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There is a specific kind of magic that happens when ultra-luxury meets rugged exploration. It’s a delicate balance to strike—sipping chilled champagne while wearing a waterproof parka, or returning from a windswept Zodiac landing to a suite where your heated gear locker is already warming your boots. This was the promise of the Seabourn Venture on its 10-day “Wild Scottish Isles & Iceland” itinerary, and as I embarked in Dublin to sail toward the Arctic Circle, I was eager to see if the reality could match the brochure.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t just match it; it completely redefined how I view travel in Northern Europe.
As a travel advisor with Vincent Vacations, I have the privilege of vetting the world’s finest journeys for our clients. This trip was personal, however. I wanted to understand the “Expedition” difference—how Seabourn translates its famous yacht-like service to the wild, unpredictable waters of the Hebrides and the volcanic coasts of Iceland. For those considering this voyage, here is my detailed, first-hand account of life onboard and ashore.
Embarkation: The Dublin Departure
Our journey began in Dublin. While many cruises treat embarkation as a chaotic necessity, Seabourn treats it as the first act of a play. The Seabourn Venture is intimate, carrying only 264 guests. This small footprint meant that boarding was seamless. Within minutes of arriving at the port, I was walking up the gangway, greeted by a lineup of smiling staff who—and I’m still not sure how they do this—seemed to already know my name.
Stepping into the ship, you immediately notice the difference between Venture and traditional cruise ships. The interiors, designed by Adam Tihany, feel like a floating lodge in the Swiss Alps or a high-end Aspen resort. It’s all tactile woods, faux furs, warm leathers, and panoramic glass. It feels cozy, safe, and incredibly expensive.
The Suite: A Sanctuary at Sea
My Veranda Suite was a masterclass in functional luxury. In expedition cruising, your cabin isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s your basecamp. Seabourn understands this. The most talked-about feature is the heated drying closet, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. After a rainy hike in the Scottish Highlands, hanging your wet parka and gloves in the closet and having them toasty and dry for the afternoon excursion is a game-changer.
The bathroom featured a deep soaking tub and a separate shower, stocked with Molton Brown products that smelled like black pepper and adventure. But the real highlight was the Swarovski binoculars provided in every suite. Sitting on my private veranda, wrapped in a blanket, scanning the horizon for gannets and whales became my favorite morning ritual.
The Ship Experience: Expedition Meets Ultra-Luxury
The Seabourn Venture is built to PC6 Polar Class standards, meaning it can push through ice and handle rough seas with grace. Yet, it never feels industrial.
Seabourn Square remains the heart of the ship, a “living room” at sea where the baristas make perfect cappuccinos and the concierge team handles every request with a smile. However, on this ship, the Bow Lounge became my go-to spot. Located way forward on Deck 6, it offers the closest view to the water. It’s equipped with touch screens showing navigation charts and external cameras, making you feel like part of the bridge team.
Then there is the Discovery Center. This is the lecture hall, but it feels more like a TED Talk venue. The huge screens and plush seating are where we gathered daily for “Recaps and Briefings” with the Expedition Team—a group of 26 experts ranging from ornithologists and geologists to historians and kayak guides. Their passion was infectious. This wasn’t just “sightseeing”; it was an education.
Dining: Michelin-Level Comfort
One might expect the food to take a backseat on an expedition trip, but this is Seabourn.
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The Restaurant: The main dining room is elegant yet relaxed (no tuxedo required here). I enjoyed dishes like miso-glazed sea bass and perfectly roasted rack of lamb. The sommeliers were exceptional, constantly pouring wines that paired perfectly with the meal—and yes, the fine wines and spirits are complimentary.
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The Colonnade: This is the more casual spot with indoor/outdoor seating. My favorite nights were the “Earth & Ocean” dinners, where the chefs served rustic, family-style dishes.
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Sushi in The Club: A hidden gem. Fresh sashimi and inventive rolls served in the evening—a light, perfect way to end a day of heavy eating.
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Seabourn Square: For grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches or afternoon gelato (which I indulged in daily, regardless of the temperature outside).
And yes, the Caviar flowed freely. Whether it was ordered to the suite at 4:00 PM or served on ice during a deck party, the indulgence never stopped.
The Itinerary: A Journey Through History and Geology
Isle of Man & The Hebrides Leaving Dublin, our first stops brought us to the Calf of Man and the Isle of Man. The Zodiacs were deployed for the first time here. For the uninitiated, Zodiacs are sturdy, inflatable boats that allow us to land on beaches where no pier exists. The Seabourn crew makes boarding these incredibly safe and easy—firm “sailor’s grips” and a well-choreographed system mean even those with limited mobility can usually participate. We cruised along cliffs teeming with seabirds, the smell of salt and guano in the air, while the naturalists pointed out Razorbills and Guillemots.
