By Staff Writer
Seabourn has released more information on the ultra-luxury public spaces onboard its two new expedition ships, set to launch in June 2021 and May 2022. Design icon Adam D. Tihany, who has served as the creative lead for many Seabourn projects, helped create the communal hubs, as well as all indoor and outdoor guest areas on Seabourn Venture and its yet-to-be-named sister ship.
“When you conjure up images of the ideal adventure trip, you would head out into the stunning wilderness for the day knowing that when you return a cozy, welcoming space filled with luxurious materials like leathers and rich woods that invites relaxation and conversation awaits you,” said Richard Meadows, Seabourn’s president. “Each of these newly designed spaces hits that note perfectly, leaving our guests wanting for nothing and giving them an inviting place to talk to fellow travellers each day about the incredible experiences they had, sharing memorable stories or viewing photos they took.”
The Expedition Lounge, located on Deck 4, is the heart of the ship and will be a gathering place for guests to relax with a complimentary cocktail or glass of fine wine from the bar. The space will be central to the Seabourn expedition operation where guests convene before and after expeditions each day. Custom furniture designed from natural materials creates an inviting atmosphere, while a vintage map of Antarctica and intricate tools and devices of the trade are displayed. Two large touch screens will also showcase photos, navigational charts, weather charts and maps.
Adjacent to the Expedition Lounge, the Discovery Centre acts as the teaching and academic hub for natural history and cultural programming in an environment spacious enough to accommodate all guests at one time. Each day, guests can attend the Seabourn Conversations enrichment programming designed to help educate them throughout the trip. The world-class, 26-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists will deliver insightful lectures and discussions on a broad array of topics related to the region where guests are sailing. Backed by topography maps and plush custom seating, the Discovery Center additionally boasts high-definition screens showing a variety of programming, including footage from daily submarine voyages.
Port and Starboard, the two landing zones located on Deck 3, are the launch and recovery points for landings. The 60-metre spaces allow guests to change and clean their gear in comfort while also providing room to store their rubber boots. In tropical areas, the Landing Zones will be used for snorkeling and similar activities, with storage space available for fins and masks. Guests will move through the two Landing Zones in small groups to keep waiting time and crowding to a minimum for excursion departures. Just a floor below on Deck 2, they can step directly from the ship and head off across the water or onward to a landing point ashore.
Seabourn ships’ focal point, the Atrium, is a skylit space complete with an elegant winding staircase. A captivating art display emulating traditional wind measuring instruments is suspended at the centre with wood and metal detailing seen throughout.
More details about public spaces and suites on the new expedition ships will continue to be revealed in the coming months. Specific details about itineraries and booking availability will be released in mid-2019.