Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced the inaugural itineraries for its newest cruise ship, Seabourn Venture. The first voyage will depart from Miami on November 2 and sail to a series of ports including Havana, Cuba; Nassau, Bahamas; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
WHY IT RATES: Lasting a dozen days apiece, Seabourn Venture’s bold inaugural itineraries—Wild & Ancient British Isles Voyage and Expedition of Scottish and Norse Legends—can be combined into a 24-day British Isles & Norse Legend Expedition voyage; and the even more adventurous traveler can also add an 11-day Svalbard Exploration sailing for an epic 35-day expedition voyage. — Laurie Baratti, Associate Writer
Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel company, is appealing to adventurers and historians alike with the announcement of Seabourn Venture’s new inaugural itineraries, Wild & Ancient British Isles Voyage and Scottish and Norse Legends Expedition, setting sail in April 2022.
The first of the line’s two new purpose-built, ultra-luxury expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture is scheduled to depart for its inaugural voyage on April 10, 2022, exploring the United Kingdom in an unprecedented way with a 12-day Inaugural Wild & Ancient British Isles voyage from Greenwich (London), England, to Leith (Edinburgh). The ship will then sail on a 12-day Scottish and Norse Legends Expedition out of Leith (Edinburgh) on April 22, 2022, exploring the coastal beauty of Scotland and Norway en route to Tromso, Norway. These voyages are available for booking on August 19, 2021.
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Starting on May 4, 2022, Seabourn Venture will depart Tromso for its maiden summer season in the Arctic, as previously stated. The ship will set sail for the Arctic, stopping at Svalbard, the North Cape, and other Norwegian sites, as well as Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Guests who can’t get enough of expedition cruising with Seabourn can combine the two new itineraries into a 24-day British Isles & Norse Legend Expedition voyage. For the even more adventurous, combine the two new itineraries with the following 11-day Svalbard Exploration sailing for an epic 35-day expedition voyage.
“We’re excited to usher in a new age of adventure cruising, and our first Seabourn Venture itineraries through the British Isles, Scotland, and Norway are the ideal place to start,” said Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz. “Seabourn Venture, our first purpose-built expedition ship, is a ship unlike any other, with the ideal mix of luxury and adventure to break boundaries and create lasting experiences in locations overflowing with natural and cultural wonders,” says the company.
The following are some of the highlights from Seabourn Venture’s first voyages:
Wild & Ancient British Isles Voyage
The 12-day first trip starts from Greenwich, the birthplace of the Greenwich Meridian, and sails to Tresco Island, home to Abbey Gardens, a world-renowned subtropical plant refuge. Visit Dublin, the UNESCO City of Literature, sample whisky from one of Islay’s renowned and isolated distilleries, and go on a Zodiac boat to visit Staffa Island and Fingal’s Cave. Explore distant and intriguing St. Kilda – dubbed “the edge of the earth” – to learn about its history and legends. Watch charismatic puffins arrive and go from their nests on Lunga Island, and watch charismatic puffins come and leave from their nests on Iona. Finish the journey with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Orkney Islands’ old archaeological riches and a Zodiac trip to Copinsay’s enormous seabird colonies.
Edinburgh is a city in Scotland. (Seabourn provided the picture)
Scottish and Norse Legends Expedition
Set sail for Fair Isle in the North Sea, where 70 people live on traditional crofts amid a sheep and bird-filled island. Visit Mousa and its Iron Age round tower, Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Alesund’s magnificent art nouveau city. Discover the UNESCO site of the Vega Archipelago and the older ducks who maintain life there via Zodiac cruise across the magnificent Lofoten Islands and into the narrow Trollfjord, and set foot on Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point.
Seabourn Venture will also take use of Seabourn’s status as UNESCO World Heritage’s official cruise partner by offering UNESCO Partner Tours that visit a variety of World Heritage Sites throughout the world. On the first two itineraries, the ship will stop at a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
—Am Bile, Scotland’s St. Kilda – A volcanic archipelago with a stunning scenery that includes some of Europe’s tallest cliffs, which are home to huge seabird populations. Investigate the history and relics of 2,000 years of human habitation in harsh environments.
Visit Bryggen, the ancient dock where the Hanseatic League conducted its trade empire in the 14th century. Exploration of old wooden houses with narrow corridors and tiny workshops and rooms is interesting.
—Dublin, Ireland – The city that inspired famous writers Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Nobel Prize-winner James Joyce, with designated bridges, streets, and buildings bearing their names.
—Flam, Norway – Stunning fjord scenery with towering mountains plunging 1,400 meters into the clear green sea.
—Greenwich (London), England – Tour the historic town center, Royal Park, and associated institutional structures, which serve as architectural icons of English creative and scientific efforts from the 17th to 19th centuries.
—Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland – Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stennes, and Maeshowe tomb are among the archaeological riches found here.
—Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland – The old town, with its medieval stronghold, and the neighboring new town, with its neoclassical design, have influenced European urban planning and give the city its distinct character.
In Bergen, Norway, a view of Bruges. (Image courtesy of VYCHEGZHANINA/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Exploration Equipment and Inclusive Expedition Experiences
At almost every location visited by the ships, Seabourn Venture and its sister ship will offer a broad variety of included experience shore excursions. The ships will also include all-inclusive adventure activities including trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and Zodiac sailing. Guests will have plenty of chances to make the most of their sea-level experiences, which will include anything from sailing beautiful fjords and rivers to hiking stunning islands and seeing and learning about birds, seals, whales, and other animals. The ships will also provide optional beach excursions and Seabourn Expeditions with kayaking and two custom-built submarines at certain locations, in addition to free excursions. Close-up views of animals and natural landscapes will be available, as well as unparalleled closeness with the ocean’s undersea marvels.
All of the Seabourn Expedition activities will be operated and guided by the ships’ skilled, world-class expedition crew of scientists, academics, and naturalists. The following expedition experiences are planned for in-depth investigation on Seabourn Venture’s first two voyages:
—Kayak and submarine to Alesund, Norway
—Baile Mor, Iona, Scotland – by kayak and Zodiac landing
—Kayaking at Bronnoysund, Norway
—Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom – via kayak and submarine
—Runde Island, Norway – via Zodiac, kayak, and submarine
—Mousa, Shetland Islands, Scotland – landing by Zodiac and kayak
—Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland – kayaking and Zodiac cruise
—Kayak and submarine to Skarsvag, Norway
—Staffa, Scotland – via submarine, kayak, and Zodiac cruise
—Zodiac landing, kayak, and submarine at Svolvar (Lofoten), Norway
—Kayak and submarine to Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
—Zodiac cruise in Trollfjord, Norway
Seabourn is the ultimate in ultra-luxury travel. All-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading onboard team; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at ease; and a pedigree in expedition travel borne through the Ventures by Seabourn program. Seabourn brings passengers to more than 400 ports across the world, including well-known cities as well as lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also UNESCO World Heritage’s official cruise partner.
Seabourn guests enjoy exceptional services and activities, including as collaborations with top performers, cuisine, personal health and wellness, and interesting lecturers.
Visit seabourn.com for more details.
SOURCE: A news release from Seabourn.