Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.
I recently enjoyed my first cruise holiday—a fabulous trip around Iceland and the Faroe Islands aboard the Seabourn Venture, the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship. You can read my trip reports here:
- Review: The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel
- Review: Seabourn Venture (today)
- Review: Ultra-luxury cruise around Iceland
Review: Seabourn Venture Luxury Cruise Ship
When it comes to combining an ultra-luxury cruise with a sense of adventure, the Seabourn Venture stands out as a true game-changer in the expedition cruise world. Launched in 2022, this purpose-built expedition ship is currently known as one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, along with its identical twin sister ship, the Seabourn Pursuit. The Seabourn Venture blends the refinement and elegance that the Seabourn brand is renowned for with the rugged capabilities necessary to explore some of the most remote and breathtaking places on earth. Whether you dream of witnessing towering glaciers in Antarctica or the wild fjords of Svaldberg, Seabourn Venture offers a sumptuous home base from which to explore the world’s last great frontiers.
This comprehensive review of Seabourn Venture will guide you through every aspect of the ship, including its design, suites, dining options, wellness amenities, expedition facilities, and routes, so you can decide if this is the luxury expedition cruise experience you’ve been waiting for.
Have you ever made a luxury expedition cruise aboard the Seabourn Venture? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.
In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):
PROS & THINGS I LIKE
- The Seabourn Venture is a purpose-built expedition cruise ship engineered to navigate some of the world’s most challenging environments. Measuring approximately 170 meters (560 feet) in length and standing about 23 meters (75 feet) tall from keel to the top deck, the ship balances a substantial size with the maneuverability needed for expedition cruising. One of its defining features is its compliance with the Polar Class PC6 standard, which means the vessel can safely operate in medium first-year ice conditions. This classification is essential for reaching remote polar destinations such as the Arctic Circle, Greenland, Svalbard, and Antarctica—areas inaccessible to most other luxury cruise ships. The ship’s hull is reinforced with advanced ice-strengthening technology to provide both safety and comfort, minimizing vibrations and noise when breaking through ice. Additionally, it is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems designed specifically for polar expeditions, ensuring guests enjoy a secure and seamless journey even in extreme weather conditions.
- While Seabourn Venture is technically an expedition cruise vessel, its interior design reflects the elegance and refinement for which the Seabourn brand is known worldwide. The ship’s aesthetic was created in collaboration with renowned designers Adam D. Tihany and Tilley Marine Design, who brought a sophisticated, modern style that perfectly complements the spirit of exploration. Inside, natural materials like warm woods, fine leathers, and brushed metals create a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere. Large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the public areas and suites with natural light while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding seascapes and icy wilderness. The interior color palette features wooden panels and calming neutral tones, accented by soft blues and golds that evoke the colors of the ocean and sky. Public spaces are designed to maximize comfort and social interaction, with intimate lounges, cozy fireplaces, and elegant dining venues that invite guests to relax and connect. The overall ambiance is one of understated luxury, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a serene and inviting environment that feels like a sophisticated home away from home—even in the world’s most remote destinations.
- The Seabourn Venture offers an intimate cruising experience with a capacity of just 264 guests. This relatively small size means the expedition cruise ship never feels crowded, allowing for personalized service and a tranquil atmosphere throughout the voyage. Wide, open decks provide ample space for fresh air and spectacular views, and the intuitive flow between indoor and outdoor areas makes it easy to explore every part of the ship. Public spaces are thoughtfully laid out to maximize both social interaction and private moments, and include the following key spaces:
- The Expedition Lounge is a favorite gathering spot, featuring a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating where guests can share stories, enjoy a cocktail, or listen to expert presentations from the expedition team.
- The Bow Lounge offers forward-facing views through floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for spotting wildlife or simply marveling at the ever-changing scenery. This lounge also features interactive digital screens where guests can track the ship’s route and learn about the surrounding environment.
- For educational enrichment, the Discovery Center hosts daily lectures, workshops, and briefings led by world-class naturalists, historians, and scientists who join each voyage.
