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Seabourn Odyssey

The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey began sailing in June 2009 and – like its sister ships – is an all-suite vessel. It received an extensive renovation in summer 2019 to update its interior design, entertainment venues and technology. Travelers can enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit daily and 24-hour room service, plus everyone has access to a personal suite stewardess for additional requests. Each cabin is equipped with a separate living area and bedroom, a stocked bar, a flat-screen television, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub, shower and dual sinks.

The four dining options aboard the Seabourn Odyssey range from casual poolside fare, such as pizzas and salads, to The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves upscale meals and tasty libations. Post-dinner, travelers can relax with a cocktail at one of the bars or test their luck at the casino. The Seabourn Odyssey also offers nightly entertainment like movies under the stars and dance parties on the boat's deck.

Onboard amenities on this ship include two pools, five outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, a nine-hole putting green and a spa. The ship also allows cruisers to enjoy water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boats and Hobie Cat sailboats in select destinations.

Odyssey sails to a number of ports across Australia, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no need to bring extra books. Seabourn's ships have large lending libraries. – Dana Freeman, Contributor

Seabourn Ovation

Ovation debuted in May 2018, making it the newest addition to the Seabourn family. The ship holds 600 passengers and has an intimate crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 1-to-1. 

Seabourn Ovation adheres to the line's penchant for luxury, offering all-suite accommodations, fine dining experiences and indulgent onboard activities. All suites boast verandas that overlook the ocean, plus standard amenities like a complimentary in-suite bar and flat-screen TVs. Extra perks, like spa-style "Pure Pampering" baths drawn by your personal suite stewardess, are available. Most recent guests were pleased with the level of service on board, though some had issues booking shore excursions at the designated counter.

Amenities range from complimentary fitness classes to spa and salon treatments to a deck with private cabanas and a whirlpool. Come nighttime, cruisers can unwind at the alfresco Sky Bar, try their luck at the casino or enjoy a movie or dancing under the stars.

Passengers also have a variety of eateries to choose from, including The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves steakhouse classics created by its namesake Michelin-starred chef. Should the restaurant be fully booked, guests can dine at one of four other casual and fine dining venues, such as the Japanese-focused Sushi and the buffet-style Colonnade.

Ovation sails throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: You can only dine at The Grill by Thomas Keller once per voyage, so make reservations as soon as possible to ensure you get the evening you desire.  – Dana Freeman, Contributor

Seabourn Quest

Seabourn Quest, which launched in June 2011, is one of the smallest ships in Seabourn's fleet. It can fit up to 458 passengers and about one crew member for every cruiser. It is virtually identical to the Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Odyssey .

Seabourn Quest differs from the line's newer ships in terms of accommodations, as it offers some Ocean View Suites with porthole windows instead of verandas. However, all cabins still come equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs, designer toiletries, personalized stationery, Egyptian cotton linens and in-suite bars stocked with your preferred refreshments.

Outside your suite, you can enjoy a range of pursuits, such as spa and salon treatments, free fitness classes, a nine-hole putting green and two swimming pools. Additionally, Seabourn Quest offers complimentary water sports equipment rentals at its Watersports Marina in select destinations.

Once you've worked up an appetite, sit for a meal at one of the ship's four restaurants, including the main dining room and The Grill, a steakhouse helmed by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. And for evening entertainment, you'll have access to a variety of bars, plus a casino, a dance club and the Grand Salon, where cabaret performances, comedy shows and more are hosted nightly.

Quest sails to and from destinations around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The aft pool on Deck 5 is a hidden gem, often overlooked by most passengers who tend to gather at the main pool. – Dana Freeman, Contributor

Seabourn Encore

Like its sister,  Seabourn Ovation , the 600-passenger Seabourn Encore is one of the larger ships in the fleet. The ship debuted in December 2016 and maintains a roughly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Every cabin in the all-suite Seabourn Encore has a veranda with ocean views. Additionally, all accommodations offer designer bath products, a stocked bar, a flat-screen TV, personalized stationery and complimentary 24-hour room service. All guests are greeted with Champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival.

As for activities and onboard amenities, Seabourn Encore features two swimming pools, five outdoor whirlpools, a spa and a fitness center with complimentary fitness classes. Once nighttime falls, cruisers can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor bars. There are six eateries available, including The Grill by Thomas Keller and a sushi restaurant. During their downtime, guests will enjoy The Retreat, a serene sanctuary with comfortable lounge chairs. 

Seabourn Encore sails throughout the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa.

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Sushi restaurant, exclusively found on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, is small and operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. It's advisable to arrive when it opens to secure a table. – Dana Freeman, Contributor

Seabourn Sojourn

The 458-passenger Seabourn Sojourn debuted in June 2010 and features all-suite accommodations. About 90% of the suites offer verandas, and all accommodations provide 24-hour room service, flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with dual sinks and a separate living area and bedroom. What's more, cruisers are welcomed with complimentary Champagne upon arrival and can enjoy a fruit basket that's refreshed daily. A suite stewardess is assigned to each cabin to assist with requests as well. Sojourn is virtually identical to its sister ships, Seabourn Odyssey  and Seabourn Quest . 

Outside the rooms, travelers can gamble at the casino, work up a sweat in the fitness center or relax at the spa. Those interested in soaking up the sun can snag a spot by one of two swimming pools or enjoy one of five hot tubs. Cruisers can also fuel their competitive juices with a round of shuffleboard or golf on the nine-hole putting green. When anchored, vacationers in select destinations can take advantage of the ship's water sports equipment, such as kayaks and paddle boats.

There are four dining venues to choose from on the Seabourn Sojourn, including casual and fine dining options. In the evening, cruisers can enjoy cocktails at one of the bars or dance under the stars. The ship's nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio means cruisers should expect exceptional service.

Sojourn sails to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean, as well as some trans-Atlantic sailings.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Seabourn Review

Monday, May 27th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Best for all-inclusive luxury sailing for adults
• Curated voyages to all seven continents
• Five ships in the fleet
• Smaller ships enable visits to hidden harbors and marquee ports
• Staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1
• Maximum of 458-600 guests per sailing
• Private balconies in most suites, all suites are oceanfront

Seabourn is known for its small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising experience. Its fleet of five ships carry anywhere from 458 to 600 passengers, and most suites feature a private veranda. If you want to cruise in relaxed luxury, a Seaborn sailing might be perfect for you, especially with the nearly 1:1 ratio of staff to guests. And, almost anywhere you could dream of visiting -from the Arctic to the Antarctic and literally everywhere else - chances are good that there's a Seabourn cruise that goes there.

Take a winter getaway in the Caribbean

In order to compare cruise lines, we looked at each company's offerings for a week-long Caribbean sailing in March - peak season for spring breakers and anyone trying to escape a long winter - about a year in advance. Seabourn had four week-long sailings, four 14-day sailings, and one 21-day sailing. Almost all of them departed from Barbados, so you'd have to factor in the international flights as part of your vacation planning. Two sailings finished in Miami, though, so at least the return would be a domestic flight for travelers from the US. Pricing on the week-long sailing started at $4,339 per person, and itineraries included Classic Caribbean Yacht Harbors (Bequia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Maarten), Yachtsman's Caribbean (many of the same ports, with the addition of Dominica), and Windward Island Jewels (Tobago, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, and St. Kitts).

Mostly-included amenities

Seabourn is described as all-inclusive. That means your sailing will come with complimentary dining venues, open bars and fine wines at both lunch and dinner, unlimited WiFi, and no gratuities are required (or expected). You'll also experience the Seabourn Signature Delights, ranging from Caviar in the Surf during beach barbecues ashore to Massage Moments on deck and much more. On the other hand, some features included by other all-inclusive luxury cruise lines are fee-based with Seabourn, most notably the shore excursions.

Entertainment is more low-key

Another area where Seabourn comes up a little light is onboard entertainment. As with any smaller cruise ships, you shouldn't sail with this cruise line expecting Broadway-size shows: there just isn't a venue for it. What you can expect in the Grand Salon are cabaret performances, classical recitals, live music for dancing, cooking demonstrations, and movies, among other gatherings.

The dining trends American

In terms of dining, Seabourn offers a partnership with Chef Thomas Keller, who has developed a menu of classic American dishes for the line's restaurants. The line also features The Grill by Thomas Keller, which offers a classic steakhouse experience. You may even be able to take advantage of "Shopping with the Chef" for fresh ingredients at local markets, if you love all things culinary. In addition to these dining options, Seabourn offers an innovative program called "Seabourn Conversations", where guests can engage with experts in various fields such as food and wine, history, culture, and more.

How about a more high-octane port experience?

Perhaps you're more on the adventurous side. Be sure to look into Ventures by Seabourn, optional shore excursions that help you get up close and personal with your destinations: hop on a Zodiac, paddle a kayak, or take an exploratory hike, all guided by Expedition Team members you've already met onboard and learned from during formal presentations and casual conversations.

A good option but compare with rival luxury lines first

While Seabourn has plenty of loyal cruisers, we also found some travelers who felt that there wasn't enough included for the fare they paid. Some felt that the ships seemed a bit outdated, and even we noticed that the "all-inclusive" features of Seabourn weren't as robust as what comparable luxury lines offered. If you're looking for a luxury cruise that can access smaller ports and harbors, and you find your destination on Seabourn's list, there's no reason not to book your trip. But, we'd recommend looking at this cruise line's higher-ranked competitors in the luxury tier too, just in case you could get a little more for your fare.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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What It’s Like Onboard the Seabourn ‘Ovation,’ a 690-Foot 5-Star Hotel for the Seas

From a spa that's better than some we've visited on dry land to daily deliveries of caviar, this vessel offers a unique luxury travel experience., justin fenner.

Senior Editor

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The vessel: The Seabourn Ovation .

