Seabourn Pursuit

The 2023-built Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship is the newest vessel in the Seabourn fleet. The boat was delivered and inaugurated in August 2023, being postponed from 2022 (May, then December) and March 2023. The first vessel from this series (Seabourn Venture) started operations in April 2022, and it was also postponed twice (initially planned for delivery in 2021/July then December).

The vessel (IMO number 9862035) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001081) and registered in Nassau.

Venture and Pursuit are part of Seabourn Expeditions' fleet. These boats are PC6 (Polar-Class 6) classed expedition cruise ships and carry (each) 2x mini-submarines (custom-built submersibles max occupancy 7 persons/6 passengers + 1 pilot/read more in the ship's Wiki section), 24x Zodiacs (large-capacity RIBs/motorized boats used for tendering and landings/shoreside exploration), a fleet of 8x sea kayaks.

Each ship has a total of 132 staterooms, all of which are outside (balconied) suites.

History - construction and ownership

Seabourn Cruises is a top-luxury (all-inclusive) company founded in 1986 and headquartered in Seattle WA. Seabourn operates on global itineraries, ranging from the 7-day Caribbean to 100+day Around the World voyages. Since 1998, Seabourn is fully-owned by Carnival Corporation - the world's largest passenger shipping company. Seabourn is a signature travel brand and a major player in the premium-cruising market, competing head-on with Silversea and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas.

By choosing the ship names Venture and Pursuit, Seabourn paid tribute to the polar destinations visited by the company's expedition fleet and the "Ventures by Seabourn" (land tour/shore excursion program).

Decks and Cabins

Seabourn Pursuit staterooms (132 total) are all in Suite categories and all with private (step-out) balconies. All cabins are thoughtfully appointed, designed as homes with separate lounge room serving as relaxation-entertainment area.

The largest accommodations are the two Grand Wintergarden Suites (Duplex Apartments in Seabourn's new category GR). Grand Wintergarden combines two cabins (Wintergarden-Veranda) and is on two levels (midship on decks 7-8) with total size 130 m2 (1400 ft2) with a terrace sized 19 m2 (205 ft2).

The smallest cabins (Veranda Suites) are sized 33 m2 (355 ft2) with balconies sized 7 m2 (75 ft2).

Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 5, available in categories PH-Penthouse (2x) and V2-V4-Veranda (3x).

The boat has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

By the company's loyalty program "Seabourn Club", Silver Level and above passengers receive free Internet (limited and unlimited packages), free phone calls (20-30-40 min worldwide), complimentary Spa Massage, Day Pass for Spa Serene Area, free laundry (1 bag for every 7-days on the ship), plus discount pricing on onboard alcohol purchases (premium wines and spirits), future cruise booking discounts, luggage shipping service discounts, access to special offers and exclusive onboard events.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Seabourn Pursuit is operated with all-inclusive deals and provides the best choice of dining venues (all complimentary) and open-bar lounges. Guests dine when, where, and with whom they wish. The design of Pursuit features contemporary spaces created by Adam Tihany's company, including the ship's Main Dining Room and the club-like Seabourn Square lounge area.

Follows the complete list of Seabourn Pursuit restaurants and food bars - a total of 8 dining options.

The Restaurant (main dining room/MDR on Deck 4) offers open-seating breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. MDR's dining amenities are top-luxury, the dress code is "elegant casual", with optional "formal" dress on special nights. The Restaurant also offers an expansive premium wine selection, with renowned labels and vintages. Some of the fine wines (by the glass) are complimentary, while all premium wines are available at an additional charge. In The Restaurant, the cruise line boasts special Thomas Keller-inspired menus that include an appetizer, entree option, vegetarian entree option, and a dessert in French-American style.

Sushi in The Club (Deck 9) is a specialty dinner restaurant (replacing the traditional "Restaurant 2" on Seabourn Odyssey-class ships) that offers sushi bites freshly made-to-order. The Adam Tihany-designed venue features floor-ceiling wraparound windows, comfortable chairs, alfresco seating (terrace served by the open-air Sky Bar). The Club's interior design is marked by the royal blue carpet (with abstract geometric patterns), a water-vapor fireplace (positioned at the center), a large dance floor, a stage (for live performances), Tihany Design Venture collection chairs, banquette seating by the windows (with decorative pillows).

The Patio Grill (Deck 5 aft) serves the swimming pool area with grilled BBQ specialties, salads, side dishes, fresh pizza (by the slice).Patio Grill is open for casual alfresco lunches and throughout the afternoons (weather permitting).

