Part of our Partner Spotlight series
There’s a certain type of traveler who wants to see Antarctica, the Amazon, or the Arctic—but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort to do it.
You want the polar bears and the penguins. You also want a real bed, a decent glass of wine, and maybe a spa treatment after a day of Zodiac landings.
If that sounds like you, Seabourn Expeditions should be on your radar.
What Makes Seabourn Expeditions Different
Expedition cruising used to mean choosing between serious adventure (think research vessels with basic accommodations) or soft adventure (big ships that visit “expedition-ish” places but can’t really get close).
Seabourn figured out how to split the difference—and they did it well.
Small Ships That Can Actually Go Places
Seabourn’s expedition fleet carries just 264 guests. Compare that to mainstream cruise ships carrying 3,000+ passengers, or even traditional expedition ships that often pack 200+ into far more basic accommodations.
Why the size matters:
- Access to places bigger ships can’t reach (narrow channels, remote coves, protected areas)
- More intimate wildlife encounters
- Zodiacs can get everyone ashore without spending half the day waiting
- Better crew-to-guest ratio means genuinely personalized service
Real talk: When you’re watching whales breach or walking among penguins, you don’t want to be in a crowd of 100 other people. Seabourn’s size keeps these moments special.
The Equipment (Yes, Including Submarines)
Seabourn expedition ships come equipped with serious adventure gear:
Zodiacs
Twenty-four of them. That’s enough to accommodate all 264 guests at once, which means when there’s a wildlife sighting or perfect landing conditions, everyone can experience it together.
Kayaks
For gliding through glassy fjords or along coastlines at your own pace.
Two Custom-Built Submarines
Seabourn is one of the only expedition lines with subs. Each carries six passengers and can descend to 300 meters, giving you an entirely different perspective on marine life and underwater landscapes. Battery-powered and eco-friendly, complete with leather upholstery and (because it’s Seabourn) a champagne chiller.
Helicopters (On Select Itineraries)
These aren’t based on the ship, but certain destinations like Australia’s Kimberley region offer optional helicopter excursions to places like Mitchell Falls that you simply can’t reach any other way.
The difference: These aren’t gimmicks. They’re tools that fundamentally change what you can experience on an expedition.
Five-Star Accommodations in Remote Places
Here’s where Seabourn really stands out from traditional expedition cruising: the ships are legitimately luxurious.
All-Suite Accommodations
No tiny cabins. Every room is a suite with space to actually unpack and live comfortably for a week or two.
Private Verandas
Your own private outdoor space to watch icebergs drift by or spot wildlife without leaving your room.
Walk-In Closets
Because even if you’re heading to Antarctica, your expedition gear and regular clothes still need somewhere to go.
Quality Linens and Bathrooms
The kind of comfort you’d expect at a luxury hotel, not a boat.
Why it matters: When you’re spending 10-14 days at sea in remote regions, your cabin becomes your home. Having space and comfort makes the entire experience better.
The Food Experience
Expedition cruising isn’t known for great food. Seabourn changed that.
What you get:
- Multiple dining venues with different atmospheres
- Menus created by master chefs
- Premium wines, spirits, and champagne included
- Caviar service (because why not?)
- Room service whenever you want it
The experience: You can have a casual breakfast in your suite while watching glaciers, a gourmet lunch after a morning expedition, and a multi-course dinner that rivals high-end restaurants on land.
Onboard Wellness
After a day of hiking, kayaking, or exploring in cold climates, Seabourn’s ships have:
- Full-service spa with treatments that actually feel restorative
- Sauna and steam rooms
- Fitness center
- Hot tubs and relaxation areas
It’s the balance of pushing yourself during the day and recovering in comfort at night.
The Itineraries: Where Seabourn Goes
Antarctica, Patagonia & the Falklands
This is expedition cruising’s greatest hit, and Seabourn does it exceptionally well.
What you’ll experience:
- Glaciers calving into the sea
- Penguin colonies (Gentoo, Chinstrap, and if you’re lucky, Emperor penguins)
- Whales (humpbacks, orcas, minke whales)
- Drake Passage crossing (it’s rough, but worth it)
- Zodiac landings on the Antarctic Peninsula
Best time: November through March (Antarctic summer)
Arctic & Greenland
The Arctic offers a completely different expedition experience—fjords, icebergs, indigenous communities, and the chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat.
Highlights:
- Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO site with massive icebergs)
- Remote Inuit villages
- Northern Lights (if you’re there in early or late season)
- Polar bear sightings (East Greenland especially)
Best time: June through September
Australia’s Kimberley Coast
One of the most remote and stunning coastlines on Earth. Most people don’t even know about the Kimberley, which is part of its appeal.
What makes it special:
- Massive tides creating horizontal waterfalls
- Ancient Aboriginal rock art (some over 40,000 years old)
- Dramatic gorges and waterfalls
- Saltwater crocodiles (from a safe distance)
- Indigenous cultural experiences
- Optional helicopter excursions to Mitchell Falls
Best time: April through September (dry season)
The Amazon River
Yes, Seabourn goes up the Amazon. It’s expedition cruising in a completely different environment—hot, humid, lush, and teeming with wildlife.
Highlights:
- Pink river dolphins
- Caiman and anacondas
- Howler monkeys and macaws
- Indigenous villages accessible only by river
- Rainforest canopy walks
Best time: Year-round, but water levels vary (high water May-July allows access to more areas)
Who Seabourn Expeditions Is For
You’ll Love Seabourn Expeditions If:
- You want authentic adventure without sacrificing comfort
- You’ve done traditional cruises and want something more immersive
- You’re willing to pay more for quality and intimacy
- You want expert guides and naturalists leading expeditions (the 23-24 person expedition team includes scientists, historians, and naturalists)
- You value small-ship experiences over large-group tours
This Might Not Be For You If:
- You’re on a tight budget (Seabourn is positioned as luxury)
- You prefer warm-weather beach vacations
- You need constant entertainment and nightlife
- You want the anonymity of a large ship
What You’re Actually Paying For
Seabourn Expeditions isn’t cheap. But here’s what’s included in the fare:
Included in Your Fare:
- All suite accommodations
- All meals and dining venues
- Premium wines, spirits, and champagne
- All Zodiac landings and most excursions
- Expedition gear (parkas for polar regions, etc.)
- Gratuities
- Wi-Fi
- Expert expedition team and naturalists
What you’re not constantly paying for: Drinks, most shore excursions, tips, Wi-Fi. The inclusive pricing means fewer surprise charges.
What costs extra: Submarines and kayaks do cost extra.
Why We Recommend Seabourn
We work with expedition cruise lines that understand the balance between authentic exploration and genuine comfort. Seabourn gets it.
What Sets Them Apart:
- The ships are legitimately luxurious, not just “nice for an expedition vessel”
- The size allows access without feeling crowded
- The expedition team includes scientists, naturalists, and experts who are passionate about the regions
- The equipment (especially the subs) opens up experiences other lines can’t offer
- The PC6 Polar Class ships are purpose-built for diverse environments
What we’re hearing from travelers who’ve sailed with them: “This was nothing like we expected a cruise to be—in the best way.”
Making It Happen
If you’re considering an expedition cruise—whether it’s Antarctica, the Arctic, or somewhere completely different—Seabourn should be in the conversation.
They’ve figured out how to deliver serious adventure with serious comfort. And for travelers who want both, that’s exactly the combination that works.
Want to know more? Let’s talk.
