Seabourn Cruise Line, founded in 1986, are the pinnacle of a unique style of travel where the entire fleet are all-suite ships and sail to the world’s most desirable destinations. They have four current ships and one upcoming ship launching in May 2018.
Their mission statement is to deliver exceptional Seabourn moments that delight their guests and create the world’s finest travel experiences.
So, what do we need to know about this fantastically luxurious cruise line? Which suite suits you best? Will you need to pack your tuxedo and evening gown?
Meet the Fleet:
Seabourn Ovation: Debuting back in May 2018 Seabourn Ovation represents another stage in the evolution of small-ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises. She holds 600 passengers, have 12 decks and feature the same understated elegance as Encore.
Seabourn Encore: Launched in December 2016 she was the first of two new Seabourn cruise ships at the time that expanded on the design of the line’s Odyssey-class ships. She carries 150 passengers more than her sister ships at a capacity of 600 and has an emphasis on understated elegance.
Seabourn Quest: The launch of this 450-passenger ship was in 2011 and stands as a significant player in the luxury market. She also weighs in at 32,000 tonnes and is essentially a copy of her sister the Seabourn Sojourn.
Seabourn Sojourn: She launched in 2010, weighs 32,000 tonnes and carries 462 passengers (plus 354 crew members). Everything on-board is all-inclusive and she life on-board is said to resemble a membership in an upscale country club.
Seabourn Odyssey: This ship launched in 2009 and was the first in Seabourn’s odyssey-class mega-yachts. It carries a select amount of passengers at a capacity of 450, plus 333 crew members. Although she weighs 32,000 tonnes and has 11 decks, she is classically elegant and undoubtedly intimate.
Seabourn Venture: Scheduled to launch in June 2021, Seabourn’s ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship will be designed and built for diverse environments and will include a plethora of modern hardware and technology. A new and exciting offering will be two custom-built submarines carried onboard, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface.
Is there a ‘typical’ Seabourn passenger?
The cruise line attracts experienced and well-heeled travellers and anybody interested in sharing experience beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary.
The ships sail to the heart of landmark cities but are proud to visit hidden gems too, where larger vessels can’t follow. If you’re a lover of travel and discovery of new places, any Seabourn voyage is for you.
You won’t be short of a feeling of exclusivity with either a relaxing neck massage by the poolside or a cup of gourmet hot chocolate as you drift along the Norwegian Fjords. And for those who like the feel of sailing on a private yacht (well, who doesn’t), opt for any of these intimate, sophisticated and luxurious journey’s onboard Seabourn.
On-board Entertainment
Seabourn wants to help you create the perfect day and they take this very seriously by setting a relaxing ambience and an open, inviting feel in the lounges and on deck. Before we list the vast variety of activities the line offers you, let us introduce you to…
Caviar In The Surf With Seabourn
Seabourn’s signature beach barbecue is not one to be missed! The impeccably dressed waiters plunge waist-deep into the water and will invite you to wade in too for some iced champagne from an inflatable tray and caviar at a surfboard bar (exclusive or what!) This legendary event will also include a barbecue lunch (with traditional favourites like shrimp skewers, steak and lobster), water sports and music for your time to enjoy soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach.
During the daytime if you fancy stepping out of your luxury suites (because we know you could just spend all day in them), there’s a range of activities you can get involved in. If you’re feeling active and want to refresh yourself, why not head to an on-deck yoga class or to the fully equipped gym. Not only does this have an ocean view, but there are also professional fitness trainers to help you develop or maintain your fitness plan!
Motion Studio also has Pilates, but if you feel like a different kind of rejuvenation, the spa is your answer. It’s the largest spa on any luxury ship and its team of skilled intuitive experts will apply all-natural ingredients to you in the form of their sophisticated menu of massages, wraps and therapies!
For the creative ones out there, Seabourn’s onboard chefs can teach you the secret ingredients to the perfect soufflé or why not get social and play shuffleboard against some other passengers? There’s a ballroom dancing class and a nine-hole putting course too, and these are only the daytime activities!
