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5th Aug 2027 | 9 nights | Seabourn | Seabourn Ovation
Why do we love this cruise holiday? A summer sailing with Seabourn always feels that little bit more considered, and this one begins rather nicely with a night in Dubrovnik to soak up its marble streets and Adriatic views before boarding Seabourn Ovation. From there, the itinerary drifts through some of the Mediterranean’s most characterful corners, pairing smaller ports with well known highlights, all at an unhurried pace. Life on board keeps things effortlessly polished, with intuitive service, open bars and thoughtfully curated dining all part of the experience. It is the kind of journey where the details are quietly taken care of, leaving plenty of space to enjoy the scenery, the sunshine and each new arrival along the way.
What's included?
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Take your outbound flight today to begin your journey through the Adriatic to Greece.
A lovely 5* hotel awaits you for the night.
Brindisi is an ancient port and it remains an important transportation hub on Italy's east coast. The town itself is rather small though visitors can fill a few hours exploring on foot. There are also a number of beautiful sandy beaches on which to spend the day swimming and sunning. --By Shayne Thompson, Cruise Critic contributor
Dream up a wish list of everything you'd want from a Greek holiday: talcum-soft beaches, spectacular subtropical forests, tasty cuisine and a beautiful, historic Old Town to explore. Add wall-to-wall sunshine, and you'll find Corfu ticks pretty much every box.
This small Ionian island (only 40 miles long and 20 wide) is a highlight of many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, and it's not hard to see why. Corfu (known to the local Corfiots as Kerkyra) is one of Greece's most verdant and picturesque islands.
Its lush interior, well-watered by winter rains and smothered in fragrant pine forests and dense olive groves, is studded with charmingly old-fashioned rural villages, where the sleepy routine is occasionally enlivened by summer religious festivals (panegyria).
At such times, tempting food and craft stalls appear, a fairground atmosphere prevails and brass bands, known locally (and rather confusingly) as philharmonic orchestras, toot out foot-tapping tunes. The main festivals take place in July and August and, of course, over Easter. And if religion's not your thing, perhaps the two Corfu beer festivals, in July and October, will grab your attention.
Most time-strapped cruise visitors confine their visits to exploring Corfu Town on the island's east coast, and this delightful medieval enclave, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, certainly deserves the attention. You'll find historic fortresses and the vast Spianada Square (esplanade), which is the largest public square in the Balkans, as well as intriguing alleyways and spectacular statues and fountains (not to mention excellent shops and lively restaurants).
If your cruise schedule allows, or you've visited Corfu Town before, you'll find it very rewarding to venture farther afield. In its long history, Corfu has "belonged" to many invaders -- Byzantines, Venetians, France, Russia and Britain -- before returning to Greek rule in 1864, and all have left their cultural stamp. You'll see it in the esplanade's cricket pitch and the island's Byzantine churches, Italianate mansions and the elegant French Liston arcade.
It all blends into the fascinating jumble, which makes Corfu one of the best-known and best-loved islands of the Ionian archipelago.
Itea, in the Gulf of Corinth, is the port from which you can visit Delphi, perhaps the most magical classical site in Greece and the monastery of Osiou Louka near Distomo.
Gythion is an attractive small fishing port that was once the port of ancient Sparta. It has a busy waterfront backed by old Turkish houses on the steep wooded hill behind. It has a large number of fishing taverns and restaurants serving fresh traditional seafood.
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
As your holiday draws to an end, take your scheduled flight back, unless of course you fancy adding a stay in Athens.
The 600-passenger ship is the second in the luxury line's newest ship class, following Seabourn Encore in 2016. They each boast an extra deck and accommodate 150 more passengers than the line's previous trio of ships. The larger size may be new to past Seabourn cruisers accustomed to the smaller trio, but it brings additional dining options and spacious venues for indulgence.
Ovation introduces new dining experiences like a sushi restaurant and The Grill by Thomas Keller, offering more variety than its predecessors. The ship's design, led by renowned interior designer Adam D. Tihany, coupled with an extensive art collection, contributes to its allure. Despite its capacity, it provides ample intimate spaces for relaxation.
It stands out as the only ship in the fleet with upgraded high-speed internet technology, ensuring smooth online experiences for passengers. Despite its size, the ship retains a sense of familiarity and camaraderie among passengers.
Seabourn's dress code leans towards elegant casual attire, with slight variations for different venues and formal nights. Enforcement is relaxed but upheld in key areas like The Restaurant.
On port days, fewer daytime activities are available, but on sea days, Seabourn offers a variety of activities, though not as extensive as larger ships. Expect team trivia, bridge and dance classes, cocktail-making demos, beanbag toss or shuffleboard competitions, and galley or bridge tours. LGBT and solo traveller gatherings are arranged, along with enrichment lectures.
The Grand Salon (Deck 6) serves as the main theatre and concert venue, hosting evening attractions with two shows nightly. Musical entertainment by the ship's singers and dancers alternates with guest performers like solo violinists or comedians. Occasionally, live music deck parties replace sit-down shows. These events, along with sail-away gatherings, feature live music, unique cocktails, food stations or hors d'oeuvres, and lively conversation, creating a festive atmosphere.
Renowned lyricist Tim Rice collaborated with Seabourn to create the marquee show, "An Evening with Tim Rice," offering insights into his life and work, with live performances of songs from musicals like "Evita" and "The Lion King."