What’s the deal? Seabourn, the ultra-high-end cruise operator owned by Carnival, is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy the high seas—short of chartering your own megayacht, that is. Its commercial success and vocal fanbase have undoubtedly inspired several hospitality chains (see: Ritz Carlton , Four Seasons , Orient Express ) to announce their own seafaring operations in recent months. Ovation , third-youngest of the seven gigayachts in the Seabourn fleet, has been on the water since 2018, and, because of its size, can feel incredibly private. It’s 690 feet long and only has 300 cabins, so it’s not uncommon to have entire facilities—such as the gym or the by-reservation cabanas on the poop deck—entirely to yourself.

The Rundown

Did they greet you by name at check-in.

No, but in fairness, check-in here isn’t like walking into a standard hotel. You have to hand over your passport to embark, then walk through an airport security–style metal detector. But the process is quick and efficient, if not exactly the most luxurious part of your trip.

Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.)

Yes. In addition to a lovely fruit basket, there was a very good bottle of Montaudon Brut Champagne on ice in my suite, along with notes from the captain and my Suite Host (more on that important role in a second.)

Is there a private butler for every room?

Is the sheet thread count higher than 300.

Yes. While I wasn’t able to determine an exact brand, make, and model, I could tell from the feel that the percale sheets on the bed were pretty high-end. Some hotels on land could learn a thing or two from how Seabourn’s team makes a bed.

Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?

No, but the all-marble bathrooms are surprisingly well-appointed and feature double sinks, thoughtfully arranged lighting, a deep tub, and a separate shower.

Are the toiletries full-sized?

Yes. Seabourn partnered with Molton Brown on its custom shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, called Immersive Samphire and Eucalyptus. Fortunately, you can buy your own supply in the gift shop.

Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use? How are the spa and gym?

Well of course not—this is a boat, after all. But we’re giving the Ovation a bonus point for its wonderful spa, which in all honesty is better than some we’ve visited on dry land. The soothing and surprisingly masculine space is equipped to offer a wide array of services and treatments, including old-school barbershop shaves, manicures, facials, massages, and even acupuncture and medical consultations.

Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?

Is there caviar on the room service menu? If so, what kind?

Yes. Seabourn partners with Regiis Ova to offer a variety of its wares onboard. And don’t be shy: If you want, you can ask room service to deliver a specific quantity (and blinis, potato chips, crème fraîche chives, and the like) to your suite at the same time every day.

Would you buy the vessel if you could?

Yes. I didn’t expect to like being onboard the Ovation quite as much as I did, but it was a wonderful experience that left me with a new outlook on sea travel . The service was impeccable, the other guests provided ample opportunities for interesting people-watching, and I’d go back again just for the spa if I could.

Total: 9/10 What Our Score Means: 1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here. 4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch. 7-8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms. 9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?

Justin Fenner is Robb Report's senior editor. He's been covering style, grooming and watches for over a decade, traveling across the world to examine how these topics intersect with the broader…

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Review: Seabourn Pursuit

Reviewed by Taylor Eisenhauer

What is the line? Seabourn

Name of ship? Pursuit

Passenger occupancy? 264

Itinerary? Charm of Italy, France & Spain, 7-Day cruise

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Once my colleagues found out I was sailing with Seabourn, the first thing they told me was, “Oh, you’ll have a great time—the service is impeccable.” And boy, were they right.

The service and the crew’s attention to detail is what sticks out the most about my voyage, even months later. They knew my name, learned my drink preferences, asked how my excursions that day went—all the little things that make you feel well cared for, especially while traveling solo.

Tell us about the ship in general .

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior, always beckoning from offshore. You can walk from bow to stern in a matter of minutes, though it never feels cramped. Plenty of open deck space invites you out to enjoy the salty air and park on a chaise lounge to soak up the sun (and the breathtaking views).

The elegant interior designed by Adam D. Tihany favors soothing neutrals with warm-toned accents—think tropical scenes set in stained glass—to complement sister expedition ship Venture , which features cool tones and polar scenes.

On the top deck, you’ll find 24 Zodiacs ready to be deployed for wildlife sightings at a moment's notice. Hidden in Pursuit ’s bowels are two custom submarines, built for expedition trips whose destinations range from Antarctica ( Pursuit meets PC6 Polar Class standards) to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia.

Who is onboard?

Retired couples and Seabourn loyalists make up the majority of passengers, all happy to share their treasure trove of great stories from past sailings and travels around the world. Sharing a new table at dinner every night meant I had the pleasure of hearing about past Grand Voyages , a memorably unsteady dinner during rough waters, and a particularly amorous monkey in Indonesia. Only a handful of families sailed onboard, with children under 10 numbering in the single digits.

Describe the cabins .

Bigger than some standard hotel rooms, the cabins feel spacious and relaxing (coming from an NYC studio, they felt particularly decadent). You can hang your dresses for dinner in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony (every cabin has one); and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed.

Tell us about the crew.

The crew were attentive, friendly, available, and, of course, extremely knowledgeable. Every member made me feel not only like a VIP but like an old friend. I was always greeted by name with a smile and a helpful answer to any and all questions I had. I was far from the only passenger who experienced this—I heard from many fellow guests that the Pursuit crew was the best they'd ever come across.

I enjoyed lively dinners hosted by crew members; went on a personalized tour of the ship with the expedition director; and even made a new friend in one of the event coordinators, who helped me with a mishap in Cinque Terre—and then laughed it off with me over a glass of wine. By the middle of my sailing, it was clear the crew had truly learned my preferences when I returned from the pool or afternoon excursion to an ice-cold bottle of San Pellegrino waiting in my cabin.

What food and drink options are available on board?

There are two main restaurants: the Restaurant and the Colonnade. The latter serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, while the former offers full-service dining for dinner with a changing menu to reflect the latest port of call. (One of the excursion options was shopping with the ship’s chef at a local market for dinner that evening.)

I also grabbed snacks from Seabourn Square, which serves coffee-shop favorites most of the day, usually up until dinner. I spent one night in the Club, indulging in fresh sushi made-to-order from the sushi bar while listening to live music.

My favorite meal tended to be breakfast, which I would order for room service and have on my balcony, often as we were pulling up to the next port.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The spa is absolutely worth visiting, but book early, especially ahead of at-sea days. I booked a deep tissue massage to work out the knots in my shoulders and calves and only wish I could’ve had one daily. (The luxuriously warm massage oil was a sure highlight of the treatment.)

What about activities and entertainment?

There were always more activities offered than I could get to in a day, but not so many that I felt overwhelmed. I actually looked forward to coming back to my cabin after dinner to find the next day’s itinerary and start mapping out my future adventures.

Every port had its excursion options, of course, as well as transportation to and from the port itself. Daily activities like yoga and pilates were always on the schedule, as was afternoon tea, trivia competitions, and late-night dancing on the deck.

Most days, I liked to catch the live music acts around the lounges. There was a nightly show at the Discovery Center, which served as the ship’s main stage. I caught two of the acts—a comedian and a magician—who would often join guests for dinner. But my personal favorite onboard activity? Lounging by the pool with a piña colada from the patio bar. And if you’re feeling fancy, might as well try the caviar too.

How was the experience for families?

With few families onboard, the experiences were mostly geared toward adults. Not to say that children wouldn’t enjoy this cruise, but there were certainly fewer entertainment options than offered on a bigger ship, simply by virtue of more space. And because Pursuit is primarily designed for expedition sailing, the pool is smaller than on other ships in the line’s fleet.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

My sailing included ports in Italy, France, and Spain—all were beautiful and none were overcrowded. Elba and Portovenere in Italy were my personal favorites, offering more of an authentically local feel than I expected of cruise ports. We often tendered into the ports, as they were too small for us to dock, which I never minded.

The excursions felt super tailored to each port, and I ended up on two of them—the first in Italy to visit Cinque Terre and the second in Spain to tour Gala Dalí’s castle in Púbol. I still think about our initial excursion to Cinque Terre. We left Pursuit to take the public ferry (absolutely the best way to see it) with a local guide, who gave us free time to wander in each village we visited (only a few of the five). I found out later from a crew member that this was a last-minute addition because, as he said, how do we port on the Ligurian coast without visiting Cinque Terre!

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Every Seabourn ship has a full-time Environmental Officer who oversees environmental compliance. To lower emissions, the cruise line uses marine gas oil (MGO) and/or Advanced Air Quality Systems (AAQS) to reduce sulfur compounds and particulate matter like black carbon from the ship’s engine exhaust. Seabourn is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO, working with them to promote sustainable tourism at 1,100 World Heritage sites around the globe.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Sailing on the Pursuit is a truly tailored experience—the crew will make the trip unique for you , and you’ll never lack for comfort or new experiences—bringing together the very best aspects of any good trip.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

Review: Seabourn Quest cruise ship (Updated 2023)

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Seabourn Quest cruise ship facts

• 2011 launched
• 2018 refurbished

The Seabourn Quest cruise ship is ideal for an indulgent vacation. It has outstanding dining, attentive service and luxurious accommodation.

In this review

The Seabourn Quest cruise ship is one of the most luxurious in the world. It’s a small ship that has a club-like ambience and staff who pride themselves on delivering intuitive service. When I reviewed Seabourn Quest I discovered gourmet restaurants and chic bars, as well as sophisticated entertainment. Not to mention luxury, all-suite accommodation.

However, there are things worth knowing about a cruise vacation on Seabourn Quest. For instance, there are fewer dining venues than you might find on larger cruise ships. On the other hand Seabourn Quest’s intimacy lends itself to impeccable, personalised service.

• Outstanding service.
• Gourmet meals.
• Sophisticated entertainment.
• Limited number of dining venues.

Our review ratings

Seabourn quest deck plan.

The Seabourn Quest deck plan is easy to get around. There are a total of 10 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 11.

• Reception : Deck 7
• Accommodation : Decks 4 to 10
• Main dining room : Deck 4
• Theatre : Deck 6
• Observation lounge : Deck 10

It is worth noting that the forward elevator should be used to access the Observation Lounge, while the water sports marina is accessed via Deck 2.

