Scenic Ocean Cruises vs Seabourn

The core difference

Scenic Ocean Cruises and Seabourn are the two lines most frequently compared in the ultra-luxury expedition space — and for good reason. Both are all-suite, all-veranda, all-inclusive. Both deploy PC6 ice-strengthened ships to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Kimberley. Both offer butler service, premium spirits, and the kind of soft-product refinement that separates ultra-luxury expedition from the parka-and-muck-boots crowd. But both lines also operate beyond expedition waters, and understanding the full breadth of each fleet is essential to choosing correctly.

The distinction sits in three areas: hardware, heritage, and ownership.

Scenic Ocean Cruises is the Australian disruptor. Founded in 1986 by Glen Moroney as a coach tour company on the Great Ocean Road, Scenic Group grew from a single bus into a privately held Australian conglomerate that now builds its own ships at a wholly owned shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia. The two Discovery Yachts — Eclipse (2019) and Eclipse II (2023) — are the only expedition vessels in the world carrying both helicopters and a submarine on every voyage. The patented Ulstein X-BOW hull, 10 dining venues, butler service in every suite from entry level upward, complimentary laundry, and a “truly all-inclusive” positioning make these ships genuinely distinctive. They serve double duty: Expedition Voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic with up to 20 specialists onboard, and Discovery Voyages through the Mediterranean, Japan, and the South Pacific with a smaller team and port-based excursions. A third vessel, Scenic Ikon, arrives in April 2028 — 270 guests, 15 dining venues, and a Triton AVA submersible.

Seabourn is the heritage ultra-luxury brand that expanded into expedition. Founded in 1986 (the same year as Scenic, coincidentally) as Signet Cruise Lines by Norwegian industrialist Atle Brynestad, Seabourn has defined ultra-luxury ocean cruising for nearly four decades. The fleet spans two divisions: three ocean ships (Ovation, Encore, and Sojourn — with Sojourn sold to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and chartered back through May 2026) carrying 458 to 604 guests, and two purpose-built expedition ships — Venture (2022) and Pursuit (2023) — designed by Adam Tihany with warm lodge-style interiors, PC6 ice-strengthened hulls, and 24 Zodiacs. Seabourn brings the service culture of a brand that has won back-to-back Conde Nast Traveller Best Expedition Cruise Line awards. But recent developments — the submarine programme ending in March 2026, the Thomas Keller culinary partnership dissolved in spring 2024, ocean fleet ships sold, and persistent Carnival Corporation sale rumours — have introduced uncertainty that was not part of the original proposition.

For Australian travellers, the choice carries an additional dimension. Scenic is Australian-owned, Australian-headquartered, and culturally Australian in a way that shapes the onboard atmosphere. Seabourn operates through Carnival Australia in North Sydney with a dedicated local team and an expanding Kimberley programme. Both understand the Australian market. The question is which set of strengths — Scenic’s hardware ambition and Australian ownership, or Seabourn’s service heritage and immediate Kimberley availability — matters more to you.

What is actually included

Both lines market themselves as all-inclusive, and both deliver on that promise more comprehensively than almost any competitor. But the specific inclusions and exclusions differ in ways that affect daily life onboard and total voyage cost.

Scenic’s “truly all-inclusive” model covers all meals across up to 10 dining venues with no surcharges or reservation fees, 24-hour in-suite dining, premium spirits, wines, champagnes, cocktails, and specialty coffees, a daily-restocked complimentary mini-bar personalised to preference in higher categories, butler service in every suite category from entry level upward, all shore excursions, Zodiac excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, e-bikes, snorkelling equipment, Starlink Wi-Fi, all gratuities (onboard and onshore), complimentary laundry (both self-service and butler-assisted), port charges and taxes, transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on Antarctic voyages, and pre-cruise hotel nights on select itineraries. Not included: helicopter flights (approximately USD 695 to 1,500 per person), submarine dives (approximately USD 775 per person), spa treatments, a small selection of Chairman’s Cellar wines, and international flights.

Seabourn’s all-inclusive model covers all dining with no surcharges, premium spirits and fine wines at all bars at all times, welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked to preferences, complimentary caviar throughout the voyage, gratuities (tipping neither required nor expected), Starlink Wi-Fi with unlimited minutes, all Zodiac excursions, landings, nature walks, and hikes, snorkelling, the polar plunge, a Helly Hansen PolarShield parka and WaterShield backpack (gifted — yours to keep), boot loans, Swarovski Optik binoculars (loaned), open bridge access, entertainment and live music, Dr. Andrew Weil wellness classes, pre-cruise hotel in Buenos Aires for Antarctic voyages, and charter flights to Ushuaia. On ocean ships, the same all-inclusive beverages, dining, and gratuities apply. Not included: kayaking on expedition ships (approximately USD 199 to 250 per session), spa treatments beyond complimentary wellness classes, the Image Masters photography programme (USD 1,500 to 1,850), optional Ventures by Seabourn shore excursions on non-expedition ports, and laundry (unless Gold-tier Seabourn Club member or higher).

