is for the fleet (including NCL, Oceania, and Regent) to source only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

In March 2023, Carnival Corporation sold the 14-year-old Seabourn Odyssey to the Japanese shipping company MOL (Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd). Seabourn signed a time-charter arrangement with MOL to operate Odyssey's voyages scheduled through October 11, 2024.

In June 2023, Seabourn introduced new 24-hour in-cabin dining menus, featuring gourmet dishes prepared by Anton Egger (Master Chef and Culinary Consultant) and Franck Salein (Senior Corporate Chef). The new menus were initially rolled out on Seabourn Venture in June and later fleetwide by October.

In July 2023, Seabourn expanded its culinary program, adding new dishes to the menu in The Restaurant (main dining room) fleetwide, as well as "Sushi in the Club" on select ships. The Restaurant's updated menu includes new appetizers (Oyster au Gratin with Champagne, Fresh Oysters on Ice with caviar and vodka) and entrees (Lobster En Bellevue Parisienne, Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon, Roquefort Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Pan-Seared Sablefish). "Sushi in the Club" (on the ships Sojourn and Quest) is available every night (6-9 PM) with freshly-made sushi bites served with sake.

In October 2023, Seabourn announced the debut of its first Solis Restaurant aboard Seabourn Quest in January 2024. This premium dining venue offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, based on the regions visited by Seabourn, including the Italian and French Rivieras, Turkey, and the Greek Islands. The menu was developed by Anton Egger and Franck Salein. The Solis Restaurant offers limited seating, a chic atmosphere, and a selection of premium wines and cocktails. In Q2 2024, Solis will be introduced on three other Seabourn ships (Encore, Ovation, Sojourn).

On February 21, 2023, Seabourn signed a multi-year ship charter agreement with APT Travel Group (Australian Pacific Touring) for chartering two ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. APT expedition cruises are scheduled for 2025, with deployments in Northern Europe (UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland), Australia/Kimberley, and Antarctica.

In March 2024, Mike Fulkerson was appointed Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He brings over 20 years of experience in chief marketing positions, having worked with companies such as Canyon Ranch, Marriott International, Mattel, and Activision Publishing.

In June 2025, “The Seabourn Six” series of original grand show productions was introduced on 4 ships (Encore, Ovation, Quest, Sojourn). The musicals (produced by Belinda King Creative Productions/Northampton, England) feature an ensemble of performers, cinematic storytelling, urban soundscapes, rock anthems, and nature-inspired compositions. The productions were titled "Better Together!" (iconic rock band music), "Skyline" (themed on the world’s most famous city skylines), "Earthsong" (nature-themed), "Silverscreen!" (contemporary musical, hits from "Moulin Rouge"/Parisian cabaret, and "Dear Evan Hansen"/musical and film).

New Ships

In 2016 and 2018, the fleet expanded with two newbuilds – Encore and Ovation.

Compared to the ODYSSEY-class ships, the new vessels are approximately 1/5 larger in size (LOA 210 m, volume 40,350 GT-tons), with about 1/3 more passenger capacity (638 max). They feature one additional deck (12 decks), redesigned venues, expanded public spaces, the largest spa at sea, and new onboard programming. True to Seabourn's tradition, all passenger cabins (all-suite categories) come with private balconies.

In July 2018, Seabourn signed a letter of intent with "MARIOTTI DAMEN Cruise" to build two polar-class expedition ships with the following specifications:

• Length: 170 m
• GT tonnage: 23,000 tons
• Ice-strengthened hull (PC6 ice-class)
• 132 balcony cabins
• Capacity: 264 passengers plus 120 crew (including 26 expedition crew of experts – scientists, historians, naturalists)
• 2 mini-submarines (6-guest capacity, by U-Boat Worx), sea kayaks, 24 Zodiacs (RIBs/inflatable motorized boats for near-shore cruising, landings, and tendering)
• Shell doors (at waterline level) allow convenient access to the Zodiacs.

The total open-deck space is approximately 2,750 m² (29,600 ft²).

The first vessel (Venture) was initially scheduled for June 2021, but the launch was postponed several times, eventually delivered in July 2022. The second unit (Pursuit) was originally planned for delivery in May 2022 but was delayed until March 2023.

