MY SEABOURN DIFFERENCE…

I recently attended an event hosted by Seabourn and the lovely Lucy Harris to help celebrate 30 years of delivering exceptional guest experiences.

It has been just over three decades since Erland Raastad, former president of Kloster Cruise and Royal Viking Line, started planning a new small-ship cruise line with support from Norwegian investor Atle Brynestad.

This planning resulted in Signet Cruise Lines in 1988, which was quickly re-branded as Seabourn, which today is one of the leading luxury cruise brands on the market and is about to take delivery of a new 604-guest ship.

Seabourn’s newest ultra-luxury vessel, Seabourn Ovation, has now completed its final sea trials in the Mediterranean, after leaving the Fincantieri shipyard on 14th March 2018, where it spent four days at sea, while officers and engineers tested the ship’s technical and mechanical systems. The ship then returned to the shipyard in Genoa where final touches are being put in place ahead of the delivery ceremony on April 27th.

Richard Meadows, President of Seabourn said, “I’m very pleased with the progress and preparedness of the ship now that sea trials are complete. Our first revenue guests will board on May 5th, and I know they will be excited to see this newest addition to the Seabourn fleet.”

Seabourn Ovation will sail on her maiden voyage, an 11-day inaugural cruise from Venice to Barcelona.  During the voyage, the ship’s naming ceremony will take place on Friday May 11th in Valletta, Malta.

In keeping with Seabourn’s Strong connections to theatre, actress and singer Elaine Paige will serve as godmother and will name the ship during a ceremony that will light up the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site and the 2018 European Capital of Culture. The line already presents an evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice as well as other Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts in many fields for your enjoyment.

Seabourn Ovation, Sister ship to the Encore will be the fifth ultra-luxury ship in the Seabourn fleet and will feature 300 guest rooms, all suites and all with their signature high ratio of space per guest and highly personalised service.

When Marketing themselves, Seabourn keep talking about “The Seabourn Difference”.  What is this?

I don’t want to use the terminology that seaborne themselves use but to sum it up.

The Seaborne difference is…

The ships are definitely some of the most beautiful at sea.

The all Ocean front suites are breath taking and extremely Luxurious, no matter what category your budget allows.

They are intimate and yet not stuffy or too posh, if that makes sense.

 The staff provide an unobtrusive yet very Intuitive, personalized service. Their goal to exceed your expectations.

You will get complimentary premium spirits and fine wines, at all times, even from your stateroom mini bar.

They do not require or expect you to tip.

The entertainment is very grown up.  Their signature ‘Conversation’ Lectures feature guest speakers form the world of Art and Culture, Culinary experts, from chefs to Wine Connoisseurs, current affair and history experts, Scientists and UNESCO specialists to give you not only an insight into some of the places you will visit but to inspire your imagination, create conversation over dinner and give you the most amazing overall holiday experience.

Its goes without saying that the food on-board is World-class dining, and through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller they have created some of the most delightful and inspiring menus to tantalise those taste buds. Plus, don’t forget the speciality dining venues on board are all included in the price. You may have to book but you will not pay extra.

Seabourn also wish to take care of your body as well as your mind, and their partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil does just that. Their new Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil enrichment program is the first of its kind at sea:  A combination of Fitness, Pampering, Meditation and Relaxation, all expertly guided by the Seabourn Personal Trainers will get you feeling like a new You in no time.

I could go on and on about the places they visit but suffice to say they span the globe across seven continents with something for every taste.

As you may or may not know, excursions are included in your cruise experience, and you will not be disappointed with what is on offer, but I just wanted to mention the ‘Seabourn Venture’ program. It is a series of optional extended opportunities in selected ports which offer the more adventurous guest a chance to enhance their already amazing experience in a more hands on or tour with escorted skilled experts allowing you to get up close and personal with the wildlife and nature.  Experts in Marine Biology, Ornithology, Glaciology, to mention just a few, will answer your questions and guide you through the experience.

One example is kayaking with your expedition guide amongst huge, wave-sculpted icebergs, past leopard seals basking on ice floes and regiments of penguins parading comically along untouched shingle beaches at the end of the world, in Antarctica & Patagonia.

Here is that difference again. All equipment is provided. You even get complimentary jackets which are warm and waterproof if you book on a Seabourn Alaska cruise. One less thing to pack!

There are many more little things which make the Seabourn experience special and unique and far too many to mention, so why not try it for yourself and find your favourite Seabourn Difference…

Take a look at what we can offer you

SEABOURN DEALS

Don’t forget I can answer your questions and book your next adventure on 0330 303 8266

 


About Me

I have worked in the Travel Industry for 33 years, ever since leaving school. My Dad was in the Navy so I guess I get my wanderlust from him. I was a Manager in a successful Travel Agency for 16 years before joining Cruise.co.uk. I am married and have a son who…

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