Seabourn Ocean vs. Expedition Cruises: Which Is Right for You?

If you're considering a voyage with Seabourn, you're already stepping into one of the most refined travel experiences at sea. Known for all-suite accommodations, intuitive service, and a truly all-inclusive philosophy, Seabourn delivers ultra-luxury cruising across a small but highly specialized fleet.

But not all Seabourn ships are the same.

The line is divided into two distinct styles of travel:

• Ocean ships: classic luxury cruising to iconic destinations
• Expedition ships: immersive, adventure-driven journeys to the world's most remote regions

In this guide, we'll compare the two experiences—focusing on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation versus Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit—to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your travel style.

Seabourn Ocean vs. Expedition Ships at a Glance

Note: Seabourn Quest (450 guests, 225 suites, ~32,000 GT, built 2011) remains in the fleet as a more intimate ocean option with similar all-inclusive benefits—and the only Seabourn ship that offers Ocean View suites.

What Are Seabourn's Ocean Cruise Ships?

Seabourn Encore (2016) and Seabourn Ovation (2018) are Seabourn's flagship ocean vessels; sister ships designed by renowned hospitality designer Adam Tihany with interiors that feel more like a luxury boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

While some mainstream ships can carry up to 6,000 passengers, Seabourn’s 302-suite ocean ships host just 600 guests, offering a significantly higher space-per-guest ratio and a more intimate atmosphere.

What Defines the Ocean Experience

• More Dining Variety: 7+ complimentary restaurants, including Solis (the fleet's newest fine dining concept from Master Chef Anton Egger), a dedicated Sushi restaurant with ingredients shipped from Japan, The Grill by Thomas Keller, The Restaurant, The Colonnade, Earth & Ocean, and The Patio.
• Elegant Public Spaces: The Retreat (a serene, canopied top-deck enclave with 15 private cabanas), Observation Bar with panoramic views and afternoon tea service, a full casino, and the Grand Salon for live performances.
• Marina Water Sports: A retractable marina offers complimentary kayaking, pedal boats, banana boats, paddleboards, waterskiing, and more on select port days (often paired with Seabourn's signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue).
• Fitness and Wellness: A full gym with Technogym equipment, Motion Studio offering complimentary yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Crystal Sound Baths, and TRX classes, plus personal trainers.
• Classic Luxury Itineraries In:
• • Alaska
  • Asia
  • Canada & New England
  • Caribbean
  • Northern Europe
  • Mediterranean
  • World Voyages
  • And more...

The ocean ships are built for guests who want refined relaxation, world-class cuisine, and destination-rich itineraries without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or service.

What Are Seabourn's Expedition Cruise Ships?

Seabourn describes its expedition experience as an "ultra-luxury safari at sea," and it's not hard to see why.

Seabourn Venture (2022) and Seabourn Pursuit (2023) are purpose-built, PC6 Polar Class vessels designed to access some of the most remote destinations on Earth while delivering every ounce of the Seabourn luxury experience.

At just 264 guests and 132 all-veranda suites, these are among the most intimate ultra-luxury expedition ships sailing today. Every suite features an extra-large walk-in closet designed specifically for expedition gear. The adventure mindset runs through the entire ship.

The only real difference between these identical sister ships is the itineraries: Seabourn Venture tends to focus on Arctic itineraries, while Seabourn Pursuit pioneered Seabourn's South Pacific and Kimberley expeditions. When choosing between the two, let the itinerary lead.

Identical layouts, unique souls: Seabourn Pursuit features a bespoke 700-piece art collection. Our Seabourn Experts help you navigate these subtle nuances to find the ship that best fits your style.