Once it’s evening it’s time to wind down and relax with some pre-dinner cocktails without the pressure to pull your most impressive outfit out. After all you’ll definitely want something more comfortable to wear for a lively session of dancing at The Club or if you prefer to observe and appreciate then there’s dazzling production shows in the Grand Salon!
The art of conversation is central to the Seabourn experience and their passengers are usually interesting and interested people! If this sounds like you then Seabourn Conversations will be the perfect entertainment for you as you’ll be able to watch and listen to skilled presentations from speakers who want to share their expert opinions. The topics can be anything from art to culinary conversations, culture and destination to science, current affairs and history. So if you’re feeling enthusiastic and curious come and educate yourself here at one of their lectures or even just a casual chat around the ship!
Food and Dining
Seabourn Cruise Line understands that your appetite changes with your mood so are dedicated to offering a menu that satisfies a range of tastes, preferences and appetites. All six ships give you world-class dining and award-winning cuisine. As Seabourn’s fleet has won ‘Experts Choice Best Culinary Cruise Line’ in 2013 and 2014, by the Saveur Culinary Travel Awards.
On-board you’ll find gourmet dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Whether its French fries or foie gras, every dish receives expert attention from highly skilled and imaginative chefs. The finest ingredients are selected with care, perfectly prepared and served with pride.
There are a variety of dining options for you on-board:
The Restaurant: Come when you like, with whoever you please and be seated as you wish. This relaxed atmosphere is complemented by the flawless service and it’ll all take place in a beautiful room with exquisite décor.
Sushi Restaurant: This alternative is a celebration of the flavour and texture that characterize the Japanese art of sushi! Skilled chefs create exquisite sushi before your eyes for a delightfully visual, authentic lunch or dinner experience.
The Grill by Thomas Keller: Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller adds his inspiration to a classic American restaurant from the ’50s and ’60s, serving updated versions of iconic dishes, like premium steaks, whole roasted chicken and Lobster Thermidor.
Patio Grill: This is your chance to dine on deck and appreciate the (hopefully) lovely weather as you eat! You can indulge in a casual lunch of salads, soups and freshly grilled specialities in this al fresco setting.
The Colonnade: If you’re feeling a little more casual, then head to this outdoor and indoor spot that’ll serve you beautiful buffets, breakfasts and lunches. You can expect full table service yet a friendly and lively approach to your visit.
Patio Grill: This is your chance to dine on deck and appreciate the (hopefully) lovely weather as you eat! You can indulge in a casual lunch of salads, soups and freshly grilled specialities in this al fresco setting.
Earth & Ocean at The Patio: Each evening, Seabourn’s skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an array of fresh, inventive dishes. A sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavours from around the world served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other.
In-Suite Dining: An option that allows you extended dinner service hours! Why not enjoy the fine foods of the ship in the comfort and relaxation of your own suite and have this personally served to you without having to even lift a finger.
Cabins
All Seabourn ships are intimate, with no more than 300 suites, and feel like a private club where members share expansive decks, inviting social space and the personalized attention of an exceptional crew.
If you’re a fan of spacious, all-suite accommodation with sweeping ocean views, Seabourn is the cruise line for you! They are all designed to feel like homes away from home and it’s the little touches that emphasise this like the complimentary welcome champagne and an in-suite bar stocked with your preferences.
There are a number of suites you can choose from:
Wintergarden Suite: The Wintergarden Suites feature large windows, in-suite dining for six, whirlpool bathtub, convertible sofa bed for one, pantry with wet bar, glass-enclosed solarium with a tub and day bed and most exclusively, complimentary private car transfers between the airport and the ship! (989 sq ft with veranda).
