Seabourn Pursuit

The 2023-built Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship is the newest vessel in the Seabourn fleet. The boat was delivered and inaugurated in August 2023, being postponed from 2022 (May, then December) and March 2023. The first vessel from this series (Seabourn Venture) started operations in April 2022, and it was also postponed twice (initially planned for delivery in 2021/July then December).

The vessel (IMO number 9862035) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001081) and registered in Nassau.

Venture and Pursuit are part of Seabourn Expeditions' fleet. These boats are PC6 (Polar-Class 6) classed expedition cruise ships and carry (each) 2x mini-submarines (custom-built submersibles max occupancy 7 persons/6 passengers + 1 pilot/read more in the ship's Wiki section), 24x Zodiacs (large-capacity RIBs/motorized boats used for tendering and landings/shoreside exploration), a fleet of 8x sea kayaks.

Each ship has a total of 132 staterooms, all of which are outside (balconied) suites.

History - construction and ownership

Seabourn Cruises is a top-luxury (all-inclusive) company founded in 1986 and headquartered in Seattle WA. Seabourn operates on global itineraries, ranging from the 7-day Caribbean to 100+day Around the World voyages. Since 1998, Seabourn is fully-owned by Carnival Corporation - the world's largest passenger shipping company. Seabourn is a signature travel brand and a major player in the premium-cruising market, competing head-on with Silversea and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas.

By choosing the ship names Venture and Pursuit, Seabourn paid tribute to the polar destinations visited by the company's expedition fleet and the "Ventures by Seabourn" (land tour/shore excursion program).

Decks and Cabins

Seabourn Pursuit staterooms (132 total) are all in Suite categories and all with private (step-out) balconies. All cabins are thoughtfully appointed, designed as homes with separate lounge room serving as relaxation-entertainment area.

The largest accommodations are the two Grand Wintergarden Suites (Duplex Apartments in Seabourn's new category GR). Grand Wintergarden combines two cabins (Wintergarden-Veranda) and is on two levels (midship on decks 7-8) with total size 130 m2 (1400 ft2) with a terrace sized 19 m2 (205 ft2).

The smallest cabins (Veranda Suites) are sized 33 m2 (355 ft2) with balconies sized 7 m2 (75 ft2).

Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 5, available in categories PH-Penthouse (2x) and V2-V4-Veranda (3x).

The boat has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

By the company's loyalty program "Seabourn Club", Silver Level and above passengers receive free Internet (limited and unlimited packages), free phone calls (20-30-40 min worldwide), complimentary Spa Massage, Day Pass for Spa Serene Area, free laundry (1 bag for every 7-days on the ship), plus discount pricing on onboard alcohol purchases (premium wines and spirits), future cruise booking discounts, luggage shipping service discounts, access to special offers and exclusive onboard events.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Seabourn Pursuit is operated with all-inclusive deals and provides the best choice of dining venues (all complimentary) and open-bar lounges. Guests dine when, where, and with whom they wish. The design of Pursuit features contemporary spaces created by Adam Tihany's company, including the ship's Main Dining Room and the club-like Seabourn Square lounge area.

Follows the complete list of Seabourn Pursuit restaurants and food bars - a total of 8 dining options.

The Restaurant (main dining room/MDR on Deck 4) offers open-seating breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. MDR's dining amenities are top-luxury, the dress code is "elegant casual", with optional "formal" dress on special nights. The Restaurant also offers an expansive premium wine selection, with renowned labels and vintages. Some of the fine wines (by the glass) are complimentary, while all premium wines are available at an additional charge. In The Restaurant, the cruise line boasts special Thomas Keller-inspired menus that include an appetizer, entree option, vegetarian entree option, and a dessert in French-American style.

Sushi in The Club (Deck 9) is a specialty dinner restaurant (replacing the traditional "Restaurant 2" on Seabourn Odyssey-class ships) that offers sushi bites freshly made-to-order. The Adam Tihany-designed venue features floor-ceiling wraparound windows, comfortable chairs, alfresco seating (terrace served by the open-air Sky Bar). The Club's interior design is marked by the royal blue carpet (with abstract geometric patterns), a water-vapor fireplace (positioned at the center), a large dance floor, a stage (for live performances), Tihany Design Venture collection chairs, banquette seating by the windows (with decorative pillows).

The Patio Grill (Deck 5 aft) serves the swimming pool area with grilled BBQ specialties, salads, side dishes, fresh pizza (by the slice).Patio Grill is open for casual alfresco lunches and throughout the afternoons (weather permitting).

