In this age of glitzy ships, the Seabourn triplets (they are nearly identical) epitomize understatement. Clean lines, fine fabrics, and subtle styling are meant to soothe. Passengers board through a lobby that instantly
reveals the ships’ character. Quietly elegant, the small atrium spans five decks with a double circular stairway accented by brass railings and etched glass. A glass dome above illuminates the stairs and adjacent hallways
with diffused natural light. Pastel carpeting complements blush marble and wood used throughout the vessel. The sense of space and serenity is immediate and is among the ships’ most appealing features. Public rooms occupy all of the two top levels and are aft on the two center decks. The dining room is on the lowest passenger level. In 2000,
all three ships were given a stem-to-stern multimillion-dollar renovations, along with the addition of French balconies to 36 suites, a computer learning center, a cigar humidor, and an expanded gym, among other improvements. Again, in 2003, the ships were refurbished and new amenities added. More enhancements were added when the ships
were renovated in late 2005 and early 2006.
Service: Most passengers rate service as the single best feature—and with
good reason: it’s impeccable. Shipwide, the thoroughly professional staff is gracious and attentive, but never intrusive. The Norwegian captain and officers,European hotel staff and stewardesses, and British and American
cruise and social staff work harmoniously and are visibly proud of their ship. The ships’ small size lends them to personalized service impossible on larger ships. The luxury setting offers more opportunities to provide good
service, and the high crew-to-passenger ratio enables staff to deliver it. The ship’s no-tipping policy appeared to work very well, but we’ve recently been told that it’s being modified to allow staff to accept tips for
unusual service. We thought it was the result of the line’s lowering its cruise prices (20% or more), but we were wrong. Gratuities are still included in the cruise price. We hope the change won’t impact service. Also,to note, some guests give donations to a crew fund through the purser’s
office; it pays for crew parties and other activities during their free time
Unofficial Guide © 2009
.JPG_thumb.jpg "Atrium Adonia")
