Seabourn president Mark Tamis on expedition cruising and trade strategy

Q. Tell us about your background before joining Seabourn.

 

I’ve always been in hospitality. I did 15 years at Four Seasons, 10 years with [hotelier] Ian Schrager and then I was in cruising. I did five years with Carnival Cruise Line and seven with Royal Caribbean. After that, I ran a hotel company before coming back to cruise. I definitely missed it. I think some of the most impactful [experiences] and the most fun I’ve had at work have been in cruise.

 

Q. What were your key focuses coming into the role?

 

For me, it was about listening, so the first thing I did was meet the trade, both in the UK and in the US. We have advisory boards in both regions so I spent time with them. I wanted to hear from their perspective what’s great, what they understand Seabourn to be, what we need to keep doing and what they think needs to be changed. After that, I went on the ships. So far I’ve sailed on Venture, Encore, Quest and Sojourn. When I was on board I spent time with guests and the team and asked the same questions so I could really understand the different perspectives.

 

Q. What were your main takeaways from that exercise?

 

It was overwhelmingly positive – especially from a trade perspective. [The message was] to continue to elevate luxury; be a bit more focused, really understand what is most important from a guest perspective; and really lean into what differentiates us in the luxury space. Certainly, when it comes to expedition, we’re very different because we truly are the only brand where you don’t have to choose between luxury and expedition. But from an ocean-going perspective, although there’s many unique aspects and attributes to Seabourn, the message was to focus on what we can do to differentiate and, most importantly, don’t lose the connection between our team on board the ships and the guests.

 

Q. How has 2025 been so far?

 

From a trade perspective, we are well booked for this year and almost sold out, and we’re in a better booked position for 2026 than we’ve ever been going into a year. I think [that’s down to] consistency of product and cruising in general. Travel has rebounded so incredibly well post-pandemic, but cruising in the luxury space continues to offer incredible value when you compare it to land-based alternatives.

 

Q. Which destinations are selling well this year?

 

With expedition, obviously being in [places such as] the Antarctic, Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and the Northwest Passage is fantastic. Those are bucket-list destinations to visit. Japan also continues to be such a popular destination. We’re there this year and leaning in even more next year. We have itineraries in Japan that go to more than 20 different ports, which is an incredible way to really immerse yourself in the culture. Of course, Tokyo is incredible, but Japan is a coastal country so travelling by sea and going to ports that you might not have heard of [is ideal].