Seabourn’s modern and acclaimed fleet are the definition of intimate, luxury cruising. They transport you to some of the world’s most desirable destinations in sheer class and elegance. No wonder why so many guests return to Seabourn year after year!
Two members of the Sovereign team, Amy and Rose, recently had the opportunity to sail on the new Seabourn Encore for a short 5 night cruise to the Mediterranean. They thoroughly enjoyed their time onboard and speak very highly of “the Seabourn difference”, such as the unrivalled service, delightful all-suite accommodations, world-class dining and exceptional destinations. Both Amy and Rose have kindly shared their experience below in a joint review of the ship:
As Voyage Sales Consultants we were given the opportunity to sail on the Seabourn Encore and we would like to share with you our incredible experience onboard. Seabourn Encore is the first of two new ships for the luxury cruise line, with Seabourn Ovation entering service in spring 2018. The Encore has been modelled on the Odyssey class ships giving her the classic “Seabourn feel”, however her aesthetics are all created by master designer Adam D. Tihany who’s signature style is very present throughout this stunning ship. She has the style of an ultra luxury private yacht with lavish dark woods, deep tones and classic nautical decoration throughout which had us in awe from the moment we stepped onboard in Marseille.
The first part of the ship that we experienced was the Seabourn Square where we checked in and it has such a welcoming feel to it. The layout of the Seabourn Square is perfectly designed giving us the opportunity to meet the staff as soon as we stepped onboard in such a relaxed and lovely ‘hub’ of the ship that really did set our expectations high for this ship before we had even explored elsewhere.
After checking in we were led to our Veranda suite – all suites onboard Seabourn Encore consist of a private balcony, this is one of the notable differences between this ship and the rest of the current fleet. The suite exuded the Seabourn touch with no expense spared from the immaculate white marble bathroom filled with the Hermes and Molton Brown products to the Egyptian cotton sheets and biggest feather pillows we have ever seen. Seabourn really have created the feeling of a stunning 5 star hotel at sea.
Like her sister ships, Encore is bisected by a central pool area, where they had Alfreso Dining and the best burgers we have ever tasted which are a must try and the talk of the ship onboard!
For the first evening, we dined in the new Thomas Keller Grill where we would recommend the Lobster Thermidor and the Lemon Meringue Pie to everyone, it was superb. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful and has the design of a traditional London Grill House with all the trimmings. Also a new addition to Seabourn is the Japanese restaurant Sushi where we ate lunch on our second day in Palma and had Salmon Teriyaki Bento Boxes which were stunning, they also serve fresh sushi every evening in here which is impeccable.
Whilst experiencing the different restaurants onboard, what stood out the most was the incredible staff who were there to attend to our every and any need whilst being so friendly and clearly so proud to work aboard this ship. This really did show us the true Seabourn experience that stands out from other cruise lines as we were made to feel so comfortable and at home from the moment we boarded the ship till the moment we disembarked. After going on this trip, you can certainly see why Seabourn have such a fantastic reputation, such loyal guests and why Seabourn really are the ultimate small ship luxury cruise line at sea.