VESSEL REVIEW | Seabourn Venture – Versatile polar expedition ship for US cruise operator

Seabourn Cruise Line, an ultra-luxury and expedition cruise brand under US-based Carnival Corporation, has taken delivery of its first purpose-built expedition ship, the 23,000GT, Bahamas-flagged Seabourn Venture.

Built by Italian shipyard T. Mariotti according to PC6 Polar Class standards, the 558- by 85-foot (170- by 26-metre) vessel features 132 oceanfront veranda suites that can house up to 317 passengers across four decks as well as 120 crewmembers including 26 expedition specialists. Some suites have wheelchair-friendly features while a lift provides access across the various decks.

The other onboard facilities include restaurants, lounges, a sauna, a spa, and an auditorium that also serves as a learning centre where guests can attend lectures on the many remote destinations they are set to visit. One lounge is situated at the bow to provide the closest possible access to the water level, allowing guests to view marine life without leaving the ship. Another lounge, which is also the ship's highest indoor viewing point, has floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure a 270-degree outward-facing view.

An expedition lounge boasts custom furniture and two large touchscreens that display information including photos, navigational charts, weather charts, and maps. Another lounge comes equipped with a coffee bar, a front desk offering concierge services, and an adjoining library.

An array of expedition vehicles will include two custom-built seven-person submarines, 24 rubber boats, and kayaks. U-Boat Worx will supply the submarines, which will be powered by batteries and capable of diving to a depth of 300 metres.

Seabourn Venture's initial operational voyages included a 12-day expedition in the Arctic and Norway's Svalbard Archipelago. Before the end of October 2022, the ship will relocate to the southern hemisphere. It will then serve itineraries in the Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile on a series of 10- to 14-day voyages.

Between November 2022 and February 2023, the ship will cruise along Chile then sail to Antarctica before crossing back to explore South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. In March and April 2023, it will embark on a series of seven- to 12-day expedition voyages in Brazil and the Amazon.