Seabourn will assemble a distinguished group of polar experts, scientists, researchers, naturalists, historians, and expedition leaders for its 2026-2027 Antarctic season aboard the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore the White Continent accompanied by experts whose careers have been dedicated to understanding some of the most remote environments on the planet.
Each voyage will feature a 21-member expedition team comprised of experts in marine biology, wildlife research, conservation, geology, environmental science, and polar history, with extensive experience in Antarctica and Patagonia. Collectively, the team brings decades of experience in polar regions and expeditions, offering passengers exceptional insights into Antarctica's landscapes, ecosystems, and rich history through presentations, guided excursions, and immersive onboard activities.
The expedition team members have links with leading research and conservation organizations, including GLACIARIUM, one of the world's largest glacier museums, as well as practical experience in supporting Antarctic research vessels, marine mammal studies, and oceanographic education programs in different parts of the world.
Carefully selected for their deep expertise, expedition experience, and ability to engage and inspire passengers, Seabourn's expedition team members help travelers not just look at Antarctica, but truly understand it.
Through immersive landings, Zodiac tours, wildlife encounters, daily briefings, educational lectures, fireside conversations, and optional kayak excursions, these experts provide context, perspective, and knowledge about one of the most remote and fascinating regions on the planet. They will also share their expertise through Seabourn Conversations, the company's onboard enrichment program.
“Each member of our expedition team brings a unique perspective and a passion for exploration,” said Robin West, Vice President of Expeditions at Seabourn. “Their expertise is what sets Seabourn expedition voyages apart. Time and again, guests tell us that the knowledge, enthusiasm, and personal experiences shared by our teams transformed their experience of 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 voyage to life in a meaningful way.”.
Leading Seabourn's Antarctic operations will be expedition leaders Luciano Bernacchi, Ignacio Rojas, Juan Restrepo, Dom del Rosario and Fridrik Fridriksson, with support from deputy expedition leaders Joe Cockram and Sean Bercaw.
Together, they have decades of experience leading expeditions and in polar regions, including more than 20 consecutive Antarctic seasons and extensive experience on every continent and ocean on the planet.
Together they will oversee the planning and execution of expeditions, ensuring that each passenger's experience is safe, engaging, and designed to maximize opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Experts who bring Antarctica to life
The 2026-2027 season team includes an outstanding group of lecturers and field experts specializing in marine biology, conservation, polar history, geology, wildlife research, and environmental science.
Passengers will have the opportunity to learn from renowned 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 culture specialist 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.
Throughout the season, the expedition team will also be joined by 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. Their experience and diverse perspectives will further enrich the journey.
These professionals represent only a selection of the expedition team members who will sail aboard the Seabourn Venture and the Seabourn Pursuit during the 2026-2027 Antarctic season.
Together, the team's knowledge will help uncover all aspects of Antarctica, from its extraordinary wildlife and fragile ecosystems to its history, geology, and enduring spirit of exploration.
Between November 2026 and March 2027, the Seabourn Venture and the Seabourn Pursuit will offer 19 round-trip sailings from Ushuaia to Antarctica, with trips of between 10 and 12 days, in addition to certain 20-day sailings that will include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
All trips to Antarctica include a pre-cruise stay in a Buenos Aires hotel, as well as round-trip charter flights to Ushuaia, from where the ship will depart.
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