Seabourn Expedition: The British Isles with Charlotte Ireland

At Destinology, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest travel experiences – and few match the ultra-luxury standards of Seabourn. Famed for combining sophisticated design with expedition-style exploration, Seabourn offers a truly unique way to discover the world’s most remote and remarkable corners. 

In this special feature, Charlotte Ireland, Assistant Business Development Manager at Seabourn and a personal customer of Destinology, shares her highlights from a British Isles sailing aboard the Seabourn Venture. From spotting seals by Zodiac to unwinding in cosy Alpine-inspired lounges, her journey reveals just how extraordinary a Seabourn expedition can be.

"I was thrilled to be able to experience a sector of one of our British Isles ultra-luxury expeditions two years ago, sailing from Greenwich to Dublin via some truly incredible destinations! We do take our British Isles for granted, however myself and companions were amazed by the scenery and wildlife we saw. It was all enhanced by fascinating insights from our world-class expedition team, made up of 23 ornithologists, biologists, pilots and historians – they were always on hand to share their incredible knowledge with guests, as well as providing expert-led tours and ‘Seabourn Conversations’. 

Seabourn Venture is truly the most special ship. The interiors have been designed by hospitality specialist Adam T Tihany. I particularly love the Expedition Lounge, which is such a cosy spot with an ‘Alpine Ski Lodge’ vibe: comfy furniture, cushions, and a fireplace – obviously not real, but it adds to the warm atmosphere. What a lovely place to relax after an expedition ashore and share your adventures over a drink from the bar – or, for me, a hot chocolate!

As well as gorgeous ultra-luxury amenities, Seabourn Venture offers the latest expedition hardware including two custom-built 6- seater submarines, 24 zodiacs, a complement of kayaks, and our phenomenal, incredibly passionate expedition team who really make the experience!

The ship features 132 spacious all-veranda suites and the attention to detail in these accommodations is second to none. What stands out for me (apart from the in-suite fridge stocked with my favourite drinks) is the convenient thermos in every suite, which guests can replenish every day with a choice of still or sparkling water – so no single use plastics.  There’s also a heated locker to dry any damp clothing, plus of course the Seabourn signature spaces: the walk-in wardrobe, the marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, double vanities, and our own exclusive Molton Brown bath products.

There are too many Seabourn Moments to share, but the real highlight for me was spotting seals by zodiac during our bird watching Zodiac excursion around the Calf of Man, a bird sanctuary just off the Isle of Man. As well as enjoying incredible scenery, seeing nesting puffins and seabirds of all kinds, we sailed up close to a colony of noisy quarrelling seals.  We learnt so much about ornithology and wildlife from our expert Expedition Leader, Luqui!

How lucky am I that I get to call this work?!"

Words by Charlotte Ireland, Assistant Business Development Manager at Seabourn & customer of Destinology

 View All Seabourn Sailings