Itinerary
Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found “mucking around in boats.”Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour’s drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony’s first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township’s foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world’s largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world’s largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region’s biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city’s naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America’s Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city’s most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live “south of the Bombay Hills,” the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). “Jafa,” an acronym for “just another f—ing Aucklander,” has entered the local lexicon; there’s even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren’t your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes’ driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
New Zealand’s capital is, arguably, the country’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. It’s world-class Te Papa Tongarewa-Museum of New Zealand is a don’t-miss attraction, and the burgeoning film industry led, of course, by the Lord of the Rings extravaganzas has injected new life into the local arts scene. Attractive and compact enough to be explored easily on foot, Wellington is a booming destination. Modern high-rise buildings gaze over Port Nicholson, surely one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. Known to local Māori as The Great Harbor of Tara, its two massive arms form the jaws of the fish of Maui from Māori legend. Sometimes referred to as the windy city, Wellington has been the seat of New Zealand’s government since 1865.
The maritime township of Picton (population 4,000) lies at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the arrival point for ferries from the North Island, as well as a growing number of international cruise ships. It plays a major role in providing services and transport by water taxi to a multitude of remote communities in the vast area of islands, peninsulas, and waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. There’s plenty to do in town, with crafts markets in summer, historical sights to see, and walking tracks to scenic lookouts over the sounds. The main foreshore is lined by London Quay, which looks up Queen Charlotte Sound to the bays beyond. High Street runs down to London Quay from the hills, and between them these two streets make up the center of town.
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most English cities. The Anglisation of the area is quickly evident throughout. The name Christchurch, is named after one of the most famous Oxford Colleges. Traditional English styled punts can be seen drifting lazily along the Avon River, and customary striped blazers are still worn by students at Christ’s College.
Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!
Stewart Island is home to New Zealand’s newest national park, Rakiura National Park. The third and most southerly of New Zealand’s main islands, Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by the 24-km (15-miles) Foveaux Strait. Its original Māori name, Te Punga O Te Waka a Maui, means “the anchor stone of Maui’s canoe.” Māori mythology says the island’s landmass held the god Maui’s canoe secure while he and his crew raised the great fish—the North Island. Today the island is more commonly referred to by its other Māori name, Rakiura, which means “the land of the glowing skies.” This refers to the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and to the southern lights, or aurora australis. The European name of Stewart Island dates back to 1809. It memorializes an officer William W. Stewart on an early sealing vessel, the Pegasus, who was the first to chart the island. The island covers some 1,700 square km (650 square miles). It measures about 75 km (46 miles) from north to south and about the same distance across at its widest point. On the coastline, sharp cliffs rise from a succession of sheltered bays and beaches. In the interior, forested hills rise gradually toward the west side of the island. Seals and penguins frequent the coast, and the island’s prolific birdlife includes a number of species rarely seen in any other part of the country. In fact, this is the surest place to see a kiwi. The Stewart Island brown kiwi, or tokoeka, is the largest species of this kind of bird. Unlike their mainland cousins, these kiwis can be seen during the day as well as at night. It’s a rare and amusing experience to watch these pear-shape birds scampering on a remote beach as they feed on sand hoppers and grubs. Māori have visited Stewart Island for centuries. Archaeologists’ studies of 13th-century Māori middens (refuse heaps) indicate that the island was once a rich, seasonal resource for hunting, fishing, and gathering seafood. A commonly eaten delicacy at that time, the titi, also known as the muttonbird, still occasionally appears on menus. In the early 19th century, explorers, sealers, missionaries, and miners settled the island. They were followed by fishermen and sawmillers who established settlements around the edges of Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon and Horseshoe bays. In the 1920s Norwegians set up a whaling enterprise, and many descendants of these seafaring people remain. Fishing, aquaculture, and tourism are now the mainstays of the island’s economy. Even by New Zealand standards, Stewart Island is remote, raw, and untouched. The appeal is its seclusion, its relaxed way of life, and its untouched quality. Stewart Island is not for everyone: if you must have shopping malls, casinos, or umbrella drinks on the beach, don’t come here. Visitors should be prepared for the fact that Stewart Island can be chilly, windy, and rainy, even in the middle of summer.
