Those that know LTA know we think Seabourn is a stellar cruise line, providing an extraordinary experience for its guest with all-suite small ships and a high staff-to-passenger ratio. Other than shore excursions and some expedition experiences, it is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.
Their new, 264-passenger Seabourn Venture is a polar (PC6) class vessel, a first for Seabourn. It’s currently headed to South America where it will offer a few cruises before tackling its first Antarctic season.
Today we’re pleased to share with you a first look at some of the features and fun things to know about this new sleek, elegant beauty.
1. Overall, it Feels Very Spacious
In the past, we’ve sailed on many expedition ships—some quite crowded, many small, and nearly all fun. But many were not upscale in the product delivery nor spacious in the spaces aboard. Well, this is different than those expedition ships from decades past.
Seabourn Venture delivers the ultra-luxury experience that the line’s loyal past guests expect. That’s important as we know not all guests head out at every port of call for expedition activities; some are, and some aren’t.
But, most notably, this new expedition ship delivers the space and amenities that create satisfaction for both die-hard expedition enthusiasts and more traditional luxury guests (just sailing because they love to). A truly important benefit to one Luxury Travel Authority client who has amassed over 325 Seabourn sailing days.
Passengers often gather within Deck 4’s attractive Expedition Lounge. It’s the spot for comfortable seating areas, faux fireplaces, a bar on one side, and the ship’s boutique on the other.

They also spend time relaxing in Seabourn Square (with several kinds of yummy gelatos plus other snacks and coffee), the Constellation Lounge, The Club (more about that below), and, of course, the fine dining Restaurant and the casual Colonnade eatery. These are all spacious spots.
Bottom line? Guests have plenty of room to spread out on Seabourn Venture. This expedition ship doesn’t sacrifice comfort for an authentic expedition experience.
2. Friendly Seabourn Service
If guests have sailed previously on Seabourn, it’s likely they’ll perceive service levels on board Seabourn Venture to be similar to what they’ve experienced in the past on the ultra-luxury line.

First, all crew makes an effort to recognize all guests right away. By the afternoon of the first day, most people you meet to call you by your name. And the service delivery only climbs from there.
You‘ll find the cabin stewards are pleasant, helpful, and always doing nice touches that make you feel at home. You’ll go to dinner and come back to a well-thought-out towel animal – like this penguin – on your bed, as a way to announce the “time change tonight”.
So may love the soft but hefty duvets they provide in your cabin, yet if not, just ask them to take it away and they’ll provide a sheet and blanket. They do with without any fuss. They want you to sleep well and they find it hard to refuse any requests.
At dinner, the staff will quickly learn you like ice with your water, so after the water is poured, someone automatically goes for a separate full glass of ice with a spoon and brings that to your table. You don’t ask. That says it all; it’s a proactive service.
The guest services personnel at Seabourn Square seems to always greet guests with a smile. And passengers agree, the staff has a “can do” attitude when assisting guests.
Room service is also very good— good service and a nice set-up of the table with a tablecloth, cloth napkins, silverware, and china.
3. Surprise Sushi and a French Laundry Alternative
Dining aboard Venture’s fine dining Restaurant offers two types of menus. The “Inspirations” options are often creative, fusion, a bit spicy, or trendy. Plus, there are “Classics,” the usual favorites of prime steaks, seafood, chicken, salmon, and more.
The more casual Colonnade offers indoor and outdoor tables. During the day, it’s set up for buffet-style dining. You serve yourself (except at carving stations). Certain items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and the specials of the day, though, also can be delivered directly to the table by servers.
But for many, there’s nothing better dining-wise than The Club. But that’s a lounge, right? Yes, it is, but it’s also “sushi central.”

Why? Freshly prepared sushi and sashimi are offered there between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly. The selections are absolutely amazing. Clients who enjoy sushi shouldn’t miss it.
Other light bites are offered around the ship in places like Seabourn Square during the day or the Bow Lounge, too.
LTA’s favorite dining establishment + Seabourn’s most exclusive is The Grill by Thomas Keller. And it’s fabulous to know it has a place on the expedition fleet. Set foot inside the elegant dining room and be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes as well as a range of other steakhouse favorites like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented à la carte. The timeless menu draws on the freshest products from artisan purveyors Know this though: reservations for TGTK should be requested online prior to sailing and is subject to availability. Online reservations close 15 days prior to your sailing If you didn’t make that online reservation you may not be able to get a reservation – they are difficult to get onboard. And, due to high demand, only one reservation is permitted per voyage.
Lastly, we think you shouldn’t miss Seabourn’s classic “Caviar Sailaway” reception on the Deck 5 Patio on embarkation day.

4. An Expeditionary Flair
Since this is an expedition ship, there’s a 26-person expedition team aboard. You can expect expedition briefings, recaps, and lectures in the Discovery Center—essentially a one-level, theater-style venue with a large elongated stage and multiple video screens. Briefings and lectures are engaging, usually with very reputable speakers giving interesting information. In addition, talks and lectures are also available on the guest’s in-suite TV system.
During a Discovery Center presentation, you may encounter a birding expert talking about what bird life you might see within the region you’re sailing along with photos appearing on the big screens.

One other neat thing is that you also have visual access to outside sites and wildlife/marine life viewing via their entertainment system’s offerings. That includes video views taken by the bridge cam, aft cam or drone cam, for example.
Seabourn Venture carries two six-passenger submarines, each operated by one pilot. Zodiac rides are also offered and are included in your fare. Be aware, though. Sea or weather conditions can sometimes impact your ability to participate in these activities. Our advice? Always go with the flow. This stands for ship changes too. Sea conditions can prevent the ship from docking safely, which can result in both ports and tours being canceled.

But, on days when a port is canceled, Seabourn is always looking for alternative ways to delight their passengers. They may offer Zodiac cruises later in the day when they arrive at the next port. If you think of an expedition cruise as a bit of a free-form journey, you’re apt to enjoy it more. It may have moments of “wow,” such as when sea lions are spotted through your binoculars (provided in your cabin by Seabourn). You know LTA’s favorite mantra – BE FLEXIBLE. Just remember, you’re on an adventure!
5. A Singing Cruise Director (and Onboard Activities)
The cruise director, known as the CD, is usually beloved on Seabourn ships. Passengers make a point of meeting them on embarkation day and they become an integral part of their voyage. Most are quite talented. We’ve even seen one give an incredible performance of Mario Lanza’s operatic hit, “Be My Love.” What a pleasant surprise to find such talent aboard!

CD’s arrange for the entertainment surrounding some of Seabourn’s unique events. Like the very special “Equator Crossing” ceremony (photo above) with King Neptune. Willing victims, (crew members) kiss a fish and get ceremoniously tossed into the pool. Sounds corny, but it’s truly a hoot. Passengers love it, and sip the drinks the bartenders have made especially for the occasion.
As for other onboard activities, throughout these expedition cruises, you’ll find a variety of guest diversions: team trivia (Mr. LTA and I have scored some killer swag from playing Seabourn trivia!), social bridge play, yoga, mah-jongg, Parisian high tea with melodies, spa seminars, “Liars Club,” a photo editing class, DJ Dance Party, wildlife watch times, popcorn movies in the Discovery Center and more.
Be on the lookout for more about Seabourn Venture in a future post, including a look at a deluxe balcony suite, its amenities and features.
Does Seabourn sound like the right cruise line for you? Would you enjoy the adventure of expedition cruising? Let Luxury Travel Authority share the pros/cons of the various cruise lines to help you decide what’s right for your next adventure.

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