Seabourn Venture sits at the elegant end of expedition cruising. The ship’s smart livery of forest green and white, all balcony suite accommodation and stern infinity pool give it private yacht vibes that belie an underlying toughness.
Built to stringent PC6 standards, Venture can deal with all the challenges of polar waters and still serve guests complimentary caviar. It’s popular with well-heeled travellers who’ve enjoyed Seabourn’s ocean cruises and want to explore remote and rugged destinations without lowering their standard of luxury.
There’s a heavy focus on Antarctica and the Arctic, but you can also sail the Amazon, South America and Europe with only a couple of hundred other passengers.
Overall score 9/10
Style and Character 9/10
In a sector where many ships are workhorses, Venture is a thoroughbred. The luxury lodge look, developed by Seabourn’s designer Adam D Tihany, creates a sumptuous cocoon where guests feel sheltered from the elements. Lounges and bars feature leather, velvet, wood and faux fur; restaurants are all starched table linen and polished glassware.
There are nods to the ship’s practical capabilities, too – the Bow Lounge, with its navigation instruments mimicking those found on the bridge, allows guests to indulge their maritime fancies while also keeping an eye out for passing polar bears or whales.
Cabins 9/10
Accommodation is outstanding. All 132 suites come with private verandas, walk-in closets and bathrooms spacious enough for separate showers and bathtubs. The décor oozes quality, with neutral colours, cosy textiles, and wood and marble finishes. Even entry-level cabins are true suites, with a seating area that can be separated from the bed. The Panorama Suites are the pick of the crop; clever alignment allows ocean views from the bed, plus a window-side seating area and a balcony.
Food and Drink 9/10
The no-sacrifice-necessary approach to expedition cruising is particularly evident in Venture’s culinary offering. Alongside The Restaurant’s high-end, pretty-as-a-picture dishes – there are specials and a soufflé every day – you can select from expansive buffets in The Colonnade, which has a less formal atmosphere. Included extras are legion, from sushi served in The Club, afternoon tea in the Constellation Lounge, gelato and speciality coffee in The Square, and 24/7 room service – handy for early breakfasts.
Service and Facilities 9/10
Venture has all the facilities you would expect from an expedition ship, upgraded in both size and style. Two forward lounges are excellent for scenic cruising, the spa has a sea-view sauna, the fitness centre is well-equipped, and the Discovery Lounge, where presentations take place, feels like a luxury cinema – perfect for screening footage from the ship’s state-of-the-art, mast-mounted HD video camera.
Seabourn’s expedition team are highly qualified experts and I loved having the chance to quiz them at every available opportunity.
Entertainment and Excursions 8/10
As with most expedition cruising, the lion’s share of shore excursions are included. Guided walks and Zodiac boat trips are complimentary. So too is snorkelling in select warm-weather destinations such as the South Pacific. You’ll pay extra for more niche options, including kayaking and Seabourn’s Image Masters photography programme.
Entertainment is more low-key than aboard Seabourn’s mainstream ships. Expect presentations from the expedition team on aspects of the destination, and perhaps a little live music – a pianist or a singer – in the evening.
Value for Money 8/10
There’s not much that sits outside the package. All dining venues, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the mini bar, caviar, gratuities, onboard lectures and entertainment, most shore excursions, and Wi-Fi are all included.
Spa treatments, onboard shopping, some premium wines and spirits, upgraded Wi-Fi, and extra shore excursions come at a cost, but most guests could disembark without spending an extra penny and still feel they’d enjoyed an extremely luxurious trip.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Five of the suites on board and most public areas are wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchairs cannot be transported on Zodiacs, making expedition cruising in remote regions tricky for those with mobility challenges. The Seabourn app works with screen-reading technology so visually impaired guests can access information. Visual alarms, closed-captioned in-suite TVs and assistive listening systems in show lounges aid those hard of hearing.
Family-friendly?
While not strictly adults-only, there are no specific facilities or programming for kids. You may find a few families with older children sailing during the school holidays.