• Dinners are full menu and in the alfresco (outdoor) setting. Chef Keller developed for The Patio Grill a signature Napa burger and an artisanal hot dog named Yountwurst (after Yountville CA). Chef Thomas Keller is the owner of the restaurants Per Se (Manhattan NYC), Bouchon Bakery and Cafe (Manhattan NYC), The French Laundry (Yountville CA), Ad Hoc (Yountville CA), and Bouchon Bistro (Yountville CA).
• Patio Pool area has a plunge pool (aft-facing infinity pool flanked by two Jacuzzies), sunbathing area (with loungers, private cabanas) and is served with food and drinks by The Colonnade Restaurant (deck 5) and Seabourn Square (deck 6) which is directly accessed via outdoor staircases. Patio Deck's sundeck area also hosts barbecue parties (a stage provides live music for dancing).

The Colonnade (specialty restaurant on Deck 6 aft) is open for breakfast (buffet or table service), lunch, and dinner. Master chefs here cook in an open kitchen so passengers can watch the food preparation process. The dinner menu is differently-themed each day of the cruise. The special theme nights offer Chef Keller-influenced dinners with interpretations of classic comfort dishes, including Clam Bake and BBQ Ribs served family-style on platters. The Colonnade Restaurant has an outdoor Terrace with an al-fresco seating area. On select nights, The Colonnade serves dishes from the "Earth & Ocean" menu which are made with fresh-sourced ingredients and represent traditional cuisines from around the world.

The Grill by Thomas Keller (specialty restaurant on Deck 9 aft) is a classic American steakhouse via a partnership with Adam D. Tihany (NYC-based hospitality designer) and Thomas Keller (American 3-star Michelin chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer). Themed dinners feature tableside preparations of Caesar salad, ice cream sundaes, along with a range of steakhouse favorites such as Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach. A cocktail program and a rich wine list of old-world and domestic labels complement the menu. Dining reservations can be requested online before sailing (recommended due to the high demand), subject to availability and closing 15 days prior to the cruise. Reservations can also be made on board. One reservation is permitted per sailing.

Constellation Lounge (theatre/bar lounge forward on Deck 9) serves early-risers (with beverages and fresh-baked pastries), Afternoon Tea, signature cocktails, and tapas-type appetizers in the evenings. Constellation Lounge features floor-ceiling/wall-to-wall wraparound windows (providing 270-degree views), comfortable seating (armchairs, plush sofas, round glass tables), dark carpeting (with constellation patterns), central-located Bar (with high stools). Dedicated expedition staff visits the lounge regularly to provide passengers with information on the visited ports and destinations (including the region's wildlife and geology).

Seabourn Square (aft on deck 6) has a patisserie serving premium brand coffees/teas, sandwiches, gourmet sweets, fresh-made pastries, homemade gelati/ice creams.

"Pantry in the Bow Lounge" provides freshly prepared light food and beverages.

24-hour in-cabin dining (room service) is offered complimentary and course-by-course to all categories suites.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The ambiance of Seabourn Pursuit is relaxed, with sheer activities' variety. Most sailings feature Seabourn's Caviar in Surf Beach Barbecue or Marina Days when you can go kayaking or sail right from the ship. Seabourn's service is ranked the best on the luxury cruising market - highly personalized and attentive. Tipping is not expected.

Ship's Atrium, Discovery Center, Expedition Lounge, Landing Zone, and all interior public spaces are masterfully designed by Tihany Design (1978-founded). Discovery Center, Landing Zone, and Expedition Lounge are new spaces, each of which is themed on the early sea explorers' era with memorabilia and various materials.

Additional amenities include Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry, Self-Serve Laundromats (Laundry Room adjacent to the Meeting Room/midship on Deck 5). Tipping/gratuities - tips are not expected or calculated in the price. Wedding parties on Seabourn ship Ovation are held in any of the public spaces (no dedicated chapel onboard).

Bow Lounge (Deck 6 forward) is an indoor observation Bar Lounge providing the closest to water level access (through its foredeck terrace). This makes it the boat's best vantage point for marine and wildlife/scenery viewing (including during port entries, berthing, and departures). Bow Lounge is fitted with large touch screens displaying navigational charts and maps with the ship's current position (location at sea or in port) and current itinerary information (weather, Zodiac landings, flora-fauna, etc). Wall-mounted large HDTVs project live footage from the outside-installed HD cameras and also from a camera drone deployed (weather permitting) in the vicinity of the vessel. Bow Lounge is also staffed with Seabourn's Expedition Team members who throughout the day interact with the passengers.

