Ship review: Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn's luxurious second ship is staffed by a stellar crew and offers unique submarine excursions, finds Katie Lockhart

Ship overview

This Polar Class ice-strengthened vessel matches its sister ship Seabourn Venture with 132 oceanfront veranda suites and nearly 30,000sq ft of space spread across nine decks.

The ship also has a team of 26 knowledgeable expedition leaders on board, part of an exceptionally attentive 240-person staff who not only learn all 264 passengers’ names, but their favourite drinks too.

Cabins

The 132 cabins are split into 12 categories, ranging from cosy Veranda Suites to two-storey Wintergarden Suites and sprawling Signature Suites with private hot tubs. All cabins invoke warmth through the laminate wood wall panels, leather headboards, custom-made wool blankets and calming colour scheme.

Bright and sophisticated faux Carrara marble bathrooms include a large tub and compact shower. Each room’s walk-in wardrobe, private balcony and heated clothing rack are major pluses, melding smart design with luxury touches.

Food and drink 

Breakfast and lunch buffets range from Spanish to Indian in The Colonnade and fine dining à la carte at The Restaurant. But Pursuit’s most special culinary offering is arguably the sushi counter in The Club, which crafts sashimi and sushi rolls to order.

Throughout the day, cafe-style Seabourn Square dishes out homemade ice cream, cakes, cookies and coffee, while The Constellation Lounge serves an elegant afternoon tea by luxury tea brand TWG. And should clients fancy a midnight snack, there’s 24/7 room service – including Seabourn’s signature caviar.

Facilities

The Technogym offers stunning views with its floor-to-ceiling windows, while, post-workout, clients can sit in the sauna or relax in one of the spa’s four treatment rooms – one of the few things not included in the cruise fare. And what’s an expedition ship without a Discovery Center, where passengers can enjoy daily briefings and lectures?

There are two hot tubs located at the ship’s photo-worthy heated pool area, which are perfect for warming up in following a shoreside excursion or polar plunge. Throughout the day and into the evening, entertainment includes movies in the Discovery Center, music at The Club and games in the Expedition Lounge.

Submarine excursions

Pursuit’s two custom-made submersibles carry passengers down to depths of up to 300 metres. Seabourn is one of three companies to carry these vehicles, offering what is arguably the world’s most unique cruise activity.

Book it: The 11-day Great White Continent cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia starts at £7,124 per person based on double occupancy in a Veranda Suite, departing on November 15. The price is all-inclusive, including a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and premium alcohol.
seabourn.com

PICTURES: J Shedwick

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