The famous Seabourn Cruise Line is a truly wonderful option for a luxury cruise. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company was built on values of excellent service, fine experiences, and a desire to provide guests with 'exceptional Seabourn Moments that delight.' Here we take a look at the history of this majestic cruise line.
In 1986, a consortium of Norwegian investors, led by Atle Brynestad, formed Signet Cruise Lines. This was soon changed to Seabourn Cruise Line, following concerns over a trademark held by Signet Oil. The first ship in the fleet launched in 1988, two years after the company was first created. This was the Seabourn Pride, followed by her sister ship, Seabourn Spirit a year later.
The third ship was due to launch again just one year later, but financial issues meant the ship was eventually bought by the Royal Viking Line in 1992 and named the Royal Viking Queen. It was then transferred to Royal Cruise Line and renamed the Queen Odyssey. By this time, Carnival Corporation had invested in Seabourn—initially in 1991 as 25% owners, and then raising this to 50% in 1996—freeing up enough cash for the Queen Odyssey to be bought and renamed the Seabourn Legend.
Three more ships followed as Carnival eventually took over 100% of the company: the Seabourn Goddess I, Seabourn Goddess II, and the Seabourn Sun. These have all since been sold, with three newer ships added in 2009, 2010, and 2011 – the Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Quest, respectively.
For a time, Seabourn was merged with Cunard, although it is now recognised as its own standalone brand under Carnival Corporation. It was in 2013, the three original ships: Pride, Spirit, and Legend, were sold to Windstar Cruises, marking the end of Seabourn’s first era of small luxury vessels.
In terms of fleet growth, Seabourn launched the Seabourn Encore in 2016, a larger evolution of its luxury design. More recently, it expanded into expedition cruising with the Seabourn Venture (delivered June 2022) and Seabourn Pursuit (delivered July 2023). These additions marked a major step in diversifying Seabourn’s offerings beyond traditional ocean cruises.
Meanwhile, the fleet has seen further transitions:
The Seabourn Odyssey was sold to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in March 2023, though Seabourn continued to operate her under charter until August 2024.
The Seabourn Sojourn was sold in March 2025 and remains with Seabourn under lease until May 2026.
Seabourn Encore joined in 2016, followed by two expedition vessels, with a gradual retirement and sale of earlier ships to Mitsui between 2023 and 2025.
Seabourn has won the Travel + Leisure Magazine ‘World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line’ award for multiple years, and has been recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for 17 years straight. Overall, the continued excellence first envisioned in 1986 remains at the heart of this six-star cruise line’s enduring success.
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