Luxury on Expedition Cruises: Is It Necessary or Simply Irresistible?
Imagine yourself stepping into a lukewarm mud bath on a desolate island in northern Greenland, clad only in a swimsuit.
What would you prefer:
A. Exiting immediately, struggling to dry off and dress in the chilling wind, and making a cold, muddy trek back to your transportation?
B. Being greeted by an expedition guide who hands you a warm towel, helps you dress, and offers you a steaming hot toddy?
Unless you are an enthusiast of ice bathing like Wim Hof, the latter option is likely more appealing. This level of care and luxury is what Seabourn provides on its cold region expedition cruises.
Having recently embarked on an 11-day expedition cruise around Iceland and Greenland aboard Seabourn Venture, I experienced firsthand the epitome of luxury cruising. Seabourn Venture, first in line of the fleet’s specialty expedition ships launched two years ago with its sister ship following closely, is a testament to how luxury cruise lines are embracing the expedition cruise trend fervently.
Other cruise lines like Scenic, Silversea, and Viking are also investing in luxury expedition vessels designed to offer the same opulence as their classic counterparts post-pandemic, ranging from high-end dining to luxurious accommodations while ensuring thrilling adventures remain a central focus.
Gone are the days when expeditions meant traveling on converted icebreakers with communal sleeping arrangements and basic meals. Today, they are about sipping champagne, indulging in caviar delicacies, and sleeping in comfort—albeit with the allure of adventure just outside your suite.
Here are the top reasons luxury is an essential element of a modern expedition cruise:
Seabourn Stocks Your Suite with Deluxe Polar-Wear
Seabourn excels at providing comfort starting even before you embark. They sent us an explanatory email from their clothing supplier about the high-end polar apparel—complete with parkas, beanies, water-resistant bags, and bottles—waiting in our suite as welcome gifts. The jacket alone is worth over $200, making this a delightful saving and convenience, though it does pose the question of luggage space for your homebound journey.
Warm Beverages and Hot Tubs Post-Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is an exhilarating tradition, albeit a chilly one. Knowing that a warm beverage and a hot tub await you immediately afterward makes the experience profoundly more inviting. Onboard, quick access to comfort extends to heated towels and a staff ready to serve chilled champagne to celebrate the thrill.
Deluxe Drying Rooms
After an adventurous day, nothing compares to having a dedicated drying room in your suite for your gear. What could otherwise be an inconvenient process involving balconies or bathrooms turns into a convenience that elevates the entire experience.
Every Suite Has a Luxurious Tub
After facing harsh climates, a warm bath feels like a sanctuary. Complete with upscale Molton Brown bath products, the in-suite bathtubs on Seabourn Venture provide a delightful space to unwind and warm up in solitude.
Room Service for a Restful Evening
Expedition days start early and are packed with activity, making the option to relax in your suite in the evening particularly appealing. From enjoying a lecture on your screen to dining in comfort with a full room service menu, the luxury of choice and privacy is unmatched.
Exquisite Global Cuisine
Culinary experiences on-board are nothing short of extraordinary with sophisticated menus featuring global cuisine, impeccably paired wines, and enough diversity to make every meal an exploration of taste.
Onboard Spa and Gym
For relaxation or keeping up with fitness routines, the spa and gym aboard Seabourn Venture provide exceptional facilities. Whether it’s a restorative massage at the spa or a workout in the gym, these amenities cater to personal wellness even while cruising through the most remote parts of the world.
Concluding Thoughts on Seabourn Venture’s Luxury
The clienteles aboard tend to be accustomed to luxury, frequenting top-tier hotels and restaurants. Their expectations for comfort and service are high, and Seabourn Venture meets, if not exceeds, these expectations. Personal touches like remembering names and preferences contribute profoundly to the luxury experience, ensuring that every guest feels both valued and pampered.
While you may not need luxury to explore the far corners of the globe, the addition of fine comforts makes the journey not just bearable but deeply enjoyable and memorable.
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