In Tobermory, Isle of Mull, we were greeted by the iconic rainbow-colored houses lining the harbor. This port was a delight. I wandered the town, visited a local distillery, and hiked up to a vantage point that offered sweeping views of the bay. The contrast between the rugged coast and the charming, civilized town was striking.
St. Kilda: The Emotional High Point If there is one reason to book this specific itinerary, it is St. Kilda. This isolated archipelago, a double UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most remote part of the British Isles. It has been uninhabited since 1930 when the final 36 islanders asked to be evacuated. Weather often prevents ships from landing here, so we were lucky. As we approached, the sheer cliffs—the highest in the UK—rose out of the mist like a fortress. Millions of seabirds swirled in the sky; the noise was deafening and primal. We landed on the main island, Hirta, and walked among the ruins of the stone cottages where the St. Kildans lived their hard lives. It was hauntingly beautiful. The Expedition Team was stationed throughout the ruins to answer questions, bringing the history of this “edge of the world” society to life.
Shetland & Orkney Heading north, the Scottish accent grew thicker and the influence of the Vikings stronger. In Lerwick, Shetland, we explored the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, seeing 4,000 years of human history stacked on top of each other. We also visited a local farm to meet the famous Shetland ponies—impossibly cute and sturdy little creatures that had everyone reaching for their cameras.
Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice The crossing to Iceland was smooth, thanks to the ship’s stabilizers. Our first Icelandic stop was Heimaey in the Westman Islands. This place is mind-blowing. In 1973, a volcano erupted in the middle of the town, burying 400 houses in lava. We hiked up the side of the new volcano, Eldfell, where the ground is still warm to the touch 50 years later. The contrast of the black lava, the green moss, and the red roofs of the rebuilt town is a photographer’s dream. We also visited the Beluga Whale Sanctuary here, a touching conservation effort.
Finally, we disembarked in Reykjavik. Sailing into the harbor, seeing the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrímskirkja church piercing the skyline, was the perfect end to the voyage.
The “Seabourn Difference” in Expedition
What truly sets this experience apart is the level of care. On an expedition, plans change. Weather shifts. During our trip, the captain had to adjust a landing time due to swell. On a lesser line, this would be an annoyance. On Seabourn, the Cruise Director immediately announced a pop-up lecture on Viking history, the bar staff started pouring special cocktails, and the mood remained celebratory.
The Expedition Team deserves a special mention. They aren’t just tour guides; they are passionate scientists. Dinner with a marine biologist who explains the behavior of the whales you saw that morning elevates the conversation from small talk to fascinating engagement.
Why Book with Vincent Vacations?
Navigating an expedition cruise booking can be complex. There are questions about gear (Seabourn provides a custom Helly Hansen parka you get to keep, by the way!), questions about mobility, and logistics regarding pre- and post-cruise hotels in Dublin and Reykjavik.
As a Vincent Vacations client, and through our affiliation with the Signature Travel Network, you get more than just a booking confirmation.
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Expertise: We know which suites to avoid (some can be noisier due to anchor chains) and which offer the best views.
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Perks: On voyages like this, we can often secure Shipboard Credits for you to use toward the submarine dives (an absolute must-do if available—going 1000 feet down in a translucent sphere is life-changing) or spa treatments.
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Peace of Mind: We handle the transfers, the flights, and the insurance. If a flight is delayed getting you to Dublin, we are the ones on the phone fixing it while you relax.
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Hosted Sailings: On select departures, we have a Vincent Vacations or Signature host onboard, offering an extra layer of support and exclusive private cocktail parties for our guests.
Final Thoughts
The “Wild Scottish Isles & Iceland” itinerary on Seabourn Venture is not a passive vacation. It is an engagement with the world. It is for the traveler who wants to smell the peat fire in a Scottish pub, feel the spray of a waterfall in Iceland, and stand on the cliffs of St. Kilda wondering how humans ever survived there—but who also wants to return to the ship to sleep in 1000-thread-count sheets and dine on soufflé.
If you have ever hesitated about “expedition” cruising because you feared it would be too rough or uncomfortable, let Seabourn Venture put those fears to rest. It is the ultimate way to see the wild North.
Ready to plan your own Scottish and Icelandic adventure? Contact us at Vincent Vacations today. The puffins are waiting.