Cruise review: The Seabourn Pursuit expedition experience (2024)

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When the opportunity arose for luxury cruise expertMegan Catterall to join an expedition voyage with Seabourn through lesser-travelled regions of the Pacific, she was quick to jump at it. And with the voyage aboard the newest purpose-built luxury expedition ship on the market, Seabourn Pursuit, who could blame the LUXE by itravel advisor.

Catterall was one of a small contingent of Australian advisors hand-picked to experience Seabourn’s expedition product on a, relatively, close-to-home sailing from Guam in May 2024. The 14-day Isles of Papua New Guinea expedition encompassed some of the most remote islands in the North Pacific waters of Micronesia (one of which was uninhabited aside from thousands of birds), an equator crossing, and frequent zodiac excursions directly from Seabourn Pursuit to other isolated islands and villages in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, meeting locals and watching their colourful performances of song and dance.

LATTE, also onboard Pursuit for the expedition which concluded in Honiara, chatted with Catterall in order to share her view on Seabourn’s expedition product and program.

What was a highlight for you aboard Seabourn Pursuit?

I loved Seabourn Square as I love a good coffee. Seabourn’s baristas sure do have it perfected when it comes to a fresh brew, and they also have pastries available (all day!) and can you keep a secret? The almond croissants are freshly backed each morning, hot out of the oven, so yes that was a joy to see and of course on holidays you can indulge! But they go fast so you have to be quick! But Seabourn Square is so much more than a coffee spot. It’s a space to relax. There are puzzles and lots seating, tranquil indoor and outdoor, and there’s also a library.

The Starlink internet onboard is so fast and just great even in this remote part of the world. I was able to work whilst on this fam, and so I would often find myself in Seabourn Square clearing emails and responding to clients.

What was a highlight of your Seabourn Pursuit suite?

I loved the bed, so dreamy, and the sheets just the best thread count, and the pillows, wow! But for an expedition ship the bathroom was the best and largest I have ever seen. So spacious with its twin sinks, full marble and bath and separate shower. Beautiful Moulton Brown products in large bottles for easy use, but also good for the environment as refillable. This is standard, so even lead-in has the same size bathrooms. The choice of soaps offered too was impressive. Our cabin attendants Maureen and Wandi were just amazing and our suite and that extra care was just superb feeling very spoilt that comes with ultra-luxury cruising.

A dining highlight?

I loved the Restaurant. Each night the menu would change but always had the Classic selection as an alternative. The desserts were just stunning. For me this type of dinning and the choice and wine pairing was magnificent. One of my favourites from the Classic range was grilled fillet of double tenderloin cooked to order and always perfect medium rare for me, served with spinach, green beans, potato gratin and béarnaise sauce. Followed by the mouth-watering soufflé which changed nightly, perfectly cooked and the waiters executed delivery superbly.

Your favourite dish, snack, or meal that stands out for you that you’ll be raving about?

Caviar anywhere and anytime is a Seabourn tradition and even on expedition. It was a standout. Onboard any Seabourn cruise the caviar service is a highlight. We would have it pre-dinner by the pool or in one of the many lounges with a glass of French champagne.

And yes we have a found another secret, Chefs Tony’s Childhood Banana split! It’s only available via In-Suite Dining – thank you to the guests that told us about it on Day 6 (Kevin and Nicole!) , but it sure was a highlight. One is enough to share, just ask for two spoons.

The food and the choice of dining is what blew me away. From Sushi in The Club, Modern cuisine in The Colonnade (and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), with a changing theme every evening, and with table service. In-Suite Dining 24-hour service, the Square, The Restaurant…. Also Ocean and Earth was showcased three nights on our sailing , where The Colonnade turns into O & E , different table settings used to go with the theme. Another highlight for us was being in the Tropics meant dinning alfresco on the back deck with new friends, under the stars.

And I can’t forget afternoon tea served in The Constellation Lounge high tea-style, served so elegantly.

Seabourn Pursuit was just perfect and had something for everyone. Also no reservation was needed anywhere on this ship for dining, anywhere! How good is that?

Your favourite itinerary experience?

There were so many highlights. All the islands truly welcomed us and you could feel there love and energy. But Ifalik Island truly stole my heart. Being welcomed by traditional dance and smiles, we explored its beauty in the morning and then by kayak in the afternoon around the island with its crystal clear waters, while spotting turtles and vibrant coral from our kayak made this afternoon just priceless. The local children, swimming and riding handmade canoes beside us, jumping off our Zodiacs when we were back onboard. What a day. Seabourn Expedition’s optional sea-kayaking is a must do!

