EXPEDITION TEAM
Meet some of our select group of academics, scientists and general naturalists who share your passion for exploring and learning about some of the world's remote regions.
Each ship has a world-class expedition team that will share their passion for exploring and knowledge of the world's remote regions.
Team Members
Juan Carlos Restrepo
Expedition Leader
20+ years exploring the world
Colombia
Loves: Geology & the SeaSpecializations:
When not on expedition ships, Juan can be found flying high at international paragliding competitions, taking motorbike treks across the Andes Mountains or exploring new areas throughout the world.
Ignacio Rojas
Expedition Leader
20+ years in Expedition TravelSouth AmericaLoves: Expeditions to the White ContinentPassion Projects:
He enjoys being in small boats in any destination around the globe but preferentially in the seas of Antarctica where he looks forward to sharing his expertise and knowledge of the natural history of the white continent with fellow travelers.
Dominic Del Rosario
Assistant Expedition Leader
20+ years in the cruising industryBorn: Imus, PhilippinesLoves: Wildlife, culture and rarely-visited placesFavorite Seabourn Moment:
Captaining small boats to discover some of the world's most remote locations.
Patrick Demus
Assistant Expedition Leader
Expedition since 2015FinlandLoves: Marinelife, underwater ecosystemsPassion Projects:
Sharing his passion for the animal kingdom and spending over nine years in the education department of the Zoo Vienna.
Nicki D’Souza
Expedition Leader
35+ years in the cruising industryBorn: Bavaria, GermanyLoves: The seaSpecializations:
She is a Senior Polar Tourism Guide. She has been driving zodiacs since first stepping on board a ship and is an RYA licensed driver.
Brent Houston
Lecturer
30+ years Wildlife research & Polar Expedition TravelPony, MontanaLoves: Pony, MontanaPassion Projects:
When on land Brent works with WWF and Defenders of Wildlife protecting and restoring prairie wildlife and habitat, particularly focusing on the endangered black-footed ferret.
Luciano “Luqui” Bernacchi
Expedition Leader
15 years on Expedition ShipsLos Glaciers National Park, Patagonia, ArgentinaLoves: Birding and glaciersPassion Projects:
Luciano also works as Director and board member of GLACIARIUM/Museo del Hielo Patagonico – the largest and one of the very few Glacier museums in the world.
Dr. Merel Dalebout
Naturalist/Zodiac Driver/Sub Pilot/Lecturer
With Seabourne since 2022Melbourne, AustraliaLoves: Environmental education and trekkingPassion Projects:
Merel completed her PhD in Ecology and Evolution, specializing in rare Beaked Whales. This work led her to discovering a new species.
Seán S. Bercaw
Expedition Leader
Expedition Teams since 2019USALoves: SailingPassion Projects:
Scientific forays include working as the ROV navigator aboard the E/V Nautilus for deep ocean exploration and as the Marine Projects Coordinator aboard the two U.S. Antarctic Program Research Vessels
Adam Jenkins
Expedition Leader
25+ years in Expedition TravelUSALoves: Writing, cooking, sailing with his daughter Passion Projects:
Setting out in small boats and getting up close to nature.
Mia Otokiak
Inuit Scientist
Advisor at Nunavut Impact Review BoardCambridge Bay, Nunavut, CanadaLoves: Environment, ocean, climate change advocacyPassion Projects:
She is a youth mentor in a program called Ikaarvik: Barriers to Bridges, which aids Indigenous youth in becoming involved in science and research in a meaningful way.
Christian Walter
Expedition Leader
30+ years Expedition experienceEuropeLoves: Royal Geographical Society FellowResearch Interests:
The European voyages of discovery of the 16th to 18th centuries in the South Pacific; the various expeditions trying to find the Northwest- and Northeast-Passages; as well as the attempts to reach the North and South Poles..
Navarana Bidstrup
Local Guide
Specializes in different culturesNuuk, GreenlandLoves: Hiking, sailing and hunting Passion Projects:
Sharing cultural rituals, believes, myths and stories about Greenlandic cultures.
Will Wagstaff
Lecturer
Has been birding since the age of 5Isles of Scilly, UKLoves: Birds; any kind of wildlifeFavorite Destination:
Apart from the islands where he lives his favourite place is the Falkland Islands that he first visited over twenty years ago.
Robert Egelstaff
Kayak Guide
Personal Motto: “Laboro quod lascivio unus”CanadaLoves: Mountain Climbing, kayakingPassion Projects:
Adventurous expeditions to remote places have been an important part of Robert’s life — he led the first crossing in modern times of the Bering Strait from Alaska to Siberia by sea-kayak and made the first circumnavigation of Wales by canoe.
Fridrik P. Fridriksson
Arctic Guide
12+ years working and living in Polar regionsTelemark, NorwayLoves: Arctic guidingFun fact:
Fridrik speaks several languages and is one of the few that have Icelandic as their native tongue.