Seabourn's 30th Anniversary (2018)

In 2018, the company celebrated its 30th Anniversary, featuring highlights such as:

• Fleet expansion, from 4 to 5 vessels, with the launch of Ovation in May 2018.
• Introduction of new onboard cocktail offerings, including the "Passion Pearls" cocktail by Brian van Flandern.
• Launch of a new "30th Anniversary Wine Package," featuring quality champagnes and wines.
• Exclusive 30th Anniversary-themed merchandise, including pearls and logo items, were available in the ship shops.
• Seabourn history-themed trivia games were offered to passengers aboard all ships.
• Introduction of new onboard programs, including two Wellness Cruises led by Dr. Andrew Weil.

The company's 2018 itinerary program featured 170+ UNESCO sites and a wide selection of Seabourn Journeys (shore tours).

Seabourn's Ship Cruising Experience

Seabourn was founded on the principle that personal service in stylish surroundings would appeal to independent-minded, sophisticated passengers seeking the best.

The original Seabourn megayachts and their new fleetmates have been carefully maintained and have proven to be a great success over the years. Recognized as a leading small-ship luxury line, Seabourn offers the extras expected by its clientele, including stocked minibars in all suites, elegant amenities, and complimentary wines and spirits.

Guests can also expect the unexpected – from exclusive luggage tags and travel document portfolios to complimentary massages while lounging by the pool. Seabourn will even arrange for your luggage to be picked up at home and delivered directly to your suite.

Seabourn presents an intimate, exceptional cruising experience. The smaller size of its vessels allows for calls at smaller ports and more personal encounters with the destinations.

The atmosphere onboard is elegant yet unpretentious. All rooms are suites, equipped with designer soaps, the latest amenities (such as flat-screen televisions and Bose Wave sound systems), and a bottle of champagne awaiting each guest. Beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton linens, fluffy duvet covers, and feather pillows. Each suite is stocked with a well-stocked in-suite bar and Pure Pampering therapeutic bathing menu. Additionally, guests benefit from the services of a Personal Suite Stewardess to cater to every need.

The abundance of public space ensures passengers feel as if they have the vessel to themselves – no long lines or crowds. Bar drinks are complimentary, and guests can dine whenever and wherever they choose on any of Seabourn's luxurious ships. Each dining venue offers a different atmosphere and different dishes, but all utilize innovative cooking techniques and premium ingredients, such as Black River Ossetra Caviar.

Daily team trivia contests, lectures, wine tastings, and other quiet pursuits are typically scheduled, but most passengers are content to simply relax and do as they please. Focused on personalized service, Seabourn has designed unique programs like Caviar in the Surf and Shopping With the Chef to further enhance the onboard experience.

Seabourn's ships attract a broad mix of passengers (typically aged 40 and above) and offer a variety of itineraries, from mainstream ports to offbeat destinations, to continue to appeal to new travelers.

While most of Seabourn's guests are likely to be American, the line also appeals to well-off and well-traveled vacationers from a variety of countries, particularly English-speaking nations like Great Britain, South Africa, and Australia.

In 2019, Seabourn partnered with "Shaoching Bishop and Chef Thomas Keller" to provide fleetwide access to the Regiis Ova Caviar brand. This partnership ensures high-quality caviar, sourced from selected sturgeon farms.

Shipboard Smoking Policy

As per Seabourn's updated smoking policy (implemented in 2017), smoking is prohibited in all indoor venues, including cabins and balconies.

Smoking is also banned in the Observation Lounge (where it was previously allowed after 8 PM). Smoking is permitted in the open-air areas of Sky Bar (midship Deck 9/Deck 10 on Encore and Ovation ships) and in the open-air pool terrace of The Club lounge (Deck 5 aft).

Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking are allowed in the open-air terrace of Seabourn Square lounge (Deck 7 aft).

Smoking e-cigarettes in cabins is permitted.

Passengers who violate the smoking policy will incur a cleaning fee of USD 250 per day.

“Seabourn Source” Web App

The Seabourn Source app, launched in August 2017, is available to all passengers fleetwide at no extra charge. It provides up-to-the-minute access to voyage details directly on passengers' smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The app allows users to:

• Track shipboard account records;
• View daily activity and entertainment schedules;
• Monitor port times (arrivals and departures);
• Check meal times and menus for all dining venues;
• Browse and book shore excursions;
• Learn about wellness classes and spa treatments;
• Connect to paid satellite internet.