- The Club, an elegant bar and lounge, serves as a lively social hub in the evenings with live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
- The Constellation Lounge, located on the upper deck, provides a stylish setting to relax with panoramic views of the bow and expertly mixed drinks, often accompanied by live performances and themed events.
- Seabourn Square acts as the ship’s social heart during the day, a casual yet sophisticated space offering a café, lounge areas, and a digital library where guests can mingle, read, or enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere.
- One of the many highlights of the Seabourn Venture is the accommodation. Every one of the 132 spacious suites includes a private veranda, allowing guests to enjoy the ever-changing views from the comfort of their own room. The suites are designed with luxury and practicality in mind, featuring neutral tones with soft blues and gold accents that evoke a serene oceanic theme. During my cruise, I stayed in a Veranda Suite. The spacious suite measured about 355 sq ft (33 sq m) and featured a comfortable living and sleeping area, which could be separated by a curtain. A floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door gave way to a balcony with two loungers and a small table. The elegant bathroom featured marble finishes, heated floors, and a separate bathtub and shower. In addition, a walk-in closet provided plenty of storage for expedition gear and personal belongings. In-room amenities included modern conveniences such as espresso machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, a writing desk with personalized stationery and makeup vanity, and a fully stocked bar and refrigerator.
- Seabourn Venture’s higher-tier suites offer additional space, making them ideal for travelers seeking ultimate indulgence. A special mention deserves the Seabourn Venture’s top suite, the expansive apartment-style Wintergarden Suite, which stretches over two decks located midship. The suite featres stunning double-height views and a spacious lower-level living area with a dining table for four and a guest bathroom. It includes a pantry with a wet bar stocked with selected spirits and a staircase leading to the upper-level master bedroom. The bedroom boasts a queen-sized Duxiana Axion adjustable sleep system, expansive windows, a wall of closets, a roll-up TV, and a walk-in closet. The ensuite bathroom offers a whirlpool spa tub and separate shower. Guests can enjoy wildlife spotting using a tripod-mounted Swarovski ATX Interior spotting scope and experience exceptional sound quality through a Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5 speaker system with Bluetooth headphones. The Wintergarden Suite also includes a private veranda, walk-in closet, personal safe, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, plush robes, slippers, and luxury toiletries.
- The Seabourn Venture’s outdoor facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and enjoyment in all climates, including the chilly polar regions. The luxury cruise ship features four heated infinity hot tubs located on two decks located at the stern—two on the 5th deck and two on the 9th deck—offering guests the extraordinary experience of soaking in warm, bubbling water while surrounded by majestic icebergs or snow-capped mountains. In addition to the hot tubs, the 5th deck, situated adjacent to the Colonnade Restaurant, boasts a heated swimming pool that provides a refreshing dip even on cooler days. Surrounding the pools are numerous plush loungers perfect for sunbathing during warmer weather or stargazing on clear polar nights. To ensure year-round comfort, the crew provides warm blankets and strategically placed heat lamps, allowing guests to linger outdoors despite the cold. The deck’s design encourages both relaxation and socializing, featuring cozy, wind-shielded seating areas where guests can enjoy a cocktail, read a book, or simply soak in the breathtaking views in peace and comfort.
- Dining aboard the Seabourn Venture is a truly exceptional culinary journey that complements the breathtaking destinations visited on each voyage. Seabourn collaborates with world-renowned chefs to craft menus that celebrate the freshest seasonal ingredients and showcase a diverse array of global flavors, often inspired by the regions the ship explores. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining venues designed to suit every mood and occasion:
- The Restaurant, the ship’s main dining venue, offers a refined and elegant atmosphere with an open-seating format, giving guests the freedom to dine whenever they choose. The menus feature a sophisticated blend of international classics and locally inspired dishes, often highlighting freshly caught seafood and regional produce sourced from ports of call.