About Seabourn Quest

The Seabourn Quest cruise ship is an Odyssey-class vessel belonging to Seabourn Cruises . Seabourn Quest was built in Italy by the shipbuilder T. Mariotti and entered service in June 2011. It is 195 m. / 650 ft. long with 11 passenger decks and has room for just 450 guests (double occupancy), so it never feels crowded.

Seabourn Quest was refurbished in 2018 with a fresh decor in the public areas and suites, as well as enhancements to the onboard spa.

Indeed, the intimate vessel is designed to feel like a private yacht with teak decks, stylish bars, fine dining and gracious suites. There is even a retractable marina at the stern.

Dining on Seabourn Quest

The restaurants on Seabourn Quest may be few in number, but the award-winning venues are comparable to the finest restaurants the world over.

Seabourn Quest has a chic main dining room, a Michelin-star inspired steakhouse, a terrace buffet and a poolside eatery. There is also a cafe for light snacks and refreshments.

The main dining room is The Restaurant . I rate it as the best dining venue on Seabourn Quest. The menu showcases innovative culinary trends and gastronomic classics. What’s more the menu changes daily. On my review voyage there was an exceptional Roasted Qual & Spiced Figs with Caramelized Fennel, Salsify Ragout, Pomegranate & Poultry Jus. Not to mention tempting desserts like Strawberry Soup & White Chocolate Parfait with Fresh Berries Pistachio Crostini & Crackers.

The Grill by Thomas Keller is an art deco-style American steakhouse. The menu, inspired by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, includes an exceptionally good Roasted Free Range Chicken & Thyme Jus which takes two days to prepare. It serves two people.

The Colonnade is a casual buffet restaurant on the Seabourn Quest cruise ship. The buffet continues to set the at-sea standard for outstanding food quality and presentation. There is also daytime poolside dining at The Patio buffet. In the evening the venue becomes Earth & Ocean at The Patio with an array of inventive dishes served à la carte, including Seabass with Eryngii Mushrooms, Stir Fried Super Greens, Toasted Garlic & Wasabi Lime Butter.

The Seabourn Square on deck 7 has a tempting selection of savoury snacks and pâtisserie, as well as gourmet coffee and teas.

Seabourn Quest nightlife

The nightlife on Seabourn Quest is stylish and sophisticated. A talented pianist entertains in the Observation Bar and a band play sets in The Club, where there is also a late night disco.

The Grand Salon is the theatre on Seabourn Quest. It plays host to production shows like the highly regarded “An Evening With Sir Tim Rice”, as well as guest entertainers.

Suites on Seabourn Quest

All the rooms on Seabourn Quest are suites and every one has an ocean view. The least expensive suites have a picture window, rather than a veranda.

I stayed in a Veranda Suite on my Seabourn Quest review voyage. These suites are the most popular on board. They are wonderfully spacious with a marble bathroom that has a separate soaking tub and shower. What’s more, there’s a luxurious teak veranda with outdoor furniture.

For those who like even more space the Seabourn Quest cruise ship also has larger suites with separate bedrooms and living areas, like the stylish Penthouse Suite.

Every room on Seabourn Quest has a Suite Host and Suite Attendant who create an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. On my voyage the Suite Host actively sought to create so-called ‘Seabourn Moments’; bespoke memorable experiences. It helped make my voyage extra special. The Suite Hosts are there to indulge, whether it be drawing a relaxing bath or arranging an in-suite cocktail party.

Wellness at sea

The small Seabourn Quest has a big range of fitness and relaxation services . There is a well equipped gym with rooms for pilates and yoga. The ship has two pools; I especially enjoyed the solitude of the aft facing pool. There is also a whirlpool with a magnificent position atop the bow. Not to mention the Sun Terrace.

The Seabourn Spa & Wellness centre is a partnership with best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil. It is the first of its kind at sea and offers indulgent massage and beauty treatments, as well as mindful living guidance and even acupuncture.

Unfortunately, Seabourn Quest does not have a dedicated jogging track. So most guests used the open space on deck 5 to jog or power-walk.

Seabourn Quest activities

Seabourn Quest has the usual shipboard activities including lectures from guest speakers, bridge and team trivia. There are also deck sports including golf, table tennis and shuffleboard.

Seabourn Quest also has wellness and mindfulness seminars, as well as complimentary walk-in hair consultations. There are ladies pamper parties, afternoon teas and even caviar sail-away parties too.

In addition, there are get-togethers for friends of Dorothy, friends of Bill W and solo cruisers.

The boutiques on Seabourn Quest are known as The Shops and they sell designer apparel, fragrances and jewellery.

All the activities on Seabourn Quest are in the daily Herald newsletter. Though it’s worth noting this is no longer printed, rather it is available through the Seabourn Source app.

Shore excursions

There are lots of different shore excursions available on the Seabourn Quest cruise ship. These include panoramic bus tours, speedboat trips, epicurean adventures, bike rides and bespoke private limousine journeys. Though it has to be said, some shore excursions can be significantly better than others. What’s more, cost doesn’t always reflect the quality of the excursion.

For instance, when I reviewed Seabourn Quest there was an enjoyable tour into the country side with lunch at a farm. Whereas a more expensive speedboat trip to an overcrowded Croatian beach proved somewhat disappointing.

Editor’s tip: Seabourn offer shore excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world. These are often the best shore excursions.

Shore excursions can be purchased online in advance of your cruise. You can also purchase shore excursions once you get on board.

Seabourn Quest dress code

The Seabourn Quest dress code is smart and stylish, but on my review voyage it was never stuffy. Guests wear casual resort-style clothing during the day, but it’s worth noting that swimwear is not acceptable in any of the restaurants.

After dark there are two different dress codes: Elegant Casual and Formal .

Elegant Casual

Women wear slacks, skirts, and blouses. Men wear slacks and a collared shirt (jacket optional).

Women wear evening gowns while men wear Tuxedos or suits.

It’s worth noting that the Formal dress code only applies to The Restaurant . Dress in other dining venues is always Elegant Casual. The number of formal nights varies depending on the cruise duration. Voyages of up to 13-days have one formal night. Cruises lasting 14- to 20-days have two formal nights, while longer voyages have three.

Seabourn Quest inclusions

The Seabourn Quest cruise ship is all-inclusive. That means all meals, fine wines, Champagne and spirits are part of your cruise fare. Also included in a Seabourn Quest cruise fare are non-alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee and teas.

Editor’s tip: You can purchase premium alcoholic beverages, but on my review voyage the house wines and spirits were excellent.

Gratuities are also included in the cruise fare; in fact tipping isn’t expected.

A Seabourn Quest cruise fare also includes shuttle bus transfers from the port to town when it is not nearby. Guests also get a smart Seabourn tote bag, plus exclusive Molton Brown bath products.

Fellow passengers

Seabourn Quest has a loyal following. Indeed, on my review voyage many passengers were return guests.

They are usually discerning and experienced cruisers who range in age from 40 to 70-years old.

Most guests are from the USA and the UK, however Australians, Canadians and Europeans are also onboard.

It’s worth noting that Seabourn Quest is gay-friendly.

Seabourn Quest conclusion

The Seabourn Quest cruise ship is ideal for those who enjoy an indulgent cruise vacation. The ship is ultra-luxury, but it never feels pretentious. Indeed, the service is genuinely warm and intuitive. I also thought the dining was outstanding, though some may find the choice of restaurants limiting. All things considered I think Seabourn Quest offers an exceptional cruise experience.

The author sailed as a guest of  Seabourn Cruises .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Seabourn Quest Rooms

Seabourn quest dining, seabourn quest nightlife, seabourn quest wellness.

Have just returned from two weeks on the Seabourn Quest. Re the Herald and the dining menus: They are still printed, but only if you request a printed copy and they are delivered each evening to the suite. Wonderful trip wonderful ship.

Only one complaint – we are elderly & do not use mobile phone apps. Because we didn’t have Seabourn Source we missed a Formal Night & a shore tour where the time was changed. Almost everyone seemed to be clasping a mobile phone, PLEASE get back to proper communication.

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Seabourn Cruise Tips: 4 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising

by Gary Bembridge · October 10, 2019

Seabourn Cruises Tips: 4 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising

Seabourn Cruises Tips: 4 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising. If you’re thinking of booking with Seabourn Cruises, here’s all you need to know before you cruise with them

Watch the video:

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bHE0UZFGVxY

Who are Seabourn Cruises?

Seabourn an ultra-luxury cruise line founded in 1986, who are part of the huge Carnival Cruise Corporation. Carnival also own lines like Princess, Cunard Aida and Holland America. At the current time (October 2019) Seabourn either has or has announced seven ships in their fleet, including a classic cruising fleet, and an expedition fleet.

Within classic cruising, they have three older ships which are called the ‘Odyssey’ class ships, and these are Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Quest. These ships hold around about 450- 458 passengers and 90% of them have balconies.

Then they have the Encore class, which is Seabourn Encore and its sister ship Ovation. They have 300 suites and hold 600 guests, so about 30% more guests. They also have two Expedition vessels, the first of which is called Seabourn Venture, and this one focuses on expedition cruises, particularly in the polar regions: Arctic and Antarctica.

Seabourn Cruise Tips – So, what is it that Seabourn does that’s different to the other ultra-luxury cruise lines?

I believe there’s four things you need to know before setting sail on any Seabourn Cruise.

#1: Spaces:

The first of these is one of their big flagship spaces, which is called ‘Seabourn Square’. It’s generally where people go and meet us and where all of the key functions are.

Here, you have Guest Services, Future Sales, Excursions (a very nice coffee shop which is open most of the day and has snacks) and a small Library with complimentary newspapers which they print or can be downloaded onto your device. There’s also some shops nearby here. It’s an important hub and they’ve made it really integral to the whole cruising experience.

#2: Partnerships:

The second thing unique to Seabourn is that they have a whole lot of partnerships. They bring various famous experts on board to fine-tune what they do.

Entertainment: They have a partnership with Sir Tim Rice, who often collaborates with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on theatre productions. He created a show for Seabourn called “An evening with Tim Rice”. It highlights some of his best work such as The Lion King.

