Seabourn has named Mark Dexter as the captain of its newest ship, the Seabourn Encore. Captain Dexter will oversee all operations of the line’s newest vessel, which is scheduled to launch in December 2016.

Captain Dexter most recently served as fleet captain, overseeing the implementation of Bridge Resource Management for Seabourn. He joined Seabourn in 2007 and had the pleasure of taking Seabourn Odyssey into his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand, during its maiden World Cruise in 2010.

Captain Dexter’s career at sea spans more than 35 years, starting as a deck cadet with the Cunard Steamship Company. His vessels have included tankers, container ships, passenger vessels and refrigerated cargo ships before a move to ferries brought his first command. After a period ashore in ship management, Captain Dexter returned as Master with Hebridean Island Cruises and Swan Hellenic before joining Seabourn.

Captain Dexter currently resides in Christchurch with his wife and two sons. When he is not piloting ships around the world’s oceans, he indulges in his other passions of flying light aircraft and gliders, riding his Harley Davidson motorbike, beekeeping, and flyfishing for the wily brown trout of New Zealand. He is a New Zealand Cricket Umpire and member of the Lord’s Taverners charity.

Seabourn Encore will expand and build upon the line’s Odyssey-class ships, which were first introduced between 2009 and 2011. Seabourn Encore will maintain a high ratio of space per guest, enabling a highly personalized level of service, the cruise line said.

Designed by Adam D. Tihany, Seabourn Encore will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will have a private veranda.