Scientists, researchers, historians and seasoned experts bring decades of expedition expertise to Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Seabourn’s 2026-2027 Antarctica season will feature expert-led expeditions aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
• Each voyage is supported by a dedicated 21-member Expedition Team specializing in polar science, wildlife, conservation, geology, and history.
• Guests will learn directly from renowned scientists, researchers, naturalists, and educators through onboard lectures and guided exploration.
• Expedition leaders and specialists bring decades of Antarctic and global expedition experience, enhancing every aspect of the guest experience.
• The season includes 19 Antarctica departures between November 2026 and March 2027, ranging from 10 to 20 days.

Seabourn is bringing together an accomplished roster of polar experts, scientists, researchers, naturalists, historians and expedition leaders for its 2026-2027 Antarctica season aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, giving guests the opportunity to explore the White Continent alongside experts whose careers have been dedicated to understanding some of the world’s most remote environments.

Each voyage will be led by a dedicated 21-member expedition team composed of experts in marine biology, wildlife research, conservation, geology, environmental science and polar history with extensive experience throughout Antarctica and Patagonia. Together, the team brings decades of polar and expedition experience, offering guests unparalleled insight into Antarctica’s landscapes, ecosystems and rich history through engaging presentations, guided excursions and immersive onboard programming.

The expedition team members’ credentials include affiliations with leading research and conservation organizations, including GLACIARIUM, one of the world’s largest glacier museums, as well as hands-on work supporting Antarctic research vessels, marine mammal studies and oceanographic education programs around the world.

Carefully selected for their deep subject matter expertise, expedition experience, and ability to engage and inspire, Seabourn’s Expedition Team helps guests go beyond simply seeing Antarctica to truly understand it. Through immersive shore landings, Zodiac cruises, wildlife encounters, daily briefings, educational lectures, fireside chats, and optional kayaking excursions, these experts provide context, perspective, and insight into one of the world’s most remote and captivating regions. They will also share their knowledge through Seabourn Conversations, Seabourn’s signature onboard enrichment program.

“Every member of our Expedition Team brings a unique perspective and passion for exploration,” said Robin West, Vice President of Expeditions for Seabourn. “Their expertise is what sets Seabourn’s expedition voyages apart. Time and again, guests tell us that the knowledge, enthusiasm, and personal insights shared by our team members transformed the way they experienced a destination. Whether identifying wildlife from a Zodiac, explaining the forces that shape a glacier, or sharing stories of legendary expeditions, they help bring each journey to life in a meaningful way.”

Seasoned Leaders at the Helm

Leading Seabourn’s Antarctica operations are Expedition Leaders Luciano Bernacchi, Ignacio Rojas, Juan Restrepo, Dom del Rosario, and Fridrik Fridriksson, supported by Assistant Expedition Leaders Joe Cockram, and Sean Bercaw. Collectively, they represent decades of expedition leadership and polar expertise, including more than 20 consecutive Antarctic seasons and extensive experience across every continent and ocean. Together, they oversee expedition planning and execution, ensuring each guest’s experience is safe, engaging, and designed to maximize opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Experts Who Bring Antarctica to Life

The 2026-2027 team features an accomplished roster of lecturers and field experts whose specialties span marine biology, conservation, polar history, geology, wildlife research, and environmental science. Guests will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished professionals including marine mammal scientist and polar expert Dr. Sean Todd, wildlife expert and conservationist Brent Houston, ornithologist and expedition naturalist JJ Apestegui,archaeologist and Viking scholar Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, marine biologist and whale researcher Molly Gaughan, geologist and earth science educator Dr. Lori Snyder, astronomer and Indigenous cultures specialist Vishwa Rana, and marine ornithologist and seabird researcher Kim Stevens.

They will be joined throughout the season by Expedition Team members Emily Fosbery marine biologist and whale expert, Will Wagstaff wildlife expert and ornithologist, Demetri Capetanopoulos polar expedition specialist, Rorie Duncan ecologist and naturalist guide, and Dr. Jarrod McKenna reproductive biologist and science communicator, whose experience and diverse perspectives further enrich the journey. These experts represent just a selection of the Expedition Team members who will sail aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit during the 2026-2027 Antarctica season. Together, the team’s expertise helps illuminate every aspect of Antarctica, from its remarkable wildlife and fragile ecosystems to its history, geology, and enduring spirit of exploration.

Between November 2026 and March 2027, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will offer 19 departures roundtrip from Ushuaia to Antarctica, with voyages ranging from 10 to 12 days, as well as select 20-day departures featuring South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. All Antarctica voyages include a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires and round-trip charter flights to Ushuaia, from where the ship will depart. More information about Seabourn’s Antarctica expedition voyages is available here.