Seabourn announced that it has hired veteran expedition leader Robin West as its Manager, Expedition Operations & Planning, to head up its cruise programs in Patagonia and the Antarctic, as well as developing new expedition land elements and tours for the company in other regions around the world.

The appointment follows West’s role as expedition leader during Seabourn’s highly successful inaugural season of four voyages aboard its ultra-luxury Seabourn Quest in Antarctica and Patagonia between November of 2013 and February of 2014. 

“Robin was a key to the enormous success of our first season in Antarctica,” said Seabourn’s president Richard D. Meadows, “and not solely because of the depth of his knowledge and expertise, but also because of his skillful collaboration with Seabourn’s shipboard team, coordination with the large and diverse expedition team on board, and his understanding of the expectations of our guests. Those same abilities will continue to help Seabourn expand the definition of ultra-luxury travel.”

A native of South Africa, West is a graduate of the University of Port Elizabeth. After graduating he founded two companies offering scuba diving and outdoor adventure experiences in many of South Africa’s most beautiful and exciting areas. Expanding his experiences beyond Africa, he has participated in expedition travel operations since 2002, sailing on numerous ships and planning and executing expedition programs for half a dozen companies. He has spent multiple seasons in regions from the circumpolar Arctic to the Antarctic, including East and West Africa, the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Australia and the Mediterranean.

At Seabourn, West will be responsible for planning and managing Seabourn’s cruises in the Patagonia and Antarctic regions and will continue his role as onboard expedition leader during the company’s Antarctica season. He will also act on the company’s behalf in preparing the detailed daily landing schedules in Antarctica and hiring and managing the larger expedition team. In addition, he will further enhance the company’s current deployments with added opportunities for Seabourn guests to enjoy the company’s award-winning, six-star luxury and onboard amenities in combination with authentic, adventurous experiences ashore.