Dining Partnerships

Dining: When it comes to dining, Seabourn has a partnership with a USA-based celebrity chef called Thomas Keller. They have a restaurant called ‘The Grill with Thomas Keller’ which is based on a 1950s/1960s steakhouse. Across the other dining venues, they also have various Thomas Keller dishes. Expect preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes, as well as a range of other favourites like premium steaks, whole roasted chicken, and Lobster Thermidor, presented a la carte.

Wellness: Seabourn have a partnership with an American expert called Dr. Andrew Weil. He’s an expert in mindfulness and meditation, and he’s created a program which involves lectures, meditation, yoga and excursions (on selected destinations).

Mindful Meditation

Guests can experience Mindful Meditation, which will introduce positive affirmations and mantras they can reflect on throughout the day. There are also daily restorative yoga classes which will continue to focus upon the mantra and positive affirmations. Yoga classes offer guests the ability to choose classes that focus on various physical issues, such as yoga to heal back and joint pain, headaches and body alignment, as well as yoga to enhance creativity, mental focus and happiness.

Classes focus on all areas of mind, body and spirit over a period of seven days, and will change daily with a new theme. There are also a selection of Wellness Seminars which you can attend.

Drinks: Seabourn have a relationship with top US based mixologist Brian van Flandern, who has revamped the whole cocktail menu. They have a range of cocktails which he specifically created and trained all of the staff to make, all exclusive to Seabourn.

Toiletries: All of the toiletries are Molton Brown, who have partnered with the cruise liner to create a specific ‘Seabourn’ fragrance.

Excursions: One of the most significant relationships they have is that they are the official cruise partner of UNESCO, and so have created a whole series of excursions around world heritage sites or sites of significance related to UNESCO.

On the cruise I was on, I went on one of the UNESCO tours in Menorca to some of the ancient sites there, and in addition to the normal guide we also had an expert archeologist associated one of the universities who came along that UNESCO tour. An interesting addition if you’re into your history.

#3: Service:

All ultra-luxury lines have phenomenal service, but I think one of the things that’s interesting about Seabourn is they have a more informal approach. It’s still incredibly good service, and they still go out of their way to make sure they learn your name and, of course, your preferences, but I found them to be slightly less stuffy and less formal than you might find on some other lines. If you like luxury but you like it to be a little more informal and chattier, you might find it on Seabourn. Although their approach is relaxed, it’s still obviously respectful and offers a high quality of service.

#4: Inclusions

Ultra-luxury lines tend to be largely all inclusive, but there’s always slight quirks and differences. Seabourn is comparable with most of the ultra-luxury lines, although there are some ultra-luxury lines that will include some of the things that Seabourn don’t.

Seabourn Cruise Tips – What’s included?

Accommodation: First of all, your accommodation is obviously included. On Seabourn ships you can have very large suites through to Oceanview cabins. On Encore and Ovation liners, it’s all balcony suites.

Food: Secondly, all of your food is included and there’s a wide choice. Encore and Ovation have slightly more choice because they are bigger and have more space.

Restaurants

Let me give an example of what you can expect. You have ‘The Restaurant’, which is the main dining venue. There’s also ‘The Colonnade’ which is a more informal dining space. Additionally, there’s the option of the steakhouse restaurant, ‘The Grill with Thomas Keller’. With that one, you can only go once during a week-long cruise and you have to make reservations for that.

Probably one of my favorite places on board is ‘Sushi’. You can go as often as you want here, and there’s no need for reservations.

If you want more informal dining, out on the pool deck you can have snacks such as hot dogs, hamburgers and similar options. Every afternoon at around about four o’clock, Afternoon tea is served. When I was on Encore that was served up in the Observation Bar, and then there is also 24-hour room service, if after all of that you’re still hungry!

There are huge amounts of dining options included within the fare.

Drinks: Your drinks are also included: wines, beers, spirits and most of the premium brands that you would love and expect are included within your fare. You also have an in-room minibar which is included, and it will be stocked with whatever you want.

Entertainment 

Entertainment: Also included in the fare, as you would expect, is all the entertainment. You have shows in the Grand Salon which could include the “Evening with Tim Rice” show, or guest entertainers or the Seabourn vocalists performing different variety shows. You will have a daily program with the usual activities you’d expect on a cruise.

There’s also have the Seabourn Conversations, which are guest speakers talking about the destination, the history or culture of the place you’re about to visit. Parties are also included, like the Captain’s Welcome party, pool deck party and sail away parties. All of these kinds of events and activities are included within the fare.

Facilities 

Facilities: You also get access to pretty much all of the facilities on board included in your far, with one key exception. The Retreat, a special luxury wellness suite, you have to pay for. It holds up to 30 people. They have 15 cabanas and you pay to go there. It’s a bit of a sanctuary away from the rest of the activities on board. Here, you will be able to relax, use the hot tub and you can also have a massage up there (for an extra fee) if you want one.

Gratuities: What about gratuities, or tipping? It’s all including, meaning that even if you go to the spa gratuities are included. It’s a big plus knowing that it’s all covered.

Seabourn Cruise Tips – You might be wondering what’s not included onboard.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is not included, and so you can buy different packages of Wi-Fi. On the cruise I was on (which was a seven-day cruise) it was about $240 for unlimited Wi-Fi across the whole cruise.

Excursions: Excursions are also an additional cost. Looking at the brochure on the cruise I was on, probably the cheapest excursion you could get (a walking tour) was around $89 dollars per person.

UNESCO excursions

I did the four-hour UNESCO excursion, which cost $159. I also did the five-hour bike tour I which was $189 and in Porto Venere, there was a boat and walking tour which was around $200. As a guide, I’d estimate budgeting around $100 and $200 per person per excursion.

Ad hoc costs: In terms of other costs, there’s things that are more discretionary like if you buy stuff in the shops, go to the spa or the casino, or do some laundry.

You pay a fee if you want to send your laundry away, but you can do your own laundry in the guest laundries on board the ships.

Seabourn Cruise Tips – So, is a Seabourn Cruise for you? What are the passengers like?

Well, because it’s an ‘ultra-luxury’ ship, passengers will tend to be well-traveled and of course have the money to be on an ultra-luxury line.

Generally, you will find lots of professional people like lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs or academics – a really interesting group of people with lots of interesting stories and opinions.

Age profile

In terms of age profile, you’re going to find that you mostly see people in their 60s and above. There are younger people onboard Seabourn, particularly in the summer in tropical destinations like the Caribbean, and you do also find people on their honeymoon.

One thing you won’t see is families coming on board. In the key summer holiday months, you will find some kids on board, but they tend to be slightly older kids because there aren’t any kids’ clubs and the shows. Additionally, the excursions and dining do not cater specifically for children.

The whole Seabourn experience is done in English. However, it is quite North American focused, so you’ll find a lot of the quizzes and the way things are done is quite American and you’ll normally find a majority of people from North America.

I’ve travelled on Seabourn a lot over the years, and I’ve noticed that it is evolving. On my most recent this cruise for example (in October 2019) there were probably about 50% or 60% from North America (USA and Canada). A sizeable number of passengers were also from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Overall, there was a big representation of other nationalities with something like twenty different nationalities on board.

Most of the travellers on board are traveling in couples. There are some cabins which do have space for three people, but predominantly people are in couples.

Seabourn Cruise Tips – If you’re a solo traveler, is Seabourn for you?

Although there are no solo cabins on board Seabourn ships, during the course of the year they normally run special offers on different itineraries for people travelling alone. They do this by slashing down the surcharge you pay for single occupancy of a double cabin.

Seabourn are very good at looking after solo travellers and they do get quite a few on board. At the beginning of the cruise, they host an event for solo travellers to get to meet each other, and also host lots of tables at dinner.

Different members of the crew, including the singers, cruise director and engineers, host tables and they ask solo travellers to those. I was travelling on this cruise by myself, and I was asked many nights to go to various hosted tables. There’s definitely a focus on helping solo travellers feel part of the Seabourn experience.

I have many more videos about cruising and about Seabourn, so if you enjoy this one why not watch another one right now at  http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

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Tags: cruise advice cruise holiday cruise tips cruise vacation cruising luxury cruise luxury travel seabourn small ship cruising tips for travellers world cruise vacation

Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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We Tried It! The Retreat on Seabourn Ovation and Encore

Exclusivity is a commodity with incredible value, even on one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships. Taking note of passengers’ demand for more intimate onboard experiences, Seabourn created its first pay-to-play area, The Retreat. Seen on its two newest ships,  Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore , The Retreat is a private sanctuary on the 12th deck with 15 cabanas and access for only 30 guests among the ship’s 604 passengers. We were lucky to spend some time in The Retreat; here’s everything you should know when considering the upgrade on your next Seabourn cruise.

What It’s Like

The Retreat asserts its value to discerning passengers who prefer to opt out of the inconveniences of occupied poolside lounge chairs, bustling pool decks that pull focus from a book, or afternoon naps in the sun that are far from private. Here, the luxury of seclusion is made into a premium experience.

Fifteen cabanas line the perimeter of the lounge, all surrounding an elevated whirlpool. Each cabana comes with a plush couch, high-definition TV (with handy Philips Bluetooth headsets so you don't disturb other guests), a 12.9-inch iPad Pro loaded with periodicals, and a bowl of fresh fruit. Bollinger Champagne flows freely, while the snacking goes premium with unlimited caviar service available throughout the day.

When you’re ready to move on to a full meal, the Retreat-only food and beverage menu offers elevated fare, including melon and prosciutto, a cheeseburger with gruyere, and an indulgent brownie ice cream sundae. (Note: Lunch service ends at 2 p.m., after which guests can order room service to their cabanas.) The cocktails created by Brian Van Flandern (named “America’s Top Mixologist” by Food Network ) offer a few twists on the ship’s main spirit service. We fell for the distinct Avocado Daiquiri and the Bordeaux-jito, a mojito with a splash of red wine. Each cocktail is fruit- and vegetable-focused so the drinks work just as well without the booze as refreshing juices or smoothies.