The app also connects cruisers to the company's complimentary digital newspaper-magazine, PressReader Offline, offering full editions of over 2,500 global media sources. These can be downloaded to Android or iOS devices while at sea or in port. Since Seabourn Source operates on a shipboard network, users incur no additional internet or cellular data charges while using the app.

Loyalty Program

Seabourn's loyalty program, "Seabourn Club," allows passengers to earn membership points for each day spent onboard. These accumulated points contribute toward Milestone Awards, with the most valuable reward being a free cruise – up to a 7-day itinerary (with 140 sailed days) or up to a 14-day itinerary (with 250 sailed days). Every Milestone is celebrated with an onboard event and a jewelry gift (from Tiffany & Co).

In addition to Milestone Awards, passengers earn Seabourn Club Points, which qualify them for bonus perks. Seabourn Club points determine membership levels.

Each onboard day earns 1 Club Point.

Each day in a Penthouse or Premium Suite earns 1 additional Club Point.

Each night on escorted Seabourn Journeys (shore excursions) earns 1 Club Point.

Every USD 500 spent on onboard and pre-cruise online purchases earns 1 Club Point.

The table below displays the benefits provided by the Seabourn Club loyalty program.

Cruise Travel Awards 2016

In 2016, Seabourn wrapped up the year with a total of 22 cruise travel industry awards, several of which were readers' choice nominations. Over the years, the cruise line has consistently been rated a "top choice" in the luxury travel segment.

Here is the list of the company's 2016 awards from the industry's most renowned online publishers and brands:

• (Conde Nast Traveler) - "Best Small Ship Cruise Line", "Favorite Cruise Line - Small Ships"
• (Travel Weekly) - "Best Cruise Ship - Under 1000 Berths"
• (Cruise Awards International) - "Best Boutique Cruise Line"
• (Cruise Critic) - "Best Luxury Cruise Line"
• (Magellan Awards) - "Small Cruise Ship", "Spa Design", "Seabourn Blog", "Shore Excursion", "Itineraries", "Direct Marketing", "Luxury Ship" (Seabourn Quest), "Loyalty Program", "Entertainment"
• (Luxury Travel Advisor) - "Luxury Small Ships"
• (Porthole Magazine) - "Best Small Ship" (Seabourn Sojourn), "Best Service"
• (SHAPE Healthy Travel) - "Best Cruise to Refresh and Rejuvenate"
• (Town and Country Travel / "Classic Luxury" category) - "Design", "Active Travelers", "Food", "On-Shore Activities"

Next are reviews of Seabourn's fleet's upcoming deployments and featured destinations.

Winter-Spring 2026-2027 Expedition Voyages (Ships Pursuit and Venture)

The line's 2026-2027 expedition season features 24 itineraries across 31 countries, including several new routes to remote regions such as Australia’s Kimberley coast. This expansive lineup will be operated by Seabourn's expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.

Between March 2026 and March 2027, Seabourn Venture will navigate Iceland, the British Isles, Greenland, and Antarctica. In addition to its polar routes, the vessel will undertake non-expedition voyages across the Atlantic and Mediterranean in April and June 2026. Meanwhile, Seabourn Pursuit will focus on South Pacific and Antarctic expeditions, including an 82-day "Across Three Continents" voyage from Broome (Australia) to Ushuaia (Argentina), beginning on September 2nd, 2026.

Itineraries will feature 10- to 14-day Arctic and British Isles expeditions with calls at Reykjavik, Dublin, Kangerlussuaq, Halifax, and Scoresbysund. In warmer waters, the 10-day "Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wanjinas" itinerary offers a unique journey between Darwin and Broome, with visits to the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Landowners, who are also godparents to the Seabourn Pursuit.

Asia and the Caribbean 2026-2027-2028 (Ships Ovation, Encore, Quest)

The line's 2026–2027 fall, winter, and spring deployment features 31 voyages across 73 destinations in 30 countries between November 2026 and April 2027. The fleet's vessels—Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore, and Seabourn Quest—will operate itineraries ranging from 7 to 16 days, with options to combine voyages for extended journeys.