The snorkelling was also fantastic through the coral coves, and at every opportunity we would be on our Zodiac. The onboard gear provided by Seabourn was first class, even anti fog for the masks. There are even pool noodles for floating aids which was just perfect. Snorkelling is complimentary for everyone on Seabourn. Once you are fitted on Day 1 with flippers and a mask, and a wet bag to store and they are yours for the duration and stored in you’re personal cubby in the mud room. They use the best equipment , I also learned that currently Scuba Diving is also included with limited spaces. Well done Seabourn. You are Bourn to be in the Sea!

Your thoughts on the expedition element of the itinerary and the team?

Absolutely exceptional. The Expedition Crew are amazing. Hearing from them about nature and the wildlife, the daily briefings, how passionate they are about their chosen field.

Seabourn Pursuit is designed to have great flow, and at no time was there queues. It’s so orderly and we had a full ship, and everyone got to see and do everything.

The itinerary and what we saw was more than I expected. The places and the remoteness of where we visited was just phenomenal. It was curated perfectly, and I look back now and can’t believe what we have seen really and its in our own back yard.

These islands and the cultures are real. The dances and greetings were real. It’s the families and children and seeing how important education is and them showing us their schools and what they are learning.

How Seabourn navigated us around was perfect. We felt safe. At times we had escorts to the mountains in convoys to see the Baining fire dance and again around Honiara, but that is how travel is in these remote islands.

They may not have streetlights, so they need to make sure we were all ok too, whilst experiencing unique culture.

I loved boarding our daily Zodiacs and the whole organisation down in the mud rooms – it really is run to perfection.

The announcement over the PA in English informing us what to wear on our feet (if it’s a wet landing or dry) and hats, and how Seabourn provide sunscreen and insect repellent if need be. What to bring , the refillable water bottles on the ship that all staterooms have. Towels and walking sticks provided too for the walks on unstable ground… Seabourn really have thought of everything.

My clients were onboard, most 80 years young, and they were so happy and able to do and see it all each, snorkelling also off the zodiacs , the care and attention that each crew member gave was truly wonderful.

Something that you feel could use improvement or some fine-tuning?

Seabourn Pursuit was visiting this region for the very first time, so no criticism as they did a stellar job in my opinion. Some waters were uncharted and we navigated through just super. I loved hearing all from our Captain and the open bridge allows us a glimpse of what they do up there.

One suggestion though is handling foreign currency. When we are visiting these remote islands, I brought along US dollars and small denominations, which I always travel with, but the greenback is not king in these places. They need their local currency. Knowing this now, I wish I had bought more of their actual currency. We need to educate guests to bring the right dollars for exchange. Perhaps Seabourn could have more opportunities onboard for guests to exchange currencies. We did have an opportunity on the first day in Papua New Guinea when a bank was briefly set up on the ship, but it wasn’t repeated. Other than that bugbear, Seabourn are exceptional. The care and detail is in everything.

And the type of client will you be recommending Seabourn Expedition to?

Seabourn Expedition is open to all ages. People who want to experience these remote places, you need the best team behind you and the opportunities that expedition can take you to and Seabourn has it all.

It’s also perfect for generational travel so yes bring the grand teens, create those lasting memories.

I personally can’t wait to sell more of this and spread the word how good traveling like this is to all my clients. This is extraordinary and the team onboard, and let’s be honest, when you are miles from anywhere you need a full team and the right medical equipment so you can feel safe.

It’s ultra- luxury but so enjoyable and at no time do you need a black tie! She is perfect for anyone that is interested in culture and nature and seeing the world’s most remote places. So yes, Seabourn Pursuit is made for you!

This ship even had nightly entertainment with shows, singers and a band. We danced on the back deck. I enjoyed reading the daily Herald with the times and run down, trivia times and fun bago game with Dave our wonderful Cruise Director.

So for people that think expedition is boring and its only about lectures, its most definitely NOT. There is so much to do. Fourteen days onboard and I still didn’t get to do everything. We were busy and active but also had an immersive cultural experience.

Summing up, I was a guest on this fabulous famil and I was so impressed with the itinerary. When I was asked in January I invited clients to join me, and they did, so it was enjoyable working and travelling.

I sure love what I do!

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