CRESTING THE WAVES

Cruising has morphed into a world where trappings of luxury, opulent décor and on-trend amenities are de rigueur. Today’s new kids on the block have declared a pact with the extraordinary and are on course to sail serenely into a luxurious realm.

In August Seabourn (seabourn.com) is launching the latest volley in the relentless quest to conceive the quintessential expedition yacht. Inaugural voyages aboard the 264-guest Seabourn Pursuit to the Mediterranean, Amazon and Antarctica are already piquing the interest of those for whom five stars are too squalid. Masterfully designed from bow to stern by Adam D Tihany, there’s not a scintilla of bad taste. And from toques to tables, impeccable cuisine is writ large, including menus by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. Charting sea routes less travelled, in 2024 the compass will be set towards the Kimberley in Western Australia, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia. Custom-built to PC6 Polar Class standards and with an expert expedition team of 26, the ship has 24 Zodiacs and two custom-built submarines.