LUXURY SMALL SHIP CRUISES
Discover luxury Small Ship Expedition cruising across the globe with Seabourn
From round-the-clock caviar and champagne to sea kayaking amid porpoising penguins, an exclusive Small Ship Expedition Cruise with APT aboard one of Seabourn's state-of-the-art vessels promises the height of opulence and off-the-beaten-path discovery.
Donning a plush robe and slippers, slink into the comfortable lounge of your suite and dial Guest Services. At the ring of a phone, decadent Regiis Ova caviar is delivered straight to your door, served on a silver platter over ice, with all the trimmings. Paired with boiled egg yolks, red onion, sour cream, your choice of blini or toast, and champagne, a buttery sweetness envelopes your tastebuds as you bring the black gold to your mouth. Outside is a land where nature reigns supreme, and the scene that unfolds before you is in perpetual flux. One moment, glimpse a pod of humpback whales fluking as they descend into the depths of the Antarctic Ocean, then spot playful sea lions the next. The tranquil soundscape is punctuated by the thunderous cracks of calving azure glaciers. Welcome to the world of ultra-luxury Small Ship Expedition Cruising with Seabourn and APT, where the pinnacle of opulence and unexpected adventure converge.
A partnership built on a shared commitment to excellence and delivering unforgettable experiences, the alliance between APT and Seabourn opens a world of possibilities for travellers. Engineered for expeditions, the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are purpose-built for exploring the most remote destinations around the globe, offering access to places often beyond the reach of larger ships. Experience unrivalled comfort and elegance as you uncover the world’s wonders, from the pristine wilderness of Antarctica and the remote Kimberley coast to the endless emerald cliffs of the British Isles and the dazzling Mediterranean.
With no more than 264 guests on board and the services of an expert APT Cruise Director, these state-of-the-art vessels offer an intimate, cruising experience. Explore by kayak, Zodiac or custom-designed submarine, guided by a 23-member Expedition Team. Seven worldclass dining venues rival the finest restaurants on land, offering everything from lavish buffets to made-to order sushi, with premium beverages available at all times. When you prefer to retreat, indulge in the luxury of 24-hour in-suite dining. Entry level suites start at a generous 33 square metres, boasting ocean view verandas, walk-in closets, elegant en suites with bespoke Molton Brown toiletries, and personalised minibars for unrivalled convenience.
While every day brings a sense of mystery with each new adventure that unfolds, some details are guaranteed – like 24/7 caviar and memories that will be imprinted on your mind for a lifetime. All that’s left to do is choose your adventure.
British Isles and Ireland Cruise
Set sail on a remarkable 13-day voyage through the storied British Isles aboard the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Venture. From the charm of Edinburgh to the ancient Neolithic stone circles of the windswept Orkney Islands, this journey reveals the soul of this enchanting region.
Travel to the most remote inhabited island in Britain, Fair Isle, occupied by around 60 residents. Famous for its traditional knitted woollen sweaters, the island is home to over 200 flowering plants and one of the largest European colonies of Atlantic puffin. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome from the islanders before sharing tea and freshly baked treats in the community hall.
As one of Seabourn’s Expedition Leaders, Luciano Bernacchi plays an integral role in continuously monitoring weather and sea conditions to plan for outdoor activities, from Zodiac cruises to submersible dives. Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Fingal’s Cave up-close by Zodiac. Situated on the striking uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, this vast natural sea cave is home to unique hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. “Very few have the opportunity to experience what our guests do,” Bernacchi shares.
Uncover the scenic beauty of the Isle of Man, encounter Middle Age fortresses in North Wales, and conclude your voyage in the vibrant heart of Dublin.
13-DAY SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION CRUISE - Britain and Ireland Explorer - Seabourn Venture
Cruise Antarctica
An adventure through Antarctica leaves even the most seasoned travellers spellbound. Take an included private APT flight to Ushuaia, where your expedition ship and team of polar experts await.
The first two days of your 10-night voyage through the Antarctic Peninsula will be spent crossing the infamous Drake Passage. Learn about the adventures ahead with informative presentations on Antarctica’s wildlife and geology, delivered by your 23-member Expedition Team. As you encounter the first icebergs of Antarctica, you’ll be mesmerised by this magical setting, where glaciers are signposts and whales lead the way. Your Captain will chart a course showcasing the most remarkable sights, guided by the prevailing ice and weather conditions.
Each day presents a new adventure, from spectacular expeditions to thrilling shore landings. Glide past electric-blue icebergs on Zodiacs, explore ashore amid chattering penguins, and witness whales breach in glacial bays. Watch your ship break ice from the open bow, take in panoramic views from the onboard whirlpool, and never miss a moment as you soak up the ever-changing scenery from your suite’s veranda. For adventure seekers, a polar plunge is sure to be unforgettable – as you jump into the pristine Antarctic waters attached to a tethered harness.
This journey is bookended by luxurious city stays in Buenos Aires, where you’ll be immersed in the fiery tango and vibrant culture of Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital.
Cruise Australia
For those drawn to nature, wildlife and Aboriginal culture, a cruise along the untamed Kimberley coast aboard the Seabourn Pursuit offers the ideal adventure. Guided by a 23-member Expedition Team, embark on daily Zodiac boat excursions to discover the region’s most captivating natural wonders up-close at sea level, including King George Falls, Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls.
APT Cruise Director Margie Colbeck has explored destinations far and wide but finds herself perpetually gravitating towards the Kimberley’s rugged beauty. “One absolute stand out is Montgomery Reef,” notes Colbeck. “Imagine witnessing an underwater world rise dramatically from the ocean, creating lagoons and cascading waterfalls in the middle of the sea.
Discovering nature at its best as you see turtles escaping into the water, birds preying on the reef for their next feed, and sand cays forming close by – all of this while sitting in a Zodiac as it unfolds. It is something truly memorable and something one can never forget.”
Explore ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art on Jar Island. Experience a Welcome to Country and an immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people at Freshwater Cove. And discover diverse wildlife at Ashmore Reef Marine Park. All while you indulge in world-class cuisine, premium beverages and unrivalled personalised luxury.
10-DAY SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION CRUISE - Kimberley Coastal Expedition - Seabourn Pursuit
Cruise the Mediterranean
Explore the wonders of the Mediterranean on a 15-day voyage from Istanbul to Barcelona aboard the Seabourn Venture, where rich heritage, iconic landmarks and mesmerising islands await.
Immerse yourself in ANZAC history with a captivating excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Trace the stories of ancient civilisations, from the ruins of Troy to the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus. And delve deeper into Türkiye’s culture in Kuşadası, where you’ll enjoy an authentic home-cooked lunch and folklore show at a local handicraft museum.
Venture to the dazzling islands of Greece, where life unfolds at a slower pace. Lose yourself in the tangle of tiny lanes in Mykonos’ Chora, uncovering postcard perfect scenes of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches at every turn. APT’s Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities in select destinations enable you to personalise your journey to suit your interests. Dock in Mahón on the Spanish island of Menorca, where you can tour an old fishing village or visit a local gin distillery. On the French Island of Corsica, choose to visit Napoleon’s birthplace, Maison Bonaparte, or explore an essential oil distillery in the hillside commune of Ocana.
Concluding in Barcelona, this luxurious passage is complete with all-inclusive premium beverages, expertly curated excursions, and moments designed to linger long after you disembark.
15-DAY SMALL SHIP CRUISE - Mediterranean Wonders - Seabourn Venture
Words by Jemma Glucina-Henderson