As for the service, there’s a dedicated Retreat concierge that helps to make each cabana comfortable by way of blankets, towels, and robes while also assisting with dinner reservations and off-shore excursion sign-ups. It’s the little touches that go the farthest, including sunscreen and an Evian mist available throughout the day to help stay cool.

The Retreat also features a Spa Treatment Cabana for select massages and treatments in the relaxing ocean breeze. (Though treatments end at 2 p.m. each day, earlier than we’d expected as we planned our day.)

The Details

Premium service comes at a premium price: A cabana starts at $249 on port days and $349 on sea days. In a smart move, Seabourn includes a $50 spa credit per cabana which helps to encourage use of the Spa Treatment Cabana.

The Verdict

The Retreat is beautiful, serene, and quiet—but maybe too quiet. Considering the attentive service you’ll find on all decks, the exemplary lunch options on offer from mainstays like The Colonnade and The Patio, and the lack of an ocean view from the top deck, The Retreat doubles down on a niche passenger that demands a quiet oasis from a ship that’s already relatively quiet. The trimmings are top-of-the-line luxe by all standards, leaving us satiated and relaxed; but considering the $349-a-day price tag, the oasis of your own suite verandah could suffice.

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Seabourn Club cruise loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Staying loyal to Seabourn brings some big rewards.

The luxury cruise line has one of the most generous frequent cruiser programs of any brand, offering its most loyal passengers such truly stellar perks as free cruises upon hitting certain milestones.

Dubbed the Seabourn Club, the six-tier loyalty program also rewards frequent cruisers with discounts on cruises, shore excursions and premium wines, and it offers such alluring freebies as complimentary massages at onboard spas. The more you sail, the more you get.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The Seabourn Club loyalty program is particularly notable when compared to the loyalty programs of many rival luxury lines. Typically, luxury lines (and other small cruise lines) have relatively modest loyalty programs, if they have a loyalty program at all. Many luxury lines have a loyalty program with just one tier. So a six-tier program with a robust array of perks for a line such as Seabourn is impressive.

Ways to earn

The Seabourn Club point-earning system is relatively straightforward. In most cases, members earn one point for every day they sail on a Seabourn vessel. The only exception is for passengers staying in top penthouse and premium suite accommodations, who earn two points for every day they sail. In addition, members earn one point for every night they are on one of the line's pre- or post-cruise land-based excursions known as Seabourn Journeys.

There is also one final, bonus way to earn points. Members will get one additional point for every $500 they spend on onboard or pre-cruise online purchases for things like spa treatments. The number of extra points that members can earn this way is limited to one for every day they sail.

Program tiers and benefits

There are six tiers to the Seabourn Club program:

• Member (1 to 19 points)
• Silver Member (20 to 69 points)
• Gold Member (70 to 139 points)
• Platinum Member (140 to 249 points)
• Diamond Member (250 to 649 points)
• Diamond Elite Member (650-plus points)

Typically, lower tiers of cruise line loyalty programs offer few valuable rewards. However, the Seabourn Club loyalty program brings one great perk for all members right from its very first tier: a 5% discount on cruises booked on board a ship. Given that many Seabourn accommodations can cost $1,000 a day or more, this is a perk that can save you hundreds of dollars even on a relatively short cruise.

The Seabourn Club's initial tier, the Member tier, also brings special savings on select voyages, advance communication of special offers and invitations to special events and receptions on board ships, plus a few more minor things.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

The valuable perks just get better from there. Upon reaching the Silver Member tier, members will get the choice of one of the following perks on every sailing:

• A 10% discount on shore excursions
• A 10% discount on premium wine and spirits
• A complimentary, two-hour internet package
• 20 minutes of complimentary telephone calls
• A complimentary Signature massage
• A complimentary day in the Spa Serene area
• A complimentary bag of laundry

Upon reaching the Gold Member and Platinum Member tiers of the program, members get two or three of the above perks, respectively — and some of the perks are enhanced. The savings on premium wines and spirits jump to 15% and 20%, respectively, at the Gold and Platinum level, for instance. The shore excursion discount rises to 15% at the Platinum tier.

At higher tiers, the telephone minute allowances also increase, as does the complimentary internet package allowance.

At the Platinum level, members get access to a dedicated Seabourn Club concierge in advance of their sailing who can help with arrangements. They also get a 15% discount on luggage shipping services (Gold members get a shipping services discount of 10%).

Reaching the first few tiers of the program isn't all that difficult. It takes just one cruise to reach the initial Member tier. Reaching the Silver Member and Gold Member tiers would take just a handful of cruises if you do a few longer cruises or stay in top suites.

Related: A beginner's guide to cruise line loyalty programs

With a requirement of 140 points, the Platinum tier of the Seabourn Club loyalty program is a bit harder to reach. It would take 20 seven-night cruises to reach Platinum, assuming you spend no extra money on your sailing (to get those bonus points) and don't stay in top suites.

That said, many Seabourn cruisers gravitate to voyages that are longer than just seven nights. If, like many Seabourn cruisers, you book a mix of sailings that are 10 to 20 days or more and spend a modest amount on board for extras, you could hit the Platinum tier in fewer than 10 cruises even without staying in top suites.

The elite level that makes a difference

We are big fans of the Seabourn Club at all its tier levels. This is a very solid cruise loyalty program. However, the tier level that really starts knocking it out of the park is the Diamond Member level.

At the Diamond Member level, members get all the perk choices on every cruise, and in many cases, the perks are even further enhanced. Plus, there are a couple of all-new perks at the Diamond Member level. Specifically, Diamond members will receive:

• A 15% discount on shore excursions
• A 25% discount on premium wine and spirits
• Unlimited, complimentary internet
• 40 minutes of complimentary telephone calling
• Complimentary laundry and pressing
• Daily delivery of your preferred newspaper
• Priority embarkation

In addition, Diamond members get access to a dedicated Seabourn Club concierge in advance of their sailing who can help with arrangements and a 20% discount on luggage shipping services.

The breadth of all the above is one reason we give high marks to the Seabourn loyalty program.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

The only downside of the Diamond Member level of the Seabourn Club loyalty program is that it can take quite some time for a member to attain it. With a requirement of 250 points, the Diamond tier is a level that would take 36 seven-night cruises to reach, assuming you spend no extra money on your sailings (to get those bonus points) and don't stay in top suites.

That said, as noted above, many Seabourn cruisers opt for longer sailings, and with some extra onboard spending thrown in (which will get you those bonus points) and a few stays in suites, you could reach Diamond level after far fewer voyages.

Best elite perk

The very best elite perk that Seabourn offers its Seabourn Club members, by far, are the free cruises that come with achieving certain milestones in total number of days sailed with the line (more on that in a moment). It's not something that is a part of the tier system that we have been discussing above, and it is such a huge reward offer that it deserves its own section.

As for the best elite perk within the Seabourn Club's regular tier structure, we are partial to the disembarkation/embarkation transfer to and from the ship that comes with the program's top Diamond Elite Member tier. As long as you are within a 50-mile limit, the line will send a car to pick you up and bring you to your ship and then take you from your ship to wherever you are going at the end of a cruise. What a nice touch.

At the Diamond Elite Member level, members also get a $100 spa credit every time they sail, complimentary dry cleaning and a few other perks in addition to all the rewards that come with Diamond Member-level status.

Related: Inside the most expensive luxury ship ever

Just be warned that reaching Diamond Elite Member status takes a lot of cruising with the line. With a requirement of 650 points, it would take you 93 seven-night sailings to reach Diamond Elite Member status, assuming you don't spend much on board when sailing and don't book top suites.

Note that, as is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Seabourn customers do not have to requalify for status each year. Seabourn Club members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. That means that someone who hits Diamond Elite Member status will remain at that top tier level forever (or until Seabourn makes a change to the program).

Such "forever status" is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

Milestone Cruise Awards

In addition to all the perks of the six-tier loyalty program discussed above, Seabourn rewards its most loyal passengers with what it calls Milestone Cruise Awards. These are free cruises that the line offers members for every 140 to 250 days they sail with the line.

This is how it works: For each day you sail on a Seabourn ship, you will earn one "sailed day" with Seabourn, and the line will keep track of these in your account. Once your account reaches 140 sailed days, you can redeem them for a complimentary cruise of up to seven days. Alternatively, you can continue to accrue sailed days until you reach 250 and redeem them for a complimentary cruise of up to 14 days.

Once you redeem sailed days for a complimentary cruise, they are removed from your account. However, you can continue accruing more sailed days toward another free cruise in the future.

Seabourn is one of just a handful of cruise lines that offers free cruises to its most loyal customers. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are two others.

In addition to free cruises, Seabourn's Milestone Awards program also brings recognition in one other very classy way. As Seabourn regulars hit various milestones in total days sailed, they are recognized at a special onboard event with a gift from Tiffany & Co.

The onboard recognition comes at the following milestones:

• 100 sailed days
• 200 sailed days
• 500 sailed days
• 1,000 sailed days
• 1,500 sailed days
• 2,000 sailed days
• 2,500 sailed days

Bottom line

Seabourn treats its most loyal customers right. The more you sail with the line, the more you will be rewarded with truly valuable perks.

There is no cruise perk that we can think of that is more valuable than a free cruise, and Seabourn hands out free cruises to its most loyal customers at regular intervals. That's something nearly no other line does (Royal Caribbean is one of few others that makes this a habit ; Norwegian Cruise Line only awards a free cruise to top customers once, when they first hit the top Ambassador level).

We also love the little touches that Seabourn extends to its most loyal customers, like the Tiffany & Co. milestone gifts. Bravo, Seabourn.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

The 12 Best Luxury Cruises For White-Glove Service At Sea

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, annie davidson watson , contributor, forbes vetted.