The net comparison: Scenic includes more at the base fare level — butler service for all guests (not just premium suites), complimentary kayaking, complimentary laundry, and a broader range of included activities. Seabourn gifts a higher-quality branded parka (Helly Hansen versus Scenic-branded), provides Swarovski binoculars, and includes complimentary caviar as a running feature. The most consequential exclusion on each side: Scenic charges extra for helicopter and submarine experiences that are central to its marketing identity; Seabourn charges extra for kayaking — a core expedition activity that most competitors include. Both exclusions attract criticism from guests who expect “all-inclusive” to mean precisely that.

Dining and culinary experience

Dining is where both lines attempt to distinguish themselves — and where both attract the most polarised reviews from luxury cruise veterans.

Scenic’s dining programme offers up to 10 dining experiences across approximately seven distinct venues: Elements (main restaurant, Italian fare, steaks and seafood), Lumiere (French fine dining, praised for attentive service), Koko’s Asian Fusion with the exceptional Sushi at Koko’s counter seating just 18 guests — frequently cited as the best single dining venue aboard — Night Market at Koko’s (teppanyaki grill), Chef’s Table or Chef’s Garden at Epicure (invitation-only degustation dining for 8 to 10 guests), Azure Bar and Cafe (all-day grazing and tapas), Yacht Club (poolside grill), and 24-hour in-suite dining. The wine programme, curated by Keith Isaac — one of approximately 400 Master of Wine holders globally — features over 50 wines on the pouring programme with different selections in each restaurant. Over 100 whisky varieties are complimentary at the Whisky Bar. A Chairman’s Cellar offers first and second growth Bordeaux clarets and Penfolds Grange at additional cost. Every venue is included — no surcharges, no reservation fees. Food quality is the most polarising aspect of the Scenic experience: many guests praise the variety and the standout venues, while some luxury veterans describe certain dishes as unimaginative and compare food quality unfavourably to Silversea and Seabourn.

Seabourn’s dining programme differs between the ocean and expedition fleets. On the expedition ships, four to five venues are available: The Restaurant (main dining, designed by Adam Tihany with snowflake-inspired geometry, open seating), The Colonnade (buffet for breakfast and lunch, converting to Earth and Ocean for dinner — waiter-served bistro cuisine with rotating themed nights), The Club (sushi and sashimi bar with cocktails), Seabourn Square (specialty coffees, pastries, artisan gelato), and 24-hour in-suite dining. The ocean ships add Solis (Mediterranean-influenced fine dining, which replaced The Grill by Thomas Keller in spring 2024) and a larger Colonnade with regional menus. The Thomas Keller departure was relevant primarily to the ocean fleet — the expedition ships were never part of that partnership. Complimentary caviar is available throughout the voyage across both fleets. Seabourn’s famous breadsticks and daily souffles continue on all ships. Food quality is consistently rated highly in reviews, though some recent reports note declining standards with isolated complaints about wait times and incorrect orders.

The comparison: Scenic wins on venue count and variety — 10 dining options versus Seabourn’s four to five on expedition ships provides dramatically more choice, particularly on longer voyages where menu fatigue becomes a factor. Seabourn’s food quality receives more consistently favourable reviews, even without a celebrity chef partnership on the expedition ships. Both lines serve complimentary fine wines and premium spirits. Neither charges surcharges at any venue. For Australian wine lovers, Scenic’s Chairman’s Cellar featuring Penfolds Grange is a notable draw.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer all-suite, all-veranda accommodation across their expedition fleets — a genuine differentiator that separates them from most expedition competitors. Neither has interior or ocean-view-only cabins on any ship.

Scenic’s suite range spans 10 to 14 categories (depending on the ship) from the entry-level Verandah Suite (32 square metres interior plus private verandah) to the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite (247 square metres total with 60-square-metre wraparound terrace — the largest accommodation afloat in expedition cruising). Every suite includes a dedicated butler, Scenic Slumber Bed, complimentary daily-restocked mini-bar, illy coffee machine, Dyson hairdryer, and L’Occitane amenities. Spa Suites feature a signature Philippe Starck spa bath (Eclipse) or circular spa bath (Eclipse II), four-poster king bed, and steam shower with light therapy. The Panorama Suite offers 62 square metres of interior plus a 48-square-metre wraparound balcony — only two per ship. Premium suite guests receive evening canapes, priority dining and excursion booking, and an invitation to the exclusive Chef’s Table seating only 8 to 10 guests.