Japan and Southeast Asia Itineraries

Seabourn Encore is set to conduct 11 sailings throughout Japan and Southeast Asia from December 2026 to April 2027. These voyages, spanning 8 to 14 days, will visit over 46 ports across 11 countries, including 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Notably, the vessel will offer 2 new itineraries timed with Japan's plum blossom season:

• a 12-day "Jewels of Taiwan & Japan" journey from Hong Kong to Tokyo, departing February 15, 2027.
• a 14-day "Sea of Japan & Plum Blossoms" roundtrip from Tokyo, departing February 27, 2027.

Additional offerings include a 22-day holiday voyage departing December 14, 2026, from Singapore to Hong Kong, encompassing destinations such as Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Caribbean Voyages

Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest will explore the southern Caribbean between November 2026 and March 2027, with 20 departures ranging from 7 to 16 days. Departures will originate from ports including Barbados, St. Maarten, Miami, and San Juan.

These itineraries will encompass visits to 24 ports across 19 islands and countries, featuring seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Historic Bridgetown, La Fortaleza in San Juan, and the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée from Saint Pierre.

Winter 2028–2029 Caribbean programme features Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest which are scheduled to operate a series of small-ship itineraries between late December 2028 and March 2029. The programme is built around access to smaller ports and yacht harbours that are unsuitable for larger cruise vessels, with extended stays and late departures incorporated into selected voyages.

The season will cover destinations across the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Bequia, Little Bay in Montserrat, St. Kitts, Antigua, Barbados, Aruba and Curaçao. Seabourn's current programme highlights 26 ports across 21 islands and territories, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 days.

Seabourn Ovation will operate voyages between Bridgetown, Barbados, and Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, while Seabourn Quest will offer round-trip cruises from Miami. The deployment includes extended calls and late departures at selected ports, allowing additional time ashore for independent exploration and organised shore excursions.

A central feature of the programme will again be Seabourn's Caviar in the Surf event at Carambola Beach in St. Kitts, combining Champagne, caviar and a beach barbecue. The two ships are scheduled to meet at the beach for a New Year's Day event as part of Seabourn's 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2028.

Holiday sailings will also include special calls at Caribbean destinations around Christmas and New Year. Selected voyages feature Christmas Day in Jost Van Dyke and New Year's Day at Carambola Beach, extending the time spent in the region during the holiday period.

The shore programme places emphasis on the Caribbean's cultural and historical sites. Excursions include Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights in Antigua, Brimstone Hill Fortress and Romney Manor in St. Kitts, the Pitons and Soufrière in St. Lucia, historic Bridgetown in Barbados and the UNESCO-listed centre of Willemstad in Curaçao. Seabourn's current Caribbean programme highlights access to at least seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.

2027-2028 (Ships Ovation, Encore, Venture, Pursuit, Quest)

The line's 2027–2028 deployment is highlighted by a 14-day Mediterranean sailing aboard Seabourn Ovation that will coincide with a total solar eclipse. The voyage departs Monte Carlo on July 23rd, 2027, and positions the vessel to observe the celestial event on August 2nd, while en route to Dubrovnik. Following the eclipse, the ship continues its scheduled course toward the Croatian port.

The new programme comprises 111 departures across 72 itineraries, calling at 369 ports in 71 countries. The schedule is designed to balance Seabourn’s hallmark luxury experience with expedition-style travel and immersive cultural encounters, extending across all seven continents.

The expedition fleet, consisting of Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, will operate 49 voyages between March 2027 and April 2028. These sailings, ranging from 8 to 94 days, include itineraries in Antarctica, the Arctic, the South Pacific, and Australia’s Kimberley coast. The season introduces Seabourn’s inaugural “Pole-to-Pole Grand Expedition,” a 94-day voyage from the Arctic to Antarctica, covering a full latitudinal span of the globe.

In addition to expedition offerings, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, and Seabourn Quest will continue to serve regions such as Alaska, Japan, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Canada & New England. These vessels, with their smaller dimensions, are scheduled to call at lesser-visited ports and UNESCO World Heritage Sites not commonly accessible to larger ships.