L ong gone are the days where overcrowded ships with overstimulating amenities are your only cruising option. They certainly still exist, but now there’s a much stronger and more accessible market for luxury charters. Combining lavish amenities and refined comforts with the thrill of exploration, the best luxury cruises have taken white-glove service to the sea. In fact, luxury cruising has become so in demand that many esteemed hospitality brands—like the Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons and Aman—have recently launched branded yacht collections of their own.

More than just a vacation, luxury cruises are designed to cater to the whims and desires of its discerning guests (caviar and Champagne on-demand, anyone?). From glimmering chandeliers and secluded suites adorned with plush furnishings to one-to-one crew and passenger ratios and carefully-curated expeditions, these cruises redefine the meaning of extravagant living—on land and sea. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, small group, or otherwise, we’ve selected the best luxury cruises of 2024.

Best Luxury Cruise Overall: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

Best luxury river cruise: viking river cruises, viking osiris, best luxury cruise for foodies: crystal, crystal serenity and crystal symphony, best small ship luxury cruise: seabourn, seabourn pursuit, best luxury cruise for couples: silversea cruises, silver ray, best luxury cruise for families: msc, msc world europa.

• Most Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

Best Luxury Expedition Cruise: Aurora Expeditions, Sylvia Earle

Best luxury cruise for small groups: windstar cruises, star pride, best luxury cruise for solo travelers: ponant, le lyrial.

• Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers : Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II
• Best Value Luxury Cruise : Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

The Terrace Suite on Evrima

Recommended Itinerary: 11-Night Athens to Venice

Departure: From June 19, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The tasting menu at the onboard restaurant S.E.A., crafted by the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany’s Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld

The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the recent launch of its Yacht Collection in the fall of 2022. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima , marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more). Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. Ultimately, the feel here is of a true luxury hotel at sea.

Guest room on Osiris

Viking Osiris

Recommended Itinerary: 12-Night Pharaohs & Pyramids

Departure: From August 21, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The sheer knowledge of and access to the crew

Time spent on Viking River Cruises’ Viking Osiris is not only a retreat, but an enlightening experience. Known for its educational programming, the ship features lectures and informative guides that highlight seemingly endless knowledge on everything Egyptian (ancient to modern). Paired with the Nile as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself absorbing more than you can have possibly imagined. Built for just 82 passengers, the intimate ship is a modern vessel built specifically for the Nile, with intentional Scandinavian design details. It has a light and bright feel, encouraging outdoor exploration of the riverbanks through plenty of outdoor decks. Guests must be 18 years or older, which makes this a great option for couples or older families who can truly appreciate the experience.

Umi Uma on the Crystal Symphony.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Venice to Athens on the Crystal Symphony

Departure: From November 14, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar

After a brief hiatus in 2022, Crystal Cruises made a comeback in 2023, setting sail as Crystal—Exceptional at Sea under guardianship of the Abercrombie & Kent travel group. Along with the new name, Crystal refreshed its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , and reintroduced them to the world of luxury with more spacious suites, a revamped spa and refreshed entertainment and events programming. The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships. One meal at Umi Uma is included with your sail (per person, on sailings 11 days or shorter) with each additional visit available for a charge of just $50 per person—incredible value to experience fan favorites like the miso-marinated black cod. Aside from a night at the most luxurious specialty restaurant you can find on a cruise ship, the rest of Crystal’s dining offerings are equally superb, from seasonal dishes at Waterside to classic Italian fare at Osteria D’Ovidio.

With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes fine dining options for a true luxury cruise experience.

Seabourn Pursuit

Recommended Itinerary: 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland

Departure: From December 15, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Two custom-built submarines, 24-person expedition team

Setting sail in August, the 264-passenger, 132 seafront-suite-only Seabourn Pursuit is the newest ship to join the Seabourn fleet. With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes several fine dining options and formal supper nights, as well as complimentary caviar and Champagne on-demand, for a true luxury cruise experience. The crowd is well-traveled and skews older; you won’t find many late-night revelers here, in part because the ship doesn’t offer any onboard youth programming (although children are still welcome). That said, the ship does include entertainment that’s worth experiencing—singers, pianists and more.

White-gloved butlers and complimentary caviar are just a few elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway.

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cartagena to Lima

Departure: From December 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The onboard dining scene, specifically S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame and Kaiseki

The second in Silversea’s Nova class ships sets sail this summer when the 728-guest Silver Ray makes a splash in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to winter in warmer climates. Mirroring her sister ship, Silver Dawn , she boasts the same level of service you expect from Silversea. White-gloved butlers, suite-only accommodations, complimentary caviar and Roman baths are just a few of the elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway for couples in need of pampering. Beyond the ship, Silver Ray’s itineraries immerse her guests in authentic experiences that showcase the beauty in the world. Passengers tend to be in the 55-and-over age range and you won’t find many children onboard, which for couples, might just be what the doctor ordered.

Owner's Suite on MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Western Mediterranean

Departure: From July 1, 2024

All-Star Amenities: LEGO experience, Aurea spa featuring high-tech beauty treatments and thermal experiences

Larger than many other luxury ships, MSC World Europa manages to host nearly 7,000 passengers while still keeping everyone serviced and entertained with over 1,400 crew members. With plenty of pools and hot tubs, and more unique amenities like a casino, arcade, brewery, Formula 1 simulator, water park, roller rink and more, there’s truly something for everyone onboard. Plus, it boasts the tallest dry slide at sea in the world—a must-do for families. There’s also a Family Zone that caters to every age range, from infants to teenagers, with dedicated sections per group.

Best Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

The exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world.

Four Seasons Explorer

Recommended Itinerary: 6-Day King George Island

Departure: From November 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Speedboat transfer, PADI 5-star dive center, international dining

Luxury hotelier Four Seasons is expected to debut its highly-anticipated Four Seasons Yachts in early 2026. Until then, guests are invited to embark upon a true yacht experience onboard Four Seasons Explorer . With just 10 staterooms and an expansive Explorer Suite, the exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world. In addition to the attentive service onboard, everyone can dive into the clear Micronesian waters to visit the undersea world that’s filled with manta rays, sharks, orcas and, of course myriad fish. Back onboard, relax in the lounge, library, or sundeck, and enjoy indoor and outdoor dining while enjoying all the special touches for which Four Seasons is known, including checking in and out on your schedule.

Sylvia Earle Suite on the Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Recommended Itinerary: 14-Day Antarctic Explorer featuring the Chilean Fjords

Departure: From March 1, 2025

All-Star Amenities: The availability of so many amenities—restaurants, bars, hot tubs—that aren’t as typical on expedition cruises

Sailing on Aurora Expedition’s Sylvia Earle is nothing short of an adventure. Founded about 30 years ago by climber Greg Mortimer and inspired by the female marine biologist after whom it’s named, the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle has exploration ingrained in its DNA. It’s no surprise, then, that the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and eager with an up-for-anything attitude (remote seas, some of the world’s highest peaks, you name it). Plus, the onboard amenities rival any luxury cruise—a rarity on expedition ships.

Owner's Suite Living Room on Star Pride

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Comprehensive Iceland Cruise Tour

Departure: From August 20, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Join the yacht’s culinary team to shop provisions for meal service at local markets

A 312-passenger, all-suite vessel, Star Pride feels large enough for small groups where they won’t feel too-close-for-comfort and can have their own privacy, but intimate enough where they can welcome outside connections. And thanks to its size, it’s able to access less-traveled routes and ports that make for an even more memorable experience to enjoy among a group. Plus, there are plenty of dining options (five restaurants including a top-notch Spanish tapas concept that’s a must-try) to enjoy as a group or split up on different evenings.

From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Recommended Itinerary: 15-Day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Departure: From August 25, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Single supplement waived on more than 100 voyages; spa with hammam; fine dining

Solo travel is becoming more popular amongst travelers, so it’s nice when you find a luxury cruise line that welcomes independent cruisers by waiving the single supplement. French cruise line Ponant does just that on more than 100 of its voyages, including the brand new 15-day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada itinerary. From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, polar bears and muskox, and excursions along the way, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Time aboard Le Lyrial is filled with guest lectures, fine dining in two onboard restaurants and exceptional, personalized service. With just 122 staterooms and suites and 244 guests, and plenty of space for everyone, the ship never feels overcrowded. After days of exploration, retreat to the spa for complimentary access to the hammam and a full menu of services in partnership with SOTHYS Paris, including massages and facials.

Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers: Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II

Onboard, enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies.

Avalon Artistry II

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cheers to 50 Years! A Storyteller Cruise & Birthday Celebration with Jen Hatmaker

Departure: From August 3, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Well-stocked library; onboard adventure center; daily happy hour

Book lovers quietly rejoiced when Avalon Waterways debuted its Storyteller Series in 2021. Through the series, revered authors and musicians join guests onboard select itineraries for a week of conversation and collegiality while exploring stunning European river landscapes. During the 8-day Cheers to 50 Years! sailing, New York Times best-selling author Jen Hatmaker will celebrate her 50th birthday aboard the intimate Avalon Artistry II , with just 64 staterooms and suites, when it sails through Holland and Belgium.

In addition to spending time with Hatamaker, guests can choose their own onshore adventures through Avalon Waterways’ curated excursions that appeal to all types of travelers: Active, Classic and Discovery. Back onboard, enjoy daily happy hour; wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies; and complimentary WiFi to share the trip with your book club back home.

Best Value Luxury Cruise: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights.

Seven Seas Voyager

Recommended Itinerary: 16-Day South Pacific Revelry

Departure: From February 11, 2025

All-Star Amenities: 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares; complimentary business class air; complimentary two- and three-night land programs; all-balcony suites; free unlimited shore excursions

The words value and luxury may not seem to go together, but they do when sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights; free two- and three-night land programs to enjoy before or after the cruise; pre-paid gratuities; free valet laundry service and more.

Soak up the sun of the South Pacific on the 16-day South Pacific Revelry cruise. Departing from Auckland, the voyage calls upon Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa before arriving in French Polynesia, where you’ll enjoy three days of island bliss.

What Are The Top Luxury Cruise Lines?