New Zealand fiord country along with Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s premier attractions. Incredibly beautiful, wild and remote, the region is an intriguing combination of rugged mountain ranges, dense rainforest, solitary alpine lakes, sparkling rivers and splashing waterfalls. Much of Fiordland is virtually unexplored wilderness and still the habitat of rare birds. As the ship cruises the beautiful Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds, experience the majestic fiordland of South Island’s western coast. Captain James Cook sailed along this coast in 1770 and again in 1773, when he anchored at Dusky Sound for a rest and ship repair. Doubtful Sound is one of the region’s most majestic fiords. It is ten times larger than Milford Sound. As the ship cruises into Hall Arm, gaze at vertical cliffs and mighty waterfalls plunging over sheer rock faces. In fine weather, mountains and greenery are reflected in the protected waters of the fiord. Farther north lies Milford Sound. Far from any populated area, Milford Sound is famous for its grandeur and spectacular beauty. It is perhaps the best example of New Zealand’s renowned classic landscape of steep granite peaks framing glacier-carved inlets with mirrored reflections on dark waters. Dominating the scene is Milford’s landmark, the triangular pinnacle of Mitre Peak. Along the sheer cliffs, several waterfalls tumble more than 500 feet (154 metres) into the sheltered Sound. Only a few moored boats and a scattering of buildings at the head of the Sound break the unity of mountains, forest and water. This spectacular beauty and unspoiled setting is yours to enjoy as the ship cruises Milford Sound.
Consistently rated among the “world’s most livable cities” in quality-of-life surveys, Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe of Port Phillip Bay. The city center is an orderly grid of streets where the state parliament, banks, multinational corporations, and splendid Victorian buildings that sprang up in the wake of the gold rush now stand. This is Melbourne’s heart, which you can explore at a leisurely pace in a couple of days.In Southbank, one of the newer precincts south of the city center, the Southgate development of bars, restaurants, and shops has refocused Melbourne’s vision on the Yarra River. Once a blighted stretch of factories and run-down warehouses, the southern bank of the river is now a vibrant, exciting part of the city, and the river itself is finally taking its rightful place in Melbourne’s psyche.Just a hop away, Federation Square—with its host of galleries—has become a civic landmark for Melburnians. Stroll along the Esplanade in the suburb of St. Kilda, amble past the elegant houses of East Melbourne, enjoy the shops and cafés in Fitzroy or Carlton, rub shoulders with locals at the Victoria Market, nip into the Windsor for afternoon tea, or rent a canoe at Studley Park to paddle along one of the prettiest stretches of the Yarra—and you may discover Melbourne’s soul as well as its heart.
Your first sight of Phillip Island’s prize asset – its parade of adorable penguins skipping across the sand – will be just one of many unforgettable experiences from your time on this stunning island. Located just to the south of cultured Melbourne, the southern ocean’s rollers have hewn a rugged, dramatic shoreline here, and you’ll be itching to explore as soon as you lay eyes upon it.
Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there’s renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city’s original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: “We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world.”Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.
Approximately 1189 square feet (110 square meters) of inside space, plus two verandas totalling 214 square feet (20 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature:
- Large windows
- Dining for six
- Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Two bedrooms
- Convertible sofa bed for one
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 914 square feet (85 square meters) of inside space, one veranda of 183 sq. ft. (17 square meters.).
Wintergarden Suites feature:
- Large windows
- Dining for six
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Convertible sofa bed for one
- Pantry with wet bar
- Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
- Two closets
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 859 square feet (80 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 493 square feet (46 square meters)
Signature Suites feature:
- Expansive ocean views
- Forward-facing windows
- Dining for four to six
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner’s Suites feature:
- Expansive ocean views
- Forward-facing windows
- Dining for four to six
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 536 to 539 square feet (50 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 167 to 200 square feet (16 to 19 square meters)
All Penthouse Spa Suite feature:
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets
All Penthouse Suite feature
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Approximately 436 square feet (41 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 98 square feet (9 square meters)
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Penthouse Suite feature:
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Veranda Suites feature:
- A full-length window
- Glass door to private veranda
- Comfortable living area
- Queen-size bed or two twin beds
- Dining table for two
- Walk-in closet
- Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
- Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
- Makeup vanity
- Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
All Ocean View Suites feature a large picture window, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower. Approximately 295 sq. ft. (28 sq.m.) of inside space
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Ocean View Suites feature:
- A large picture window
- Comfortable living area
- Queen-size bed or two twin beds
- Dining table for two
- Walk-in closet
- Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
- Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
- Makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Before Seabourn, open-seating dining on a cruise ship was unheard of. Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.