Grand Wintergarden Suite: Identical to Wintergarden Suite above in both amenities and style. (1,292 sq ft with two verandas)
Signature Suite: Similar to the Wintergarden Suite with its amenities the Signature Suite also includes thoughtful touches such as soft, luxurious bathrobes, a customized selection of fresh fruits daily and complimentary enhanced in-suite bar setup with additional wines or spirits for entertainingly. (859 sq ft with veranda)
Owner’s Suite: Also similar to the above, this suite follows Seabourn’s quest to give you a feast for all your senses. It features fresh orchids or potpourri in your bathroom, a large basket of succulent tropical fruits and all-natural Molton Brown bath products. (526 – 593 sq ft with veranda)
Penthouse Spa Suite: This suite will grant you complimentary full-day access to the Spa Serene Area and 24-hour complimentary room service. It also features an extended, aft-facing private veranda, soothing background music or essential oil diffusion and fine cotton linens with plush robes and slippers! (536-539 sq ft with veranda)
Penthouse Suite: A similar option to the Penthouse Spa Suite, also featuring a dining table for two to four and separate bedroom. Glass door to veranda, two flat-screen TVs, fully stocked bar, spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity. (436 with veranda)
Veranda Suite: All Veranda Suites feature a private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, interactive flat-screen television, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower. (246 – 302 sq ft with veranda)
Ocean View Suite: This suite features all the same amenities and style as the Veranda Suites. (295 sq ft with no veranda)
The best part to experiencing an exclusive suite on any Seabourn ship is that you will get your own personal suite stewardess! They will welcome you in style with champagne and canapes or even draw you a pure pampering bath! During your stay, they will also take care of replenishing your ice and bar set-up so you won’t have to and deliver daily newspapers to your door. Any special requests you have will be taken care of by your personal suite steward and your nightly turndown service will have that personal touch that cannot be found anywhere else…Bliss.
Amenities
Seabourn care for the details that make your cruise perfect so have everything you need from a self-service launderette where there’s washer, dryer and ironing facilities, to medical facilities where any guests requiring medical treatment can come to this small but modern area.
You won’t have to say goodbye to your shopping when you step on-board a Seabourn ship with these three luxury options that you can find alongside the starboard side of the walkway: The Boutique, The Collection and the Seabourn Shop. The Boutique is focused on fashion, cosmetics, scents and designer luxury goods whilst you can head to the Seabourn Shop for shield-emblazoned logo wear. If you’re into fine watches and jewellery then The Collection is the shop for you where there’s also a private showroom for diamonds and other gemstones!
Seabourn cruises pride themselves on holding the best guest to staff ratio on a cruise ship and on offering the perfect blend of elegance, glamour and personalization on-board. They have been voted World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line a whole seven times in the past nine years! And it gets better: it was also named Best Luxury Line four years in a row by Travel Weekly.
Staff, Dress Codes and Gratuities
The cruise line aims to deliver exceptional Seabourn moments that delights their guests and they are proud to do this through genuine and intuitive service. Seabourn state that their staff delivers unrivalled service where each crew member is passionate about pleasing the guests.
Unlike most cruise lines, Seabourn go by the rule that tipping is neither required nor expected. You can, of course, pay gratuities if you feel positive about the service you’ve received from certain individuals but the on-board service is there simply to delight you and the staff is driven by a sincere desire to please!
Some of you might be pleased to know that formal attire is optional and you have the freedom to choose if you’d prefer to dress casual or if you feel like treating yourself to something new and fabulous to match this ultimately luxurious cruise. You can choose from two dress attires: elegantly casual or formal. The former is the standard dress for all dining venues apart from the few formal restaurants and the men can choose to wear a collared shirt or sweater, whilst the ladies can pick from a skirt, blouse or dress.
For the nights you feel you want more of a celebration or special dining experience why not try your tuxedo out or ladies, your evening gown is appropriate. Seabourn understands the need to feel comfortable and at home whilst travelling so casual attire is fine for throughout the day (although no jeans allowed after 6 pm!)
So, that’s everything! Every detail you need to know before cruising on Seabourn is here. What do you think? Does luxury suit you? Do you fancy caviar at a surfboard bar? Let us know in the comments below!