Seabourn’s suite range on the expedition ships spans 9 categories from the Veranda Suite (33 square metres total including a 7-square-metre veranda) to the Grand Wintergarden Suite (130 square metres with two storeys — lower-level living, dining, and guest bedroom; upper-level master with whirlpool bath, walk-in closet, and Swarovski spotting scope). Notable features across all suites: marble-lined bathrooms with heated floors, a separate bathtub (exceptional on an expedition ship and greatly appreciated after cold landings), an in-suite clothes dryer (extremely practical for polar voyages), and an in-suite bar stocked to guest preferences. The Wintergarden Suite features a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed. The Signature Suite offers a curved veranda with a canopied whirlpool spa tub. The ocean ships (Ovation, Encore) offer similar suite categories at somewhat larger sizes, with the full Seabourn service programme and the Solis restaurant. Butler service on all ships is available for Penthouse and above — not all categories.

The key differences: Scenic provides butler service in every suite category, including the entry-level Verandah Suite. On Scenic, every guest receives morning coffee delivery, restaurant reservations, laundry management, mini-bar personalisation, and champagne delivery as standard. On Seabourn, entry-level Veranda Suite guests receive excellent service but not a dedicated butler. Seabourn counters with the in-suite bathtub (standard in all categories) and the in-suite clothes dryer — both genuinely practical on an expedition ship, particularly after a wet Zodiac landing in the Drake Passage. At the top end, both lines offer extraordinary penthouse accommodation, but Scenic’s Two-Bedroom Penthouse at 247 square metres is the largest suite in expedition cruising. Seabourn’s ocean ships are larger, with wider corridors and more generous public spaces — a space ratio of 72 to 87 gross tonnes per guest on the expedition ships, compared to approximately 68 to 71 on the ocean ships.

Pricing and value

Both lines sit at the premium end of cruise pricing, reflecting their ultra-luxury positioning. Neither is inexpensive, but the value equations differ meaningfully — particularly across the ocean and expedition divisions.

Scenic’s directional pricing for Antarctic voyages starts from approximately A$15,000 to 19,000 per person twin-share for a 13-night Peninsula voyage in a Verandah Suite, rising to A$22,000 to 30,000 for a 21-night Antarctic and South Georgia itinerary. Kimberley voyages (when available from 2028) start from approximately A$12,000 to 15,000 for 10 nights. Mediterranean Discovery Voyages from approximately A$8,000 to 12,000 for 10 nights. Entry-level Antarctic per-diem works out to approximately A$1,100 to 1,450 per night — competitive with and often lower than Silversea, Seabourn, and Ponant while offering a more comprehensive all-inclusive package. Add-ons to budget: helicopter flights (approximately A$1,050 to 2,300 per person), submarine dives (approximately A$1,200 per person), and spa treatments. Scenic regularly offers promotional savings of A$3,000 or more per person on select sailings, fly-free offers, and reduced single supplements of 55 to 75 per cent.

Seabourn’s directional pricing for Antarctic voyages starts from A$21,504 per person for a 12-day Great White Continent voyage in a Veranda Suite, rising to A$47,999 or more for a 22-day Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falklands itinerary. Kimberley voyages start from A$17,799 per person for 10 days. Ocean ship voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe run at approximately A$600 to 900 per person per night. Entry-level Antarctic per-diem works out to approximately A$1,790 per night. Solo supplements are steep: 200 per cent of double occupancy (effectively full fare for one person), with a reduced 125 per cent available on select voyages. Seabourn does not offer dedicated solo cabins.

The value comparison: At entry level, Scenic is meaningfully less expensive than Seabourn for expedition voyages — approximately A$400 to 700 per night cheaper on a comparable Antarctic itinerary — while including more in the base fare. Scenic’s value proposition is strongest at the Verandah Suite level where guests access the full all-inclusive package, butler service, and all expedition hardware at a per-diem comparable to mid-range operators but with dramatically higher luxury amenity levels. Seabourn’s value proposition rests on the intangible: the heritage, the service culture, the Adam Tihany design, the Helly Hansen parka, the Swarovski binoculars, and the Caviar on Ice. For traditional ocean cruising, Seabourn’s ocean ships offer a per-diem roughly comparable to Crystal, Regent, and Silversea, with the advantage of established Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern European deployment. Whether Seabourn’s intangibles justify the premium over Scenic depends entirely on what matters to you.

Spa and wellness

Both lines invest in dedicated wellness facilities that far exceed what most expedition competitors offer — a reflection of their luxury-first positioning.