Our more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative, features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly. At The Colonnade, special theme nights feature Chef Keller-influenced dinners that pay homage to his American childhood. His interpretations of classic comfort dishes, such as Clam Bake and BBQ Ribs will be served family-style on platters to complement the essence of sharing in a relaxed spirit of fun and togetherness. *Chef Thomas Keller influenced menu served family-style in The Colonnade are available for reservations once onboard.
The Grill by Thomas Keller is a unique culinary concept for Chef Keller, exclusive to Seabourn. Guests setting foot inside the elegant dining room will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes as well as a range of other steakhouse favourites like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented à la carte. The timeless menu will draw on the freshest products from artisan purveyors. A cocktail program and wine list of domestic and old-world labels complement the menu. For Booked Guests: Dining reservations for The Grill by Thomas Keller can be requested online prior to sailing, subject to availability. Online reservations close 15 days prior to sailing. Due to high demand, online reservations are recommended, however, reservations can also be made on board. One reservation permitted per voyage. For additional details or to make a reservation, log in and customise your itinerary.
Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting. For The Patio, Chef Keller has developed exclusively for us, a signature Napa burger, as well as an artisanal hot dog dubbed the Yountwurst, named for the hometown of The French Laundry, Ad Hoc, and the original Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery.
Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.
Each evening, our skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board.
The art of conversation has always been central to the Seabourn experience.
Our voyages attract interesting, interested people –people who enjoy talking together, sharing their interests, their adventures and discoveries, and their life stories with longtime and newfound friends. Their enthusiasms and curiosity are far-ranging, and these are what spark their desire to travel the world.
To encourage and enhance this satisfying aspect of your Seabourn voyage, we invite luminaries of particular interest and accomplishment to join our guests on board – and bring fascinating insights, expert opinions and delightfully entertaining diversions to the conversation.
Daring explorers, heralded chefs, learned scholars, celebrated performers and renowned experts from every arena of the arts, sciences, politics and the humanities share your journey on our intimate ships. They each bring skilled presentations of their expertise for guests to enjoy. But just as importantly, they participate in the daily social scene, sharing meals, adventures ashore and casual chats throughout the voyage. On some ships, they lecture. On Seabourn, they join the conversation.
Seabourn is pleased to announce in partnership with The Onboard Spa by Steiner, we have created a fleet-wide mindful living program offering guests a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. The new Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil program will be the first-ever of its kind at sea. The new program will be led by the newly established position, The Wellness Guide. The Guide, will be a certified yoga and meditation practitioner who will inspire and educate all guests through various complimentary classes and gatherings throughout the voyage. Guests who choose to participate in this new program will have a cruise experience that is further enhanced by a holistic mind and body perspective. The program kicked off with Dr. Weil sailing on Seabourn Encore’s inaugural cruise in January 2017. The program will be rolled out throughout the entire Seabourn fleet in 2017, including Seabourn Ovation in spring of 2018. Dr. Weil will sail on a different Seabourn ship each year where he will deliver a 60-minute lecture for guests and will also offer smaller informal group discussions. A separate team of wellness experts will also make regular visits to spa facilities throughout the Seabourn fleet. Central to the program is the daily practice of meditation and yoga through a selection of complimentary sessions. Guests can experience Mindful Meditation, which will introduce positive affirmations and mantras they can reflect on throughout the day. There will also be daily restorative yoga classes which will continue to focus upon the mantra and positive affirmations. Yoga classes will be varied, offering guests the ability to choose classes that focus on various physical issues, such as yoga to heal back and joint pain, headaches and body alignment, as well as yoga to enhance creativity, mental focus and happiness. Classes will focus on mind, body and spirit over a period of seven days, and will change daily with a new theme. Integral to the wellness program are enriching complimentary Mind and Body seminars designed to educate guests on philosophies and practices that are aligned with the program’s mission. Each presentation will aim to empower guests with ideas and practices that enhance well-being and increase the awareness of connection between mind, body, environment and wellness. Seminars are created by Dr. Weil and Steiner’s Wellness professionals, many of which will be based upon Dr. Weil’s teachings, and will explore the fields of the healing arts. The launch of the Mind and Body Wellness Program with Dr. Andrew Weil deepens the already wellness-focused Seabourn spa program that offers a wide range of body massages, facials, fitness and beauty treatments. Lending itself to the program is the powerfully aromatic Thai Poultice massages that use the traditionally prepared steamed herbs of Camphor, Kaffir Lime, Prai, Turmeric and Lemon Grass in muslin poultices to melt away stress and tension, or nourishing desecrated Coconut that nurtures the body with soothing fats and lipids. Guests will also find Deeper than Deep Hot Stone Massage, Bamboo Massage and Freestyle Massage to engage their minds and bodies.