What Defines the Expedition Experience

• A Dedicated Expedition Team: A team of scientists, historians, naturalists, and wilderness experts sails with every voyage, delivering daily lectures, briefings, and field guidance.
• Purpose-Built Expedition Equipment: Each ship carries 24 Zodiacs for shore landings and scenic cruising in areas with no port infrastructure. Eight double kayaks are also available as an optional experience.
• The Discovery Center: A dedicated onboard lecture hall large enough to seat every guest at once, featuring high-definition screens for immersive natural history and cultural programming. It's the academic heart of every voyage.
• Included Expedition Experiences: Zodiac tours and landings, guided walks and hikes, snorkeling, cultural tours and events, Polar Plunge (on polar itineraries), and Caviar on the Ice are all included where available.
• Optional Adventures: Kayaking, helicopter excursions, lava cave explorations, and the Image Masters Photography Masterclass (led by accomplished nature photographers) are available at an additional cost.
• Expedition Destinations:
• • Antarctica
  • Arctic
  • Australia's Kimberley Coast
  • Northwest Passage
  • South Pacific
  • South America
  • Pole to Pole Grand Expedition
  • And more...

Unique to the Expedition Ships

• Constellation Lounge with 270-degree wraparound views and a 4K Cineflex camera broadcasting live imagery from miles ahead
• Bow Lounge for forward-facing observation
• Glass-walled saunas with expansive ocean views
• Expedition Lounge for post-excursion cocktails and storytelling
• Starlink Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity in remote regions

The expedition ships are built for travelers who want to go where most ships physically cannot (without giving up anything that makes Seabourn feel like Seabourn).

What's Included on Every Seabourn Cruise?

Regardless of whether you choose ocean or expedition, the Seabourn all-inclusive promise is consistent across the entire fleet.

Included in Every Fare

• All ocean-front suites with luxury amenities
• Fully stocked in-suite bar and refrigerator, personalized to your preferences
• Welcome champagne served in-suite on arrival
• All dining venues—no cover charges, no upcharges, ever
• Open-seating dining with no fixed times or assigned tables
• Premium spirits, fine wines, champagne, and craft cocktails available at all times
• Specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, and bottled water
• 24-hour in-suite dining (order from The Restaurant menu and have it served course by course in your suite or on your veranda)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (Starlink on expedition ships)
• Pre-paid gratuities (including spa gratuities)
• Seabourn Conversations enrichment programming with guest experts
• Included fitness center access
• Personal suite stewardess
• Shopping with the Chef at local food markets (on select sailings)
• Signature events include Evenings Under the Stars and Caviar in the Surf (ocean) or Caviar on the Ice (expedition)

Not Included

• Shore excursions (ocean ships) and optional expedition experiences (kayaking, helicopter tours, etc.)
• Spa and salon treatments
• The Retreat private cabanas (ocean ships only, additional fee)
• Onboard shops
• Laundry and valet services

For a deeper look at what sets Seabourn apart from other luxury lines, check out our guide: What Is the Seabourn Difference?

Seabourn Dining: Ocean Ships vs. Expedition Ships

Every Seabourn ship shares the same all-inclusive dining philosophy — no cover charges, no reservations required (except The Grill by Thomas Keller), and open-seating throughout. The difference is in the variety and format.

The ocean ships offer more dedicated restaurant venues and more formal dining options. The expedition ships offer fewer venues but the same caliber of cuisine (and the experience of dining while anchored off an Antarctic glacier or tucked into a Kimberley fjord more than makes up for it).

Seabourn Suites: Ocean Ships vs. Expedition Ships

Every suite across the Seabourn fleet includes a private veranda (with the exception of Ocean View suites on Seabourn Quest), a fully stocked bar personalized to your preferences, luxury bath products, plush robes and slippers, and personal suite stewardess service.

Ocean Ship Suites (Seabourn Encore & Seabourn Ovation)

Expedition Ship Suites (Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit)

A few key differences worth noting:

• Expedition suites feature extra-large walk-in closets specifically designed to accommodate expedition gear like parkas, boots, and base layers.
• Ocean ships offer more suite categories and larger top-tier options, including the Wintergarden Suite with a glass-enclosed solarium and whirlpool, and the Signature Suite with a wraparound balcony.
• Owner's Suites on the expedition ships include 484 sq ft of veranda space (nearly half the suite's total footprint is outdoor living area, ideal for wildlife watching in remote destinations).
• Penthouse Spa Suites (with oversize spa shower and whirlpool bathtub) are available only on the ocean ships.

