Seabourn Pursuit is the second of Seabourn's purpose-built expedition ships, launched in August 2023 after a USD 265 million build at Italy's T. Mariotti yard. At 170 metres she carries just 264 guests and 120 crew to places like Antarctica, Australia's Kimberley coast and the South Pacific — built to PC6 Polar Class standards, with 24 Zodiacs and a 19-strong team of scientists, academics and naturalists on board.
The appeal is the mix of genuine expedition access with yacht-style comfort. Every suite faces the ocean and nearly all have a private veranda, from the 33 sqm Veranda Suite up to the 130 sqm Grand Wintergarden Suite, a two-level duplex with two verandas and a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom. The top-tier Signature Suite at the stern has a curved veranda with its own canopied spa tub and loungers.
Food is fully included, and almost everything is open-seating. The Restaurant is the main dining room, Solis serves Mediterranean-inspired fine dining built around seasonal produce and seafood, and fresh sushi appears nightly in The Club using fish shipped from Japan. The Colonnade does buffet and theme nights, The Patio serves poolside pizza and burgers, and Earth & Ocean turns the pool deck into an al fresco dinner venue each evening. Caviar and champagne by the pool cost nothing extra, and premium drinks are poured across the ship at all hours.
Excursions are the real draw. Zodiac landings can put you ashore on beaches with zero infrastructure, and snorkelling, guided hikes and community-led cultural tours are all part of the fare. Signature moments include the Polar Plunge and Caviar on the Ice. Extras cost more: kayaking from the ship's eight double kayaks, a helicopter flight over the Kimberley to Mitchell Falls, and the Image Masters photography workshop with a professional nature photographer.
Families should note this isn't a kids' ship. There's no kids' club, guests must be at least six to join excursions, and anyone under 21 must share a suite with an adult. It suits older children, teens and multigenerational groups far better than toddlers. Dress code is relaxed by day and 'elegant casual' after 6pm — slacks and a collared shirt for men, with smart jeans welcome everywhere.
Solo travellers are well catered for. Seabourn runs a reduced single supplement from just 50% on select voyages, and with roughly one crew member per guest, single passengers report it's easy to socialise.
For anyone weighing up an Antarctica or Kimberley trip, the takeaway is simple: this is a small-ship experience where landings, lectures, drinks, dining and gratuities are all wrapped into one fare — you'll pay extra mainly for spa treatments, kayaking, helicopter flights and a handful of bespoke excursions.