The Mediterranean programme is anchored by the eclipse sailing aboard Seabourn Ovation. Departing Monte Carlo, the itinerary combines major cultural centres with smaller coastal towns, culminating in a call at Dubrovnik shortly after the eclipse. Guests will be positioned to view the astronomical event at sea against the backdrop of the Mediterranean horizon.

Seabourn has emphasised that the new season reflects its continued commitment to service, comfort, and sustainable operations. Its expedition vessels, built with advanced environmental technologies, are designed to minimise impact while enabling access to remote and sensitive destinations. Shore programmes are structured to balance exploration with respect for local cultures and ecosystems.

The 2027–2028 programme represents an expansion of Seabourn’s offering, with options ranging from extensive polar expeditions to shorter cultural voyages. The deployment combines diverse geographical coverage with the line’s established focus on luxury and detail, providing opportunities for both seasoned travellers and those seeking new maritime experiences.

2028-2029 (Ships Venture, Pursuit)

The 2028–2029 expedition programme is presenting an extended series of voyages shaped by increased activity in polar regions and the introduction of a second long-range expedition linking the Arctic and Antarctica. The season coincides with the company’s 40th anniversary and will be conducted by Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, which together are scheduled to operate 49 departures ranging from 8 to 96 days, covering more than 180 destinations across 29 countries.

The deployment places particular emphasis on high-latitude exploration, with itineraries extending across Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, alongside voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. Additional routes incorporate remote Atlantic islands and lesser-visited coastal regions, reflecting a continued shift toward longer, more immersive expedition sailings. Activities throughout the programme are structured around close interaction with the environment, including Zodiac operations, guided landings and specialist-led interpretation.

Central to the season is the second iteration of the Grand Expedition: Pole to Pole, scheduled to depart on August 17th, 2028. This 96-day voyage will connect Reykjavík with Ushuaia, covering more than 20,000 nautical miles across a broad latitudinal range from the High Arctic to Antarctica. The itinerary includes extended time in polar regions, with planned operations in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, as well as crossings of major global reference lines such as the Equator and the tropics. A shorter 82-day option will also be available, joining the voyage at a later stage while maintaining the same core expedition framework.

Company leadership indicated that the programme had been structured to meet growing interest in extended, destination-focused exploration, combining remote geographic access with the service standards associated with the brand. The return of the pole-to-pole voyage and the expansion of Arctic itineraries were presented as key elements of this approach, reinforcing the balance between expedition capability and onboard experience.

The Arctic segment of the season, operating between April and September 2028, represents the company’s most extensive northern deployment to date. Both vessels will operate across Greenland’s fjord systems, Baffin Island, Labrador and the High Arctic, with selected voyages reaching Ellesmere Island and tracing historic exploration routes. The programme also includes a renewed presence in Svalbard, alongside itineraries linking Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

From October 2028 through March 2029, the focus shifts southward, with both ships returning to Antarctic waters. Voyages during this period will range from 10 to 25 days and include the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. Seasonal variations in ice conditions and wildlife activity are expected to shape each departure, with extended landing opportunities and enhanced naturalist programming incorporated where conditions permit.

2029 Summer (Ships Ovation, Quest, Encore)

2029 summer ocean voyage programme comprises 166 sailings to 180+ destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada and New England. Highlights include the cruise line’s return to Egypt after an absence of more than five years, a new 7-day itinerary in the Gulf of Bothnia, maiden calls in Northern Europe and extended port stays designed to provide passengers with more time ashore.

The programme will operate aboard Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Encore, combining established cruise destinations with smaller ports and less-visited regions accessible to the company’s smaller vessels. The itineraries include longer calls, overnight stays and destination-focused experiences.

Mediterranean Season Includes Return to Egypt

From March to November 2029, Seabourn Ovation will operate 21 distinct itineraries across the Western Mediterranean, Italy, the Adriatic, the Aegean and other destinations in the region.

A key development will be the cruise line’s return to Egypt, with selected voyages featuring an overnight stay in Alexandria. The extended call will provide passengers with additional time to visit Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza and other major historical sites.

The programme will also introduce specialist voyages, including Italian Coast & Fireworks Over Corsica and Pyramids & Evening at Ephesus, focusing on the region’s cultural heritage and historic landmarks. The ship will visit smaller ports and harbours, including Kapsali on the Greek island of Kythira, which will receive a maiden call.

