Spotlight on Seabourn

As the World’s Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line®, Seabourn has a lot to offer the discerning traveller. A cruise line passionate about good travel, you can expect itineraries to the world’s most luxurious places, an impressive fleet of small ships and incredible onboard service. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this luxury cruise line, from its fascinating history to its incredible ships:

Since its inception in 1986, Seabourn has set itself apart as the World’s Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line®. Built upon the model of making casual, relaxed elegance available to all, and not just owners of the world’s most fabulous private yachts, Seabourn has excelled. Here’s a brief timeline of Seabourn’s history:

1986: Seabourn was founded by a small cadre of luxury hospitality and cruising executives including Atle Brynstad and Warren S. Titus under the name of Signet Cruise Lines.

1988: The first ship in the Seabourn fleet was launched. The 208-passenger Seabourn Pride boasted all-suite accommodations, a variety of public spaces and a novel fold-out platform at the stern.

1989:Seabourn Spirit, an identical sister ship to Seabourn Pride, joined the fleet.

1991: Carnival Corporation purchased a 25% stake in Seabourn. Later, in 1996, they increased their stake to 50%. And by 2001, they owned the cruise line outright.

1999: Three Cunard ships, Sea Goddess I, Sea Goddess II and Royal Viking Sun were transferred to the Seabourn fleet and renamed Seabourn Goddess I, Seabourn Goddess II and Seabourn Sun.

2001:Seabourn Goddess I and Seabourn Goddess II were sold to Seabourn’s original founder, Atle Brynstad, in order for him to establish his own cruise line, SeaDream Yacht Club.

2002:Seabourn Sun was transferred to Holland America Line, reducing the Seabourn fleet to its three original sister ships.

2006: Seabourn ordered three new ships. Seabourn Odyssey joined the fleet in 2009, Seabourn Sojourn in 2010 and Seabourn Quest in 2011.

2013: Seabourn announced the sale of their three smallest ships. Seabourn Pride departed the fleet in 2014 and Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit in 2015.

2016: Seabourn Encore joined the fleet.

2018:Seabourn Ovation joined the fleet.

2022: Seabourn Venture, the first expedition vessel to join the Seabourn fleet, set sail for her first voyage.

Future: Seabourn Pursuit, the second expedition vessel, will join the Seabourn fleet.

With their unmatched sense of style, elegance and grace, Seabourn’s seven ships beckon you to travel beyond the bounds of your imagination. Step aboard and you’ll enjoy a sophisticated and luxurious small ship cruise experience like no other.

Seabourn Odyssey joined the Seabourn fleet in 2009. The 462-passenger ship is most loved for its intimate and sociable atmosphere. Fun fact: the guests sailing on Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden voyage were honoured as her godparents and a plaque with their names was permanently mounted on the ship.

In 2010, Seabourn Sojourn was welcomed as Seabourn Oddysey’s sister ship. Sailing her passengers to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Hawaii, Seabourn Sojourn’s all-suite accommodations enable the truest destination immersion possible. Sit back and relax as you watch the world go by.

Wherever she sails, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevvy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants found ashore. Heralded as a “game-changer for the luxury segment” when she joined the fleet in 2011, Seabourn Quest is one not to be missed.

As Seabourn’s flagship, Seabourn Encore was modelled on the award-winning Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. She is a beautifully designed ship with generous outside space that allows for exquisite destination immersion in Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore’s sister-ship, was welcomed to the fleet with open arms in 2018. Combining Seabourn’s most-loved features alongside a wealth of new concepts, Seabourn Ovation brought with her a fresh vision and a host of illuminating ideas designed to delight.

Seabourn Venture, which joined the fleet in 2022 as the first purpose-built expedition vessel, was designed for exploration and outfitted for adventure. Equipped with kayaks, Zodiacs and submarines, Seabourn Venture offers guests the opportunity to explore remote destinations in every corner of the globe.

The second expedition vessel and sister ship to Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Pursuit will join the fleet in 2023. Construction began for the ship in 2020 during a ceremony in San Giorgio di Nogare, Italy and the build process is well underway.

Cruising with Seabourn is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious yet relaxed, elegant yet casual, sumptuous yet understated. The cruise line’s intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide but the fun isn’t confined to shore. Here are some of the popular amenities and facilities found on board:

• The Colonnade: The Colonnade is Seabourn’s more casual dining option. Featuring an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant services regionally themed, bistro-style cuisine.
• Constellation Lounge: Unique to Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, the Constellation Lounge sits at the highest point on each ship for ultimate viewing opportunities. Enjoy 270-degree views alongside your favourite tipple.
• Discovery Center: Found only on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, the Discovery Center acts as the teaching and academic centre for natural history and cultural programming in an environment spacious enough to accommodate all.
• Marina: Seabourn’s marina, which is available to use in select destinations, features complimentary watersports including kayaks, pedal boats, doughnut rides, banana boats, paddleboards, waterskiing and more.
• Seabourn Square: Seabourn Square is Seabourn’s innovative ‘living room’ that replaces the conventional reception lobby with a welcoming lounge filled with comfortable sofas, chairs and cocktail tables.
• The Spa at Seabourn: Seabourn has partnered with Dr Andrew Weil to deliver an even greater degree of mind and body balance, ensuring that guests can break away, relax and rejuvenate while they travel. While also offering them an experience that will continue to enrich their lives long after their cruise.

Sailing to some of the most desirable destinations, Seabourn helps you to discover the world in ultra-luxury. Sail to the Indian Ocean to experience barefoot luxury and tranquil seclusion, journey to Asia and the Far East to witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern or head off on an expedition cruise aboard Seabourn’s expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, to get up close and personal to unforgettable natural environments. Where will you go?

• Seabourn’s fleet of small luxury ships reach exciting ports of call that larger ships can’t
• Each cruise ship in the fleet boasts all-suite accommodations
• There is a full programme of entertainment and enriching lectures
• Wide-ranging itinerary options mean guests can sail to some of the most impressive destinations worldwide
• Seabourn’s wellness programme begins from the moment you step aboard and lasts long after you disembark
• The cutting-edge design of each ship makes for a luxurious atmosphere
• A plethora of award-winning restaurants available on board