For meetings and gatherings, our ships offer meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The meeting rooms can be arranged to guests’ specifications including theatre-style or with tables; and each of the rooms have large-screen TVs for presentations. Guests may also reserve the Card Room when available. Our crew members are happy to assist guests with meeting room reservations and setup.
One of Seabourn’s most popular guest offerings is Marina Day. Available at select destinations, this fun-filled day features complimentary watersports either from the ships’ unique, retractable Marina platform or from a beach, which is typically on the same day as when the line’s signature Caviar in the Surf and beach barbecue is offered. Guests may enjoy a wide array of water sports, including kayaks, pedal boats, donut rides, banana boats, paddle-boards, waterskiing and more. Guests can be as relaxing or adventurous as they choose to be. It’s not to be missed!
* Guests choosing to participate in Marina Day activities must be able to swim and be in good physical condition to safely mount/dismount the equipment, including in open water.
** Watersports are offered where weather and ocean conditions permit, permissions are granted by the Harbour Master, and at the discretion of the Captain.
*** Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
One of Seabourn’s most popular events is our signature “Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue. Our uniformed staff members plunge into the water and invite guests to wade in and get iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar. The event includes a lavish barbecue lunch, watersports, music and ample time to soak up the sun on a white-sandy beach.
Shopping with the Chef — at local food markets. Shop a bustling Sicilian market, gather spices in Istanbul or explore the local wines of Tuscany and Provence. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll enjoy an insider’s look at unique regional markets with an expert Seabourn chef as your guide.
A place to enjoy your newspaper or to socialise with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you’re looking for. Seabourn Square is the true ‘living room’ of the ships. An inviting sociable space where guests will find a charming European style coffee bar, Seabourn Square has been designed as an open, comfortable environment for guests to interact with onboard officers and the expedition team and engage in conversation with family and new friends. The space is also home to the highly-trained Guest Services staff, who provide a range of concierge services such as general ship information, assistance with special service requests, port and travel information, and more.
A selection of coffees are prepared by the skilled onboard baristas some using beans roasted in Seabourn Square. For those feeling a bit hungry, Seabourn Square offers freshly made pastries and other on-the-go breakfast items in the morning, as well as an assortment of light sandwiches and desserts later in the day, along with a selection of artisanal gelati made on board. Guests will also find a wide range of books in the adjoining library, with a host of titles on subjects such as adventure, expeditions and other topics of interest to enjoy while onboard. Staying current with the news is made easy with a selection of printed newspapers from around the world and tablets featuring the Press Reader news application available to browse each day.
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The Seabourn casino offers a handsome, well-appointed enclave for those attracted to games of chance and skill. Relax and test the odds on various mechanical games or pit your skills against personable, professional dealers at blackjack or poker tables.