• Dinners are full menu and in the alfresco (outdoor) setting. Chef Keller developed for The Patio Grill a signature Napa burger and an artisanal hot dog named Yountwurst (after Yountville CA). Chef Thomas Keller is the owner of the restaurants Per Se (Manhattan NYC), Bouchon Bakery and Cafe (Manhattan NYC), The French Laundry (Yountville CA), Ad Hoc (Yountville CA), and Bouchon Bistro (Yountville CA).
• Patio Pool area has a plunge pool (aft-facing infinity pool flanked by two Jacuzzies), sunbathing area (with loungers, private cabanas) and is served with food and drinks by The Colonnade Restaurant (deck 5) and Seabourn Square (deck 6) which is directly accessed via outdoor staircases. Patio Deck's sundeck area also hosts barbecue parties (a stage provides live music for dancing).

The Colonnade (specialty restaurant on Deck 6 aft) is open for breakfast (buffet or table service), lunch, and dinner. Master chefs here cook in an open kitchen so passengers can watch the food preparation process. The dinner menu is differently-themed each day of the cruise. The special theme nights offer Chef Keller-influenced dinners with interpretations of classic comfort dishes, including Clam Bake and BBQ Ribs served family-style on platters. The Colonnade Restaurant has an outdoor Terrace with an al-fresco seating area. On select nights, The Colonnade serves dishes from the "Earth & Ocean" menu which are made with fresh-sourced ingredients and represent traditional cuisines from around the world.

The Grill by Thomas Keller (specialty restaurant on Deck 9 aft) is a classic American steakhouse via a partnership with Adam D. Tihany (NYC-based hospitality designer) and Thomas Keller (American 3-star Michelin chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer). Themed dinners feature tableside preparations of Caesar salad, ice cream sundaes, along with a range of steakhouse favorites such as Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach. A cocktail program and a rich wine list of old-world and domestic labels complement the menu. Dining reservations can be requested online before sailing (recommended due to the high demand), subject to availability and closing 15 days prior to the cruise. Reservations can also be made on board. One reservation is permitted per sailing.

Constellation Lounge (theatre/bar lounge forward on Deck 9) serves early-risers (with beverages and fresh-baked pastries), Afternoon Tea, signature cocktails, and tapas-type appetizers in the evenings. Constellation Lounge features floor-ceiling/wall-to-wall wraparound windows (providing 270-degree views), comfortable seating (armchairs, plush sofas, round glass tables), dark carpeting (with constellation patterns), central-located Bar (with high stools). Dedicated expedition staff visits the lounge regularly to provide passengers with information on the visited ports and destinations (including the region's wildlife and geology).

Seabourn Square (aft on deck 6) has a patisserie serving premium brand coffees/teas, sandwiches, gourmet sweets, fresh-made pastries, homemade gelati/ice creams.

"Pantry in the Bow Lounge" provides freshly prepared light food and beverages.

24-hour in-cabin dining (room service) is offered complimentary and course-by-course to all categories suites.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The ambiance of Seabourn Pursuit is relaxed, with sheer activities' variety. Most sailings feature Seabourn's Caviar in Surf Beach Barbecue or Marina Days when you can go kayaking or sail right from the ship. Seabourn's service is ranked the best on the luxury cruising market - highly personalized and attentive. Tipping is not expected.

Ship's Atrium, Discovery Center, Expedition Lounge, Landing Zone, and all interior public spaces are masterfully designed by Tihany Design (1978-founded). Discovery Center, Landing Zone, and Expedition Lounge are new spaces, each of which is themed on the early sea explorers' era with memorabilia and various materials.

Additional amenities include Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry, Self-Serve Laundromats (Laundry Room adjacent to the Meeting Room/midship on Deck 5). Tipping/gratuities - tips are not expected or calculated in the price. Wedding parties on Seabourn ship Ovation are held in any of the public spaces (no dedicated chapel onboard).

Bow Lounge (Deck 6 forward) is an indoor observation Bar Lounge providing the closest to water level access (through its foredeck terrace). This makes it the boat's best vantage point for marine and wildlife/scenery viewing (including during port entries, berthing, and departures). Bow Lounge is fitted with large touch screens displaying navigational charts and maps with the ship's current position (location at sea or in port) and current itinerary information (weather, Zodiac landings, flora-fauna, etc). Wall-mounted large HDTVs project live footage from the outside-installed HD cameras and also from a camera drone deployed (weather permitting) in the vicinity of the vessel. Bow Lounge is also staffed with Seabourn's Expedition Team members who throughout the day interact with the passengers.

Follows the complete list of Seabourn Pursuit lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

The Atrium (the ship's social hub and focal point) features a winding grand staircase. Metal and wood are presented throughout, with details like ropework (replacing the traditional spindles) and topography-inspired wall patterns. An art display (suspended at Atrium's center) emulates wind-measuring instruments.

