Seabourn is shining a spotlight on noctourism—the travel trend of exploring destinations after dark—as the line prepares for its 2026 sailing season. From witnessing the Northern Lights in the Arctic to attending a concert among the ruins of ancient Ephesus or watching the sacred Baining Fire Dance light up the night in Papua New Guinea, Seabourn continues to offer rare and memorable nighttime experiences.
These after-dark experiences, from stargazing and late-night wildlife encounters to cultural performances and private evening events reflect a growing desire among travelers to connect with destinations in new, more meaningful ways.
Highlights of Seabourn’s After-Dark Experiences
Examples of Seabourn’s most popular noctourism experiences include:
- An Evening at Ephesus – One of Seabourn’s most treasured signature events, An Evening at Ephesus transports guests into history. As twilight falls, the ancient Odeon theater is illuminated for an exclusive concert under the stars. Guests sip wine, enjoy canapés, and listen as classical music fills the ruins of one of the world’s great archeological treasures—a private night available only to Seabourn guests. Available on select seven-day Mediterranean voyages that stop at Kusadasi.
- Expedition Experience: Baining Fire Dance – In the shadow of the Baining Mountains in Papua New Guinea, guests will experience this extraordinary sacred dance usually reserved for the most poignant of life’s milestones. Adorned in ornate, outsized masks, the dancers leap across the flames to the sound of chanting and drumbeats that reverberate across the island and through you. Available on select expedition South Pacific voyages.
- Stargazing at Sea: Kimberley, Australia, South Pacific & Beyond – Clear skies and minimal light pollution in the Kimberley region and South Pacific and beyond make nightly stargazing a can’t-miss experience for guests bound for remote destinations with Seabourn. Guests can stretch out on deck or from their private veranda or take part in guided stargazing sessions with Seabourn’s Expedition Team, who share insights into the constellations and celestial navigation, enhanced by the complimentary Swarovski Optik binoculars available on every suite on the expedition ships.
- Northern Lights Sky Watch: Alaska, Greenland & Arctic – Explorations of Alaska, Greenland and the Arctic may provide the opportunity to see the natural phenomenon of Northern Lights, with itineraries offering wake-up calls to maximize viewing opportunities if the lights make an appearance.
Guests can bundle up and head out on deck or enjoy panoramic views indoors at the Constellation Lounge, the highest vantage point on Seabourn’s expedition ships, or at the Observation Bar on the rest of the fleet. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as eyes can see.
Evening Shore Excursions
Seabourn offers a selection of evening shore excursions, allowing evenings to unfold into rare moments of discovery. Guests are invited to step ashore after sunset to savor the ambiance of local culture, wildlife, and tradition. Among the curated excursions are:
- Evening at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – As dusk descends in Tasmania, Bonorong Sanctuary awakens. Guests will encounter the island’s remarkable nocturnal life, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wombats, and friendly, free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. With the setting sun, the sanctuary comes alive with energy and sound, offering an intimate, after-dark experience found only in this extraordinary corner of the world. Available on Seabourn Quest’s 17-day “World Cruise: Australia Explorer.”
- Manta Ray Magic: A Nighttime Snorkeling Adventure – Under a canopy of stars, sail along Hawaii’s glowing coastline before slipping into the waters of Kona’s famous Manta Ray Village. Illuminated by soft light, graceful manta rays glide effortlessly around guests, creating a breathtaking nocturnal encounter in Hawaii. Available on Seabourn Quest’s 19-day “Polynesia Pacific Passage.”
- Hong Kong Nightlife by Tram – Guests can embark on a scenic evening adventure through Hong Kong, beginning with a ride to Victoria Peak aboard the historic Peak Tram for sweeping nighttime views of the illuminated city and harbor. Then, hop on a classic double-decker tram for a leisurely tour of Hong Kong Island’s vibrant nightlife before returning to the pier. Available on Seabourn Sojourn’s 10-day “World Cruise: Jewels Of Japan” itinerary.
Elevated Dinner Experiences
As the sun dips below the horizon, Seabourn invites guests to extend their evenings with exceptional culinary experiences designed to glow after dark. Across the fleet, the line’s signature open-air venues transform at night, offering globally inspired menus, atmospheric settings, and warm ocean breezes to allow travelers to savor the night:
- Earth & Ocean, the beloved poolside eatery, becomes a refined al fresco destination where guests dine beneath the stars, savoring inventive dishes infused with international flair.
- With a large terrace, The Colonnade offers an idyllic option for outdoor dining, with nightly regionally themed, bistro-style dinners.
- For an even more exclusive nocturnal experience, select itineraries offer “Dinner Under the Stars” at The Retreat on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, featuring an intimate, private setting with cabana seating, live music, and elegant table service under the night sky.
- Solis: Seabourn’s new fine dining restaurant invites guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the line’s ultra-luxury destinations, all while enjoying ocean views in an elegant open-air setting. The outdoor terrace is available on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.
- In-Suite Dining: As the sun sets, Seabourn’s culinary experience extends to the suite, where guests may choose from a diverse all-day menu or enjoy a full dinner from The Restaurant, served course by course in the comfort of their suite or on their private veranda—an ideal setting for an intimate evening under the stars.
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