At Sovereign, we love the Seabourn Odyssey class ships, as do so many of our regular Seabourn passengers. As always, we know, because we go, as a team we have done countless Seabourn cruises since 1998 and have done many cruises on the Seabourn Odyssey class ships, so please call us for our personal reviews of these splendid ships.
The first of these three elegant sisters, Seabourn Odyssey, entered service in 2009, followed by the Seabourn Sojourn in 2010 and the Seabourn Quest in 2011. These stylish and sophisticated ships have more than a resemblance to the original Seabourn trio of sister ships. This is for good reason, the Seabourn Odyssey ships were designed by the same architectural team, Petr Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten, who designed the original Seabourn ships.
The Seabourn Odyssey class ships are game changing ships for the luxury cruise market and rarely is it that a new class of ship is introduced that can lay claim to that title - but what makes us say that? First they feature some impressive fresh ideas - such as Seabourn Square - a coffee shop, library, reception desk and future cruise sales area all placed in one convenient, elegant, open plan space. Many public spaces, especially The Restaurant, Observation Bar and Grand Salon are so contemporary that they would be more at home in South Beach, Miami, than on a luxury cruise ship. Needless to say, the Seabourn Odyssey class ships have proved so successful that many competitor cruise ships have now been influenced by their contemporary styling and thoughtful innovations.
It is true to say that 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 main Seabourn Difference is intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations. We have never experienced the level of service provided by Seabourn in any luxury hotel, anywhere in the world, Seabourn's service literally is the best of the best. But what else makes Seabourn so extraordinary? Here are the highlights:
Intimate Ships - With a private club atmosphere, one of the highest space per guest ratios in the industry and the youngest and most modern fleet in luxury cruising.
Intuitive Service - Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests‘ expectations. Seabourn has nearly one staff member to take great care of each guest. Their staff remember guests’ names and provide Seabourn Moments - these nice touches are designed to surprise & delight guests - and having experienced them many times ourselves we can confirm that they certainly do just that. Each suite includes a Personal Suite Stewardess who ensures everything is perfect, from arranging a private in-suite cocktail party to arranging a Pure Pampering bath.
Unique Itineraries - Seabourn have specially curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning experiences. Their ships visit hidden harbours and marquee ports, the intimate size of the Seabourn Odyssey class ships allows them to sail where larger ships cannot go.
All Ocean-Front Suites - Luxuriously appointed, with walk-in wardrobes, Beautifully designed five-fixture marble bathrooms with double vanities, elegant living areas with sofa and dining table and 90% of the suites on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest feature a private, teak decked veranda. Only Seabourn features shower and luxury bath products with an exclusive signature scent, specially created for Seabourn by Molton Brown of London. Seabourn's Premium and Penthouse suites offer even larger, somewhat decadent accommodations and additional personal touches.
Complimentary Premium Spirits - Complimentary Champagne, premium spirits and fine wines are available on board at all times. No one ever has to pick up the tab and Seabourn has partnered with Master mixologist Brian Van Flandern to create exclusive fine crafted cocktails. We also love Seabourn's complimentary welcome champagne, it gets your cruise off to a great start and is complimented by a complimentary in-suite bar, stocked with your preferences. This makes entertaining in your suite so much easier and your wonderfully attentive Seabourn stewardess will also assist you with anything else that you require to make your party go with a swing. Caviar canapes? Not a problem…
Tipping - Tipping is neither required, nor expected. Seabourn's teams are driven to exceed expectation and service is always provided with a genuine smile and with an attention to detail that is second to none.
The Finest Resort At Sea - Curated art selected specifically for each ship and guests can relax in Seabourn's ultra-luxury resort at sea “residential” décor, creating a home away from home feeling.
Culinary Partnerships - Seabourn‘s ships always feature World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller. The Grill by Thomas Keller, Seabourn’s signature restaurant, is exclusive to Seabourn and Thomas Keller also provides culinary offerings at The Colonnade. One of our favourite things to do on Seabourn is to go shopping with the Chef for fresh ingredients at local markets. Seabourn are proud member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and they have partnered with Regiis Ova - so that guests enjoy Caviar in the Surf or Caviar on Ice. Seabourn is the world's largest purchaser of caviar and once on board it is easy to see why - how decadent and delicious!
World-Class Dining - Seabourn features a choice of dining venues to suit every taste, they use the freshest ingredients and seasonal local specialties and guests can select their table each and every night; no tables are reserved. All venues are open seating with no reservations required, with the exception of The Grill by Thomas Keller and Thomas Keller inspired family-style served dinners in The Colonnade. It is easy to dine with one, two or more guests, friends or family members on board. Other dining venues include The Patio for alfresco lunches and Earth & Ocean at The Patio where each evening Seabourn's skilled chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board. In suite dining is also a great pleasure on board Seabourn, choose from a varied menu anytime or have a course by course dinner from The Restaurant menu served in your suite or alfresco on your veranda.
Seabourn Conversations - Seabourn's programme for connecting with visionary experts. Seabourn invites luminaries of particular interest and accomplishment to join their guests on board and they participate in the daily social scene onboard, sharing meals, adventures ashore and casual chats throughout the voyage.
Ventures By Seabourn - Are optional shore excursions that enhance and extend your experience in select destinations. During selected cruises, the insider knowledge and relationships of the Expedition Team members help Seabourn guests to gain access to memorable sites and experiences. On select voyages, guests enjoy kayaking, zodiacs and hiking for scenic exploration. The Expedition Team provides valuable insights in formal presentations and in casual conversations over meals or at leisure.
UNESCO - Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, enabling guests and Seabourn to give a small donation to UNESCO's World Heritage Fund with every optional tour booked and operated. Seabourn provides two types of UNESCO tours; World Heritage Tours visiting World Heritage sites and Discovery Tours where guests are offered exclusive, enhanced World Heritage shore excursions In selected locations, mid-cruise overland tours and pre-and-post-cruise Seabourn Journeys are available, providing access to iconic sites that cannot be accessed during a port call*
Spa & Wellness With Dr. Weil - Features an exclusive mindful living programme. The Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil enrichment programme is the first of its kind at sea. It also features holistic medicine, meditation, and yoga - integrating physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. The spa includes a thermal area with a sauna, ocean view Motion Studio and treatment rooms, a salon for men and women and there are specially designated* Mindful Living shore excursions available in select ports.
Sir Tim Rice - An evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice, this unique entertainment blends digital animation and live performance, enabling guests to discover the story behind the music. The show is narrated via video by Sir Tim Rice himself.
Sustainability - Seabourn is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
*Optional programs (Seabourn Ventures & Dr. Andrew Weil enrichment programme), for additional charge