Seabourn

Cruise Circle says...

The Seabourn experience is luxurious, yet relaxed, elegant, yet casual, sumptuous, yet somehow understated. With one of the highest space per guest ratio in the industry, their small intimate ships are the perfect blend of glamorous elegance, impeccable service and exquisite cuisine, all of which have earned Seabourn some of the most coveted awards in travel, as voted by experts and cruise travellers.

Seabourn ships offer all ocean-front suites, an open-bar policy serving premium wine, champagne and spirits, and a world-class dining experience, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller. This is complemented by an intuitive personalised service - which is to be expected with nearly one staff member to each guest. Every suite includes a 'Personal Suite Steward', offering attentive yet unobtrusive service. Tipping is neither required, nor expected.

Seabourn's hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships.  They cruise to all seven continents with one of the youngest and most modern fleets at sea.

Who goes on Seabourn cruise ships?

The age of most Seabourn passengers averages around 60 -- generally ranging up from 45. It's also not uncommon to have 30-plus nationalities onboard during a sailing, mostly from the US and Canada, and then from the UK, Australia, and Continental Europe. All are likely to be well-off and well-travelled. Although there are occasionally older children on board in summer, Seabourn is not really a family-oriented line.

Do I have to dress up on a Seabourn cruise?

Yes, although not during the day and never entirely formal. During the daytime, casual, resort-style attire, including shorts and jeans, is acceptable throughout the ship. After 6 p.m., you'll find varying levels of dress, including resort casual — trousers and a jumper or shirt for men, sundress, skirt, or trousers with a jumper or blouse for women. No jeans are ever permitted in The Restaurant. There's at least one Formal Optional evening for passengers who wish to dress up in The Restaurant or The Grill by Thomas Keller. It should be noted that on Seabourn formal means a jacket and buttoned shirt. Some men wear a tie or even a dinner jacket, but it's not a requirement, in line with Seabourn's more relaxed form of luxury travel. However, on Formal Optional evenings, the line requests no jeans in any of the lounges or dining venues.

Is everything free on Seabourn cruises?

No, but a lot is. You won't have to pay to dine in any of the onboard restaurants, or pay for gratuities (even in the spa), most wines and spirits, soda, water, coffees, cocktails or fitness classes. There is an additional charge for shore excursions, internet, dry cleaning, laundry and valet services, salon and spa treatments, and transfers. Past Seabourn cruisers may receive some of these amenities complimentary as a perk of being a past passenger. 

What are Seabourn's most popular activities?

When they can tear themselves away from the variety of onboard activities -- films with fresh popcorn, open bridge play in the Card Room, teatime, live music -- passengers are lured into ports of call that mix famous and unusual destinations that Seabourn's smaller ships can access, taking advantage of the rich choice of shore excursions. Onboard the ship, the Seabourn Conversations programme, which brings lectures from big-name experts is enormously popular, as is a once-per-cruise evening show highlighting the works of Sir Tim Rice (with video appearances by the lyricist himself). Passengers also flock to the spa and wellness programme developed in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil.