Seabourn, the leader in luxury cruising and expedition travel, has announced a roster of celebrated writers, broadcasters, historians, and cultural experts joining its 2026 “Authors at Sea” and “Seabourn Conversations” programs.
The lineup includes award-winning novelist Ann Cleeves OBE, Clare Balding CBE, Joanne Harris OBE, and Louise Penny, among others, who will host interactive workshops, exclusive events, and intimate onboard conversations throughout the year.
Both programs offer guests the chance to interact with acclaimed writers and guest speakers through engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and intimate gatherings such as shared meals and shore excursions.
“Conversation has always been at the heart of the Seabourn experience, where travelers share their adventures and discoveries,” said Joseph Chantry, Seabourn’s vice president of entertainment and enrichment.
“Our ‘Authors at Sea’ program brings celebrated writers on board to connect with guests through engaging discussions and interactive sessions. We are committed to creating extraordinary experiences and memorable moments at sea, and these authors will bring fascinating insights and entertaining moments to inspire our guests throughout their voyage.”
AUTHORS AT SEA
Select 2026 sailings will feature best-selling authors, historians and biographers, along with live events and hands-on workshops for aspiring writers. These include:
Ann Cleeves OBE: Seabourn Ovation May 30, 2026 l Dover to Reykjavik
‘Vera’ and ‘Shetland’ author Ann Cleeves OBE has based her latest book in the Orkneys, featuring detective DI Jimmy Perez! Ann, a mystery crime writer and author of 37 critically acclaimed novels was in 2017 awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger, the highest accolade in crime writing.
Ann will host hands-on Crime Writing workshops and a live ‘Murder Mystery’ event, as well as offering fascinating insights into her character.
Joanne Harris OBE: Seabourn Venture June 11, 2026 l Barcelona to Gijon
Joanne is the author of over twenty novels, including ‘Chocolat’, which was adapted to the screen in 2000, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.
Her books are published in more than 50 countries and have won many British and international awards.
Lady Sandra Howard: Seabourn Quest November 10, 2026 l Lisbon to Miami
Lady Sandra Howard was a top international model in the 1960s and the only model to appear on the cover of Vogue for two consecutive months.
She is now a novelist and freelance journalist, and her novels often draw from her extraordinary experiences, including encounters with Frank Sinatra and the Kennedys.
Her latest novel is set during WWII in Cairo and East Africa.
Louise Penny: Seabourn Encore February 1, 2026 l Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City
Former Broadcaster and a New York Times best-selling author of the Inspector Gamache series and has also co-written a successful political thriller ‘State of Terror’ with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Penny will offer vivid descriptions of characters, beautiful scenery, Gallic culture and cuisine in these gentle yet well-paced mysteries.
SEABOURN CONVERSATIONS
Explorers, scholars, heralded chefs, celebrated performers and renowned experts from every arena of the arts, sciences, politics and the humanities share their journeys on Seabourn’s intimate ships, bringing skilled presentations of their expertise for guests to enjoy. Upcoming guest speakers include:
Clare Balding CBE: Seabourn Encore March 16, 2026 l Tokyo to Yokohama
An award-winning broadcaster and author, having worked on every Olympic Games since 1996 and on every Paralympics since 2000, Clare won BAFTA’s Special Award for her work on London 2012 and continues to present major sporting events, documentaries, and Royal events, including commentary of the coronation of King Charles III for BBC1.
Richard Stone – Portrait Painter: Seabourn Ovation June 27, 2026 l Dover to Greenock
Richard has completed commissioned portraits for members of the Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and King Charles III. He also painted the official portrait of Margaret Thatcher.
Will Lyons – Wine Writer, Author & Broadcaster: Seabourn Ovation July 4, 2026 l Greenock to Dover
For nearly two decades Will has published a weekly column on drinks, formerly in The Wall Street Journal and now The Funday Times.
His humorous, informed, down-to-earth writing has been recognised in both the Glenfiddich and Roederer wine writing Awards and in 2022 his podcast Wine Times was named Podcast of the Year at the British Media Awards.
For more information or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or contact a professional travel advisor.
Source: The M Collective
Images: ©2026 Seabourn Cruise Lines, Inc
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