Scenic’s Senses Spa occupies 550 square metres — exceptionally large for a 228-passenger ship. Facilities include multiple therapy rooms, sauna, steam room (with aromatherapy and ice fountain on Eclipse II), a salt therapy lounge with heated beds and KLAFS technology (Eclipse II), a Vitality Pool with swim jets (indoor, temperature-controlled), a Sky Deck Vitality Pool (Eclipse II, Deck 10), and relaxation lounges. The PURE yoga and Pilates studio offers scheduled classes and one-on-one sessions. The POWER gym provides a full fitness facility with personal trainer availability. Products are by ESPA. Holistic offerings include aerial yoga, TRX, mindfulness meditation, and Tibetan sound bowl healing. The spa is not included in the fare — treatments are an additional charge.

Seabourn’s Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the line’s signature wellness partnership across both ocean and expedition ships. Dr. Weil — the American integrative medicine pioneer — developed a programme blending Eastern and Western wellness traditions: mindful meditation, yoga, nutritional guidance, and spa treatments designed around his holistic health philosophy. The spa features treatment rooms, a thermal suite with sauna and steam, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool area. On ocean ships, The Retreat offers a dedicated wellness outdoor space. Expedition ships include spa facilities adapted for polar conditions — post-Zodiac recovery treatments are particularly popular after cold landings. Complimentary Dr. Andrew Weil wellness classes (meditation, yoga, mindful living) run throughout every voyage. Spa treatments beyond complimentary classes are at additional cost.

The comparison: Scenic’s spa facilities are larger and more comprehensively equipped for a ship of its size, with the salt therapy lounge and dual vitality pools on Eclipse II providing standout features. Seabourn’s Dr. Weil partnership creates a more philosophically integrated wellness programme that extends beyond the spa to dining (wellness-inspired menus), daily routines (guided meditation, mindfulness coaching), and an approach that shapes the broader onboard experience. Scenic wins on facility scale. Seabourn wins on wellness programme depth. Neither includes spa treatments in the fare — a shared limitation at this price level.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line offers Broadway shows, casinos, or midnight buffets. Both build their enrichment around the shared expedition experience and expert-led intellectual engagement — but with different emphases.

Scenic’s enrichment programme features daily expert lectures from the Discovery Team on wildlife, glaciology, history, and destinations visited. On Expedition Voyages (polar regions), up to 20 specialists cover marine biology, geology, ornithology, photography, and indigenous culture. On Discovery Voyages (Mediterranean, Japan, South Pacific), a smaller team of up to 15 runs Scenic Freechoice excursions and port-based cultural programmes. Photography walks and photography expeditions are integrated into landing activities. The wine programme curated by Keith Isaac MW offers structured tastings and a whisky collection of over 100 varieties. Evening entertainment includes expert lectures in the theatre, live music in select venues, and the kind of conversation that only shared expedition experiences create. The Observation Lounge with 270-degree views serves as the gathering point for expedition briefings and sundowner drinks. Neither Scenic ship runs a structured citizen science programme comparable to Aurora or HX Expeditions.

Seabourn’s enrichment programme centres on the expedition team’s daily lectures and fireside chats, Seabourn Conversations with expert speakers, and the Dr. Andrew Weil Mindful Living programme (meditation, yoga, wellness lectures, and a certified Mindful Living Coach). The Image Masters photography programme is a premium add-on — USD 1,500 to 1,850 for a four-day course with a maximum of 10 participants, dedicated Photo Zodiac cruises, individual mentoring, and access to a purpose-built studio with four iMac desktops and professional editing software. On the ocean ships, entertainment expands to include production shows in the Grand Salon, live music in The Club, and the Observation Lounge as a social hub. Seabourn’s signature Caviar in the Surf — champagne and caviar served on a beach in warm-water ports, adapted to Caviar on Ice (a deck-side ice bar with champagnes and rare caviars) in polar settings — is a signature experience unique to the brand. Seabourn does not operate a structured citizen science programme.

The distinction: Both lines deliver excellent naturalist interpretation and expert lectures on expedition voyages. Scenic’s enrichment advantage lies in wine — the Keith Isaac MW programme and the complimentary whisky collection are distinctive. Seabourn’s enrichment advantage lies in structured photography (Image Masters, albeit at significant cost) and the integrated wellness programme. On ocean ships, Seabourn offers more traditional cruise entertainment. For enrichment-focused expedition travel where hands-on science participation matters, neither line is the top choice — Aurora Expeditions and HX Expeditions offer substantially more developed programmes.

Fleet and destination coverage

Both lines operate across expedition and non-polar waters, but their fleet structures differ significantly.

