Ship review: Beautiful vessel hits the perfect trifecta for expeditions

The ship: Seabourn Pursuit, launched 2023

• The cruise Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas is a 10-day cruise from Broome to Darwin (operates in reverse).
• Passengers 264
• Crew 235
• Decks Nine
• Length 557 feet (170 metres)

Seabourn Pursuit carries a team of academics, scientists and naturalists.

The ship

This is expedition cruising, but not as you know it. As pioneers of small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising, Seabourn is taking expedition cruising to the next level. In 2022, they launched the purpose-built Seabourn Venture, followed in 2023 by the near-identical sister ship Seabourn Pursuit. Built to PC6 Polar Class standards, these expedition ships are designed to travel to some of the most far-flung regions on Earth while providing guests with a luxurious base camp. In the spirit of discovery, each ship carries two, six-guest submarines, 24 Zodiac inflatables, kayaks and a 24-person Expedition Team of academics, scientists and naturalists. Anchoring this is Seabourn’s commitment to the environment and the communities it visits. As a sign of this ongoing stewardship, the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners were appointed as Seabourn Pursuit’s godparents in a naming ceremony held on Ngula Jar Island in the Kimberley in June 2024.

Zodiac excursions.

Boarding

Docked at the Port of Broome, Seabourn Pursuit’s distinctive green exterior – strong, yet graceful – is a standout. Having downloaded the Seabourn app, we scan our digital boarding passes and are soon sipping champagne while enjoying a fiery sunset. The personalised service, which has set Seabourn apart since the company launched in 1988, sets the scene for the remainder of the journey.

The design

This is Seabourn Pursuit’s inaugural Kimberley season (the ship entered service in the Mediterranean in August 2023) and everything still has that fresh-out-of-the-box feel. The elegant interior by New York-based Tihany Design features organic tones of moss green, coral and sandstone, all designed to reflect the natural environment. Each little corner has its own character, from the silver and bronze of the Constellation Lounge to the fireplace and vintage maps of the Expedition Lounge. All guest corridors lead to a central, sky-lit atrium which features a sculptural installation inspired by the night sky. It’s not a stretch to feel as though you are on a private yacht.

The spaces

Seabourn Pursuit’s atrium with “Magical Sky” installation.

If there’s one element that draws all the spaces together, it’s the bespoke collection of more than 700 artworks, all inspired by the diversity of the marine environments and the heroic pursuits of the early explorers. Wide outdoor spaces, an abundance of deck chairs and alfresco seating, and many gathering places ensure the ship never feels crowded.

Deck 5 features a small infinity pool, but my favourite place for a relaxing soak (without blinding people with my winter-white skin) is the whirlpool on deck 9. Other top spots include the Bow Lounge, with its interactive monitors that replicate the captain’s view, and the library area of Seabourn Square. Without exception, all spaces display an elegance and attention to detail that invite relaxation. Even the mud room is a stylish affair.

The suite

Room to move – a verandah suite.

Ahead of the Swarovski binoculars, walk-in closet, built-in warming compartment for drying expedition gear and minibar stocked with personal preferences, let me salute the full-length bathtub. A feature of all 132 lavishly appointed suites, it lends a real home-away-from-home feel (albeit with a nightly turndown service and personal suite host). I’m in a 33-square-metre verandah suite, which comes with a queen-size bed, comfortable living area, private verandah, flat-screen TV, writing desk, make-up vanity and bathroom with tub, shower and double vanities. Larger again are the penthouse, signature, owner’s and wintergarden suites.

The food

Fine dining in The Restaurant.

We all have one, that friend with an innate sense of style and casual sophistication, where everything fits together flawlessly. That’s what dining on Seabourn Pursuit feels like. Whether indulging in a six-course chef’s menu in The Restaurant or a light snack at The Club of made-to-order sushi, the food and service are impeccable. The Colonnade is the place for more casual meals – best enjoyed on the outdoor deck – but for easy days you can’t go past in-room dining (24 hours) or coffee-shop snacks from Seabourn Square. Make the request for caviar and it will appear (tip: try it on your morning omelette, life will never be the same).

Wellness

The Spa and Wellness centre, which is partnered with holistic practitioner Dr Andrew Weil, consists of three treatment rooms, a well-equipped ocean-view gym, motion studio, saunas and a full-service salon. Therapies range from deep-tissue massage to mindful living to nourishing wraps and facial resurfacing. I ponder if the cellulite-reduction treatment can balance my daily pastry consumption but opt for a relaxing Swedish massage instead.

Entertainment

Seabourn Pursuit: primed for adventure.

This is an expedition, so the real stars are outdoors – waterfalls, wildlife, Wandjina rock art – all explored via Zodiac cruises or nature walks. Conversations with experts and daily recap sessions help make sense of this wild frontier. While the submarines are not used in the Kimberley due to the monster tides and poor visibility, other optional experiences including scenic flights by helicopter or Mallard flying boat can be booked (additional charges). The daily “Herald” outlines entertainment such as trivia, whisky tasting, afternoon tea with melodies and live music sessions. The Boutique offers recreation of the retail kind.

The crew

The crew ratio of almost one staff member per guest is one of the highest at sea, but more important than any statistic is their warmth and efficiency. A special shout out to the Zodiac drivers whose knowledge, skill and humour make every outing an adventure.

The verdict

This beautiful ship hits the trifecta – all-inclusive ultra-luxury, elevated expedition experiences and a tangible commitment to the communities it visits. Returning Seabourn guests will appreciate the sophisticated level of service the line is known for, while setting sail to some of the most remote regions in the world.

The details

Fares for a verandah suite on a 10-day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas running between Darwin and Broome from May 30 to August 24, 2025, from $15,276 a guest, based on double occupancy. This includes Wi-Fi, Zodiac excursions, complimentary in-suite bar, all dining experiences including spirits, fine wines and other beverages. There are five wheelchair-accessible suites. See seabourn.com

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

Swell

The huge amount of deck space and easy access from multiple locations means that if there’s a humpback whale off the bow you won’t miss it.

Not so swell

Both of the main restaurants – The Colonnade and The Restaurant – don’t open for dinner until 7pm. Perfectly acceptable, except for those evenings when you want an early night. Thankfully, there’s always room service.

The writer was a guest of Seabourn.