Seabourn Quest: Small-Ship Luxury Cruising Made Simple

The Seabourn Quest offers a cruise experience that feels more like sailing on a private yacht than a typical cruise ship. Launched in 2011, this ship carries just 458 guests with an equal number of crew members, meaning there's always someone ready to help with whatever you need.

With comfortable suites, great food, and friendly service, the Seabourn Quest takes travelers to amazing places around the world - from icy Antarctica to sunny beaches in the South Pacific. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to relax and enjoy beautiful views, this ship provides a comfortable home base for your journey.

Ship Overview

Seabourn Quest luxury cruise ship sailing on blue ocean waters, aerial view showing multiple decks and outdoor pool areas

The Seabourn Quest strikes a nice balance between comfort and adventure. Built by Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti in Genoa, it has the same design as its sister ships Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn.

These are among the smallest cruise ships run by any major cruise line, which means fewer crowds and a more personal feel. What makes the Seabourn Quest special is that it's ice-rated, allowing it to safely visit colder places like Antarctica in winter and Northern Europe in summer. The ship has stabilizers to reduce rocking in rough seas and uses modern technology to reduce its environmental impact.

Accommodations Guide

Seabourn Quest luxury suite interior with ocean view balcony, king bed, separate living area and elegant wood furnishings

Every room on the Seabourn Quest is actually a suite, giving you plenty of space to relax. Suites range from 295 to 1,182 square feet inside, with balconies adding another 65 to 558 square feet of outdoor space—great for eating breakfast outside or just watching the ocean go by.

All suites include:

  • Ocean views (most with private balconies)
  • Separate living area and bedroom
  • Walk-in closets
  • Stocked mini-bar and refrigerator
  • TV and entertainment system
  • Bathrooms with both tub and shower

If you want to splurge, the larger suites offer even more space and extra perks. No matter which room you choose, you'll have a personal suite attendant who learns your preferences and takes care of your needs throughout the trip.

Dining & Culinary Experience

Seabourn Quest main dining room The Restaurant with elegant crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths and formal table settings

Food is a highlight on the Seabourn Quest, with several different restaurants to choose from. Seabourn takes food seriously, and you'll find delicious options in all the dining venues, often featuring special ingredients like caviar and premium meats.

Here's where you can eat onboard:

1. The Restaurant

This is the main dining room, with an impressive central atrium. The menu changes daily, mixing creative new dishes with familiar favorites. You can come when you want and sit with whoever you like.

2. Solis

Added in January 2024, Solis focuses on Mediterranean food that's "light, modern, and colorful." It was created by chefs Anton "Tony" Egger and Franck Salein, who both worked in top-rated restaurants before joining Seabourn.

3. The Colonnade

This is a more casual option with buffet or table service for breakfast and lunch. At dinner, they serve themed meals based on different regions of the world. You can eat inside or outside, depending on the weather.

4. The Patio

Enjoy casual meals by the pool, perfect for days when you don't want to change out of your swimsuit. What's nice about dining on Seabourn is that all meals are included in your fare, along with wines at lunch and dinner. Most drinks throughout the ship are also complimentary.

Amenities & Facilities

Seabourn Quest spa relaxation area with heated loungers, circular design and ambient lighting

The Seabourn Quest has plenty of places to relax, exercise, and enjoy yourself.

1. The Spa

Spread across two decks, the spa is one of the largest you'll find on a small ship. It offers massages, facials, and beauty treatments that combine traditional methods with modern techniques.

2. Fitness Center

The gym has treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and weights positioned in front of big windows, so you can work out while enjoying the ocean view.

3. Seabourn Square

This central area combines a library, reception desk, and internet café, making it a good spot to read, socialize, or catch up on emails.

4. Swimming Pool & Marina

There's a nice swimming pool with wooden decking around it. When the ship stops in calm, warm waters, they sometimes open a platform at the back of the ship for swimming and water sports.

Experiences & Activities

Seabourn Quest pool deck with swimming pool, sun loungers and outdoor dining area overlooking the ocean

Life on the Seabourn Quest offers a mix of relaxation and interesting things to do.

1. Seabourn Conversations

These are talks and discussions led by experts in fields like art, history, and science, giving you interesting insights during your voyage.

2. The Club

This space serves as a lounge during the day (great for afternoon tea) and becomes a place to dance and socialize at night. 3. Entertainment

Evening shows in the Grand Salon range from musical performances to cabaret acts, while the various bars and lounges offer more low-key entertainment.

3. Observation Bar

This beautiful space with panoramic windows is perfect for watching scenery with your morning coffee or evening cocktail.

2025-2026 Itineraries & Destinations

In 2025-2026, the Seabourn Quest will visit some amazing places around the world.

1. Asia & Australia/New Zealand

In late 2025, the ship will travel through Southeast Asia before heading to Australia and New Zealand for their summer season. There will be three 15-day trips visiting 16 different places, with overnight stays in cities like Cairns and Melbourne.

2. South Pacific & Polynesia

After Australia, the ship will visit islands in Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands before reaching French Polynesia. Here, it will offer a new 10-day "Bora Bora & Tahitian Nights Explorer" trip that spends two full days in Bora Bora and an overnight in Tahiti.

3. Alaska

2025 will be Seabourn Quest's first time in Alaska, with trips from May through September. These 7-day journeys between Vancouver and Juneau include sailing through spectacular places like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm fjord.

4. Panama Canal

In April 2026, the ship will sail from Long Beach to Miami on a 19-day journey that goes through the Panama Canal.

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New Technology & Environmental Features

Seabourn Quest stern with water sports marina platform and guests enjoying kayaking and sailing activities

Seabourn keeps improving the Quest with new technology and environmental features. The ship now has Starlink internet, providing much better Wi-Fi so you can easily share photos and stay in touch with people back home. Seabourn is also focusing more on environmental practices and sustainability as part of their commitment to responsible travel.

Takeaway

The Seabourn Quest offers a special kind of cruise experience that combines the coziness of a small ship with the comforts and services you'd expect from a top hotel. From the spacious suites to the excellent food, attentive service, and carefully planned trips, everything is designed to make your vacation enjoyable and stress-free.

Whether you want to explore remote glaciers, experience different cultures, or just relax on beautiful tropical islands, the Seabourn Quest provides a comfortable and friendly way to see the world. For travelers who appreciate quality, good service, and interesting destinations without the crowds of bigger ships, the Quest is definitely worth considering for your next vacation.

Goes along

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