Scenic’s fleet comprises two Discovery Yachts — Eclipse (2019, 228 guests) and Eclipse II (2023, 228 guests) — with Scenic Ikon arriving in April 2028 (270 guests, 15 dining venues, Triton AVA submersible). The same ships serve both roles: Expedition Voyages to Antarctica (Peninsula, South Georgia, Falklands, select Ross Sea itineraries), the Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Northwest Passage), and Australia’s Kimberley (returning 2028), plus Discovery Voyages through the Mediterranean, Japan, the South Pacific, and the Americas. Combined deployment spans 500-plus ports across 63 countries and all seven continents. Both ships follow seasonal migration patterns — Southern Hemisphere November to March, Northern Hemisphere April to October. Eclipse II will establish a permanent Australian homeport from April 2028.

Seabourn’s fleet spans two distinct divisions. The expedition fleet comprises Venture (2022, 264 guests) and Pursuit (2023, 264 guests) — both PC6 ice-class, Adam Tihany-designed, with 24 Zodiacs. The ocean fleet comprises Ovation (2018, 604 guests), Encore (2016, 604 guests), and Sojourn (2010, 458 guests — sold to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, chartered back through May 2026). Seabourn Odyssey was sold in 2024. Expedition deployment covers Antarctica (16-plus departures in 2025-2026, 19 planned for 2026-2027), the Arctic (Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, British Isles, Northwest Passage with 24-day crossings), the Kimberley (Pursuit exclusively, eight departures in 2026, four confirmed for 2027), the South Pacific, and the Amazon. Ocean ships deploy to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and the Caribbean. The fleet is broader than Scenic’s but contracting — the ocean division has shrunk from five ships to potentially two.

Expedition hardware — where the comparison becomes most consequential. Scenic’s Discovery Yachts carry two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters per ship (the quietest in commercial aviation, six passengers, floor-to-ceiling windows, Bose noise-cancelling headsets) and a U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarine carrying six guests to 300 metres depth. Both are at extra cost but available on every voyage. Seabourn carries 24 large-capacity Zodiac RIBs per ship — enough to transport all passengers simultaneously — but no helicopters, and the submarine programme ended in March 2026. Scenic carries 12 Zodiacs per ship. Scenic includes 8 tandem kayaks (complimentary), e-bikes, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear at no extra charge. Seabourn offers kayaking at approximately USD 199 to 250 per session but loans Swarovski Optik binoculars to every cabin and features a Cineflex bow camera live-streamed to suites. Neither line offers expedition camping.

Hull design matters through the Drake Passage. Scenic uses the patented Ulstein X-BOW inverted hull — the same technology deployed by Aurora Expeditions. The X-BOW splits wave energy rather than punching through it, reducing slamming, spray, vibration, and seasickness. Seabourn uses a conventional ice-strengthened hull with ABB Azipod propulsion. Both are PC6 rated. In the Drake Passage, the X-BOW provides a measurably smoother ride.

IAATO classification. Scenic carries 200 passengers in polar waters — IAATO Category C1, the most favourable landing category. Seabourn carries 264 passengers — IAATO Category C2. Both must limit shore parties to 100 at a time, but Scenic’s smaller complement requires fewer rotations and delivers more cumulative time ashore per landing. This is one of the most important structural advantages in expedition cruising.

Where each line excels

Scenic excels in:

• Expedition hardware. The only expedition ships in the world carrying both helicopters and a submarine on every voyage. No competitor matches this combination.
• All-inclusive breadth. Butler service in every suite, complimentary laundry, included kayaking, daily mini-bar restock — the most comprehensive all-inclusive package in expedition cruising.
• Small ship advantage. Two hundred passengers in polar waters, IAATO C1, fewer landing rotations, more time ashore.
• Drake Passage comfort. The Ulstein X-BOW provides a genuinely smoother ride through the notoriously rough crossing every Antarctic voyage requires.
• Australian ownership. Headquartered in Newcastle, NSW, privately held and family-controlled by founder Glen Moroney.
• Dining variety. Ten dining venues including the 18-seat Sushi at Koko’s — the most restaurant diversity in expedition cruising.
• Non-polar Discovery Voyages. Mediterranean, Japan, and South Pacific itineraries transform the ships into luxury small-ship cruise experiences with included excursions.

Seabourn excels in:

• Service heritage. Nearly four decades of ultra-luxury service culture — staff know your name by lunch on day one, and the “private club” atmosphere defines the brand.
• Immediate Kimberley availability. Pursuit operates through at least 2027 with an expanding season. Scenic does not return until 2028.
• Ocean fleet breadth. Three ocean ships provide traditional ultra-luxury Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern European itineraries that Scenic cannot offer.
• Zodiac deployment. Twenty-four Zodiacs versus Scenic’s 12 enable faster shore transfers, though they are stowed on the top deck rather than at water level.
• Signature touches. Helly Hansen parka, Swarovski binoculars, Caviar on Ice, Adam Tihany interiors — details that elevate the daily experience.
• Back-to-back awards. Conde Nast Traveller Best Expedition Cruise Line 2024 and 2025, plus 45 travel industry awards in 2024 alone.
• Wunambal Gaambera cultural partnership. Indigenous cultural experiences with traditional landowners who serve as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Antarctic Peninsula (13 nights, Buenos Aires round trip) — Scenic’s core polar offering. Two hundred passengers, IAATO C1, twin helicopters, a submarine, and the X-BOW hull through the Drake Passage. Included charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, pre-cruise hotel night. From approximately A$15,000 per person. The voyage that delivers every hardware advantage at the strongest value in ultra-luxury expedition.