- For a more relaxed setting, The Colonnade serves lavish buffets for breakfast and lunch, offering an extensive selection of freshly prepared dishes to start the day or recharge after excursions. Dinner at The Colonnade alternates between themed buffet nights and curated tableside service, providing variety and flavor in a casual yet stylish ambiance. Guests can choose from indoor seating or enjoy dining poolside on warmer days, savoring meals under the open sky.
- The ship’s Sushi Bar, located within The Club lounge, offers a unique dining option where expert chefs prepare exquisite sushi and sashimi made from the highest quality ingredients. Paired with a curated selection of premium sake and inventive cocktails, this venue provides a refined taste of Japanese cuisine in a vibrant social setting.
- Seabourn Square, the ship’s lively social hub during the day, features a takeaway counter offering specialty coffees, freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and artisan gelato—perfect for a quick bite or casual indulgence between adventures.
- For those who prefer privacy or a more relaxed pace, 24-hour in-suite dining is available, allowing guests to enjoy gourmet meals or light snacks in the comfort of their suite or even on their private veranda.
- The luxury cruise ship enhances the polar expedition experience of its guests with a complimentary Arctic package designed to keep them warm, dry, and comfortable in extreme conditions. Guests receive a state-of-the-art PolarShield Parka by Helly Hansen, a custom-designed, windproof, and waterproof ‘Two-in-One’ hooded jacket that can be worn as an outer shell alone or paired with the insulating inner jacket for added warmth. Along with the parka, guests also receive a WaterShield Waterproof Backpack by Helly Hansen, a highly practical item perfect for protecting belongings during wet excursions. Completing the package is a cozy Helly Hansen brand beanie, ideal for chilly days, and a sleek Seabourn flask water bottle, ensuring you stay hydrated while exploring the Arctic’s breathtaking landscapes. This thoughtfully curated gear package allows guests to fully enjoy the adventure without worrying about the elements, reflecting Seabourn’s commitment to comfort and exceptional service throughout your journey.
- The Seabourn Venture is home to an intimate spa center designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit after days filled with adventure. Located on the 8th deck, the Spa at Seabourn offers a wide range of treatments, including signature massages, facials, and body therapies that use premium, natural products inspired by the pristine environments the ship visits. Expert therapists customize each experience to ensure maximum relaxation and renewal, whether you’re seeking relief from travel fatigue or a deeply restorative escape. Adjacent to the spa is the fully equipped fitness center, boasting state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment. The gym’s large windows provide panoramic views, making workouts more inspiring as guests can enjoy the ever-changing seascape. For those who prefer a more holistic approach, the ship includes a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio where expert instructors lead daily classes suitable for all levels, blending gentle stretches, breath work, and meditation to enhance flexibility, balance, and mental clarity.
- What truly sets the Seabourn Venture apart from other luxury cruise ships is its unparalleled expedition capabilities. The ship is outfitted with a fleet of 24 Zodiac boats, which allow guests to make shore landings in remote locations that larger ships cannot reach. These rigid-hulled inflatable boats are ideal for wildlife viewing, photography, and exploring rugged coastlines. In addition, the ship carries double sea kayaks for guests who want a more active way to experience their surroundings. Snorkeling equipment is available for select tropical itineraries, while experienced divers can take advantage of the ship’s scuba diving programs. A standout feature is the presence of two custom-built submarines onboard, offering guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore underwater ecosystems in unparalleled comfort and safety. These submarines allow access to areas that are normally off-limits, such as deep underwater caves and vibrant marine habitats. The Discovery Center serves as the expedition hub for briefings, scientific presentations, and interactive learning, ensuring every guest is well-prepared and inspired.
- Seabourn Venture is part of the fleet of Seabourn, a pioneer in ultra-luxury cruising renowned for its exceptional service, intimate ships, and immersive travel experiences. Founded in 1986, Seabourn operates a fleet of seven ultra-luxury ships—five elegant vessels accommodating around 450 guests each, along with the groundbreaking expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. Known for spacious all-suite accommodations, a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, and gourmet dining curated by world-renowned chefs, Seabourn consistently sets the standard for personalized luxury at sea. As a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world, Seabourn benefits from extensive industry expertise while delivering expertly crafted itineraries that take travelers to both iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The line seamlessly combines cultural enrichment, adventure, and exclusivity to create unforgettable journeys tailored for discerning explorers.
