Prepare for an adventure where luxury meets the ends of the Earth. Seabourn, the leading name in luxury cruising and expedition travel, has lifted the curtain on the distinguished expedition teams set to guide guests through the breathtaking, icy realm of Antarctica during the 2025-2026 season.
Aboard the purpose-built expedition vessels, the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, every voyage is being meticulously transformed into a deeply immersive and educational journey.
The Heart of the Expedition: A Team of World-Class Experts
Each ship will carry a dedicated team of 23 hand-selected experts, a vibrant roster of over 80 professionals spanning the globe. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a floating university led by ornithologists, marine biologists, historians, oceanographers, and geologists.
Mark Tamis, President of Seabourn, highlights the essence of this experience: “Expeditions with Seabourn are where luxury meets adventure, and our expedition teams are at the heart of that experience. Their storytelling and expertise turn every landing, Zodiac ride, and onboard lecture into unforgettable moments of discovery.”
Guests will explore the ‘Great White Continent’ through Zodiac landings, kayaking excursions, and enriching lectures. For the ultimate thrill, the ships’ custom-built U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines, piloted by experts, will reveal the stunning, rarely-seen underwater world.
Meet the Mavericks of the Ice
The roster of talent is remarkable, combining decades of field experience and an infectious passion for the polar regions:
Expedition Leaders
- Luciano “Luqui” Bernacchi (Patagonia, Argentina): A Senior Polar Guide and Director of the Glaciarium Ice Museum, Luqui brings over 15 years of experience leading polar and remote voyages.
- Fridrik P. Fridriksson (Iceland/Norway): A multilingual guide with a decade of polar experience, blending Arctic guiding skills with a background in business.
- Chris Clarke (UK): A veteran of 16 years in expedition cruising, her deep love of remote landscapes drives her passion for every Antarctic season.
The Deep Dive: Submarine Pilots
- Dr. Merel Dalebout (Australia): An accomplished marine biologist who discovered several new species of beaked whales, now combining her scientific expertise as a submarine pilot.
- Isaac Yebra (Spain): A submarine pilot and former flight instructor with dual degrees in Environmental Biology and Geology, who also runs a sustainable olive oil and truffle farm.
Capturing the Moment: Photographers
Guests can hone their skills with the Image Master’s Program, led by adventurers like John Shedwick, a former mountain rescuer and adventure photographer, and Harry Rogers (Australia), known for his minimalist, natural-light wildlife and cultural documentation.
Paddles & Penguins: Kayak Guides & Naturalists
- Robert Egelstaff (UK/Canada): A world-renowned expedition canoeist, he has paddled on all seven continents and holds the British Canoe Union’s rare Honorary Coach title.
- Brent Houston (USA): Known as one of the foremost penguin experts in the world, with over 30 years of wildlife research and more than 400 expeditions under his belt.
Your Antarctic Journey
Between November 2025 and March 2026, the voyages offer a range of itineraries, including the classic 11-Day The Great White Continent and the comprehensive 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands journey.
All sailings simplify the journey by including a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia. Potential landings at iconic sites like the Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, and Neko Harbour promise immense glaciers and spectacular wildlife encounters.
To ensure peak comfort on the ice, every guest receives a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka and a WaterShield waterproof backpack, so they are fully equipped to experience the polar splendour. For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn voyages, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