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands (21 nights, Buenos Aires) — The comprehensive Southern Ocean expedition. South Georgia’s cathedral penguin colonies, Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, the Falklands’ windswept British character, and the Antarctic Peninsula. From approximately A$22,000 per person. The itinerary that justifies the long journey from Australia.

Kimberley: Broome to Darwin (10 to 11 nights, returning 2028) — Eclipse II as the only ship in the Kimberley with twin onboard helicopters. Horizontal Falls, King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, Hunter River, Aboriginal rock art, and heli-fishing for barramundi. Led by Mike Cusack, with 30-plus years in Australia’s northwest. From approximately A$12,000 per person. Worth the wait for 2028 if helicopter access is a priority.

Mediterranean Discovery Voyage (8 to 12 nights, seasonal) — The Discovery Yachts in non-expedition mode: port-intensive itineraries through the Mediterranean with included Scenic Freechoice excursions, all dining, butler service, and the full luxury programme. From approximately A$8,000 per person. A fundamentally different experience from the polar programme, proving the ships’ versatility.

Seabourn

The Great White Continent (12 days, Buenos Aires round trip) — Seabourn’s Antarctic Peninsula introduction. All-inclusive ultra-luxury, 24 Zodiacs, Helly Hansen parka gifted, Swarovski binoculars loaned, Caviar on Ice, and Buenos Aires hotel plus charter flights included. From A$21,504 per person. The most refined Antarctic expedition available.

Kimberley: Broome to Darwin (10 days, Seabourn Pursuit, multiple departures 2026 through 2027) — The most immediately available ultra-luxury Kimberley option. From A$17,799 per person. Wunambal Gaambera cultural experiences included. Eight departures in the expanded 2026 season. No international flights required — domestic connections to Broome and Darwin from all Australian capitals.

Northwest Passage (24 days, 2026) — Seabourn Venture sailing between Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) and Anchorage (Alaska). Complimentary economy airfare from home cities included on select sailings. Two departures in August 2026. A once-in-a-lifetime Arctic transit for travellers who have already explored Antarctica.

Across Three Continents (82 days, departing Broome September 2026) — The ultimate expedition: Kimberley to South Pacific to Antarctica in a single sailing. Departs from Australian soil. For the traveller who wants to see everything and has the time to do it properly.

Mediterranean on Ovation or Encore (7 to 14 nights, seasonal) — Seabourn’s ocean ships in the Mediterranean offer the classic ultra-luxury ocean cruise experience: open-seating dining, Solis fine dining, Dr. Andrew Weil spa and wellness, and the established service culture at ports Crystal, Regent, and Silversea also serve. A genuinely different product from the expedition division.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Scenic Eclipse II (2023, 228 guests, PC6) — The newer ship and the better choice for most travellers. Refinements over Eclipse include an expanded spa with salt therapy lounge and ice fountain, a redesigned Yacht Club with new food islands, a Sky Deck pool and Sky Bar on Deck 10, improved submarine entry and exit design, and 14 suite categories versus 10. Eclipse II will establish a permanent Australian homeport from April 2028. Choose for the Kimberley (from 2028), Antarctica, and the most current Scenic expedition experience.

Scenic Eclipse (2019, 228 guests, PC6) — The original Discovery Yacht, now seven years old. Some reviewers note ageing interiors and a 2024 Azipod failure that required emergency drydock repair. Refurbished in 2021 and 2024. Still carries the full hardware suite — twin helicopters, submarine, X-BOW hull. Choose when Eclipse II is not available on your preferred itinerary, and accept that the newer ship offers a more polished experience.

Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028, 270 guests, PC6) — The third Discovery Yacht under construction at MKM Yachts in Croatia. Larger at 205 metres and 26,500 GT, with 15 dining venues, a two-level spa, a Triton AVA submersible, and two Airbus helicopters. First two sailings have sold out. Worth waiting for if you value the newest ship and expanded facilities.

Seabourn

Seabourn Pursuit (2023, 264 guests, PC6) — The newest Seabourn ship and the one that sails the Kimberley exclusively. Named with the Wunambal Gaambera people as godparents. Tropical design accents. Choose for the Kimberley and South Pacific itineraries. The best first expedition ship for Australian travellers.

