Ocean Advice Takes Over Management of Seaventure
A new and significant chapter begins for Ocean Advice, the Swiss-based company and part of the United Waterways group, which has officially taken over the nautical and technical management of the expedition cruise ship MS Seaventure.
This agreement marks a strategic turning point for the Basel-based company, strengthening its position in the expedition cruise market and expanding its high-seas operations portfolio. Following its relaunch two years ago, after the sale of its Blue Water Division, Ocean Advice quickly regained ground in the maritime sector through an effective white label management strategy. The acquisition of the MS Seaventure’s management confirms the company’s ambition to establish itself as a leading reference in the operation of high-end expedition ships.
MS Seaventure
Owned by the Chinese company 66° Expeditions, the MS Seaventure is a cruise vessel designed to operate in the challenging polar regions. Equipped with the highest ice class, it can safely navigate the extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Refurbished in 2025, the boutique ship accommodates 150 passengers and 115 crew members, offering stunning itineraries to Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and Antarctica. Throughout its history, the vessel—formerly known as MS Bremen, SeaQuest, and MS Seascape—has successfully completed over 300 polar cruises, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and excellence in the expedition cruise segment.
This operation strengthens United Waterways’ global strategy, already active in the Asian market with three vessels managed under the white label model. The addition of the MS Seaventure further expands the group’s offering, which includes plans to launch a new expedition ship and a coastal cruiser by 2028.
Oliver Sassen, CEO of Ocean Advice, expressed his enthusiasm for the start of this new chapter, emphasizing that managing the MS Seaventure represents a strategic strengthening of the company’s presence in the Asian market. He highlighted the importance of having in-depth knowledge of local cultures and travel preferences, which he sees as key to the success of future operations.
Sascha Gill, CEO of United Waterways, also underscored the significance of this milestone, describing it as a major step in the group’s growth in the expedition cruise sector. He stated that the infrastructure and operational support provided to the 66° Expeditions brand reflects United Waterways’ commitment to building strong synergies and supporting the development of a highly competitive, tailored global offering.
MS Seaventure
United Waterways is now the world’s leading provider of modular white label management services for passenger ships, offering a full one-stop-shop solution. The group brings together renowned brands such as KD, Oceandiva, Weiße Flotte Sachsen, Thames Luxury Charters, Starling Fleet, Feenstra Rijn Lijn, and all service brands of the River Advice Group, which operate along Europe’s main inland waterways. Ocean Advice serves as the group’s oceanic arm, responsible for the technical, nautical, and hospitality management of cruise ships at sea, supported by a highly experienced team of maritime professionals.
The acquisition of the MS Seaventure’s management marks a significant milestone in United Waterways’ expansion within the global expedition cruise landscape. It confirms the group’s strategic vision and its ability to combine innovation, expertise, and openness to new markets. With an iconic ship like the MS Seaventure under its management, Ocean Advice is charting a course toward an increasingly solid future across the polar seas.
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