Natalya Leahy, President of Seabourn, expressed her pride in the Seabourn Pursuit, heralding it as a remarkable accomplishment in luxury expedition cruising. This cruise vessel, along with its predecessor Seabourn Venture, boasts an impressive architecture accommodating 264 passengers. Anchored by a 24-person expedition team, these ships promise an array of experiences such as kayaking, scuba diving, heart-racing hikes, and cultural immersions. This diverse array of offerings adapts to each port’s unique appeal.

Drawing inspiration from its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, the Pursuit mirrors its design ethos. The yacht-like aesthetics coupled with the ability to accommodate adventures define these cruise ships. From sea kayaks and Zodiacs for remote shore excursions to six-passenger submarines for underwater exploration, these vessels offer a gateway to unprecedented encounters. Suites of the cruise feature Swarovski binoculars, and polar expeditions provide Helly Hansen parkas and waterproof backpacks for guests.

Seabourn executives emphasize the Pursuit’s dual identity as both a luxury cruise ship and an expedition platform. With Tihany Design’s captivating touch, every suite features verandas, and the Dr. Andrew Weil-inspired spa enhances the onboard experience. The fare encompasses an array of indulgences, such as caviar on demand. Despite these luxuries, the Pursuit’s ultimate goal remains to transport visitors to unreachable destinations.

The Seabourn Pursuit’s initial voyages covered familiar territories like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. True expedition journeys commence in October, with an ambitious itinerary that includes traversing the Amazon, exploring South American coasts, and venturing to Antarctica from November through March 2024. The cruise ship’s future path includes the Pacific, with stops in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

At the heart of Seabourn Pursuit’s unparalleled journeys lies the onboard expedition team, a dedicated group led by the capable hands of Robin West, Seabourn’s esteemed Vice President and General Manager of Expeditions. This team stands as a testament to expertise diversity, encompassing a spectrum of professionals such as submarine pilots, kayak guides, ornithologists, and marine biologists. Each member brings a unique perspective to the cruise voyage, igniting the spark of exploration and learning.

Back in the late 19th century, affluent families such as the Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts got a break from city life by retreating to the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York. They built magnificent seasonal getaways known as “Great Camps.” Over time, Adirondack Park evolved into the largest publicly preserved area in the Lower 48, encompassing a vast six million acres, including the charming Lake Placid.

Today, the charming village of Lake Placid serves as the ideal gateway, boasting a rich history, having hosted not one but two Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980. Recently, several new hotels have made their debut in the area. The stylish Eastwind Lake Placid is a cozy retreat nestled along the tranquil Chubb River.

With 21 rooms and eight cabins reflecting a Scandinavian-chic aesthetic, the property exudes a nostalgic charm with vintage touches. The resort’s amenities include a sauna, a pool, a fire pit and barbecue area, a private dining cabin, and a bar and lounge to unwind after a day of exploration.

Lake Placid has also invested in upgrading its historic sporting facilities. First is the newly renovated Lake Placid Olympic Museum, along with two revamped ice arenas and a speed-skating oval.

For adrenaline junkies, the Olympic Jumping Complex and Mount Van Hoevenberg offer winter sports like bobsledding and cross-country skiing — not to mention, indoor climbing and biking options. Thrill-seekers can even take on the Cliffside Coaster, North America’s longest mountain roller coaster.

Lake Placid also offers an array of hiking opportunities. Just a short drive outside of town, you can go on a 16-mile hike along the highest peak in New York State known as Mount Marcy.

For a milder adventure, the 5.8-mile trail to the summit of Hurricane Mountain provides an unforgettable experience. At the top, hikers can climb the fire tower and marvel at the breathtaking 360-degree views of the untouched wilderness.