Follows the complete list of Seabourn Pursuit lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

The Atrium (the ship's social hub and focal point) features a winding grand staircase. Metal and wood are presented throughout, with details like ropework (replacing the traditional spindles) and topography-inspired wall patterns. An art display (suspended at Atrium's center) emulates wind-measuring instruments.

The Discovery Center (on Deck 4, adjacent to the Expedition Lounge) serves as a teaching/academic room for the company's enrichment programming and has a seating capacity to accommodate all passengers. Here are hosted themed events like port talks, briefings, lectures, Seabourn Conversations (enrichment program activities). The ship's 26-person expedition team (scientists, historians, naturalists, wilderness experts) present here lectures on topics related to the current cruise itinerary/destination/region. Discovery Center's interior features topography maps, plush custom-made seating, large HD screens (sized 2,5x10 m / 8x33 ft) showing current itinerary-themed media (including footages from the daily mini-submarine cruises).

The Expedition Lounge (midship on Deck 4) is the main and largest indoor relaxation lounge with a full-service bar. Expedition Lounge features custom-made furniture (armchairs, couches, low tables, bar stools), an etched glass partition (with a vintage Antarctica map), a fireplace, vitrines showcasing devices and tools. Two large touchscreens display various media content, including navigational and weather charts, photos, maps.

The ship's two Landing Zones (portside and starboard) are the launch/boarding points for landings. Both areas are on Deck 3 and sized 60 m2 (646 ft2). Landing Zone (aka Mudroom) is designed with durable materials and conveniently located to allow direct access to the ship's 24x Zodiacs (large motorized RIB boats) for shoreside cruising. Landing Zones are also used for watersports activities (like snorkeling in tropical climates) having plenty of storage space for equipment (boots, parkas, masks, fins).

Living Room (open-floor area serving as a lounge with a small seating area)

Seabourn Square is a "living room" lobby concept. This is a spacious bar lounge designed to serve as a general meeting place. It incorporates a small indoor lounge with comfortable seating, also the boat's Reception, Concierge Service Desks (24-hour assistance, information, bookings/reservations, purser service), Shore Excursions Desk, the Library, several Internet computers. Seabourn Square even has its own open-deck terrace (with glass railings, 2x mounted binoculars, padded seating/armchairs and sofas) for relaxation and observation.

The Club Lounge (disco nightclub on Deck 9 aft) is open for Afternoon Tea and later transforms into a dance club. Guests can enjoy cocktails and live music.

• This bar lounge has direct access to a wraparound terrace (sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies), offers 270-degree views (from floor-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows), plenty of comfortable seating (plush sofas, armchairs, low tables, window seats with decorative pillows), a central bar (with high stools), a large electric fireplace.
• The open-air Sky Bar (Deck 9 aft) serves The Club's terrace fitted with two Jacuzzies and sunbathing area with loungers and deckchairs.

The Meeting Room (deck 5 midship) also doubles as Card Room (for playing cards and popular board games).

The Boutique (deck 4) is a duty-free shop selling fashion clothes, brand cosmetics and perfumes, watches, jewelry, Seabourn-logoed merchandise, travel essentials, special occasion gifts, souvenirs.

"Spa at Seabourn" is the wellness area (spanning on two decks), with an outdoor relaxation/sundeck area, Massage-Treatment Rooms, Steam Room, Saunas, Thermal Suite, glass-roofed Spa pool, Beauty Salon.

Fitness Center is a panoramic-view modern gym fitted with latest Technogym equipment for strength and cardio training. Personal trainers provide nutrition and exercise plans. A series of complimentary classes including Pilates, Tai Chi, and yoga, are also offered. At the separate Motion Studio (Aerobics Room) are offered a series of complimentary classes, including Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi.

Observation Bar is a round-shaped observation lounge with a grand piano, and serving coffee and tea (every morning) and alcoholic drinks (before or after dinner).

The ship's largest outdoor relaxation areas are Sun Deck (deck 9), Promenade Deck (deck 5), Observation Deck (deck 10).

Itineraries

Seabourn Pursuit's itinerary program is based on polar itineraries (Arctic in the summer, Antarctic in the winter).

The Maiden Voyage (March 23, 2023) from Europe to Iceland (12-day itinerary themed "Wild and Ancient Scotland and Iceland/from Amsterdam Netherlands to Reykjavik, Iceland) was eventually canceled. It was followed by a 12-day North Atlantic Ocean crossing (Iceland to Europe) featuring Norwegian Fjords cruising and ending in Tromso.

