Seabourn Unveils Custom Submarines On New Ultra-Luxury Purpose-Built Expedition Ships

Both Seabourn Venture and her sister ship launching 2022 will carry two U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines designed specifically for Seabourn.  The custom submarines will operate excursions for an additional charge from the line’s two upcoming ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships.

Each battery-powered sub will carry six guests and one pilot, who will guide the journey up to 300 meters beneath the surface to explore sunken wrecks, reefs, and view marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Guests will be seated in two clear acrylic spheres flanking the center pilot’s station. The three passenger seats in each sphere are mounted on a rotating platform that can turn for best sightlines.

Robin West, vice president of Expedition Operations for Seabourn said:

The undersea world is often considered as the last great frontier on Earth, with more than 80 percent of the underwater realm remaining unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With these subs, we’re going to take our guests to places that few have ever seen firsthand, leaving them with a perspective on the world around us that is jaw-dropping and will create stories to last a lifetime.

A 4k underwater video camera system will record the world outside while an internal video recording system will capture imagery of guests inside and their direct surroundings. Video footage can then be downloaded and projected on large screens in the Discovery Center during lectures aboard the ships. A six-function manipulator arm capable of lifting up to 32 kg (about 70 pounds) will also be mounted on the side of the sub. In keeping with the luxury experience found on Seabourn, each sub on both ships will be outfitted with custom embroidered leather upholstery, two air conditioning systems, a Bluetooth stereo system, and champagne chiller for guests looking to toast their voyage of discovery.

The subs will be operated multiple times per day in regions around the world. They will be equipped with underwater LED flood/spotlights, imaging sonar that acts as a second set of eyes, and an advanced underwater tracking and navigation system.