Today, when travelers have opportunities to connect to the world through technology, and even the most remote temple or village can be “explored” without leaving your desk, many are seeking out new ways to experience destinations. Simply visiting the sites one has read about online—while perhaps also seeing countless images on your laptop of the same places—can feel disappointing. Many travelers today are looking for something deeper and richer, with the power to transform their understanding of the world. Catering to that demand has presented a challenge to cruise lines and it is one that Seabourn has embraced with its new Ventures by Seabourn program. Designing excursions that are interactive, experiential, and participatory is at the heart of Ventures by Seabourn.
The enhanced, optional excursions combine Seabourn’s recognized expertise at providing ultra-luxury experiences with the excitement of the best expedition cruises. These excursions—expertly planned, professionally operated, and escorted by skilled expert guides—are available in select ports of call and can either be booked online in advance or after travelers have embarked on their Seabourn cruise.
Ventures by Seabourn excursions are guided by an accomplished, well-traveled expedition team comprised of scientists, scholars, historians, and naturalists with on-the-ground experience and academic credentials. Part of the complimentary Seabourn Conversations program, these experts are tasked with providing travelers with an in-depth understanding of the history, ecology, and culture of the places they’re visiting. On board, their insights are offered both in formal presentations and in casual conversations over meals or just strolling the decks. On shore, during excursions, they focus their skills on allowing travelers to experience nature up close, as they interact with their environment in the moment and participate in the experience in a spontaneous, exploratory way.
Seabourn’s Ventures by Seabourn excursions in Antarctica include guided kayak tours that allow you to get a close look at the majestic icebergs along the coast of the frozen continent. You’ll also paddle by penguins and curious seals and, perhaps, get close (though not too close) to whales. Optional Ventures by Seabourn kayak tours are also available when the ship calls at South Georgia Island, known for its many birds and marine life. You’ll paddle amongst king penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals all against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the peaks and glaciers of the islands in the South Georgia group. “We are very pleased to share our experienced and qualified team for our 2018 and 2019 Antarctica season. The strength of this group is that we have a fantastic variety of academic passion, old-school experience, and present-day local knowledge,” said Robin West, Vice President of Expedition Operations for Seabourn. “The team will not only join the guests ashore and on zodiac tours, but also on optional Ventures by Seabourn kayak trips. The team will add to the onboard experience with complimentary lectures on their fields of expertise such as marine biology, geology, ornithology, and history, and will be on hand to point out wildlife, join guests for dinner, and answer questions about the Great White Continent they have all come to love.”
Travelers who join some of Ventures by Seabourn excursions this summer will discover a new way to understand their world and its natural beauty. When they return home from their trips, the question they will ask themselves will likely be not “Where have I been?” but “How have I changed?”
