SEATTLE, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn has launched "Seabourn Conversations," a new concept for onboard enrichment and special guest entertainment aboard its award-winning fleet of six all-suite ships. The program will include a stellar lineup of celebrities and guest experts, augmenting Seabourn's already diverse entertainment.

"Conversation has always been central to the Seabourn experience," noted Richard Meadows, Seabourn's president. "Our guests are interesting people with interesting life stories, and they really enjoy chatting in the relaxed camaraderie made possible by our small ships," he continued. "We recruit explorers, heralded chefs, authors and scholars, celebrated performers and renowned experts from every arena of the arts, sciences, politics and the humanities with particular talents or expertise. Onboard they will lecture or perform, and take part in Q&A interviews, but on Seabourn they also enliven the social scene - and join the conversation."

On Seabourn's intimate ships, these luminaries share the journey. They each provide skilled presentations of their expertise for guests to enjoy. But just as importantly, they may share meals, adventures ashore and casual chats with the other guests throughout the voyage.

Seabourn Conversations topics can be broken down into categories. "Culinary Conversations," for instance, will include chefs such as Michelle Bernstein and Robert Irvine, winemakers or master sommeliers like Catherine Fallis, restaurant critics or experts in gastronomy. "Arts Conversations" will include topics such as theater, dance, film, literature, music or the plastic arts, and personalities such as stage and screen actress Penelope Ann Miller, singer/composer Patti Austin or satirical author Christopher Buckley. Explorers such as Dr. Lawrence Blair or mountaineer Paul Deegan, as well as historians, anthropologists and geographers will participate in "Culture & Destination Conversations," while diplomacy, international relations, politics and economic affairs will be categorized as "Current Affairs & History Conversations," and feature guests such as Ambassador Robert Smolik or Captain Peter Martin of the Royal Australian Marines.

A list of currently scheduled Seabourn Conversations guests can be viewed here.

Guests will enjoy Seabourn Conversations enrichment, along with a variety of other entertainment options, on all six ships. All of them offer key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas; superb dining in a choice of venues; open bars throughout the ship; fine wines poured at lunch and dinner; the aforementioned award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board.

Seabourn's ships travel the globe throughout the year, sailing to many of the world's most desirable destinations. Cruises of seven days to world cruises of more than 100 days visit hundreds of ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways.

For more details about the award-winning Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Notes to Editors:
Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:


    --  Six intimate ships with just 104 or 225 suites
    --  Unique itineraries visiting must-see cities and hidden gems where larger
        ships cannot follow
    --  Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about
        pleasing our guests
    --  Spacious all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views - many with
        verandas
    --  Gourmet dining experiences as fine as the best restaurants anywhere
    --  Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured with lunch and
        dinner

Seabourn is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK), and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment.

SOURCE Seabourn