Seabourn Venture (2022, 264 guests, PC6) — Near-identical sister ship with cold-weather design cues. Deployed primarily to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Northwest Passage. Recurring stabiliser issues since launch — the most notable mechanical concern across both ships, with failures in April 2023 and February 2025 that forced itinerary cancellations. The expedition programme when everything works is excellent. Choose for polar and Arctic itineraries.

Seabourn Ovation (2018, 604 guests, ocean) — The newest ocean ship and the best introduction to Seabourn’s traditional ultra-luxury ocean product. Solis fine dining, Dr. Andrew Weil spa and wellness, and the full service programme. Choose for Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries.

Seabourn Encore (2016, 604 guests, ocean) — Near-identical to Ovation with the same dining and spa offerings. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship preference. Deployed across the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia.

For Australian travellers specifically

Getting to the ship: For Antarctic voyages on both lines, Australian travellers fly to Buenos Aires via Santiago or Auckland (approximately 15 to 20 hours from Sydney or Melbourne), then take included charter flights to Ushuaia. The routing is identical for both lines. For the Kimberley, both Broome and Darwin are served by direct domestic flights from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — no passport required. This makes the Kimberley by far the most accessible ultra-luxury expedition product for Australians. For Arctic voyages with either line, the routing goes through European hubs to Longyearbyen or Reykjavik — 22 to 24-plus hours from Australia. For Seabourn’s ocean ships, embarkation ports across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe require international flights through hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, or London. Universal advice: arrive at least one day early at the embarkation gateway. A missed expedition ship is unrecoverable, and the financial loss is total.

Australian office presence: Scenic Group is headquartered on Watt Street, Newcastle, New South Wales. Australian phone: 1300 173 812. Website: scenic.com.au with all pricing in AUD. Scenic is one of the most recognised luxury travel brands in Australia, with heavy advertising presence and a massive existing customer base from river cruising. Seabourn operates through Carnival Australia at 15 Mount Street, North Sydney. Phone: 13 24 02. Email: [email protected]. Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM AEST, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM AEST. Director of Sales: Tony Archbold. Both lines offer Australian booking, Australian customer support, and AUD pricing through local travel agents.

The ownership question: Scenic is genuinely Australian-owned — Glen Moroney, an Australian entrepreneur from Newcastle, founded the company in 1986 and remains Chairman. The company is privately held and family-controlled. When you book Scenic, you are booking with an Australian company that builds its own ships at a wholly owned Croatian shipyard and is headquartered 160 kilometres north of Sydney. Seabourn is owned by Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest leisure travel company, and has faced persistent speculation about divestiture — the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was reported in talks to acquire the brand in both 2022 and 2024, and unconfirmed rumours persist about potential sale of the expedition ships. For Australian travellers who value supporting Australian-owned businesses, Scenic carries that credential definitively.

Travel insurance: Standard policies often exclude Antarctic and expedition cruise activities. Specialist expedition insurance with minimum A$500,000 medical coverage and A$250,000 evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Both lines require mandatory travel insurance. Scenic offers a Platinum Protection Plan at USD 495 per person per ocean voyage. Seabourn offers a Worry-Free Promise protection plan. Independent policies may offer better value and broader coverage. Given persistent Carnival Corporation sale rumours, travellers booking Seabourn should ensure their insurance covers supplier insolvency.

Loyalty programmes: Scenic launched the new Scenic and Emerald Rewards programme in February 2026, replacing the former Scenic Club — four tiers (Gold, Diamond, Emerald, Chairman’s Club) with cross-brand recognition across Scenic river cruises, ocean cruises, and Emerald Cruises. Chairman’s Club members receive complimentary suite upgrades, and from April 2028, one complimentary helicopter or flightseeing experience on select departures. This cross-brand pathway is particularly valuable for Australians already loyal to Scenic’s river fleet. Seabourn Club offers six tiers with points that never expire within a three-year sailing window, complimentary laundry from Gold tier, and award cruises redeemable on expedition sailings. As part of the Carnival Corporation family, Seabourn has informal status-matching pathways with Holland America, Princess, and Cunard.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines create the atmosphere that ultra-luxury travellers seek — refined, intimate, intellectually stimulating, and structured around shared discovery rather than production entertainment. Neither has a casino, a Broadway show, or a midnight buffet. The character of that shared atmosphere, however, differs meaningfully between the two brands — and between each brand’s ocean and expedition divisions.

