Seabourn Pursuit Review

Launched in July 2023, Seabourn Pursuit is the luxury cruise line’s second custom-built expedition ship, following in the footsteps of 2022’s Seabourn Venture. And Seabourn Pursuit is nearly identical to its sister ship: a 23,000-gross-ton, 264-passenger luxury vessel that features PC6 Polar Class standards, advanced technology and two submarines.

Other than the name, the differences between the two ships are very subtle and are restricted to the onboard décor. Where Seabourn Venture features more accents that allude to cold-weather destinations, Seabourn Pursuit looks to the Tropics for inspiration.

The choice of decorative details isn’t merely cosmetic: Seabourn Pursuit’s itineraries are built with an emphasis on longitudinal treks, meaning the ship spends more time on warm-weather destinations than Seabourn Venture, while still visiting polar regions yearly during the Arctic and Antarctic seasons.

Beyond its subtle nods to the flora and fauna of equatorial latitudes, Seabourn Pursuit displays the luxury touches that the cruise line is known for. The ship’s luxe resort style follows the blueprint conjured by renowned designer Adam D. Tihany – who also designed Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. The posh design matches the product: with the exception of some special excursions -- including those that require the use of kayaks or the onboard submarines – Seabourn Pursuit is an all-inclusive cruise.

Seabourn Pursuit Deck Plans Emphasize Luxury with Expedition Touches

With only nine decks, Seabourn Pursuit offers an easy to navigate, ‘yacht-like’ environment that combines class and comfort. The amenities and public spaces wouldn’t feel out of place on a non-expedition luxury ship, and many of its venues are found on other Seabourn vessels.

The heart of the ship is the cozy Expedition Lounge on Deck 4, nicely nudged between The Restaurant and the theater-like Discovery Center. Flanked by a bar and boutique, this lounge serves as a lovely après-expedition hangout or the place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner libation.

For a ship of its size, however, Seabourn Pursuit offers a wealth of cozy areas to kick back and relax. The iconic Seabourn Square, located on Deck 6 at the back of the ship, features various amenities like a library, a guest services desk, a coffee bar and an outdoor area. On the opposite end of Deck 6, The Bow Lounge is unique to Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture and is the place to take in all the natural scenery. The venue is equipped with touchscreens that show navigational charts and other maritime and scientific information, mimicking the look and feel of the ship’s bridge.

On Deck 9, The Club hosts the daily Sushi in the Club culinary experience, where passengers can enjoy the popular Japanese dish as well as crafted cocktails. Constellation Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is Seabourn Pursuit’s highest indoor viewing point, and also the place to enjoy afternoon tea or evening cocktails.

As the ship’s fleet of 24 zodiacs is stored on the top deck, Seabourn Pursuit doesn’t have a typical pool deck. Instead, it has a small infinity pool and a pair of hot tubs on Deck 5 at the back of the ship as well as a couple of hot tubs on Deck 9.

Cabins on Seabourn Pursuit Balance Elegance and Efficiency Across Nine Categories

Seabourn Pursuit’s 132 all-balcony ocean-facing suites in nine categories, from the entry-level veranda suites to the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Grand Wintergarden Suites.

The cabins on Seabourn Pursuit strike the right balance between luxurious comfort and practical design for expedition needs. Standard amenities across all cabin categories include walk-in closets, multiple types of pillows, and spacious bathrooms with shower and bathtub.

As a relatively small ship, Seabourn Pursuit can be susceptible to rough seas. Selecting a cabin in the middle of the ship can help assuage the effect of motion sickness.

Food on Seabourn Pursuit Serves Several Options

Seabourn Pursuit boasts seven dining venues, headed by The Restaurant dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Colonnade is a more casual alternative for buffet or table service breakfast and lunch, and themed dinner served tableside, including family-style menus by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller.

Other eateries include The Patio for al fresco lunch on fine days, Sushi in The Club and Seabourn Square for specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches and snacks. There is also 24-hour in-suite dining, which includes dinner from The Restaurant menu served course by course.