Recommend March 2018 - 31

All photos: The 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey offers ultra-luxury accommodations, high-end restaurants,
and one of the highest ratio of space per guest in the cruise industry.

Our ships are essentially
ultra-luxury hotels/resorts.
They just happen to be
at sea...traveling from place
to place....

-- Chris Austin, Senior Vice President,
Global Marketing & Sales, Seabourn

balcony. All have a separate sitting area that
can be curtained off from the bedroom, a posh
marble bathroom with a soaking tub, shower,
double sink, selection of Molton Brown
toiletries, and a walk-in closet. Both European
and U.S. outlets are provided and WiFi,
available at a charge, was unfaltering and fast.
In-room 24-hour dining, with meals served
course-by-course, was available. And except
spa and wellness treatments, excursions
and WiFi, almost everything-including
craft cocktails, champagne and caviar-is
complimentary...with no tipping expected.
Despite its small size-the Odyssey has
only 229 suites-and even with several sea
days, we were never at a loss for things to
do. The entertainment is more varied than
we've seen on many small ships. Highlights
include two concerts by pianist/composer/
humorist Elliot Finkel, performances by two
different comedians, and a choice of pre- and
after-dinner venues with live music. We also
loved the Seabourn Conversations, engaging
talks by professors on regional topics such
as Alexander Hamilton, Empress Josephine,
and aspects of Caribbean culture. Some we
attended live, but we loved that we could
watch taped versions at our leisure in our
cabin, and then speak to the professors around
the ship.
We also enjoyed experiencing the diverse
ambiances at the ship's four dining venues.
The main dining room, The Restaurant,
offered the option of dining at tables hosted
by senior crew and performers. The less
formal Colonnade had different ethnic
focuses each evening. And we often chose the
super-casual, poolside Patio Grill, especially
for lunch. There was also full afternoon tea
daily at the Observation Bar and specialty
coffees and snacks throughout the day at
Seabourn Square. All have great service,
and showcase the influence of Seabourn's
partnership with chef Thomas Keller. But the
highlight is dinner at The Grill by Thomas

Keller, a nostalgic throwback to the hightouch service of a 50s-60s chophouse, with
table-side preparations of Caesar salad and
ice cream Sundays, premium steaks, lobster
thermidor and Parker House-style rolls.
(Reservations required; no upcharge.)
In addition to chef Thomas Keller, the line
has partnered with English lyricist Sir Tim
Rice to create a concert-style evening show
and Dr. Andrew Weill to offer a customized
mindful living program with a daily schedule
of lectures, workshops and exercise classes
that include guided meditation, yoga and
stretch classes. The ship also has an inviting
fitness center, as well as sauna and steam
baths. Its expansive spa features treatments

drawing on traditions from around the
world and earned rave reviews from
fellow passengers.
"Most repeat guests chose Seabourn
for the luxury and their cruises are wellpriced considering what is included," notes
Diane Bower, owner, CruzDiva Travel, an
independent agency in the Avoya Network.
She says presenting a side-by-side pricing and
inclusions comparison often makes the sale.
"Seabourn offers a lot of fine touches that
first-time guests aren't used to, and it's very
exciting for them." ■
Contact Information
Seabourn: seabourn.com

march 2018 31

http://www.seabourn.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend March 2018