Scenic’s atmosphere is distinctly Australian in character. The ship feels more like a boutique luxury hotel than a cruise ship — quiet, refined, intimate. The Australian ownership creates a more relaxed, less formal ambience than some European luxury lines. Think smart casual rather than black tie — there are no formal nights, and some guests wear nice jeans to dinner without issue. The demographic is predominantly well-travelled couples aged 50-plus, with heavy Australian representation alongside North American and British passengers. The Observation Lounge with 270-degree views is the gathering point for expedition briefings and sundowner drinks. Multiple intimate bars and lounges serve pre and post-dinner drinks, with over 100 whisky varieties complimentary at the Whisky Bar. Evening entertainment includes expert lectures, live music, and the conversation that only shared expedition experiences create. The Discovery Team of up to 20 specialists on Expedition Voyages creates a strong guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:10 — competitive for the luxury-expedition segment. On Discovery Voyages in the Mediterranean and Japan, the atmosphere shifts toward a more traditional luxury small-ship experience, though still distinctly relaxed by the standards of European-flagged competitors.

Seabourn’s atmosphere carries the DNA of nearly four decades of ultra-luxury cruising. On the expedition ships, Adam Tihany-designed interiors feature warm lodge-style aesthetics — faux fireplaces, fur pillows, green velveteen banquettes — creating what reviewers describe as “luxe lodge style.” The Expedition Lounge is the social hub where guests share photographs and stories over complimentary cocktails. Staff know guests by name within 48 hours — a hallmark of the Seabourn service culture. The expedition team of 23 specialists provides an approximate guide-to-guest ratio of 1:11. The dress code is elegant casual after 6:00 PM, with elegant jeans welcome in all dining venues. On the ocean ships, the atmosphere tilts further toward traditional ultra-luxury — the Observation Lounge, the Constellation Lounge, and The Club provide the social architecture that established Seabourn’s reputation. The demographic across both divisions is experienced luxury cruisers — many are repeat Seabourn loyalists who have followed the brand across ocean and expedition.

The difference in feel: Scenic feels like a luxury Australian boutique hotel that happens to visit Antarctica — the helicopter and submarine provide genuine adventure excitement, but the core experience is comfort and discovery. Seabourn feels like a traditional ultra-luxury cruise line that has extended its service excellence into expedition waters — the expedition team provides genuine expertise, but the core experience is refinement and service. On the ocean ships, Seabourn feels more like a classic cruise line with established rhythms and familiar rituals. Both approaches are valid. The choice depends on whether you want your luxury with an Australian accent and hardware ambition, or with heritage service culture and understated elegance.

The bottom line

Scenic Ocean Cruises and Seabourn represent the closest head-to-head in the ultra-luxury expedition market — and the comparison extends beyond expedition into the broader question of what kind of luxury cruise experience each line delivers across its full fleet.

Choose Scenic when you want the most expedition hardware in ultra-luxury cruising — twin helicopters and a submarine on every voyage, the only expedition ships in the world carrying both. Choose Scenic when the smaller passenger count (200 versus 264 in Antarctica) and IAATO C1 classification matter for landing access and time ashore. Choose Scenic when 10 dining venues, butler service in every suite, complimentary laundry, and the broadest all-inclusive package in expedition cruising appeal. Choose Scenic when the X-BOW hull’s Drake Passage comfort advantage matters. Choose Scenic when supporting an Australian-owned, Australian-headquartered, privately held company is part of the decision. Choose Scenic for non-polar Discovery Voyages that transform expedition ships into luxury small-ship cruise experiences. Accept that helicopter and submarine experiences come at substantial extra cost despite the “truly all-inclusive” marketing, that food quality reviews are mixed, and that Eclipse (2019) is beginning to show its age.

Choose Seabourn when the refinement of nearly four decades of ultra-luxury service heritage matters — when staff knowing your name by lunch on day one, Adam Tihany interiors, Caviar on Ice, and the private club atmosphere define your ideal expedition. Choose Seabourn when immediate Kimberley availability matters (Scenic does not return until 2028). Choose Seabourn when you want a traditional ocean cruise option alongside expedition — the Ovation and Encore provide Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries that Scenic cannot offer. Choose Seabourn when the Helly Hansen parka, Swarovski binoculars, and signature touches elevate the daily experience. Choose Seabourn when back-to-back Conde Nast Traveller awards provide reassurance of quality. Accept that the submarine programme has ended, that kayaking costs extra on an ultra-luxury product, that 264 passengers mean longer landing rotations, that recurring stabiliser issues on Venture have eroded confidence, and that Carnival Corporation ownership introduces uncertainty about the brand’s long-term future.

For the Australian traveller who cannot decide, the most practical path may be determined by timing and purpose: Seabourn for the Kimberley now (2026 through 2027), Scenic for the Kimberley when the helicopters return in 2028, either line for Antarctica where both deliver extraordinary experiences, and Seabourn’s ocean ships for those who also want traditional luxury cruising in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe within a single loyalty programme.