Eventually, due to construction delays, the ship's delivery and inauguration were postponed, The new Maiden Voyage (August 12, 2023) is an 8-day Mediterranean itinerary from Valletta (Malta) to Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy).

For summer 2023 (Aug 26 - Sept 18) was planned a Northwest Passage voyage through the Canadian Arctic (from Iceland to Alaska/Reykjavik to Anchorage) priced from USD 38700 pp. Unfortunately, this sailing was also canceled.

Seabourn opened bookings for Pursuit ship's inaugural season in December 2021. The Maiden Voyage's prices started from USD 63100 per person (Veranda Suite with double occupancy).

In July 2018, Seabourn signed a letter of intent with "MARIOTTI DAMEN Cruise" (Genoa Italy) for building two polar-class expedition vessels with the following specs:

• ice-strengthened hull (PC6 ice-class)
• Lloyd's Polar Class PC6 (Finnish-Swedish ice-class 1A-Super / cruiseferries)
• length 170 m
• GT tonnage 23,000 tons
• 132 balcony cabins
• capacity 264 passengers plus 120 crew (including 26 expedition crew of experts - scientists, historians, naturalists)
• 2 mini-submarines (6-guest, by U-Boat Worx), sea kayaks, 24x Zodiacs (RIBs/inflatable motorized boats used for near-shore cruising, landings and tendering)
• shell doors (at waterline level) allow convenient access to the Zodiacs
• deliveries: 1st unit/Venture (June 2022), 2nd unit/Pursuit (February 2023)

The boat's total open-deck space is approx 2750 m2 (29,600 ft2). The design is similar to SeaDream's prototype/concept superyacht SeaDream Innovation.

The Seabourn ship's namesake is Azamara Pursuit (2001-built as "R-Eight").

The Seabourn ship Venture was initially scheduled for delivery and inauguration in June 2021 (postponed to 2022 April). The sistership (Pursuit) was initially planned for inauguration in 2022 (first May, then December) but was eventually postponed to 2023 (February, March, August).

The construction delays were due to T. Mariotti shipyard closures and supply interruptions (COVID-related).

Pursuit was constructed at T. Mariotti Shipyard near Genoa Italy (in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy's Udine Province). The building process started with the steel-cutting ceremony held on September 17, 2020, at San Giorgio di Nogaro shipyard (near Trieste). The special event was attended by Marco Ghiglione (T. Mariotti's Managing Director) and Cyril Tatar (Holland America Group's VP Newbuild Services), as well as (online) by Josh Leibowitz (Seabourn's President).

The ship's name (Seabourn Pursuit) was officially announced on September 27, 2021, by Josh Leibowitz (Seabourn's President). On the same day was also revealed the Inaugural Cruise date (April 4, 2023).

Following the float-out, the unfinished vessel (hull, machinery, superstructure/up to Deck 9 built) was transported via a heavy barge (approx 1930 km / 1200 mi, between April 6-15, 2022) from Trieste to Genoa, for the final outfitting.

• The shipbuilding yard in San Giorgio di Nogaro is owned by CI.MAR (2007-established) - a joint venture company of Cimolai Group (specializing in engineering and large steel construction works) and T. Mariotti Shipyards (specializing in building of luxury cruise ships and megayachts). CI.MAR's facilities in San Giorgio di Nogaro offer a 50,000+ m2 shipbuilding area equipped with complex lifting-maneuvering systems capable of handling constructions with weights up to 300 tons.
• In 2008 was founded the holding company Genova Industrie Navali Group as a merger of two Genoa-based shipyards (San Giorgio del Porto, and T. Mariotti).
• In 2019, Genova Industrie Navali and Fincantieri (the world's largest cruise shipbuilder) signed an agreement Fincantieri to purchase a minority stake in the new holding company, with an option to acquire a minority share in T. Mariotti. The deal allowed Fincantieri to use the company's Genoa port facilities for mega-yacht and medium-size ship construction, outfitting, repairs, conversions, refurbishments, and shipbreaking (dismantling and recycling).

In April 2019, Seabourn contracted ABB Group (Swiss-Swedish corporation specializing in robotics, marine electrical power equipment, and automation technologies) to provide both ships' propulsion systems. The equipment integrates main diesel generators, switchboards, converters, remote control systems, plus two 6-MW Azipod (azimuth propulsion units), bow thruster motors and "ABB Ability 800xA". ABB Ability is a remote diagnostic system using Microsoft Azure (cloud computing). It monitors the ship's electrical systems and is connected 24-7 to ABB's infrastructure ashore (Collaborative Operations Center). The system monitors all linked devices and sends real-time data analytics for maintenance (predictive and planned) and online support. The contract was signed by Rick Meadows (Seabourn's President), Marco Ghiglione (T.Mariotti's Managing Director) and Marcus Hogblom (Director of ABB's Passenger Vessel division).

