Seabourn plans to deploy its first “ultra-luxury” expedition vessel in the Arctic in 2021 before repositioning it to Antarctica the following year.

The first ship, which is yet to be named, will launch in June 2021 and a second expedition vessel is slated for delivery in May 2022.

Seabourn claims both vessels will venture further north and south than any ship in Carnival Corporation history.

The first will sail a full season in Antarctica in summer 2022.

Details about itineraries and booking availability for the 264-passenger ship will be released this spring.

Each vessel will feature 132 luxury oceanfront veranda suites.

The exterior for Seabourn’s expedition ships will be constructed to PC6 Polar Class standards, making them capable of summer and autumn operation in medium first-year ice in Antarctica and the Arctic, which is typically around 50cm thick.

Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president for expeditions, said: “Our primary goal in building these new ships is to give expedition travellers the best possible destination experience onboard and far afield.

“These ships are being designed from conception for expedition travel blended with ultra-luxury and personalised service by leading travel experts and seasoned professionals with great depth of experience in expedition, hospitality, and luxury cruising.”

Seabourn said more details will be revealed at the end of month.