The Ultimate Guide to Seabourn: Ultra-Luxury Ocean and Expedition Cruising

If the phrase "cruise ship" conjures images of crowded pool decks, waterslides, and fighting over a buffet tong, you can easily wipe the slate clean. Seabourn occupies a completely different stratosphere in the travel industry. It sits firmly in the "ultra-luxury" category, a tier where the ships are occupied more like private yachts, the staff seems to know what you want before you ask for it, and the champagne and cavirar are cold, included, and endless.

For decades, Seabourn has been the benchmark for small-ship luxury. It is the brand you book when you want to see the world but refuse to compromise on your creature comforts. It’s a line where "roughing it" simply isn't in the vocabulary, even when you are hundreds of miles into the Amazon or skirting the ice shelf of Antarctica. The atmosphere is less like a floating hotel and more like a private country club where everyone happens to be incredibly well-traveled and friendly.

Navigating the world of ultra-luxury can be tricky because every line claims to be the best. However, Seabourn distinguishes itself through a specific blend of intuitive service and a genuine all-inclusive environment. They call their service moments "Seabourn Moments"—those unscripted acts of kindness where a crew member surprises you with your favorite canapé or starts up the bubbles on one of the jacuzzis and brings a couple glasses of Glühwein just because they noticed you had a long day ashore. It is this focus on the soft product—the people and the feeling—that creates fierce loyalty among their guests.

Recently, the brand has undergone a massive evolution. They have moved beyond just being a "champagne and caviar" ocean line and have aggressively entered the expedition market. With the launch of two purpose-built expedition ships, they are now challenging the likes of National Geographic and Silversea in the race to the poles, arguing that you can indeed have a mud-room adventure during the day and a Michelin-level meal at night.

The All-Inclusive Definition

One of the greatest sources of anxiety in travel is the "nickel and diming" effect—the constant signing of chits and calculating of tips. Seabourn eliminates this entirely. When they say all-inclusive, they generally mean it. Your fare covers unmatched dining (there are no surcharge specialty restaurants), premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities for the crew, and even your pre-cruise hotel stays.

This creates a palpable change in the onboard atmosphere. Because the staff isn't chasing tips, the service feels more genuine and relaxed. You can order a cappuccino, a martini, or a tin of caviar anywhere on the ship without reaching for your wallet. The only things you will typically pay extra for are shore excursions on their ocean ships (though they are included on expedition ships), spa treatments, and ultra-premium rare vintage wines if the complimentary unparalleled selection isn't enough for you.

The "caviar on demand" policy is a real thing, by the way. It is a signature of the brand. Whether you are in your suite, in the lounge, or sitting by the pool, you can request Regiis Ova caviar and it will arrive on ice with all the accouterments. It sounds like a small detail, but it symbolizes the level of freedom and indulgence the line offers. You aren't restricted by rules; you are indulged by yeses.

The Ocean Fleet: Sojourn, Quest, Encore, Ovation

Seabourn’s "Ocean" fleet—the ships that stick to the classic harbors of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia—is split into two subtle sub-classes. First, you have the slightly smaller, more intimate sisters: Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. Carrying around 450 guests, these ships are beloved for their intimate size. They are small enough to sail up the Thames into London or anchor in tiny Greek coves that the big ships can't dream of reaching.

Then you have the slightly larger, newer evolution: Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. Carrying 600 guests, these ships were designed by Adam D. Tihany and feel like a modern luxury hotel at sea. They feature beautiful curves, yacht-inspired mahogany and chrome, and more dining venues than their smaller sisters. Despite the size difference, all four ships share a tremendous space-per-guest ratio, meaning you never feel crowded.

Accommodations on these ships are entirely suite-based. You won't find an inside cabin or a porthole room here. Every single suite has an ocean view, and on the newer ships, every single suite has a private veranda. They feature walk-in closets, marble bathrooms with double vanities, and a separate living area. A personal Suite Host and Suite Attendant maintain your room, ensuring the minibar is stocked with your specific preferences—be it sparkling water, specific sodas, or a bottle of Pinot Noir.

The Expedition Revolution: Venture and Pursuit

For years, if you wanted to go to Antarctica, you had to sacrifice luxury for a rugged, converted research vessel. Seabourn changed that narrative with the launch of Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. These are PC6-class polar expedition ships, built specifically to smash through ice and navigate the remotest corners of the globe, from the Northwest Passage to the Kimberley in Australia.

But unlike traditional expedition ships, these vessels carry the full DNA of Seabourn luxury. We are talking about 264 guests max, all-veranda suites (some with heated gear lockers for your wet parkas), and the same level of dining you find on the ocean fleet. The difference is the "toy box." These ships are equipped with 24 Zodiacs, a fleet of double sea kayaks, and—the pièce de résistance—two custom-built submarines capable of diving 1,000 feet.

On these voyages, the focus shifts from relaxation to education and adventure. A 26-person expedition team consisting of biologists, geologists, and historians joins the sailing. They lead the landings, drive the Zodiacs, and host lectures in the Discovery Center.8 Crucially, on these expedition ships, nearly all daily excursions (Zodiac rides, hikes, snorkeling) are included in the fare, though kayaking and submarine dives usually carry an extra fee.

