Melissa Hoyer
Discover the world-class experts who will guide guests on unforgettable adventures aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
Seabourn’s world-class expedition team leads guests on Zodiac cruises and kayaking adventures, bringing them up close to Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Seabourn, one of the handful of leaders in luxury cruises and expedition travel has unveiled the distinguished expedition teams who will guide guests on unforgettable voyages to Antarctica during the 2026-2027 season aboard the purpose-built expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
Each ship will host a hand-selected team of 23 accomplished experts, including ornithologists, marine biologists, historians, oceanographers, and geologists. Renowned for their passion for exploration and deep knowledge of the natural world, these specialists bring decades of field experience, transforming every moment on board and ashore into a rich, immersive learning journey.
“Expeditions with Seabourn are where luxury meets adventure, and our expedition teams are at the heart of that experience,” said Mark Tamis, President of Seabourn. “We’ve carefully curated a group of world-class experts, each selected for their depth of knowledge, engaging presence, and passion for exploration. Their storytelling and expertise turn every landing, Zodiac ride, and onboard lecture into unforgettable moments of discovery.”
Throughout each sailing, Seabourn’s expedition team will guide guests on Zodiac landings and explorations, share insights during enriching lectures and casual conversations, and offer interpretation during wildlife encounters and kayaking excursions. Submarine pilots will also take guests beneath the surface in the ships’ custom-built U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines, revealing the stunning underwater world of Antarctica.
From guided explorations with expert naturalists and immersive sessions on wildlife, climate, and polar history to personalized wildlife spotting and the Polar Plunge, each moment is designed to deepen guests’ connection with this remote and remarkable continent.
Seabourn’s expedition teams comprise more than 80 accomplished professionals from around the world, each bringing unique expertise and passion to the line’s Antarctica voyages. The individuals highlighted below represent a selection of the remarkable talent that guides and enriches every journey, showcasing the depth of experience and dedication found across the full roster.
Australian marine biologist and botanist, Merel earned her PhD in Ecology & Evolution and has discovered several new species of beaked whales. She joined Seabourn in 2022 as a submarine pilot, combining scientific expertise with her love of global exploration.
Until March 2026 and again from November 2026 through March 2027, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will offer a collection of Antarctic expeditions, including the 11-Day The Great White Continent, 13-Day Antarctica Exploration, and 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands voyages. Each sailing includes a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, where the adventure begins. Guests will explore some of the most breathtaking and remote destinations on Earth, with potential landings at the Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, and Neko Harbour, where immense glaciers and towering icebergs create a spectacular backdrop. To ensure comfort and protection throughout the Antarctic journey, every guest receives a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka with a removable insulated liner and a WaterShield waterproof backpack.
For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn voyages, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
