Seabourn Cruise Line, known for its luxury and award-winning cruise ships, has recently revealed their latest addition to their fleet – custom-made submarines. These submarines will offer guests a unique and adventurous experience to explore the depths of the ocean, something that was previously only available to professional divers or scientists.
With the increasing popularity of cruise vacations, cruise lines are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and provide more exciting and exclusive experiences to their guests. Seabourn’s new submarines are a perfect example of this, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover the underwater world in style and comfort. In this article, we will take a closer look at these new submarines, their features, and what guests can expect from this new addition to their cruise experience.
1. The Concept and Design Process
The idea of adding submarines to their fleet was first introduced by Seabourn’s President, Richard Meadows, several years ago. With a team of experienced engineers and designers, Seabourn began the process of creating these custom-made submarines to ensure they would meet the high standards of luxury and functionality that the cruise line is known for.
The Team Behind the Design
To create the perfect submarines for their guests, Seabourn assembled a team of experts in different fields. This included the design firm responsible for creating the luxurious interiors of their ships, renowned naval architects, and a manufacturer of deep-diving submersibles. Together, they worked on every aspect of the submarines, from the size and shape to the materials used and the design of the interior.
Unique Features and Design Elements
One of the most notable features of Seabourn’s submarines is their design. They have been specifically designed to fit into the watersports marina of their ships, allowing for easy and convenient access for guests. The submarines also have large windows, providing panoramic views of the underwater scenery, and comfortable seating for up to six people.
The interior design of the submarines is also something worth mentioning. Seabourn wanted to ensure that guests would have a comfortable and luxurious experience, similar to what they would have on their cruise ship. To achieve this, the interiors feature plush leather seating, air conditioning, and a bathroom with a shower. The color scheme and materials used are also in line with the elegant and sophisticated design of their ships.
Safety and Functionality
Being a luxury cruise line, safety is always a top priority for Seabourn. This was taken into consideration during the design process of the submarines as well. The submarines are equipped with advanced technology and safety features, including powerful batteries, a robust air supply system, and multiple safety devices such as emergency oxygen supplies and a back-up navigation system.
2. The Submarine Experience
Now that we know more about the design and features of Seabourn’s submarines, let’s take a closer look at what guests can expect from their submarine experience.
Exploring the Underwater World
The main purpose of these submarines is, of course, to explore the depths of the ocean. Guests will have the opportunity to go on excursions to various underwater locations, depending on the itinerary of their cruise. These could include coral reefs, sunken ships, and even underwater caves. With the large windows, guests will be able to see an array of marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
Educational Component
In addition to providing an exciting and unique experience, Seabourn also aims to educate their guests about the ocean and its inhabitants. A marine biologist or expert guide will accompany each excursion, offering insights and information about the marine life and the environment. This adds a new level of depth to the submarine experience and allows guests to learn more about the fascinating world beneath the surface.
Personalized Experience
As with all of their cruise experiences, Seabourn strives to provide a personalized and exclusive experience for their guests. The submarines are no exception. Each excursion will have a limited number of guests, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable and intimate experience. Guests can also request specific locations or types of marine life they would like to see, making each submarine excursion unique and tailored to their interests.
3. Availability and Bookings
Seabourn’s new submarines are currently available on two of their ships, the Seabourn Odyssey and the Seabourn Sojourn. These ships offer destinations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, providing multiple opportunities for guests to experience the submarines.
Booking Process
To book a submarine excursion, guests can either do so online when booking their cruise or through the ship’s concierge once onboard. As mentioned earlier, each excursion has a limited number of spots, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Additional Cost
The submarine excursions are not included in the cruise fare and will come at an additional cost. This may be a deterrent for some guests, but considering the exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experience it offers, many will find it well worth the extra expense.
Restrictions and Limitations
While these submarines are designed to accommodate most guests, there are certain restrictions and limitations to keep in mind. For safety reasons, children under the age of six are not allowed on the excursions. Guests with mobility issues or who require the use of a wheelchair may also not be able to participate due to the compact size of the submarines and the need to climb down a ladder to enter.
4. Alternatives to Seabourn’s Submarines
For those who are unable to participate in the submarine excursions or are looking for a different underwater adventure, Seabourn offers other options as well.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Most cruise lines offer snorkeling excursions as an optional activity, and Seabourn is no exception. Guests can book snorkeling excursions to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life.
For those who are certified scuba divers, Seabourn also offers diving excursions at certain destinations. These excursions will take guests to deeper waters and allow them to explore even more of the underwater world.
Glass Bottom Boats
Some of Seabourn’s ships also have glass bottom boats, which provide a similar experience to the submarines. While they may not go as deep as the submarines, they still offer guests the chance to see stunning underwater landscapes and marine life without having to get wet.
5. Environmental Impact and Conservation Efforts
One concern that arises when introducing new activities involving nature is the impact it may have on the environment. In the case of Seabourn’s submarines, there are valid concerns about the potential damage to marine life and ecosystems.
To address these concerns, Seabourn has implemented several measures to minimize the impact of their submarines and promote conservation efforts. This includes working closely with local marine conservation organizations, adhering to strict environmental regulations, and using eco-friendly technologies. The submarines also have a low acoustic signature, meaning they emit minimal sound, reducing any disturbance to marine life.
6. Future Plans for Seabourn’s Submarines
As of now, Seabourn has only introduced submarines on two of their ships. However, there are plans to expand this feature to other ships in the future. With such positive feedback from guests and the media, it’s safe to say that these custom-made submarines will become a staple in Seabourn’s fleet.
Possible New Destinations
With the expansion of submarines to other ships, there is also the possibility of offering submarine excursions in different destinations. Seabourn is known for its itineraries to remote and exotic locations, and with the submarines, they can offer even more unique experiences to their guests. This could include destinations such as Alaska, the Galapagos Islands, and even Antarctica.
Advanced Technology and Features
Seabourn has always been at the forefront of innovation and luxury in the cruise industry. It’s no surprise that they will continue to push the boundaries with their submarines as well. There are plans to incorporate advanced technologies and features in future submarines, providing an even more luxurious and immersive experience for guests.
Conclusion
Seabourn’s new custom-made submarines are a game-changer in the world of luxury cruises. They offer guests an exclusive opportunity to explore the underwater world, something that was previously only accessible to a select few. With their unique design, advanced technology, and focus on safety and conservation, these submarines provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to be a highlight of any Seabourn cruise. As the popularity of cruise vacations continues to grow, it’s exciting to see how cruise lines, like Seabourn, will continue to innovate and provide unforgettable experiences for their guests.
