Summary: The Seabourn Venture Antarctic voyage reached 70° South — the most southerly point a Seabourn ship has attained — completed the line’s first passage into George VI Sound, landed guests on Antarctic sea ice and visited historic Base E on Stonington Island during a 12-day exploration concluding on February 9.

Seabourn Venture Antarctic voyage has set new milestones for luxury polar travel after a 12-day expedition that concludes on February 9, 2026. The ultra-luxury expedition ship pushed further south than any Seabourn vessel before, granting guests access to remote and seldom-visited Antarctic terrain while expanding the operator’s expedition portfolio.

Historic southern reach

During the voyage the Seabourn Venture reached 70° South latitude, marking the furthest south any Seabourn vessel has traveled and surpassing previous records held by ships within Carnival Corporation. This advance moved the ship well beyond common cruise corridors into deeper Antarctic waters.

The itinerary also included Seabourn’s inaugural transit of George VI Sound, a remote channel that is rarely navigated by cruise ships because of its persistent ice and extreme isolation. The move opened fresh opportunities for guests to see landscapes and seascapes that are largely untouched.

Immersive on-ice experiences

Passengers were offered more than distant viewing; the expedition included a landing on Antarctic sea ice at approximately 69.5° South where guests shared a Champagne toast at what the line described as the most southerly point any Seabourn guest has stood. The experience provided direct contact with the polar environment in a way few voyages can match.

The ship also called at Base E on Stonington Island, a site of historical significance that once hosted a British research station in the 1950s, giving passengers a tangible link to earlier eras of Antarctic science and exploration.

  • Reached 70° South — most southerly point for Seabourn
  • Completed first Seabourn exploration of George VI Sound
  • Landing on Antarctic sea ice at ~69.5° South with a Champagne toast
  • Visit to historic Base E on Stonington Island
  • 12-day Antarctica exploration concluding on February 9, 2026
Seabourn Venture navigating icy Antarctic waters near George VI Sound with guests on deck
Seabourn Venture exploring remote Antarctic waters during its record-setting voyage

Luxury polar expeditions gaining momentum

The voyage underscores growing demand for high-end polar travel that pairs adventurous itineraries with premium onboard service. These expeditions appeal to travellers seeking rare natural encounters, wildlife viewing and personalised experiences while retaining comforts typical of luxury cruise lines.

Seabourn has also highlighted the environmental considerations of its polar operations, noting that its polar-class vessels are built to manage harsh conditions and that sustainability remains a focus as travellers increasingly prioritise responsible tourism in fragile regions.

What’s next for Seabourn Venture

Following a successful first Antarctica season, Seabourn Venture will continue to operate in polar and remote regions, with planned sailings to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands and additional voyages around Antarctica and South America. The itinerary expansion signals Seabourn’s intent to deepen its presence in the luxury expedition market.

The development reflects a wider industry shift, where luxury lines increasingly provide adventure-focused programming that goes beyond traditional cruising — blending exploration, specialist guides and bespoke shore experiences.

What this means for travellers and the industry

For travellers, Seabourn Venture’s achievements expand the range of premium polar experiences available, offering opportunities to visit more remote sites with high levels of service and safety. For the industry, the voyage demonstrates the commercial appetite for upscale expedition cruising and the importance of balancing adventurous itineraries with responsible, environmentally aware operations. In short: travellers seeking exclusive polar access now have more options, and operators are doubling down on specialised, low-impact expedition product.