Who Should Choose a Seabourn Ocean Cruise?

A Seabourn ocean cruise is the right fit if you:

• Want the widest variety of dining and nightlife options
• Prefer iconic destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, or Asia
• Enjoy marina water sports, poolside lounging, and signature events like Caviar in the Surf
• Value an active wellness program with fitness classes, personal trainers, and The Retreat
• Appreciate a slightly larger ship with more public spaces and social energy
• Are interested in world voyages or extended grand itineraries

View Luxury Ocean Cruises Aboard Seabourn Encore.
View Luxury Ocean Cruises Aboard Seabourn Ovation.

Who Should Choose a Seabourn Expedition Cruise?

A Seabourn expedition cruise is the right fit if you:

• Want to visit destinations most cruise ships physically cannot reach
• Are drawn to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia's Kimberley coast, or the Northwest Passage
• Prefer a smaller, more intimate ship with fewer than 300 guests
• Value education and enrichment as a core part of the travel experience
• Want daily Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, and guided landings included in your fare
• Are comfortable with a more flexible, nature-driven itinerary where the destination dictates the day

Explore Expedition Itineraries Aboard Seabourn Venture.

Explore Expedition Itineraries Aboard Seabourn Pursuit.

Why Book Seabourn with The Cruise Web?

Whether you're leaning toward the refined elegance of a Seabourn ocean cruise or the adventure of an expedition voyage, choosing the right ship, suite, and itinerary matters.

The Cruise Web's Travel Experts can help you:

• Compare Seabourn's ocean and expedition itineraries side by side
• Access exclusive offers and added value not available when booking directly
• Get unbiased guidance from advisors who've sailed Seabourn firsthand
• Manage every detail from booking to boarding and beyond

Call our Seabourn specialists at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to start planning your Seabourn voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Seabourn Cruises

Is Seabourn all-inclusive?

Yes. Every Seabourn fare includes all dining (no cover charges), premium spirits and fine wines, complimentary Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, a personally stocked in-suite bar, and 24-hour in-suite dining. Shore excursions on ocean ships and optional expedition experiences (kayaking, helicopter tours) are not included.

What ships are in the Seabourn fleet?

Seabourn operates five ships: Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation (ocean), Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit (expedition), and Seabourn Quest (ocean, the fleet's most intimate ship).

What is the difference between Seabourn's ocean and expedition ships?

Ocean ships (Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation) carry 600 guests and sail classic luxury itineraries with more dining venues, marina water sports, and resort-style amenities. Expedition ships (Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit) carry 264 guests, feature PC6 Polar Class hulls, and are purpose-built for remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and Australia's Kimberley coast, with Zodiacs, a dedicated expedition team, and included expedition experiences.

Are Seabourn suites all-veranda?

On Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Venture, and Seabourn Pursuit, yes—every suite includes a private veranda. Seabourn Quest is the only ship in the fleet that offers Ocean View suites with a picture window rather than a balcony.

What is the dress code on Seabourn?

Daytime is resort casual throughout the ship. Evenings call for elegant casual attire, with formal optional on select nights. There's no strict black-tie requirement, though many guests enjoy dressing up for evening dining.

Does Seabourn have a loyalty program?

Yes. The Seabourn Club rewards repeat guests with perks including complimentary internet, spa treatments, laundry credits, and exclusive onboard events, scaling across membership tiers.

What destinations do Seabourn expedition ships visit?

Seabourn's expedition ships sail to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia's Kimberley coast, the Northwest Passage, the South Pacific, South America, and select seasonal destinations. The Pole to Pole Grand Expedition is among the line's most ambitious itineraries.

Is Seabourn good for first-time cruisers?

Seabourn can be an excellent choice for first-time cruisers who value a stress-free, all-inclusive experience. With no onboard charges to manage, open-seating dining, and an intimate ship atmosphere, much of the complexity that can come with planning a cruise is removed.