Seabourn Names 23-Member Expedition Teams for 2025-26 Antarctica

Seabourn has named the expedition teams that will accompany guests to Antarctica during the 2025-26 season aboard the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. Each ship will sail with a 23-member group of specialists spanning fields that include marine biology, ornithology, geology, oceanography, history and polar exploration.

“Expeditions with Seabourn are where luxury meets adventure, and our expedition teams are at the heart of that experience,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. He said the company curated the groups for “depth of knowledge, engaging presence, and passion for exploration,” adding that their storytelling and expertise are designed to enhance landings, Zodiac rides and onboard lectures.

How the teams support landings, Zodiac operations and onboard programming

Seabourn said expedition staff will lead Zodiac landings and guided explorations, provide interpretation during wildlife encounters, and host lectures and informal discussions throughout each voyage. Kayaking excursions are also part of the activity mix on these Antarctica sailings, supported by dedicated guides.

In addition to shore and small-boat operations, the expedition program includes submersible experiences. The ships carry custom-built U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines, with submarine pilots taking guests below the surface during the expeditions.

Team composition and examples of roles onboard

Across the two ships, Seabourn’s broader expedition staff spans more than 80 professionals worldwide, with 23 assigned to each ship during the Antarctica season. The line said the teams are built to match the region’s wildlife, landscapes and maritime history, and to support guests across land, sea and ice.

• Expedition leadership: Expedition leaders coordinate daily operations and landing plans, balancing the day’s objectives with on-the-ground conditions.
• Naturalists and lecturers: Specialists lead interpretation during wildlife encounters and deliver onboard talks to add context to what guests are seeing.
• Photography specialists: Photographers are available to help guests capture the expedition experience across changing light and weather conditions.
• Kayak guides: Dedicated guides support paddling excursions in permitted areas and help manage logistics around small-group outings.
• Submarine pilots and support crew: Submersible team members operate the Cruise Sub 7 submarines during the expedition program.
• Zodiac drivers: Small-boat operators support landings and near-shore exploration, helping position guests for viewing and access.

Seabourn also highlighted individuals across several specialties, including expedition leaders Luciano Luqui Bernacchi, Fridrik P. Fridriksson, Chris Clarke, Dominic “Dom” Del Rosario and Juan Restrepo; submarine team members Merel Dalebout and Isaac Yebra; photographers John Shedwick and Harry Rogers; and kayak guides Robert Egelstaff and Brandon Payne.

Sailing windows and itinerary options for the Antarctica program

The season covered by Seabourn’s announcement runs from November 2025 through March 2026. The company said the same two ships are also scheduled to operate again from November 2026 through March 2027.

For the 2025-26 window, Seabourn listed multiple itinerary lengths focused on the Antarctic Peninsula and, on longer voyages, additional sub-Antarctic destinations.

• 11-day The Great White Continent: A shorter option centered on Antarctic scenery and wildlife encounters supported by the expedition team.
• 13-day Antarctica Exploration: A longer Antarctica-focused itinerary designed to add additional time for landings, Zodiac operations and programming.
• 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands: A long-format voyage pairing the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Potential landing locations highlighted for the Antarctica region include the Lemaire Channel, Deception Island and Neko Harbor, where routes can feature glaciers and icebergs depending on conditions.

Logistics: Buenos Aires hotel, charter flights and included expedition gear

Seabourn said its Antarctica sailings include a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires, along with roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the expedition begins before the ships head south toward the Antarctic Peninsula and related areas.

For cold-weather gear, guests on all Antarctic sailings are set to receive a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka with a removable insulated liner, as well as a WaterShield waterproof backpack.

Rio turnaround and Pier Mau’s growing role in South American cruising

As part of the move toward the Antarctica season, the Seabourn Venture is scheduled to call at the Pier Mau Cruise Terminal in Rio de Janeiro for a turnaround operation on Nov. 11, 2025. From Rio, the ship is set to begin a 28-day cruise to Ushuaia as it repositions for the 2025-26 Antarctica season.

After leaving Rio, the itinerary is scheduled to call at Paraty, Balneário Camboriú and Montevideo before continuing toward the Falkland Islands. In the Falklands, the sailing includes a two-day Seabourn expedition experience in the archipelago followed by a visit to Port Stanley. Before arriving in Ushuaia in early December, the ship is also scheduled for a five-day expedition experience in South Georgia and a six-day expedition experience in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Seabourn’s repositioning call comes as Rio de Janeiro’s Pier Mau sees growing activity. The terminal has hosted calls by ships including MSC Fantasia, Celebrity Equinox and Scenic Eclipse, and it is also set to support homeport operations from MSC and Costa Cruises with itineraries offering three- to nine-night sailings across Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

With expedition teams identified and sailing windows set across the November-to-March operating season, Seabourn is positioning Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit to run a mix of shorter and longer Antarctica programs in 2025-26, followed by a return on a similar schedule in 2026-27 as demand for polar expeditions continues to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How large are Seabourn’s expedition teams for Antarctica?

Each of the two ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, will host a 23-member expedition team for the Antarctica season.

Which Antarctica itineraries is Seabourn offering for the 2025-26 season?

Seabourn listed an 11-day The Great White Continent, a 13-day Antarctica Exploration, and a 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands voyage.

What is included with Seabourn’s Antarctica sailings besides the cruise itself?

Each sailing includes a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, plus a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka and a WaterShield waterproof backpack for each guest.

Do Seabourn’s expedition ships offer submarine experiences in Antarctica?

Yes. Submarine pilots operate the ships’ custom-built U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines during the expedition program.

What is the significance of the Pier Mau Cruise Terminal?

The Pier Mau Cruise Terminal in Rio de Janeiro is positioned as a South American hub for cruise operations, including turnaround calls such as Seabourn Venture’s Nov. 11, 2025 operation, as well as broader regional itineraries across Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina supported by other cruise lines.