First purpose-built Seabourn expedition ship named in Antarctica

New ship Seabourn Venture has been named during its first voyage to Antarctica.

The ceremony for the luxury line’s first purpose-built expedition ship came as rival Silversea also christened new addition Silver Endeavour in the region.

Seabourn Venture will sail on 11- to 22-day voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands until February 2023.

The ship will then embark of a series of seven- to 12-day expedition voyages in Brazil and the Amazon in March and April 2023.

Seabourn Venture will then run new itineraries around the British Isles and Iceland, departing from Greenwich on May 12 on a 12-day itinerary to Edinburgh before sailing to Reykjavik on May 24.

A programme of Arctic cruises will follow before the vessel departs on a 23-day journey across the Northwest Passage on August 27 next year.

Although launched in July in Norway, Seabourn chose Antarctica for the naming ceremony as the southern-most continent “represents everything for which the ship is intended”.

The ship is offering hiking tours and Zodiac trips led by a 26-member expedition team of wildlife experts, scientists, historians and naturalists.

Global adventurer, mountaineer and polar-explorer Alison Levine carried out her ceremonial duties virtually.

Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz said: ”We’ve eagerly awaited Seabourn Venture’s maiden voyage to Antarctica since the moment the ship debuted earlier this year.

“The extraordinary continent encapsulates exactly what we hope to bring to guests who sail aboard our new ship: adventure, discovery and awe-inspiring wonder.

“With the beauty of the Antarctic landscape and scenery in the background, it truly was the perfect place to name the most luxurious expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.”