The Club (Deck 5) is the ship's dance lounge, with a bar and lounge chairs drawing crowds before and after dinner, accompanied by live music. Nearby, a small casino offers roulette, blackjack, and poker, with slot machines. The casino is smoke-free. The Observation Bar, a stunning venue, is popular for post-dinner drinks, featuring live music in a contemporary beachy setting.
Seabourn's Conversations program features guest speakers, especially on sea days. Port-intensive itineraries offer destination lectures. Topics range from mindful living to spa seminars.
For adventurous spirits, Ventures by Seabourn includes onboard lectures by historians and naturalists, complementing guided tours.
Each bar onboard offers inclusive beer, wine, and cocktails, with speciality menus curated by mixologist Brian Van Flandern. The Club, The Grill Bar, Patio Bar, Sky Bar, and Observation Bar each have unique atmospheres.
The main pool on Deck 9 is flanked by hot tubs, while Deck 5 offers a smaller plunge pool. Deck 7 features a secluded hot tub at the ship's front. The Retreat offers exclusive sun deck experiences.
Seabourn Square acts as the ship's hub, offering concierge services and quiet spaces with ocean views. Computer stations and Wi-Fi are available for additional fees. The onboard shops sell various items, including designer wear and essentials.
Recreational facilities include a card room, meeting rooms, and a launderette. The ship's medical facility is on Deck 4.
The spa and fitness centre on Deck 10 offer standard services, as well as wellness-focused treatments and classes. The gym features various equipment and classes, including those inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil. Thermal suite passes are available for an additional fee.
Seabourn Ovation does not have a dedicated jogging track, but passengers can walk around Deck 10 overlooking the pool.
Following Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation offers more dining options than smaller fleet ships. It introduces Earth & Ocean, a new dining concept, replacing The Patio poolside grill every evening.
All restaurants are included in the cruise fare, including The Grill by Thomas Keller. Ship-made gelato is served in various venues, with different flavours daily.
A summary of the next day's menu is provided in suites each evening. Dinner hours vary; speciality restaurants open earliest at 6 p.m., while Earth & Ocean opens last at 7:30 p.m.
Complimentary caviar is available upon request at any time.
The Restaurant: Adam D. Tihany's elegant design seats up to 400 diners. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner offer diverse menus, including gelato.
Sushi: Lunch features bento boxes; dinner offers sushi and sashimi. Reservations not available.
The Grill by Thomas Keller: Reservation-required venue serving American classics with innovative twists.
The Patio: Daytime buffet-style grill; evening Earth & Ocean pop-up venue offers casual alfresco dining.
The Colonnade: Self-serve buffet for breakfast and lunch; themed dinners with table service.
Seabourn Square: Coffee bar with snacks throughout the day.
Afternoon Tea: Daily at 4 p.m. in the Observation Lounge.
Room Service: 24-hour service offering comfort food, including breakfast items and selections from The Restaurant menu during dinner hours.
All 300 rooms aboard Seabourn Ovation are suites, featuring separate sleeping and living areas. The basic suite includes a decent-sized balcony, marble-lined bathroom, and walk-in closet. Myriad cabinets offer ample storage space. Suites are uniformly decorated with warm grey carpets, cream walls, dark wood trim, and colourful furniture.
Eight suites are wheelchair accessible, 32 can accommodate a third bed, and 34 are interconnecting. Beds are extremely comfortable with a choice of firm and soft pillows and fluffy duvets.
Bathrooms are both efficient and luxurious, featuring dual sinks, ample storage, a rain-style shower, and a tub for Seabourn's signature Pure Pampering Bath experience. Standard amenities are by Molton Brown, with alternative soaps provided on embarkation day.
Each suite includes robes, slippers, a safe, tote bags, umbrellas, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, and a stocked mini-bar. Champagne awaits passengers upon arrival, and additional liquor or wine can be ordered. Bedside outlets include USB, 110V, and 220V.
Veranda Suites: These make up the majority of accommodations, ranging from 246 to 302 square feet with balconies of 68 to 83 square feet. Features include a dining table for two, sofa, walk-in closet, vanity area, and bedside nightstands.
Penthouse Suites: Larger than Veranda Suites, these measure 450 square feet with balconies of 93 to 103 square feet. They include a larger living area, L-shaped sofa, dining table for two or four, and a screened sleeping area with a second TV.
Penthouse Spa Suites: These range from 639 to 677 square feet and include access to the thermal suite. They feature additional amenities such as special bath products, two TVs, a coffee-and-tea bar, and large balconies overlooking the ship's wake.
Owner's Suites: With balconies ranging from 142 to 900 square feet, these suites include separate sleeping and living areas, a pantry with wet bar, and guest bathroom.
Signature Suites/Grand Signature Suite: These measure 931 square feet with balconies of 960 square feet. Features include a spacious living area, whirlpool tub, wet bar, and pantry. The balconies have double-loungers.
Wintergarden/Grand Wintergarden Suite: The most prestigious accommodations, offering 989 square feet of space plus a 197-square-foot balcony. Features include a glass-enclosed solarium, jetted tub, dining table for six, and expansive living and dining areas.
Couples and friends who enjoy the Champagne and caviar lifestyle, along with excellent service and a relaxed, country club vibe
Penny pinchers who care little for fine food and drink, loud family groups
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.
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.
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.
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.
