Embarking on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise is not just about exploring beautiful destinations – it’s also a chance to indulge in a world of exceptional dining. From destination-inspired fine dining to casual bites with stunning ocean views, we sent our Cruise Specialist, Gemma, onboard Seabourn Ovation to get the inside scoop on every cafe, restaurant, bar and lounge on the ship…
*Warning: this post may make you hungry*
Breakfast in bed (but better)
Breakfast at The Colonnade is exceptional. Endless displays of freshly-baked breads, pastries and cakes, every type of fresh fruit you can think of, made-to-order omelettes and hot dishes, the choice is spectacular – and you can enjoy it in the sunshine.
But there’s something even more indulgent about settling into your private balcony (still in dressing gown and slippers, of course), sipping on a mimosa while your food is delivered straight to your table by your personal butler. Order the night before by filling out your menu and leaving it on your door and wake up without a care in the world, only having to retreat across your suite. The excitement only builds as you gaze out across your new view for the day! Seabourn’s (24/7) in-room dining is definitely an experience you won’t forget.
Seabourn Square’s Coffee Bar
Worried about missing out on your skinny vanilla latte while on your cruise? Seabourn have it covered. Enjoy a specialty crafted espresso just the way you like it at Seabourn Square’s Coffee Bar in the heart of the ship. With a constant supply of fresh sandwiches, baked goodies and delicious coconut kisses (highly recommended by Gemma), this is the perfect spot for a snack to keep you going. They’ll even box up a sandwich or a cake for you to take on your excursion so you can still dine with Seabourn while you’re off the ship!
Reminiscent of a cosy corner in your local cafe, settle into plush sofas with ocean views and a book from the library or set yourself up for a afternoon of puzzles at ones of the game tables. This is also where you’ll find the helpful reception staff to book your excursions.
Solis
Gemma’s very first night onboard took her to Solis, the new Mediterranean-inspired treasure – replaces Seabourn’s Grill by Thomas Keller – and takes guests right back to their favourite travel memories. Bursting with rich blues and warm golds, you instantly feel at home here, with staff who can’t do enough to make your meal perfect. Everything is created entirely from scratch, and a selection of dishes are even prepared and served at the table-side – like the salt-crusted fish or the creamy Italian tiramisu which could feed an army.
Beyond the food, you need to make sure you indulge in the newly refined vintage cocktail menu, which features everything from allure classics to creative masterpieces. Too full for a dessert, Gemma asked for a glass of chilled Baileys after her meal and was delighted to not only receive her drink but also a side of cointreau – the expert mixologist explaining it made the perfect ‘chocolate orange’ flavoured treat!
Sushi
If Japanese food is your thing (and even if it’s not), you need to try the new Sushi restaurant onboard Seabourn Ovation and Encore ships. The smallest dining venue onboard, the restaurant seats around 30 guests and doesn’t take bookings so you’ll need to try your luck – we recommend heading out early to explore your destination and then returning to have lunch here one day as it will be quiet.
The lunch menu consists of bento boxes with a choice of miso salmon (Gemma’s favourite), teriyaki chicken, dumplings or tamari glazed mushroom for your main dish. You’ll also get miso soup, white rice, market salad, pickled vegetables and a choice of yuzu sorbet or matcha ice cream – plus you can also order fresh signature rolls, maki and noodles if that’s not enough. Remember, everything is included so try as much as you can!
The Patio
For a more laid-back dining experience, The Patio is your perfect option for a light lunch or an afternoon snack in the sunshine. Help yourself to a delicious selection of grilled meats, fresh seafood, Mediterranean-inspired pizza slices, and sweet treats to take back to your poolside sunbed or an ocean-view table of your choice.
All of your drinks are included at every moment of the day, wherever you are on the ship, so if you’re feeling thirsty (even if you’re not), you should always have a drink in hand. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, ask one of the attentive servers for some caviar and they’ll bring it to your side with a glass of chilled champagne. You really can’t miss out on this experience.
Earth & Ocean
When the sun begins to set, The Patio is transformed into Earth & Ocean, where dinner under the stars awaits. Expect an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes that celebrate eclectic yet traditional flavours from around the world; this is a distinctive dining experience unlike any other onboard. Gemma’s highlights included the best tempura prawns she has ever eaten, the refreshingly spicy monk fish curry, and an amazingly light roasted peach dessert.
The Restaurant
Finally, the pièce de résistance. The Restaurant on deck four is the largest and most spectacular dining venue onboard Seabourn Ovation, hosting weekly seven-course speciality Formal Nights and a lunch and dinner menu that changes daily depending on the ship’s location and the chef’s inspiration.
Inspired by modernist cuisine, this speciality restaurant truly takes you on an exploratory journey with fun dishes emphasising creativity, texture, and unexpected flavours – like the champagne-topped passionfruit sorbet which appeared mid-meal as an exciting palette cleanser. The dish that lives rent-free in Gemma’s mind though? The lamb shank. So good in fact that she went back the next day to enjoy it again…
Discover our collection of cruises onboard Seabourn Ovation or view Seabourn’s Sail of the Year for inspiration. Call Gemma on 01491 528 988 or email gemma@authenticcruises.co.uk to find your perfect cruise.
When you book with The Authentic Cruise Company, you’ll be enrolled in our exclusive Horizon Club, designed to reward our loyal customers and transform each voyage into a step towards a refined and enriching experience. After your first Authentic booking, you’ll receive your deluxe welcome gift, plus invitations to hosted events and access to exclusive member benefits.
We believe loyalty should be rewarded with experiences as exceptional as your travels. With each journey, your account unlocks even more privileges, including tailored travel enhancements and premium invitations. With four bespoke tiers, no journey through The Horizon Club is the same.