The Dining Experience

Food is a religion on Seabourn. For years, the line held a partnership with heavy-hitter Thomas Keller, but as of 2024, they have evolved into a new era with a concept called Solis. Solis celebrates Mediterranean cuisine—think handmade pastas, vibrant seafood, and light, fresh flavors that match the regions where the ships often sail. It’s elegant but unpretentious, much like the line itself.

The main dining room, The Restaurant, is an open-seating venue where you can dine whenever you want and with whom you want. There are no assigned tables or times. If you meet a fun couple at the bar, you can invite them to join you for dinner instantly. The menu is vast and changes daily, often reflecting the local ingredients of the port you just visited.

For casual dining, The Colonnade offers indoor/outdoor seating with lavish buffets by day and table service by night. But the hidden gem is "Earth & Ocean at The Patio." By night, the pool deck transforms into a candlelit, al fresco restaurant serving incredible grilled dishes and salads. Dining under the stars while docked in Monte Carlo or Bora Bora is arguably one of the best experiences the line offers.

Signature Events: Caviar in the Surf and Marina Day

While the day-to-day luxury is consistent, Seabourn is famous for a few "wow" moments that have become brand signatures. The most famous is "Caviar in the Surf." If you are on a warm-weather itinerary that stops at a private beach (like in Thailand or the Caribbean), the uniformed staff will plunge into the waist-deep water with floating surfboards loaded with iced champagne and caviar, serving you while you swim. It is decadent, photogenic, and completely over the top in the best way.

Another highlight is Marina Day. The ships are equipped with a retractable marina platform at the stern. On select days, the captain will open the back of the ship directly onto the sea, creating a private saltwater pool. You can borrow kayaks, pedal boats, or banana boats, or just swim right off the back of the ship. It turns the vessel into a private floating resort.

For the culinarily inclined, "Shopping with the Chef" is a must-do. In select ports, the Executive Chef will take a small group of guests to the local market to procure fresh fish, produce, and spices for dinner that night. It’s a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how the culinary team operates and offers a great way to see a local culture through its food.

Wellness and Enrichment

Seabourn takes a holistic approach to wellness, partnering with Dr. Andrew Weil to create a "Spa & Wellness" program that goes beyond just massages. The program incorporates mindful living, yoga, and meditation, often led by a dedicated Mindful Living Coach on board. The spa facilities are extensive for ships of this size, featuring thermal suites with saunas and steam rooms that are free for all guests to use—a rarity in the industry.

Enrichment is also key. On the Ocean fleet, you will find "Seabourn Conversations," a lecture program that brings aboard guest speakers ranging from diplomats and historians to chefs and explorers. These aren't just people who stand at a podium; they dine with guests and socialize, allowing for genuine interaction. On the Expedition fleet, the enrichment is constant, with the expedition team providing briefings and recaps every single day.

The Vibe and Dress Code

A common misconception about luxury cruising is that it requires a tuxedo and a stiff upper lip. Seabourn has worked hard to dispel this. The vibe is best described as "Elegant Casual." During the day, it is resort wear—shorts, polos, sundresses (or something warmer on the polar expeditions). At night, it transitions to slacks and collared shirts for men and blouses or dresses for women, though these guidelines are especially loose on expedition ships.

Formal nights are now "Formal Optional" on the Ocean ships and nonexistent on the Expedition ships. You will still see plenty of dinner jackets and sparkles because Seabourn guests like to look good, but the pressure is off. You can leave the tuxedo at home unless you really want to wear it. This relaxes the social atmosphere significantly. It’s about being chic, not stiff.

Who Is the Seabourn Guest?

You might be wondering if you will fit in. The typical demographic skews slightly younger than lines like Holland America or Cunard, generally sitting in the 50 to 70 range, though you will find honeymooners and younger entrepreneurs as well. The common thread isn't age; it’s mindset.

Seabourn guests are social. This is not a line for people who want to hide in the corner (though you can if you want). The small size of the ships fosters community. By day three, you will know the bartender’s name, and you will likely have made plans to share a shore excursion with people you met at the Block Party—an event where neighbors step out into the hallway to drink champagne and chat.

They are also well-traveled. You won't hear people complaining that the ship didn't dock right next to the souvenir shop. These are guests who are interested in culture, history, and food. They are there to see the destination, and they view the ship as the perfect, luxurious vehicle to get them there.

Accessibility is something to keep in mind. While the ships have elevators and accessible suites, the reality of small-ship cruising—especially on the expedition vessels or in tender ports—can be challenging for full-time wheelchair users. The gangways can be steep, and getting into a Zodiac requires a certain level of mobility.

Finally, loyalty matters here. The Seabourn Club is their repeater program, and it is generous. As you accrue days, you unlock benefits like free laundry, internet packages (though basic Wi-Fi is now included for everyone), and discounts on future cruises. The loyalty among guests is intense; do not be surprised if half the ship is raising their hand when the Captain asks who has sailed with them before.