CRUISE GPS

In Pursuit of AMAZING

JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN WITH SEABOURN. BY AMY ROBERTS

THOSE WHO TRAVEL ARE ALWAYS IN PURSUIT— OF A THRILLING MEMORY, A ONE-OF-A-KIND CULINARY EXPERIENCE, NEW APPRECIATION, AND UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES. On rare occasion, the journey is the pursuit. Seabourn’s Wild & Ancient Scotland and Iceland expedition is such an occasion.

For starters, the 12-night cruise is the preinaugural voyage of Seabourn Pursuit’s maiden season. The ship departs Amsterdam in late March, just as seven million tulips begin their bloom across the country. From there, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising and additional tulipviewing opportunities as Seabourn Pursuit sails north towards the Scottish Highlands, where a trip to the famed Loch Ness is all but mandatory. Even if there’s not a Loch Ness Monster sighting, the loch is an impressive destination in its own right; holding more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!

From there, it’s off to Kirkwall, a cosmopolitan town in Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland that is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. With more stops throughout Scotland, there’s no shortage of opportunity to taste test at a famed whisky distillery or try your hand at the bagpipes.

After a day at sea, Seabourn Pursuit docks at Djúpivogur,

Opposite: A rendering of the Seabourn Pursuit’s pool deck. From top: A toast to Scotland; an iconic Scottish bagpiper.

Iceland, a small fishing village nestled in the shadows of Búlandstindur, a divinely sculpted basalt mountain considered an energy center for the entire country. A day later, find yourself on Heimaey Island, the largest and only inhabited island of the Westman Islands. Moss covers the dramatic seaside cliffs, while quaint houses with brightly colored rooftops dot the volcanic landscape. The island is known for nearly certain whale spotting and is home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, with about one million puffins nesting here each summer.

Then it’s off to Reykjavík, the northernmost capital city in the world, which is famed for its nightlife, museums, and restaurants as much as its lo 64°08‘N latitude, just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle.

Despite such a breathtaking itinerary, time onboard is equally as inspiring. Passengers will delight in the sumptuous amenities and unparalleled service synonymous with the Seabourn name. All 132 of Seabourn Pursuit’s spacious and elegant suites are ocean front and feature private verandas, as well as walk-in closets, heated lockers, flat-screen TVs, writing desks, full bathrooms, plush robes and slippers, make-up vanities, and more.

Thoughtfully designed and wellappointed common spaces include multiple lounges and upscale dining options, a card room, wellness spa, fitness center, and even a dance club! In the ship’s Discovery Center—

Next-Level

Travel. Visit the website found on the back cover, enter OFFER M24271, and get ready for discovery. the venue for enlightened conversation and intellectual enrichment—the onboard expedition team, a collection of 26 wilderness experts, scientists, historians, and naturalists, will lead lectures and group discussions about the regions and wildlife found on the cruise itinerary. This state-of-art, theatre-style room is large enough to accommodate all guests at once and includes several high-definition viewing screens. Custom submarines, Zodiacs, kayaks, and an esteemed team of experts are all part of the Seabourn Pursuit experience.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES REVEALS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES ON BOTH TOWN AND COUNTRY.

IF THERE IS ONE CORNER OF THE WORLD THAT TRAVELERS ARE MOST DESIRING TO RETURN TO, EUROPE CERTAINLY TOPS MANY LISTS. Journey with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on one of its all-inclusive 2023 European itineraries and insider access to favorite destinations and local cultures awaits. The top benefit of traveling with Uniworld? Being able to visit several different countries and cultures from the comfort of your boutique, one-of-a-kind river ship.

EUROPEAN JEWELS

Indulge your passion for majestic art, architecture, music, and history on an all-encompassing journey through four countries along three great rivers— the Danube, Main and Rhine—and to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” and the spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral.

HIGHLIGHTS OF EASTERN EUROPE

This is the ideal voyage for travelers seeking new, off-the-beaten path locales. Follow a path forged by crusaders, kings, and conquerors through Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Explore new cultures as you travel from Budapest to Bucharest, discovering the best of these revitalized nations of Eastern Europe.

REMARKABLE RHINE AND HISTORIC HOLLAND

Explore Europe’s rich history and Jewish heritage on a discovery of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions, and historical significance in a oneof-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums and indulge in Central European cuisine—Dutch cheese and fries, Alsatian choucroute, Swiss-style sausages, Kölsch beer, unique wine vinegar aperitifs, and Germany’s famous white wines.

ENCHANTING DANUBE

The waters of the storied Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the heart of Europe. This journey provides a cultural menu of four equally enticing countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers and seasoned travelers seeking to experience a new dimension of favorite destinations. Locally-based destination experts offer fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will experience— such as a private early-morning viewing of the Kunstkammer Vienna art collection.

ISLAND AWAY

EXPLORE ABOVE & BELOW THE SEA ABOARD THE M/S PAUL GAUGUIN. BY AVERY BREDESEN

FLOAT AMONG THE MOST PICTURESQUE STRINGS OF ISLANDS IN THE WORLD—TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA, FIJI, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC—IN STYLISH LUXURY ABOARD PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES. Awardwinning small ship service transforms a good vacation into bucket-list adventures with excursions above water and below, plus fine dining, unmatched hospitality, and endless entertainment. Answer the call of paradise aboard recently renovated m/s Paul Gauguin and at its come-hither ports—idyllic, unspoiled beaches with endless turquoise views.

ISLAND IMMERSION

There’s more to a cruise than lounging with tropical cocktails as the scenery goes by. While there is certainly time enough for leisure, a robust itinerary of culturally-inspired adventures also awaits—from snorkeling UNESCO sites to biking and hiking around the islands. During certain times of the year, watch the excitement of the Heiva, a fierce inter-island competition of ancient sports like javelin throwing, tree climbing, stone lifting, and outrigger canoe racing.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Dip below the ocean’s surface for an out-of-this-world experience. SCUBA and snorkel some of the world’s most coveted dive sites. Swim close to an array of marine life, including colorful parrotfish, majestic sea turtles, eagle rays, elusive reef sharks, and octopi. The boat’s dive center hosts SCUBA excursions designed for all levels, including PADI certification and refresher classes for novice divers. Those seeking a unique underwater experience can view the reefs’ vibrant life sans SCUBA or snorkel during an Aquabike adventure.

LIVE IN LUXE

The m/s Paul Gauguin underwent extensive renovations in February 2021, inspired by a bespoke blend of Polynesian meets modern chic. Its new décor reflects the multi-hued blues of the islands, kissed with warm wood finishes and gold accents throughout. Spacious, well-appointed staterooms make you feel right at home. The main dining room, L’Etoile, exudes an elevated yet welcoming vibe, while al fresco hotspot La Veranda conjures the feeling of a French bistro. Multiple lounges invite time for pre-show gatherings by the piano, intimate tête-à-têtes, and quiet solitude with a good book.