Luxury Is …….. The Encore?

When we talk about luxury and in particular luxury cruising, what words and images do you conjure up in your mind? What in your opinion is the definition of luxury?  One of the examples of luxury, according to Google is “a pleasure out of the ordinary allowed to oneself” – I like that!

The luxury cruise ships are as a whole, a brand new experience and in all honesty surprisingly affordable.  There are many more ships been built for this luxury market from Silversea’s to Regent, Crystal, Oceania, Sea Dream and of course Seabourn who are my particular favourites.

Seabourn have just received it’s newest ship called the Encore. With only 600 passengers on board, this ship I feel is going to be fantastic. The ship is on its way to Singapore, where it will be christened on  January 7, 2017 with internationally renowned soprano Sarah Brightman serving as godmother. It will then have an inaugural sailing through Indonesia before undertaking several Australia and New Zealand cruises. Check this one out!

For those of you who are not familiar with Seabourn, let me give you a little more information on them. Some say that to cruise with Seabourn is like a private club, with an unmatched sense of style, elegance and grace. The ships are really beautiful, and very like sailing on your own private yacht.  The suites are gorgeous with most of them having a balcony. Food is rather good too! They have recently started a relationship with Michelin Starred chef Thomas Keller and a interior hospitality designer called Adam D Tihany (of course those in the “know” will of course recognize these people!).  What I particularly like about Seabourn though is the ratio of guest and crew members, approx 1 crew member to each client on board!  Not for everyone I agree, however, it is nice to know they are there for you if you want. I like the service very much. When you arrive on board there is  complimentary champagne and your en suite bar can be stocked with your preferences!  Of course been a luxury cruise line it is all inclusive with all the top range drinks too, alongside, tips are included in the cost.

At this time it seems that many of you want the big ships with the all singing, all dancing entertainment on board. However, I personally love the smaller ships and equally think that smaller ships are also wanted just as much as the “big boys”. Proof of this must be that P&O have recently brought back the lovely Adonia.

If you are looking for a sophisticated and luxurious journey then really look no further. Weigh up the costs of a 6 star hotel versus a luxury cruise ship, however in a 6 star hotel you don’t wake up to a different view every day do you?

Maybe 2017 is the year when you can sample? After all we do deserve a bit of luxury in our life, dont you think?