Our Veranda Suite on board the Seabourn Encore
11. January 2025
Guide: A cruise for every season
30. January 2025

Seabourn – What exactly does luxury on board mean?

Cruise ships such as the Seabourn Encore or Seabourn Ovation are small and offer space for a maximum of 600 guests. In contrast to the hotel feeling with thousands of guests on large cruise ships, an intimate atmosphere is created on board Seabourn, similar to a private yacht. The ratio of crew to guests is almost 1:1, which means that the service is extremely attentive. Guests are often addressed by name and the crew remembers individual preferences.

Fewer passengers means more space per guest, so there is never a crowd – whether at the pool, in the restaurant or at the bar. But there are no water parks or huge buffets.

Enjoying champagne in an empty pool – not uncommon on board Seabourn

All cabins are suites with sea views, many with balconies. There are no inside cabins on board. The furnishings are luxurious, with marble bathrooms and high-quality amenities, such as a selection of Molton Brown shower and care products. The design is modern, timeless and luxurious. The public areas are characterized by teak wood and designer furniture.

  1. All-inclusive in the luxury segment

Seabourn offers a true all-inclusive experience. There are no hidden costs:

High-quality alcoholic drinks such as champagne, cocktails and spirits are always included. There are some drinks available for an extra charge (e.g. a special whisky), but there are no additional drinks packages to purchase. Tips are also included in the price, so there is no “extra pressure”.

All specialty restaurants are available at no extra charge and there is a 24-hour cabin service with gourmet quality – e.g. enjoy caviar in the suite or on the veranda.

  1. Culinary delights at the highest level

Gourmet cuisine is a top priority on board Seabourn. The cruise line cooperates with top chef Thomas Keller (3 Michelin stars), who is responsible for creative and exquisite dishes.

Small details such as the finest ingredients, fresh oysters or high-quality caviar round off the experience. The buffet often offers fresh, regional dishes from the port of call. There is also a sushi restaurant, al fresco dining on the pool deck and Mediterranean delicacies in the Solis fine dining restaurant.

Dinner on the pool deck in a relaxed atmosphere
There is also the option of “Dinner under the Stars” for an extra charge. It is a private dining event under the stars for just a few guests with exclusive service and exquisite food and drinks on the outdoor spa deck.

  1. Exclusive destinations and authentic experiences

The smaller ships can also call at remote and less frequented ports, e.g. small islands in the Caribbean or hidden gems in the Aegean. Including “Caviar in the Surf” experiences, where guests are served champagne and caviar on secluded beaches.

There are various free signature events during the voyage that offer passengers unique experiences. These include “Shopping with the Chef”, where you stroll through a local market with the chef and accompany him on his shopping trip. There is also the “Marina Water Sports” day. An exclusive adventure where you can experience various water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding from the stern of the ship. You can find out more in the article TOP 10 activities on board the Seabourn Encore.

Longer layovers or overnight stays in ports allow guests to experience the destination more intensively. The cooperation with UNESCO is also worth mentioning. Special, sustainable shore excursions have been developed that provide a deep insight into the culture and history. The shore excursions are not included in the cruise price, but there is an exciting excursion program for before and after the cruise to book. During the cruise, Seabourn also offers luxury services such as Zodiac expeditions or helicopter flights, which are also subject to an additional charge.

  1. Elegant atmosphere and target group

The atmosphere is quiet, dignified and exclusive. There is no dress code, but guests appreciate an elegant appearance, especially in the evening. The target group tends to be discerning, well-heeled couples, solo travelers or groups of friends looking for privacy and first-class service. The atmosphere is not as lively as on large cruise ships and there are only a few families on board, which is partly due to the childcare and entertainment facilities.

The entertainment on offer includes cultural lectures, classical music (such as piano music in the bar) and intimate events with selected singers and a small show ensemble instead of big shows or karaoke evenings.

Conclusion

Seabourn clearly stands out from many other shipping companies. While large cruise lines focus on quantity, Seabourn offers an exclusive, almost private atmosphere with first-class service, luxurious all-inclusive and exceptional destinations. It’s not about spectacular shows or huge water parks, but about a relaxed, elegant way of traveling – with personal service, exquisite cuisine and a carefree travel experience.

The luxurious, relaxed atmosphere appeals primarily to best agers, but in order to remain competitive in the long term, Seabourn could focus even more on a new generation of luxury travelers – with modern offers and tailor-made experiences for a younger target group.

Of course, this luxury comes at a price. At first glance, a cruise on board Seabourn seems expensive, but thanks to the many included services (gourmet cuisine, drinks, cabin service), the price-performance ratio in the luxury segment is right.

You can enjoy a wonderful, luxurious time on board


Many thanks to Seabourn Cruise Line for the voyage on the Seabourn Encore. This article is not sponsored, we are only reporting on our own impressions.

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