TOP 10 activities on board the Seabourn Encore

The Seabourn Encore is one of seven cruise ships from Seabourn Cruise Line that are known for their luxurious interiors and exclusive experiences with a private yacht atmosphere. The Encore was built in 2016 and, with over 300 suites, offers space for almost 600 guests. Whether culinary experiences, cultural events or sporting activities – every guest will find a suitable activity on the Seabourn Encore. Below are our top 10 activities that you should not miss during a cruise on this ship.

1. Relaxing in the pool

The main pool on board the Seabourn Encore is located in the center of the sun deck on deck 9 and is the largest pool on board. It is generously laid out with numerous sun loungers all around. There are also two heated whirlpools right next to the main pool. There is another pool and two whirlpools at the stern of the ship on deck 5.

The service on the pool deck is characterized by attentiveness and comfort. Drinks and snacks can be served directly at the loungers or whirlpools, allowing guests to enjoy their stay in the pool areas without interruption. Towels are provided at all times, no need to take a towel to the pool area. We love to swim a few laps in the pool and then enjoy a glass of champagne in the water.

2. Whirlpool at the bow

A special highlight on the Seabourn Encore is the whirlpool at the bow of the ship. It is located in an exclusive, quiet area and offers an excellent view of the sea. Due to its location right at the front of the ship, this whirlpool is a wonderful place, especially at sunrise and sunset. There are also some sun loungers, comfortable seating areas and a self-service drinks fridge with soft drinks. The area is less busy than the main pool and therefore offers a more intimate atmosphere.

3. Marina Water Sports

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll love the Water Sports Marina. There you can try out water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding directly from the stern of the ship or have some real fun on a retro couch or the banana boat – a real highlight for adrenaline junkies! The activities are all free of charge and you can take part in as many activities as you like within two hours, as long as there are free places and the weather cooperates. You get a helmet and a life jacket and are informed in advance about safety signs in case you want to stop. We were pulled across the water at high speed in a retro couch by a speedboat – that was super fun!

4. Shopping with the Chef

At this exclusive signature event, you can stroll through a local market with the chef and accompany him on his shopping trip. We met the Exécutive Chef de Cuisine, Lindsay Lewis, in the restaurant on deck at 9 a.m. and then took a bus to Corfu Central Market with a group of around 20 people. There were numerous stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and spices. The chef walked with us from one market stall to the next and shopped there while we listened intently to the sales pitches. We tasted olives, various oils, honey and feta together. Two of the ship’s employees were also at the market with us to bring the freshly bought ingredients and fish back on board, chilled. The delicious ingredients and dishes from the market were then served the next evening at the Chef’s Market Buffet in The Colonnade Restaurant. An exciting and special experience.

5. Enjoy the view at the Sky Bar

The Sky Bar is located on deck 10 and offers a wonderful view of the pool deck and the sea. There are various seating areas and sun loungers where you can relax. You can even order caviar and champagne at one of the tables. While enjoying a frozen fruit punch, for example, you can take in the fantastic surroundings or watch the sunset in the evening. And a very special tip: one deck above the Sky Bar, on deck 11, there are super comfortable armchairs and sun loungers with thick cushions where you can lie and read perfectly.

6. Try the gelato at Seabourn Square

Seabourn Square is the heart of the ship and serves as a social meeting place. It is located at the stern of the ship on deck 7, where guests can enjoy a coffee, read or organize their cruise planning in a relaxed atmosphere. However, the gelato, which is offered in different flavors that change daily, is particularly popular. These homemade ice cream specialties are a real highlight, as there are not only the classic flavors such as vanilla and chocolate, but also varieties such as pear, cinnamon and amaretto. The ice cream comes in a glass cup with a stainless steel spoon and the iced latte in a porcelain cup. Both can also be taken to the cabin veranda or simply to the outdoor area of the Seabourn Square with a sea view.

 

7. Relax on the veranda

Almost all of the suites on the Seabourn Encore are equipped with a private veranda, offering plenty of space and comfort. There are two armchairs, footstools and a round table on the balcony. This area is ideal to retreat to and enjoy the view of the sea. We love a quiet breakfast or a pre-dinner aperitif on the balcony. If you order food from the in-room dining service, you can also have your table set on the balcony. With a white tablecloth and just a flick of the wrist, the balcony table can be transformed into a restaurant seat with a sea view in a matter of seconds. Or we can eat a few nuts and dried fruit, which are available in jars in the cabin, and order a bottle of champagne from room service. A wonderful feeling of luxury.

 

8. Take a pampering rose bath

A special highlight in our suite is the opportunity to take a luxurious rose bath. The suites are not only equipped with showers, but also with bathtubs. On request, a bath with rose petals and high-quality Molton Brown care products can be prepared for guests. This special form of relaxation ensures a luxurious feel-good experience. Ideal for a time-out after a long day ashore or on board. It also makes the whole cabin smell wonderful.

9. Cocktails at the Solis Piano Bar

The Solis Piano Bar is a popular meeting place for anyone who wants to end the evening in an elegant atmosphere. It is located on deck 8 in front of the Solis Restaurant at the stern of the ship. Classic cocktails and a selection of premium spirits are served here, while a live pianist provides musical entertainment. The special highlight in this bar, however, are the 10 Solis vintage cocktails, which are special creations and are intended to pay homage to the 1960s. “The Frederico Fellini”, for example, is a mixture of limoncello, amaretto, Averna and lemon juice. Also worth a try is “The Gina Lollobrigida” as a form of Negroni with gin, red vermouth, Aperol and Campari. For us, there are no better cocktails anywhere on board. The bar offers a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere and is the perfect place to chat with other passengers or simply enjoy the music. We had the amazing experience to meet John D. Randall, the pianist on board, and listen to his fabulous songs every night.

 

10. Officers on Deck and Team Member Salute

During the voyage, there is always the opportunity to take part in a special tradition on board: the “Officers on Deck and Team Member Salute”. Here, the officers and crew members line up on deck to show their gratitude and respect to the guests. This ceremony is an expression of the close bond between crew and guests and a ritual of farewell. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the professional work of the crew, to say thank you and at the same time to experience the family atmosphere on board. The event takes place on the pool deck on the last evening of the voyage. The atmosphere is exuberant and emotional. The chef and the cruise director even prepare caviar for all guests at the start of the event. There are also cocktails and numerous different snacks as an aperitif.

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