The day begins with a private sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal—a different look after seeing Agra’s white-marble masterpiece the day before in the afternoon light. Coming up is a journey to another of India’s iconic destinations, the Pink City of Jaipur, to marvel at the centuries-old astronomical structures of the Jantar Mantar Observatory.
These UNESCO World Heritage sites are just a couple examples of where Seabourn offers special access to its guests, thanks to the cruise line’s position as the Official Cruise Partner of UNESCO. That partnership, which began in 2014, was just renewed through 2024; it includes specially planned tours to more than 170 of UNESCO’s 1,121 World Heritage sites, including multi-day pre-, post-, and mid-cruise extensions that offer a deep dive into some of the list’s biggest icons.
The World’s Most Treasured Locations
Judged as having cultural, historical or scientific significance, and legally protected by international treaties, UNESCO World Heritage sites are considered the world’s greatest treasures. They include the ancient center of Rome and its 2,000-year-old ruins, the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto in Japan, and the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. “We’re incredibly proud to continue our relationship with UNESCO as their official cruise partner, building on the work we have completed together in recent years,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “Together we share a common view that the preservation of cultural and historic sites around the world has lasting impact on travelers for generations to come.”
As part of the partnership, Seabourn gives a small donation to UNESCO for every optional UNESCO tour booked by a guest. This has resulted in contributions of more than $1 million to the organization—money that helps safeguard and promote World Heritage sites.
Aerial of Great Barrier Reef at Whitsunday Island
Daniel Osterkamp/Getty Images/Flickr RF
UNESCO Sites Your Clients Can Experience
Seabourn’s UNESCO tour program operates on several levels. For starters, there are special day tours to UNESCO sites available as excursions during Seabourn voyages. Examples include an “Evening at Ephesus” tour offered complimentary to all guests while in Kusadasi, Turkey, featuring a private classical concert in the ancient ruins under the stars. There’s also an “Edinburgh Castle & Panorama” tour of Edinburgh, Scotland, where both the Old Town—dominated by a medieval fortress—and the neoclassical New Town are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Seabourn also offers multi-day UNESCO World Heritage site-themed journeys available as pre- and post-cruise extensions that allow even more time to explore cultural and historic treasures. The trip to the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, for instance, falls into this category. Dubbed “UNESCO India’s Golden Triangle: The Taj Mahal & Jaipur,” the five-night tour is designed to be added onto Seabourn’s 18-day Jewels of Arabia & India cruise. Other multi-day cruise add-ons include trips to Cambodia’s Angkor temples and the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Canada’s Banff National Park also are the subjects of multi-day cruise extensions.
Seabourn also offers several mid-cruise overland programs to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the Old City of Jerusalem.
Access and Special Insight for Your Clients
Seabourn’s UNESCO World Heritage site program means the opportunity for deeper insight into the locations. Speakers with special knowledge about UNESCO World Heritage sites join select Seabourn sailings as a part of the line’s complimentary Seabourn Conversations enrichment and entertainment program.
In addition, some UNESCO World Heritage site tours, designated as Seabourn Discovery Tours, boast privileged access to restricted areas and sequestered collections or more in-depth experiences at the site. Custom interpretation by specially authorized experts and other unique personal experiences also are part of the tours.
In all, Seabourn offers more than 400 tour options of varying lengths at the more than 170 UNESCO-designated sites that are part of the program.
A Call to Action
Clients interested in booking a Seabourn cruise with the opportunity to add optional UNESCO World Heritage site tours can take advantage of the line’s Set Sail Event. Available through November 20, guests may receive 50% reduced deposit, veranda suite upgrades, up to $500 per suite in shipboard credit, and an air credit of up to $1,000 per person on select sailings in 2019 and 2020. Additional perks include a 300-minute Internet package and up to 15% savings on combination cruises.
The Set Sail Event offers even bigger savings for clients who book a Penthouse or Premium Suite, including shipboard credits up to $1,000 per suite and an Unlimited Internet Package.
As is always the case with Seabourn, fares are highly inclusive. All dining venues are complimentary, including eateries with dishes created in partnership with noted chef Thomas Keller. Premium spirits and fine wines are always available for no extra charge. Tipping is neither required nor expected. And clients will also find a complimentary in-suite bar in their rooms stocked with their preferences.
Get more information and book your clients on one of these unique cruises at seabourn.com.