In the seemingly ever-growing category of luxury cruise lines, you may wonder which are the crème de la crème. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Ponant and Aurora Expeditions certainly fit the bill, providing exceptional experiences with exquisite service to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, all aboard luxurious vessels.

What Is The Best Luxury Cruise Line For Couples?

Couples who want to set sail in the lap of luxury should make reservations with Silversea Cruises . The luxury cruise line attracts a more mature clientele and its worldwide destinations set the scene for couples who only have eyes for each other.

About Annie Davidson Watson, Your Luxury Cruise Guide

I'm a writer, editor and consultant who has covered luxury travel and cruising for the last ten years. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and more, and I now contribute regularly to both Forbes and Forbes Vetted. I'm also the founder of @littleackbook , a Nantucket-based publication and concierge service. For more, follow me at @anniedavidsonwatson .

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Enjoy this More Moments Credit of up to $2,200USD per suite on select ultra-luxury 2024 cruises and expeditions. FIND YOUR VOYAGE

Sail of the Year

For a limited time only, until February 29, Seabourn’s exclusive Sail of the Year is your best opportunity to sail away in ultra-luxury with savings up to 25% on our Ocean and Expedition voyages and a reduced 15% deposit . Book by January 31 and enrich your experience even more with up to $1,000USD per suite shipboard credit . Mark your calendar now for Seabourn’s Sail of the Year, and get ready for moments you’ll treasure for years to come.

Why Seabourn?

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere.

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed

Intuitive, personalized service

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines

Complimentary caviar, world-class dining and culinary experiences, all dining venues are complimentary, welcome champagne and complimentary in-suite bar, guest testimonials, seabourn guest testimonials, announcing  2025 seabourn pursuit new kimberley and south pacific voyages.

Rounding out Seabourn Pursuit’s 2025 season, we are pleased to announce the addition of 13 more expedition voyages to over 40 destinations departing between August and September, curated to bring you closer and deeper to wildlife, history, and new cultures that few will ever see.

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships.

The seabourn all-inclusive difference.

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design*

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed, most with a private veranda

Intuitive, personalized service provided by team passionate about exceeding guests expectations

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times 

Complimentary caviar, an extra indulgence offered throughout your voyage

World-class dining and culinary experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere

All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish 

Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences  

Tipping is neither required, nor expected 

Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts 

Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning authentic experiences

Ventures by Seabourn®, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations**^ 

Complimentary entertainment experiences, offering a variety of shows and live music

Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink

Complimentary Signature Events: Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf®, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program** 

Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

Welcome to your home away from home

From the moment you arrive, everything about your trip just flows. Your entire experience - beautifully choreographed and seamlessly carried out, so you can relax and truly be on vacation. 

Ultra-Luxury Ocean Cruises

Featured ocean destinations.

Canada & New England

Explore Our Newly Revised 2024 Grand Africa Sailing

Join us on Seabourn Sojourn’s revised 2024 Grand Africa sailing to 42 destinations in 20 countries and sailing over 20,000 nautical miles for 90 days of life-expanding moments.

Expedition Cruises: Where Luxury Meets Adventure

What is a seabourn expedition.

Think of it as an ultra-luxury Safari at Sea. Our two, new Polar Class 6 ships are your richly-appointed base camps. Your guides are our elite Expedition Team. Your 4 x 4 is a Zodiac , kayak, or six-person submarine that allows you to encounter rare creatures in the wild where unexpected discovery unfolds every day.

Seabourn announce Traditional Owners, Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

We are thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that we visit, as well as our commitment to sustainable tourism. 

About Seabourn Expeditions

Expedition Experience

Expedition Destinations

Expedition Cruise Ships

Your Adventure at Sea

The incredible Expedition experiences are all complemented by your “base camp” for each itinerary: an ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition vessel in Seabourn Venture or her new sister, Seabourn Pursuit.

EXPLORE EXPEDIITION SHIPS

THE SEABOURN ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPEDITION DIFFERENCE

Ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort

World-class 24-person Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences and guiding you throughout your entire journey 

Inclusive Experiences at every stop, such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling, and scuba diving

Optional, guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art custom-built 6-guest submarines, providing the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration, kayaks, and other destination experiences**

Nearly 30,000 square feet of spacious open deck space for optimal nature and wildlife viewing

4K GSS Cineflex camera capable of broadcasting imagery from up to 3 miles away on monitors located throughout the ship

Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on Ice, Polar Plunge, and more 

Open bridge**, providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey  

Handcrafted itineraries designed to take the luxury traveler further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world

Daily enrichment throughout the ship with expert-led ‘Fireside chats’, daily recaps and briefings, lectures, and Seabourn Conversations®, plus a multifunctional interactive virtual bridge

*At the Captain’s discretion 

**Optional programs, for additional charge

The Expedition Team

Our Expeditions are centered around authentic, personalized experiences, all facilitated by a 24-person Expedition team. This select group of academics, scientists and general naturalists share your passion for exploring and learning about some of the world's remote regions.

Featured Expedition Destinations

South Pacific

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10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Posted: May 26, 2024 | Last updated: May 26, 2024

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Are Seabourn Cruises Worth It

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On Seabourn Encore The Retreat is the brainchild of internationally famous interior designer Adam D. Tihany. Hes responsible for almost every aspect of Seabourn Encores interiors. Tihany has also designed some of the worlds top luxury hotels and restaurants too.

The concept of a retreat-style space is not new to Tihany. The Mandarin Oriental Las Vagas and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles both have poolside retreats imagined by him.

On Seabourn Encore The Retreat is centred around an elevated whirlpool surrounded by tables and chairs as well as comfortable sun loungers. Sixteen uber-luxurious cabanas encircle the space.

These upmarket beach huts boast every creature comfort including artwork on the walls, fine wood panel sideboards, a mini bar refrigerator, day beds and padded sun loungers. Theres even an enormous flat screen TV too! Noise cancelling headphones are provided for TV watching so you wont disturb your neighbours.

Ranking Among Luxury Cruise Lines

In a nutshell?

Seabourn is one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world.

Along with competitors Crystal Cruises and Silversea, it ranks right at the top of the list of luxury cruises.

Conde Nast Traveler rates it one of the top five small ship cruise lines in the world.

And the Seabourn Odyssey is one of the finest small luxury cruise ships Ive sailed on.

What To Expect On Board

As expected from a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Seabourn offers exceptional cuisine prepared à la minute and served in open seating dining rooms. Upscale menu offerings include foie gras, quail, fresh seafood, and jasmine crème brûlée. Dishes low in cholesterol,

salt, and fat, as well as vegetarian selections, are prepared with the same artful presentation and attention to detail. Wines are chosen to complement each day’s luncheon and dinner menus, and caviar is always available. A background of classical music sets the tone for afternoon tea.

The Grill features steakhouse favorites and table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes. The Colonnade, a more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative centered on an open kitchen, features lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly. Relaxed poolside dining at The Patio offers lunch buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties, and pizza. Each evening The Patio features an array of fresh, inventive dishes for alfresco dining on deck. Alternative dining restaurants require reservations for dinner, but happily there is no additional charge.

Room service is always available. Dinner can even be served course by course in your suite during restaurant hours.

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Silversea Vs Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea or Seabourn? That’s a tough question for cruisers waffling between the two lines for their next luxury voyage. Both offer fairly intimate ships that sail the globe, and both have new vessels — Silver Muse and Seabourn Ovation — with more new-builds in the works.

Both lines offer sophisticated and personalized service, as well as all-inclusive cruise fares that cover all beverages and gratuities. Silversea cruises — with a butler catering to every cabin — tend to be a bit more formal, while Seabourn ships offer a true sense of community via amenities such as Seabourn Square , a well-designed coffeehouse and an aft water sports platform.

So, in what ways do these lines actually differ? Let’s compare Silversea vs. Seabourn.

Myth : World Cruises Feature Long Stretches Of Sea Days

These cruises traverse countries and continents, so do expect several sea dayswhere you’re not in port and free to lounge or relax on the ship all dayin order to do it but theyre carefully spaced out, with often no more than one or two such days in a row. Take Viking’s 161-day Miami to London world cruise on Viking Sun, departing December 14, 2020: You’ll average just one sea day between ports, and some segments, such as Venice to Corfu, or Naples to Grenada, don’t have any. And truth be told, on most cruisesespecially a world cruiseyoull welcome the down time after constant touring and other activities on land.

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An Alternative Premium Internet Service

If you want to watch Netflix or use communication services like FaceTime, then you will need Seabourns premium Wi-Fi internet package known as the Stream Wi-Fi Package . It allows you to stream video and make intenet calls from up to 4 different devices.

The Stream Wi-Fi Package is free for guests in Penthouse and Premium suites, as well as Diamond-level Seabourn Club members. According to Seabourn, guests booked in Ocean View and Veranda suites can upgrade to the Stream Wi-Fi Package for a nominal charge.

Review Of Seabourn Quest

A review of Seabourn Cruise !

My husband and I have been cruising for years. We especially love transatlantic cruises because we love sea days. We heard so many good things about Seabourn and we booked a transatlantic cruise expecting it to be a trip of a lifetime. Little did we expect it would be such a trip which we will forever forget.

We thought it was a bit odd when we checked in how the crew and passengers were treating us as persona non grata. However, we just took it as check in worries.

Upon boarding, we were directed to our room, we unpacked, and then, from that moment, we were treated as sub-human.

Seabourn prizes itself for its hospitality and knowing everyone. All the reviews I read said that within 2 -3 days, all the staff would be calling us by our last names with the honorific. I noticed it with all the passengers, except with us. I brushed it off thinking, perhaps the crew was too tired.

We went to our room and the food and beverage manager came and said this had never happened before, we don’t know why this happened, but we will take care of it. I was completely in tears. . We were told the individuals who assaulted us would be talked to.

The next day, the Crew Captain approached us, didn’t address us by name, and simply said, “are we all good?” My husband and I, knowing we had 13 days left, decided to simply say yes. The fact is, not everything was ok.

