Seabourn is cancelling five cruises onboard the new Seabourn Venture as the vessel heads to an unscheduled drydock in April.
According to a statement sent to booked guests and travel advisors, the recently launched expedition ship needs to undergo repairs to its stabilizers.
As a result, the letter adds, the company made the difficult decision to cancel all voyages set to depart between Apr. 7 and Apr. 30, 2023.
The cruises cancelled include an expedition to the Amazon, a transatlantic crossing and two Northern Europe itineraries.
Affected guests will receive full refunds to their original form of payment, Seabourn said.
The reimbursement includes non-cruise fare purchases, the company added, including flights booked through the Seabourn’s Flight Ease air program, pre- or post-cruise hotels, transfers, shore excursions, onboard amenities and more.
The luxury brand is also offering these passengers a 25 percent Bonus Future Cruise Credit, which will be applied to their Seabourn Club account.
According to Seabourn, the credit may be used on any of the company’s voyages or expeditions that sail by Dec. 31, 2023.
The company is also reimbursing certain non-refundable unexpected expenses incurred by the guests, such as air change fees.
These refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis, Seabourn said, and eligible passengers must fill a reimbursement form available on the company’s website.
Seabourn’s first purpose-built expedition ship, the Venture entered service last July.
Delivered by the T. Mariotti shipyard last summer, the 264-guest vessel was designed to cruise in remote and polar areas while offering the company’s signature ultra-luxury product.
After debuting in Northern Europe, the Venture sailed south for its inaugural season in Antarctica – where it’s currently in service.
In November, Seabourn marked the ship’s arrival to the Frozen Continent by organizing its official naming ceremony in the region.
