Antarctica in Style: Seabourn Pursuit Cruise Review – Signature Suite Experience
Is a Premium Suite Worth It on an Antarctica Cruise?
When you’re traveling to one of the most remote destinations on Earth, you may wonder: is upgrading to a premium suite really worth the splurge? On our recent Seabourn Pursuit expedition to Antarctica, we stayed in one of the ship’s top-tier accommodations — the Signature Suite. Spoiler: it was both breathtaking and complicated, and we’re here to share the full experience.
A Look at Seabourn Pursuit’s Suite Options
Seabourn Pursuit (and her twin ship, Seabourn Venture) offer a variety of suites, each with ocean views and private verandas. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Veranda Suite – The standard cabin, but already luxurious, with its own balcony.
Panorama (Penthouse) Suite – Features a curved, floor-to-ceiling glass wall.
Penthouse Suite – Larger, with a separated bedroom and living space.
Owner’s Suite – Forward-facing with a larger balcony.
Wintergarden Suite – The two-story showpiece of the ship, with massive panoramic windows.
Signature Suite – Aft-facing, located on Deck 8, and the only suite with a private outdoor jacuzzi.
We stayed in Suite 833, one of just two Signature Suites. Above us was The Club lounge (with sushi by day and live music by night — surprisingly, we never heard a sound from it). Below us was the fitness center.
Inside the Signature Suite
The Signature Suite is huge by cruise standards, offering both indoor and outdoor luxuries:
Private jacuzzi on the balcony (our main reason for booking!)
Expansive corner balcony with both aft and side views
Indoor whirlpool tub
Oversized shower and spacious bathroom with dual toilet entrances
Living and dining area with room to spread out — or even host a mini dance party
Endless storage (seriously, we couldn’t fill it all)
Multiple charging options (international plugs + USB ports)
The Highlights
Here’s what we loved most about this suite:
Wildlife views: The corner balcony gave us incredible perspectives for spotting whales, seals, and seabirds from both the side and back of the ship.
The outdoor jacuzzi view: Nothing compares to soaking in warm bubbles while staring at Antarctic icebergs.
Indoor jacuzzi + giant shower: A welcome perk after cold excursions.
Space and privacy: Plenty of room to relax, store gear, and feel at home.
Smart bathroom design: A separate toilet with two entrances was surprisingly useful during a seasick spell.
The Downsides
Luxury doesn’t mean flawless, and there were a few drawbacks:
Jacuzzi limitations: The outdoor jacuzzi was covered most of the time (during sailing and nightly at 5 PM). We also couldn’t adjust the temperature ourselves — only attendants could.
Outdoor furniture unusable: Cushions had to be stored inside during rough seas (especially crossing the Drake Passage).
Replenishment issues: Coffee, tea, fruit, and water bottles weren’t always restocked daily.
More motion = more seasickness: Being aft and higher up meant we felt every roll of the ocean.
Was the Signature Suite Worth the Price?
Here’s where it gets interesting:
Full retail price: Around $22,000 per person (2023 pricing)
What we paid: Booked a Veranda Suite at $11,000 → upgraded to Panorama for +$1,500 → upgraded again to Signature Suite for +$1,500. Total = $14,000
At $14,000, the Signature Suite was absolutely worth it. At $22,000? We’d hesitate — especially given the jacuzzi limitations and replenishment quirks.
Life Onboard Seabourn Pursuit
No matter which suite you book, Seabourn Pursuit is all-inclusive:
Open bars, lounges, and coffee shops
24/7 dining options
A heated outdoor pool + multiple hot tubs
Spacious observation decks and cozy lounges for watching the world go by
Final Thoughts
The Seabourn Pursuit Signature Suite is a one-of-a-kind luxury experience, perfect for travelers who want extra space, privacy, and those once-in-a-lifetime jacuzzi views over Antarctica. But whether it’s worth the premium depends on your price point and seasickness tolerance.
For us, snagging the upgrade at $14,000 made it an unforgettable adventure. If you’re considering Antarctica with Seabourn, weigh your priorities — but know that every suite comes with the same world-class service and access to one of the most remote and spectacular destinations on Earth.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post and video covering our entire Antarctic expedition aboard Seabourn Pursuit!