Don’t waste your money!

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Sign Up For Seabourn’s Mailing List

Seabourns “Seamail” list is a great place to find special promotions and package deals. You’ll currently find its annual “Extraordinary Opportunity Event” , which offers a variety of incentives and upgrades on select voyages departing in 2019. Among the benefits of booking now, Seabourn is offering suite upgrades, up to $500 in shipboard credit, up to $500 air credit per person, 15 percent savings when you book consecutive cruises on the same ship, and $1,000 shipboard credit for those booking penthouse or premium suites. Opt into their mailing list here .

Myth : You Can’t Take A World Cruise If You Have A Full

Internet speeds on ocean liners grow ever faster, and are even free on some lines, meaning you can work remotely while you sail. Seabourn ships nearly doubled their speed in the last two years. Silversea tripled its in the last three years. Crystal Cruises’ internet bandwidth is now eight times the 2017 level. If you want to work, check with your cruise line, but chances are, beyond emailing you can plan for chats and video conferencing, and and reviewing and sending without much issue. .

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Seabourn Encore The Retreat

Seabourn Encore The Retretat review. We reveal the secrets of this exclusive space with its range of added perks.

Perched high above the ocean on Seabourn Encore , amid gleaming white cabanas, is The Retreat. This exclusive space comes with a range of added perks, but you will pay extra to use it.

The Retreat On Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn Cruise Line offers a luxurious cruise experience, open only to those with budgets large enough to cover the high fares for its all-suite, all-balcony, all-inclusive ships. But if you’re looking for an even more exclusive VIP experience, you’ll want to book a cabana at The Retreat, found only on the line’s biggest and newest ships.

Read Also: All Inclusive Cruise Packages Including Alcohol And Flight

Top Reasons To Cruise

• Service Service is a premiere element of all Seabourn voyages.
• Ever-changing Itineraries Seabourn ships seldom repeat port calls from one voyage to the next, nor do ships sail from a single home port.
• Formality Seabourn cruises are a bit more formal than most other luxury lines, but never stuffy.
• Older Clientele Fellow passengers on Seabourns cruises are generally older and more well traveled than on most cruise lines.

Sailing The Mighty Amazon In Style On The Super Swank Seabourn Quest

What’s it like to cruise the Amazon on a luxury ship? Awesome. Fantastic. About as good as it gets.

After years of planning, my first mate Richard and I finally cruised the mighty Amazon River last month on the spectacular 450-passenger Seabourn Quest .

For him it was a dream come true as hed always wanted to visit this relatively remote destination. For me, it exceeded expectations both because of the magnificence of it all and because we got to experience it from an air-conditioned, deluxe vessel where we could soak in the views from our private balcony or up on deck while being served refreshing drinks, cold towels and even platters of caviar on request

Of course, luxury ships aren’t for everyone, and there are lots of cruise lines operating on the Amazon, including SeaDream , G Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions , Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways and others. So go at your own pace and travel style.

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Myth : World Cruises Aren’t Designed For Active Travelers

Cruise Critics McDaniel emphasizes that these trips are for everyone, no matter your vacation style. You can take it as fastor slowas you like, she says. Plus, baby boomers trend active. Count on treadmills, weight stations, and yoga classes that are as busy as your neighborhood gym. If you’re especially drawn to an active vacation, check out Silversea’s Expedition World Cruise on the Silver Cloud, for a 167-day trip that visits Ushuaia, Argentina and goes to Tromso, Norway , departing January 30, 2021, visiting 30 countries across six continents. Passengers explore each spot primarily by zodiac, calling on Easter Island, Australias Kimberley region, and the big get, Antarctica . Feel your heart pound while gawking at Luxor, photographing orangutans in Borneo, and searching for polar bears in Svalbard.

Seabourn Review: A Mediterranean Odyssey

The first week in May I found myself on Seabourn Odyssey,sailing from Barcelona to Valletta.

She is a small intimate ship with 229 suites, all with oceanview and most with veranda. Although sunny, it was too windy tospend much time ashore, so I had ample time to enjoy the Seabournexperience on board.

My Veranda Suite on Deck 6 was spacious with plenty of storage,a walk-in wardrobe and a marble bathroom well stocked with MoltonBrown toiletries. Although a bottle of Champagne was on ice wenever had time to drink it, as Champagne is served by the glass inall the bars and all drinks are complimentary.

Seabourn staff are all hotel trained and know how to make youfeel special and pampered. Ask your room stewardess to run a bathfor you and you are greeted by a candlelit bubble bath with awonderful aroma, sprinkled with rose petals.

Sailaways had a party atmosphere, with the band and Seabournsingers entertaining us opera-style on the pool deck and bar staffserving up cocktails, Champagne and caviar as the ship glidedmajestically out of port.

Seabourn Square is like a top class hotel lounge, where guestscan enjoy a morning coffee and cookie, or read the daily newspaperon an iPad whilst lounging in a reclining chair. You can also havea comfortable consultation with the team on board, sitting face toface – so much nicer than queuing to stand at a reception desk.Here you can put down a deposit on your next cruise, discuss yourplans, or book a shore excursion.

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Seabourn Encore The Retreat: Is It Worth It

Is it worth it? Ultimately, that all depends on personal preference. The Retreat is a secluded space and it does offer more privacy and luxury, however there are no ocean views something many guests we spoke with disliked.

On the other hand, the premium beverages served in Seabourn Encore The Retreat represent significant value, it should be remembered that they would come at an additional charge if consumed elsewhere on the ship.

When we sailed on Seabourn Encore demand for The Retreat was not high. Indeed it was one of the quietest places on the ship. Most days there were no more than 2 couples using the space. At any rate the general consensus among passengers we spoke to was that they didnt want to pay over-and-above their all-inclusive cruise fare.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Whats On The Horizon

Stay tuned for two posh new, expedition-style ships, ordered by Seabourn, to debut in late 2021 and 2022.

As well as Zodiac boats and kayaks, theyll carry two submarines.

Adventure cruising in the Arctic and Antarctica will be a whole lot more comfortable than when my mother and I cruised Antarctica years ago!

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What To Expect When You Cruise With Seabourn

Its easy to talk the talk and promise exceptional cuisine, white-glove service, exciting excursions, and more. But to actually fulfill those statements makes all the difference and that is what sets Seabourn apart . This award-winning cruise line doesnt just talk the talk it walks the walk. From the on-board experience to the excursions at port, get an inside look on what to expect when you cruise with Seabourn below.

Bookings Available Now For Seabourn 2024 World Cruise

Luxury line seabourns has released bookings for its 2024 world cruise. departing from los angeles, the seabourn sojurn covers 72 destinations across 28 countries and five continents..

On January 11, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will leave Los Angeles and embark on an epic journey and you can buy your tickets now.

The luxurious vessel will visit Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Arabia, Egypt and the Holy Land, before finishing up amongst the history of Athens.

If youre not looking to spend quite that long at sea, you can instead opt to join the cruise for just a segment of the full adventure.

Our 2024 World Cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn promises to be an extraordinary journey across the world. Whether guests book the entire 145-day voyage or join us on one of the many available segments, guests can look forward to visiting many of the worlds most prized destinations and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn.

Booking a world cruise with Seabourn for 2024 offers a truly incomparable chance to explore the world on the #1 rated cruise line.

The voyage includes 20 overnight stays, as well as 21 further stays well into the evening.

One of the planned major events is Caviar in the Surf, where Seabourn officers will be standing in the water with you, serving all the caviar and champagne you desire, held on the beach in Ko Kook, Thailand.

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Myth : You’ll Gain Weight On A Cruise That Long

You neednt gain weight on a cruise of any length . Not only is there plenty to do on shore to get you moving, but ships today feature expansive, well-equipped fitness centers with a healthy lineup of workout classes, and even private trainers.

Plus, more cruise lines are embracing healthful dining. Oceania Cruises, with an Around the World in 180 Days on Insignia that departs next January, adds more than 200 new vegetarian menu selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this October, well ahead of its Miami to San Francisco sail. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a creative new plant-based menu added to standard offerings in advance of its 132-day January 2020 world cruises on Seven Seas Mariner .

Is This Line Right For You

Choose This Line If

• You consider fine dining the highlight of your vacation.
• You own your own tuxedo. These ships are dressy, and most men wear them on formal evenings.
• You feel it’s annoying to sign drink tabs everything is included on these ships.

Don’t Choose This Line If

• Dressing down is on your agenda.
• You absolutely must smoke on your private balcony. It’s not allowed.
• You need to be stimulated by constant activity.

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Chefs Market Lunch Extravaganza:

For lunch on one sea day, the galley was opened up to guests and set up as a lavish buffet.

We were welcomed into the dining room with Campari-and-champagne cocktails.

Then we walked into the shiny stainless-steel galley, where a red carpet had been thrown on the floor for the occasion.

Singing chefs carved slabs of roast beef and stirred pans of linguine carbonara.

Trays of fresh sushi begged to be eaten.

And mini-desserts promised sweet satisfaction.

It was fun and festive and interesting to see the working kitchen where the ships meals are prepared.

Plan Your Seabourn Cruise Line Vacation

A leader in small-ship, luxury cruising, Seabourn has an elegant fleet of ships that appeal to sophisticated, independent-minded passengers whose lifestyles demand the best. In addition to personalized service, Seabourn delivers all the expected extrascomplimentary wines and spirits, a stocked minibar in all suites, and elegant amenities. Expect the unexpected as wellfrom exclusive travel-document portfolios and luggage tags to the pleasure of a complimentary mini-massage while lounging at the pool.

Peace and tranquility reign on these ships, so the daily roster of events is somewhat thin. Wine tastings, lectures, and other quiet pursuits might be scheduled, but most passengers are satisfied to simply do what pleases them. One don’t-miss activity is the daily team trivia contest. Prizes are unimportant: it’s the bragging rights that most guests seek.

Although the trio of original Seabourn ships were sold, the line now has five larger, even more luxurious ships in service.

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