“One of the challenges we have is the expectations of guests. People watch a documentary and see animals up close, and want to see the same themselves,” explains ornithologist Joe Cockram, who is part of the 24-strong expedition team onboard Seabourn Venture. 

I’m speaking to him onboard the ship as it hosts 150 agents during its maiden visit to the UK. Alongside exploring our coastline, Seabourn Venture sails in the habitats of some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife. From witnessing colonies of penguins in Antarctica to lone polar bears in the Arctic and the tropical birds of the South Seas, itineraries are often dictated by the weather and nature, meaning no sighting is guaranteed. 

Luckily, Cockram and his expedition team colleagues have plenty of equipment and facilities to ensure guests disembark having made bucket-list memories, while maintaining a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. 

One of the best spots to watch the local inhabitants is the Bow Lounge. It’s a new space for Seabourn, introduced when the ship launched last year, offering a bank of screens replicating the navigational screens in the bridge, with seating and an area to get drinks and snacks. It leads onto a deck and members of the expedition team are available to chat with guests. Cockram says: “It’s a great place to sit and watch the world go by, and enjoy being on the ocean in a more social way than being on your verandah.” 

Out on the deck Cockram points towards the top of the ship’s mast, to a high-tech Gyro-Stabilized Systems (GSS) camera. It’s controlled from the bridge and gives 360 degree, unobstructed views of the ship’s surroundings. Cockram explains that it can zoom in on animals up to five miles away, and when something exciting happens the footage is broadcast to the onboard Discovery Centre, where a member of the expedition team gives a live commentary. Guests have witnessed a polar bear eating a seal 2.5 miles away, and enjoyed close up views of sea birds covering cliffs, while Seabourn Venture was 1.5 miles away at sea. They can also watch and listen from their suites. 

On the ship and during excursions Cockram has introduced guests to a wide range of birds, from penguins in Antarctica and albatrosses crossing the Drake Passage, to puffins in Scotland and parrots in the Amazon. He explains: “We enforce a five-metre rule, so people can’t get closer, but often a penguin will still waddle over. It blows people away.” 

Capturing their own exceptional photographs is high on the agenda for many guests, who often invest in new cameras before their expedition. They can join photography lectures and workshops to help them make the most of their new kit, and in the Photography Studio I meet photographer John Shedwick. He shares his top tips from the popular ‘how to be a smartphone ninja’ workshop, showing me simple tricks to capture fast-moving animals using my phone camera. 

As well as teaching on the ship he joins guests on activities, explaining: “It’s our job not so much to give guests photos – which we do – but to support in them in what they do with their own photographs. People often buy cameras and are stuck in auto mode, so I help them get out of that, so they walk away with really good photographic memories.” 

Shedwick’s helpful, insightful and friendly approach is mirrored by the entire expedition team. As marketing manager Carly Perkins tells me: “The difference with an expedition is the people. We always provide amazing service, but having 24 of these amazing experts onboard is what makes it different. It’s all about learning.” 

Another difference comes from the impressive kit that immerses guests in the natural world. I see one of the two submarines, which carry six guests and a pilot, and can dive to depths of 300 metres. These fully-electric vessels have a distinctly James Bond-style vibe, with sleek black casings and an acrylic window that appears to vanish under water. Dives last around 45 minutes and are very popular, so should be booked in advance. 

Kayaking is another activity clients should try to secure before they sail. The ship carries a fleet of double kayaks, which are taken out in small groups led by a guide. They can approach wildlife at eye level, navigate mangrove thickets and weave past tropical coral gardens. 

All the kit is provided, including dry suits, personal flotation devices and even dry bags to keep cameras from getting splashed. Guests are given their own Helly Hansen parka designed exclusively for Seabourn, complete with a sleeve pocket for their keycard. They can also use the Swarovski Optik binoculars in each suite.  

While the submarine and sea kayaks incur additional charge, all guests enjoy complimentary Zodiac tours, and with 24 onboard there’s enough for everyone to simultaneously venture onto beaches, icy shores and sail past fjords. 

Guests come away with plenty of memories and photographs, and the videographers also create a 25-minute film from each cruise, including footage from the GSS camera and from activities, alongside interviews with the expedition team. It’s screened onboard at the end of the cruise, and each guest receives a complimentary copy. “Watching this is normally quite emotional for guests, it touches a lot of people,” Cockram explains.