Polar-Class Luxury Cruising

You feel at home the minute you step on board. It’s a warm, cozy feeling – intimate, welcoming. And then, you realize part of that comfort is the design, a sort of old-world impression, the artworks and colors capturing the romanticism of the early explorers, the thrill of discovery. Yes, this is no ordinary expedition ship – this is the Seabourn Venture, a whole new kettle of fish.

“The word ‘expedition’ doesn’t mean you need to be roughing it by any means,” says Tully Senior Travel Designer Lore Doick. “In fact, the Seabourn Venture is not only new but also luxurious, modern, and very inviting.”

With the Seabourn Venture, you get the best of both worlds – pretty on the outside, powerful on the inside. Its polar-class hull was built for global deployment, its modern hardware is able to withstand the rigors of the polar regions with ease.

Brace for the thrill of the adventure

The 264 passengers are watched over by a crew of 120, the complement including 26 specialists from the worlds of science, history, and the arts who deliver a series of Seabourn Conversations throughout the voyage. Guests learn about the environments surrounding them – zoology, biology, and geology – in fun and entertaining ways.

Two custom-built submarines shaped like little pods take guests below the sea to discover the ocean creatures below – lending James Bond movie magic to the experience. And 24 Zodiac skiff boats put you right on the water, touring the glacial inlets and quiet, iceberg-filled bays. Double sea kayaks get you even closer to the surface.

“Seabourn has also thought about the design of the ship from a practical point of view,” Lore says. “For example, the Seabourn Venture has a mud room, which is perfect for post-Zodiac excursions. You can just drop off wet or messy boots, and store your things in your own personal locker.”

Your polar home-away-from-home

The 132 all-balcony suites are huge – most of them starting from 355 square feet. Expect soothing neutral tones and soft textures, fun nooks with an explorer spirit, massive bathrooms with marble for days. The larger suites are the absolute height of luxury sailing.

“One other innovative idea is the warming closet in each cabin – your jacket, hat and gloves are nice and warm to put on before you head out to explore,” Lore says. “What I also enjoyed were all the big windows – no matter where you are on the ship, your attention is drawn outward, toward the scenery.”

Spacious, thoughtfully designed lounges bring everyone together after a sojourn on the Zodiacs to chat about their experiences and to learn more about the wildlife and the environments therein. “The main area of the ship, the Expedition Lounge, has a wood décor, a gas fireplace, cozy chairs and faux-fur pillows, lending the feeling that you’ve arrived at an upscale chalet lounge,” Lore says.

Expedition team leaders are in the Bow Lounge at various times throughout the day, amid screens that project what’s happening outside. The Club is a modern mood room, featuring more fireplaces, slick red seats and geometric lighting. Guests will also enjoy the Constellation Lounge with its 270-degree views, and Seabourn Square, a homey spot for reading the morning paper or chilling with a coffee. The Discovery Center is the massive theatre, an academic hub for talks by the experts, as well as filims and other cultural programming.

Enjoy more modern creature comforts

Healthy yet decadent when it counts, the dining onboard the Seabourn Venture is a sensory overload. The Restaurant is a study in elegance – blue-and-white seating, comfortable rounded chairs, deep blue carpets, and geometric-shaped lighting. An extensive wine cellar backs up the chef’s delectable offerings.

“One of my favorite areas was the Colonnade, where you can step outside to the open deck and sit under warming heaters while still enjoying the outdoors,” Lore says.

Spa time delivers in spades, its décor reminiscent of an enchanted forest, all wood paneling, and gold trim. The sauna is a window to the world, with a perfect view of the scenery outside. The pool deck offers a great spot to sip a hot chocolate and daydream, as do two perfectly placed panoramic hot tubs. These little luxuries couldn’t be more rewarding.

The Seabourn Venture is going places!

The Seabourn Venture spends the Arctic season in the Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and Canada, before sailing down the U.S. east coast to the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal to Chile. Patagonia is next, and from there begins the Antarctic season. Check-in with a Tully Luxury Travel Designer to find out how you can hop on board.