The financing deal for both Seabourn newbuilds (Venture and Pursuit) was signed in late-June 2019. The money transaction (to Mariotti Group) for the newbuilds was done by Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (Italian banking group), Banca IMI (part of Intesa Sanpaolo) and Mediocredito Italiano SpA (Italian commercial bank).

Seabourn Pursuit was officially delivered on July 31, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Natalya Leahy (Seabourn's President) and Marco Ghiglione (T. Mariotti's Managing Director).

The registered Shipowner and Manager is SEABOURN CRUISE LINE LTD.

Seabourn Pursuit's christening was on June 29, 2024, held on Ngula Jar Island (Kimberley Australia). In April 2024, Seabourn designated the Wunambal Gaambera people (aka Uunguu) as the ship's godparents. The naming ceremony was during the 10-day Kimberley itinerary from Broome to Darwin (June 22-July 2). Guests attended the ceremony on Zodiacs, while the crew lined the decks. The event (conducted in both English and Wunambal Gaambera language) concluded with blessings for the vessel and the smashing of a bottle (made from sugar and coated with sand from Ngula Jar) on the bow, adhering to maritime tradition.

Note: The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of/hold custodianship over significant Kimberley territories, including both coastal (Ngula Jar Island/Vansittart Bay) and freshwater areas (Yirinni/Hunter River, and Ngauwudu/Mitchell Plateau).

Seabourn Cruise Subs (mini-submersibles by U-Boat Worx)

The ship's two mini-subs are from U-Boat Worx's "Cruise Sub" series designed with depths between 300-1700 m, passenger capacity 5-7-9-11 people, various interior-exterior customization options, great maneuverability in all directions (including in reverse), max speed 3 knots (5,5 kph/3,5 mph).

Each submersible is battery-powered (batteries are with storage capacity 62 kWh, allowing up to 10 dives daily), endurance 18 hours, occupancy 7 people (6 passengers + 1 crew/pilot), max diving depth 300 m (980 ft), weight 8,5 tons, length 4 m, width 2,9 m, height 2,1 m.

The submarine design features interior volume 6840 liters (1800 gallons), two transparent acrylic spheres (each with 3 seats / flanking the pilot's station), MANTA Controller (a system that allows passengers to navigate the submarine under the pilot's supervision), MARLIN Controller (wireless remote control system that allows the operator/pilot to steer the minisub from the surface). Passenger seats are with custom-embroidered leather and mounted on two rotating platforms (3 seats on each platform).

The submarine's optional equipment includes a 4K-UHD underwater camera with a video recording system. The recorded footage (photos and videos) are then uploaded and projected on the cruise ship (at Discovery Center's large TV screens). One 6-function robotic/manipulator arm (max lifting capacity 32 kg / 70,5 pounds) is mounted on the minisub's side.

Each minisub also has Bluetooth stereo, champagne chiller, two air-conditioning systems, imaging sonar. The advanced navigation system is based on horizontal thrusters (6x propulsion units/2x+4x) with total power output 38,4 kW.

Inaugural itineraries 2023

Next tables show the ship's inaugural itineraries, including the canceled due to delayed delivery.

The 24-day voyage (themed "24-day "Inaugural: Scotland and Lands Of Fire and Ice") was actually a B2B that combined two consecutive sailings - the 12-day "Wild and Ancient Scotland and Iceland" (Amsterdam to Reykjavik) and the 14-day "Fire and Ice" itinerary (Iceland and Greenland roundtrip from Reykjavik).

Prices started from EUR 29200 / USD 31400 per person (Veranda Suite with double occupancy).

The next voyage was a 12-day North Atlantic Ocean crossing from Iceland to Europe ("In The Realm Of The Arctic Circle") featuring Norwegian Fjords cruising and ending in Tromso.

For summer 2023 (Aug 6 - Sept 18) was scheduled a Northwest Passage voyage (Northwest Passage, Bering Sea and Inside Passage) through the Canadian Arctic departing from Iceland and ending in Alaska (Reykjavik to Anchorage) priced from EUR 36000 / USD 38700 pp. Unfortunately, this unique sailing was also canceled.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023) 8-day from Valletta to Civitavecchia-Rome

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 19-day from Barcelona to Miami

(inaugural Caribbean voyage) 10-day from Miami to Barbados

Godspeed!