A STAR IS BORN

Luxury line Seabourn is set to take expedition cruising to new levels of comfort with the launch of Seabourn Venture in July.

It’s early morning in Antarctica, and the whole continent is asleep. The mirrored surface of the sea reflects enormous gem-like glaciers, twinkling in the light. The occasional iceberg bobs by but, other than that, everything is still. That is until a humpback whale rises from the inky water next to you, slapping its tail and sending spray sky-high. These are nature’s alarm clocks when you’re exploring this vast southern realm.

In decades past, such final frontiers were only accessible to no-frills adventurers – travellers that came here were hardened explorers. Today, however, you can take in Antarctica’s wonders without compromising on life’s little luxuries. Enter Seabourn Venture, the newest, and most advanced, ship in the Seabourn fleet.

This vessel was purpose-built for exploring the ends of the Earth, designed to PC6 Polar Class standards, which means it can navigate those farflung ice floes with ease – and without damaging fragile environments. It also comes with three bow thrusters – all you need to know is that this makes Venture extremely nimble, and able to go where other ships simply can’t.

And when you get there – wherever there may be – you have an unrivalled number of ways to explore. Seabourn Venture is equipped with two custombuilt submarines, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. Accommodating six guests in swivel chairs (so you don’t miss a moment of the underwater action), these pods can travel up to

300 metres below the sea’s surface, revealing a marine wonderland that few others get to glimpse.

If you prefer to keep your head above water, Venture carries a complement of double sea kayaks as well as 24 Zodiacs that can zip you to shore to wander amid penguin colonies, perhaps, or trek over vast ice sheets in the company of highly skilled members of the expedition team – there are 26 specialised experts on every sailing, including naturalists, historians and scientists.

When you ease into warmer waters, Venture’s team can also point you in the direction of scuba and snorkelling gear. Because you’ll want to get mask-to-fin with marine life in the tropical waters that Venture travels to.

Venture is intimate, with just 132 allveranda staterooms. But she comes with a staggering eight dining experiences, from sushi in The Club to a fine-dining restaurant, a cafe to a lounge, where you can watch those icebergs drift by with a cocktail in hand. Applauded artist and designer Adam D. Tihany is behind the ship’s sleek spaces, inspired by the landscapes you pass during your voyage. He’s purposefully kept colours and textures earthy and neutral, so as to not distract from the real eye-candy outside. seabourn.com

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