CONS & THINGS TO KNOW
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Despite being a true expedition cruise vessel, the use of kayaks, Zodiacs, and submersibles on the Seabourn Venture is often heavily weather‑dependent—and regulations and local restrictions add further complexity. Activities like kayaking and Zodiac excursions may be canceled or delayed when seas are rough. Similarly, submersible dives are subject to calm conditions and can be called off due to even minor swells or high winds. In addition, in regions like Alaska or Japan, legal frameworks such as the Jones Act and local labor requirements can prohibit the use of the ship’s own submersibles or Zodiacs, forcing reliance on slower, local alternatives—or eliminating the activity entirely. So while these experiences can be spectacular, they are never guaranteed—being prepared for flexibility is absolutely key.
- While Seabourn Venture’s fare is impressively inclusive—covering exquisite dining, premium beverages, Wi‑Fi, polar gear, and gratuities—the optional expedition highlights like submersible dives and kayaking come at a premium price that some guests find surprisingly steep. For example, a guided kayaking excursion on the Seabourn Venture typically runs around US $250 per person for a two-hour outing, while a submersible dive can cost between US $900 to over $1,000 per person for around 45 minutes. Though these extraordinary experiences—paddling among icebergs or descending into the ocean’s depths—can be unforgettable, the high price tag may jar with the expectation of an all‑inclusive luxury journey.
- As a small luxury cruise ship, the Seabourn Venture tends to be more susceptible to motion in rough seas—particularly in areas forward or aft, where rolling and pitching are felt more keenly. While stabilizers help with roll, they do little for the bow-to-stern pitch that becomes noticeable during open‑ocean stretches, like the Drake Passage or when anchoring offshore. Many seasoned travelers and seabound communities recommend that those sensitive to seasickness opt for a mid‑ship and lower‑deck suite, where motion is least pronounced and sleep—and overall comfort—are much easier to maintain.
- Unlike traditional luxury cruise ships that bustle with casinos, Broadway-style productions, and multiple vibrant nightlife venues, the Seabourn Venture offers a more subdued, refined approach to evening entertainment. Guests can look forward to live music—such as piano melodies during happy hour in The Club and a two-person ensemble in the Constellation Lounge—along with occasional dance parties in the Expedition Lounge and enriching presentations from the expedition team. Passengers often appreciate this understated ambiance as elegantly complementary to the voyage’s immersive destinations, allowing for quiet contemplation of midnight sunrises or aurora glows in the lounge. That said, travelers who enjoy bustling nightlife or theatrical spectacles may find the program leaning on the lighter side—the entertainment is thoughtfully curated for intimacy and discovery, rather than spectacle.
MY VERDICT
- Layout: 9/10
- Design: 8/10
- Pool: 9/10
- Rooms: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Breakfast: 9/10
- Spa: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Wow factor: 8/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall experience: exceptional – 9/10
ITINERARIES
Seabourn Venture offers thoughtfully curated expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations, including the Arctic Circle, Greenland, Svalbard, Antarctica, Patagonia, as well as vibrant tropical destinations throughout Central and South America. Seasonal journeys focus on classic polar routes during the summer months of the northern and southern hemispheres, providing guests with unparalleled opportunities to witness incredible wildlife such as polar bears, whales, penguins, and seals in their natural habitats. Outside of the polar seasons, the luxury cruise ship explores warm-weather destinations, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in culturally rich excursions and unique encounters with diverse wildlife.
For a full list of Seabourn Venture’s upcoming itineraries, check the official Seabourn website.
PHOTOS
Here’s a selection of my photos of Seabourn Venture. To view more photos (including photos of breakfast, lunch and dinner at the different restaurants), click here.
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