New Gulf of Bothnia Route Expands Northern Europe Programme

Between May and September 2029, Seabourn Quest will operate itineraries across Scandinavia, the Baltic, the British Isles, Northern Norway, Iceland and Greenland.

A new 7-day voyage into the Gulf of Bothnia will extend the cruise line’s Baltic itineraries farther north, with maiden calls at Härnösand and Kemi in Sweden and Finland, respectively, as well as Rauma and Oulu in Finland. The route is intended to introduce passengers to destinations that feature less frequently on conventional cruise itineraries.

The season will also include maiden calls at Alta and Frøya. Extended or overnight stays in Bordeaux, Rouen, Helsinki, Tallinn, Edinburgh and Hamburg will provide additional time for shore visits.

Another feature will be a call in Turku, Finland, during the city’s 900th anniversary year in 2029. Founded in 1229, Turku is recognised as Finland’s oldest city and offers a combination of Nordic history, architecture and cultural attractions.

Passengers will be able to combine selected sailings into longer journeys of 14, 21, 28 days or more, allowing multiple regions to be visited within a single itinerary.

Seabourn Encore Returns to Alaska

Seabourn Encore will return to Alaska between May and September 2029, operating 7-day voyages between Juneau and Vancouver. The programme will also include 10- and 11-day itineraries extending farther north to destinations such as Valdez, Whittier and College Fjord.

Canada and New England Voyages Focus on Coastal Heritage

Between September and October 2029, Seabourn Quest will operate 12- and 13-day voyages in Canada and New England, highlighting the region’s maritime history, French Canadian heritage, coastal communities and autumn scenery.

The itineraries will include overnight stays in Boston, Quebec City and St. John’s, alongside calls at smaller destinations such as Gaspé, Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Prince Edward Island.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seabourn expanded its cancellation policy fleetwide (across all vessels), offering penalty-free cancellation of voyages scheduled from March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Seabourn's fleet became fully operational by June 6, 2022.

Operations resumed in 2021-2022 with the following ships:

• ODYSSEY (July 18, 2021/Caribbean from Bridgetown, Barbados)
• OVATION (July 3, 2021/Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens)
• QUEST (May 10, 2022/Mediterranean from Venice)
• SOJOURN (June 6, 2022/Europe-Mediterranean from Athens)
• ENCORE (February 19, 2022/Europe-Canaries-Mediterranean from Lisbon)
• VENTURE (April 10, 2022/Maiden Voyage from London-Greenwich)
• PURSUIT (May 23, 2023/Maiden Voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland)

• SOJOURN's "World Cruise 2021" (141-day from Miami to Barcelona), Europe 2021 program (Baltic-Mediterranean), and "World Cruise 2022" (145-day from Los Angeles) were canceled.
• ENCORE's Mediterranean 2021 program (homeporting in Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome) and Asia 2021-2022 program (homeporting in Singapore and Hong Kong) were canceled.
• QUEST's Antarctica-South America 2021-2022 program was canceled.
• The newbuild VENTURE's delivery was delayed (due to T. Mariotti shipyard closures), and the inaugural cruise was rescheduled from July 5 (Antarctica) first to December 11, 2021 (Norwegian Fjords) and eventually for April 10, 2022 (Arctic Norway from London).
• Seabourn also canceled planned itineraries for 2021 in the Caribbean (from Barbados), Alaska-BC Canada (from Vancouver and Juneau), Asia (from Hong Kong and Singapore), and Australia-New Zealand (from Sydney and Auckland).

All pre-purchased Seabourn packages and services were fully refunded in FCC (Future Cruise Credit). Canceled bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (based on fares paid) with rebooking. Customers who received an FCC could rebook any currently scheduled Seabourn cruises with departures before December 31, 2021, up to January 31, 2021.

All 2020 itineraries, plus bookings for departures through December 31, 2021, could be canceled up to 30 days before departure ("Book with Confidence") with full refunds (100% of the fare paid in FCC) valid for 12 months. Seabourn's "Book with Confidence" policy was enhanced in late May, offering all departures in 2021 the "Best Fare Guarantee," allowing customers to request the lowest pricing for their voyage - even if fares drop after booking.