The Discovery Center (on Deck 4, adjacent to the Expedition Lounge) serves as a teaching/academic room for the company's enrichment programming and has a seating capacity to accommodate all passengers. Here are hosted themed events like port talks, briefings, lectures, Seabourn Conversations (enrichment program activities). The ship's 26-person expedition team (scientists, historians, naturalists, wilderness experts) present here lectures on topics related to the current cruise itinerary/destination/region. Discovery Center's interior features topography maps, plush custom-made seating, large HD screens (sized 2,5x10 m / 8x33 ft) showing current itinerary-themed media (including footages from the daily mini-submarine cruises).

The Expedition Lounge (midship on Deck 4) is the main and largest indoor relaxation lounge with a full-service bar. Expedition Lounge features custom-made furniture (armchairs, couches, low tables, bar stools), an etched glass partition (with a vintage Antarctica map), a fireplace, vitrines showcasing devices and tools. Two large touchscreens display various media content, including navigational and weather charts, photos, maps.

The ship's two Landing Zones (portside and starboard) are the launch/boarding points for landings. Both areas are on Deck 3 and sized 60 m2 (646 ft2). Landing Zone (aka Mudroom) is designed with durable materials and conveniently located to allow direct access to the ship's 24x Zodiacs (large motorized RIB boats) for shoreside cruising. Landing Zones are also used for watersports activities (like snorkeling in tropical climates) having plenty of storage space for equipment (boots, parkas, masks, fins).

Living Room (open-floor area serving as a lounge with a small seating area)

Seabourn Square is a "living room" lobby concept. This is a spacious bar lounge designed to serve as a general meeting place. It incorporates a small indoor lounge with comfortable seating, also the boat's Reception, Concierge Service Desks (24-hour assistance, information, bookings/reservations, purser service), Shore Excursions Desk, the Library, several Internet computers. Seabourn Square even has its own open-deck terrace (with glass railings, 2x mounted binoculars, padded seating/armchairs and sofas) for relaxation and observation.

The Club Lounge (disco nightclub on Deck 9 aft) is open for Afternoon Tea and later transforms into a dance club. Guests can enjoy cocktails and live music.

• This bar lounge has direct access to a wraparound terrace (sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies), offers 270-degree views (from floor-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows), plenty of comfortable seating (plush sofas, armchairs, low tables, window seats with decorative pillows), a central bar (with high stools), a large electric fireplace.
• The open-air Sky Bar (Deck 9 aft) serves The Club's terrace fitted with two Jacuzzies and sunbathing area with loungers and deckchairs.

The Meeting Room (deck 5 midship) also doubles as Card Room (for playing cards and popular board games).

The Boutique (deck 4) is a duty-free shop selling fashion clothes, brand cosmetics and perfumes, watches, jewelry, Seabourn-logoed merchandise, travel essentials, special occasion gifts, souvenirs.

"Spa at Seabourn" is the wellness area (spanning on two decks), with an outdoor relaxation/sundeck area, Massage-Treatment Rooms, Steam Room, Saunas, Thermal Suite, glass-roofed Spa pool, Beauty Salon.

Fitness Center is a panoramic-view modern gym fitted with latest Technogym equipment for strength and cardio training. Personal trainers provide nutrition and exercise plans. A series of complimentary classes including Pilates, Tai Chi, and yoga, are also offered. At the separate Motion Studio (Aerobics Room) are offered a series of complimentary classes, including Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi.

Observation Bar is a round-shaped observation lounge with a grand piano, and serving coffee and tea (every morning) and alcoholic drinks (before or after dinner).

The ship's largest outdoor relaxation areas are Sun Deck (deck 9), Promenade Deck (deck 5), Observation Deck (deck 10).

Itineraries

Seabourn Pursuit's itinerary program is based on polar itineraries (Arctic in the summer, Antarctic in the winter).

The Maiden Voyage (March 23, 2023) from Europe to Iceland (12-day itinerary themed "Wild and Ancient Scotland and Iceland/from Amsterdam Netherlands to Reykjavik, Iceland) was eventually canceled. It was followed by a 12-day North Atlantic Ocean crossing (Iceland to Europe) featuring Norwegian Fjords cruising and ending in Tromso.

Eventually, due to construction delays, the ship's delivery and inauguration were postponed, The new Maiden Voyage (August 12, 2023) is an 8-day Mediterranean itinerary from Valletta (Malta) to Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy).

For summer 2023 (Aug 26 - Sept 18) was planned a Northwest Passage voyage through the Canadian Arctic (from Iceland to Alaska/Reykjavik to Anchorage) priced from USD 38700 pp. Unfortunately, this sailing was also canceled.

Seabourn opened bookings for Pursuit ship's inaugural season in December 2021. The Maiden Voyage's prices started from USD 63100 per person (Veranda Suite with double occupancy).