Seabourn Charts New Territory with Expedition-Focused 2028 World Cruise

SEATTLE, WA – December 17, 2025 – In a bold move that redefines the boundaries of high-end travel, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has announced its 2028 'Cape to Cape' World Cruise, an ambitious 120-day voyage designed to merge opulent comfort with genuine adventure. Departing from Miami on January 7, 2028, the journey aboard the Seabourn Quest will not only span five continents and over 50 destinations but will also introduce complimentary expedition-style experiences for the first time on a Seabourn world cruise, a feature that signals a significant evolution in the luxury cruise market.

The voyage, celebrating the company's 40th anniversary, charts a 26,000-nautical-mile course from the Americas to Europe, connecting two of the planet's most legendary landmarks: Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This grand itinerary is a testament to the growing demand among affluent travelers for more than just passive sightseeing, seeking instead immersive and transformative journeys.

The New Frontier: Luxury Meets Exploration

At the heart of this announcement is the integration of a robust expedition program into a traditional world cruise itinerary. While Seabourn has built a formidable reputation in expedition cruising with its purpose-built vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, this new offering embeds that spirit into one of its classic ocean liners. Guests will have access to an expanded 18-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, and historians who will lead complimentary Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, and nature walks in some of the world's most remote locations.

This is particularly significant for the cruise's multi-day exploration of Antarctica. Leveraging its 15 years of experience on the White Continent, Seabourn will offer passengers intimate encounters with the continent's stunning ice-scapes and unique wildlife. The inclusion of these activities at no extra cost marks a pivotal shift, moving what was once an optional, add-on experience into the core, all-inclusive fabric of the voyage.

"As we celebrate 40 years of luxury, small-ship cruising, the 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise showcases how luxury meets exploration at Seabourn: reaching off-the-beaten-path destinations while offering the ease, comfort, and warmth our guests cherish," said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. This strategy directly targets a market trend where travelers increasingly prioritize authenticity and adventure, without sacrificing the personalized service and five-star amenities they expect.

An Epic Journey in a Crowded Sea

Seabourn's announcement enters a competitive marketplace for ultra-long voyages. Other luxury lines, including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Cunard, have also unveiled extensive world cruise itineraries for the 2027-2028 season, each vying for the attention of a discerning clientele with the time and resources for multi-month travel. Silversea, for instance, has previously offered a dedicated "Expedition World Cruise," highlighting the industry's move toward more adventurous global itineraries.

However, Seabourn’s approach is distinct. By incorporating the expedition element into the Seabourn Quest, a ship known for its elegant suites and refined atmosphere, the company is creating a hybrid product. It offers the thrill of exploration without requiring guests to book a dedicated, and often more rugged, expedition vessel. The itinerary itself is studded with unique ports of call rarely visited by Seabourn's ocean fleet, including Robinson Crusoe Island, Nightingale Island in the remote south Atlantic, and the Garibaldi Glacier in Chile, further enhancing its exclusive appeal.

This move capitalizes on post-pandemic travel desires, where bucket-list trips and deep cultural immersion have taken precedence. The 120-day duration allows for a slower, more meaningful pace of travel, with extended stays and visits to over 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a key draw for culturally curious travelers.

Analyzing the All-Inclusive Value

With fares for the full 120-day journey starting at $77,999 per person, the 'Cape to Cape' cruise represents a significant investment. To justify the price tag, Seabourn has bundled an extensive list of amenities that underscores the all-inclusive nature of modern ultra-luxury travel. The package includes round-trip business-class airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and substantial shipboard credits of up to $10,000 per suite. Furthermore, practical luxuries like unlimited laundry service and upgraded Starlink Wi-Fi are included, addressing the needs of those staying connected while circumnavigating the globe.

Perhaps most indicative of the focus on experiential value is the inclusion of a new multi-day, mid-voyage overland journey to Machu Picchu, allowing guests to explore the iconic Incan citadel. This curated excursion, along with exclusive world cruise events and bespoke gifts, aims to create a seamless and high-value experience that transcends the standard cruise offering. This strategy aligns with the mindset of today's luxury consumer, who is often less focused on the absolute cost and more on the return on experience—the uniqueness, exclusivity, and unforgettable memories that such a journey promises.

Navigating a Fragile World with Responsibility

Sailing to pristine environments like Antarctica and numerous UNESCO sites carries a profound responsibility. The cruise industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, and operators like Seabourn are under pressure to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. The voyage will operate under the strict guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which governs responsible tourism on the continent. These rules limit the number of passengers ashore at any given time and enforce strict protocols to protect wildlife and the fragile ecosystem.

Seabourn's parent company, Carnival Corporation, has publicly committed to ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero carbon ship operations by 2050 and significant reductions in food waste and single-use plastics. The fleet's increasing capability to connect to shore power and the use of advanced wastewater treatment systems are part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental footprint of its global operations. For travelers increasingly conscious of their impact, these commitments are a crucial part of the decision-making process for embarking on a journey of this magnitude.

As Seabourn prepares to celebrate its 40-year legacy, the 2028 'Cape to Cape' World Cruise stands as more than just a voyage; it is a declaration of the brand's future direction. It honors its history, retracing the spirit of its first sailing through the Panama Canal, while simultaneously pushing into new territory where extreme comfort and profound exploration are no longer mutually exclusive but are instead the very essence of the journey.