Navigating Nature’s Majesty
A Seabourn Pursuit trek through the Chilean fjords
Imagine embarking on a journey through a realm where nature’s majesty knows no bounds, and you’re enveloped in comfort and luxury as you discover what treasures the far reaches of the globe can offer. This is exactly what the Seabourn Pursuit delivered as we sailed the Chilean fjords this spring.
This magical journey from the edge of the world through the beauty of Patagonia was full of breathtaking sights and experiences. It fulfilled our wanderlust and quenched our thirst for adventure and spontaneity while we enjoyed the first-class accommodations, service and amenities that put Seabourn at the forefront of luxury expedition cruising.
We began our journey in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and could feel its vibrance as we walked avenues filled with stunning architecture, boutique shopping and unique dining. We explored La Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of Eva Peron and other notable historical figures of Argentinian history, then strolled the vast outdoor market for handmade goods crafted by local artisans. Authentic empanadas were on the menu at a local restaurant near the historic Alvear Palace Hotel, designated as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World since 1993 — our resting place for the night and included in our Seabourn experience. Buenos Aires is full of history, culinary delights and wonderful people; an extended stay here would enhance anyone’s vacation to this region.
From Buenos Aires, Seabourn privately chartered a plane to take us and the rest of the guests to Ushuaia, Argentina, to embark on our adventure. Landing among the mountains in the quaint village at what felt like the edge of the world, we knew we were just beginning to experience the wonder this trip would bring.
The Seabourn Pursuit, purposely designed to travel to some of the most remote and coveted destinations in the world, did not disappoint. With only 264 suites, and a nearly 1:1 guest to crew ratio, the ship felt intimate and opulent, with plenty of thoughtfully designed spaces to watch the world sail by. Gourmet cuisine, premium wines and spirits and artisan coffees kept us fueled and pampered. Our veranda suite was spacious and comfortable, with luxury appointments and amenities that enhanced and personalized our experience. Always operating purposely to fulfill our every want and need, the crew performed their duties to perfection. The biggest highlight onboard was the 24-person expedition team, all experts in their fields, who led us in exploration with their knowledge and passion each day. By Zodiac boat and by land, we were immersed into the heart of this untamed wilderness. Among the abundant waterfalls, glaciers, rainbows and mountains, the scenery would take anyone’s breath away.
With a mixture of exploratory excursions and visits to distinctive ports, we were enveloped in an atmosphere that felt customized and unique. A cookie-cutter itinerary is not what Seabourn delivers; this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that cannot be replicated. We witnessed multiple blue whales spouting as they traveled parallel to our ship one day, and the captain and crew stopped everything to let us rush back and forth from stern to bow to witness the majesty of these beautiful creatures. Hours were dedicated to observing them, and it never failed to excite each time we saw the mist hit the air and their backs arch through the waves. Our captain, with over 20 years of sailing experience, had only witnessed blue whales once in all his journeys. This is what expedition is all about: a thoughtfully designed adventure with a structure that allows for spontaneous moments such as these.
The calving of a glacier is a glorious sight, especially when you’re watching from a short distance away in your Zodiac, hearing the thunderous crash and watching the ripples of the displaced water move towards you. The nearly luminous blue ice bursts across the landscape, providing an otherworldly feeling. We visited several glaciers on our journey through the fjords, and each was a revelation in itself.
Most exciting were the opportunities to walk the land, where we felt the remoteness, the stillness, as we set foot where very few may have. We stopped and took stock of the quiet beauty, with not a powerline or cell tower in sight, and breathed in the crisp, clean air. Here is where you feel most like you’re walking the paths of the explorers of history, seeing what Magellan may have seen.
Small, boutique ports gave us a taste of the local culture, with no crowds and the feeling that we were getting an insider’s view of the Chilean way of life. We made port in the small village of Caleta Tortel, where the locals greeted us with fresh empanadas, lively music and dancing. We walked its boardwalks, made entirely of cypress, which serve as the major means of transportation and connect the houses to the village. We then took a Zodiac ride to the Isla De Los Muertos, The Island of the Dead, an island steeped in mystery where Chilote workers died mysteriously and were buried over a century ago. Isla Chiloe was a delight with its rich folklore, historic churches and picturesque palafitos (houses raised on stilts). Each port engaged us thoroughly with its cultural relevance and uniqueness.
Chile is a destination steeped in beauty. Nature lovers will more than get their fill of breathtaking scenery and be immersed in the local culture. On the Seabourn Pursuit, we experienced this amazing country in luxurious comfort, a beautiful balance of exploration and indulgence that left us saddened to say goodbye to both the wonderful country and to the beautiful ship and crew that made our cruise feel like a wonder-filled home away from home.
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