One of the most FUN evenings during any cruise, Evenings Under the Stars is a night where guests can let their hair down and simply be in the moment. Enjoy Let’s Dance! with great live music, interact with fellow travellers and be spoiled in true Seabourn style by our food and beverage team with Desserts Under the Stars. A signature event, this dance party has been a part of the line’s rich culture, and a Seabourn cruise is not complete without Let’s Dance! and Desserts Under The Stars. Weather permitting, this high-energy dance party is hosted poolside and under the stars by the entire entertainment team, featuring performances by The Band, vocalists and dancers. There is even the possibility your Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director might jump on stage to perform, as well! Guests can expect music that appeals to everyone’s taste with a great mix of hit songs. It’s a real treat and guests LOVE Evenings Under the Stars!
Many veteran cruisers specifically choose cruises that provide at least a few days at sea. The Card Room is a great choice for the sea-loving cruiser who craves that languorous feeling of lazy leisure. There will be loads of on board activities during those days, including a great game of bridge.
The Sky Bar is a place to enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage during the day, or an evening cocktail under the stars.
Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner.
Open for afternoon tea then transforms into a dance club in the evening. Socialise while enjoying cocktails, live music, and great company.
Whether you’re buying souvenirs for your friends at home or want a memento of your vacation, our Shops will have what you need. Shop for fashion and cosmetics at The Boutique, jewellery and fine watches at The Collection, or logo cruisewear at the Shop.
A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services, subject to availability. For additional details or reservation, log in and customize your itinerary.
The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 28 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a healthy spa menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and personalized bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests.
Cabanas at The Retreat will be available daily and may be reserved for a full day via the Guest Service Specialists at Seabourn Square.
The ship’s main showroom can accommodate all guests, though it seldom does because of the variety available. Lectures, cooking demonstrations, movies and other gatherings are held here in the daytime. In the evenings, live music for dancing before dinner gives way to vocal production shows, cabaret performances, comedy, and classical recitals, as well as more dancing later.
Sun Terrace with double sun loungers.
World’s Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise LineTM
Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the first-ever program of its kind at sea. Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Weil, a visionary pioneer in integrative medicine, whose groundbreaking research and bestselling books combine physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. Each Seabourn ship’s Mindful Living Coach is a certified yoga and meditation practitioner who will inspire and educate guests with orientations, seminars and classes during the voyage. Guests who participate in the Mindful Living Program will have their cruise experiences further enhanced by a holistic mind and body perspective.
With Dr. Weil’s guidance, our fleet-wide mindful living curriculum delivers an even greater degree of mind and body balance, ensuring that guests can break away, relax and rejuvenate while they travel, and offering them an experience that will continue to enrich their lives long after their voyage.
All Seabourn ships offer a full-service Beauty Salon offering all traditional salon services including hairstyling, cut and colour. Some of our favourites include the Fire and Ice Manicure and Pedicure using a combination of therapeutic cooling gels and the warmth of massage with a heated stone. The Elemis Sole Delight Foot Treatment with Pedicure, a rejuvenating therapy using warmed aromatherapy oils and the decadence of milk protein. Or, try the Elemis Frangipani Conditioning Hair and Scalp Ritual, used for centuries in Tahiti to soften the skin and hair.
Our Fitness Centre features high performance Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training. We also offer a series of complimentary classes including yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Or, if personal attention is preferred, our personal trainers will design a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you achieve results. Based on your body’s particular needs, this personalised session will expose you to the wellness program that works best with your body. Aboard Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest you may try the Kinesis System. Using a tri-dimensional pulley system, our personal trainers will guide you through a series of exercises designed to improve balance, flexibility and strength.
Offering the perfect setting for a sunny afternoon, the swimming pool is surrounded by an expansive sundeck with chaise lounges, shaded seating, two large whirlpool spas, and is within steps of the Patio Grill. Sun loungers and cabanas are arrayed in a mix of sun and shade. A stage provides occasional live music for dancing.
Seabourn is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations for all persons with disabilities, to the extent that is feasible. It is for this reason that Seabourn is honoured to be a part of Carnival Corp., which received the Society For Accessible Travel & Hospitality’s (SATH) “Access to Freedom” award. This award is the highest honour in the travel industry that SATH presents to recognise individuals or organisations that have made the greatest strides in advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities, and for promoting the awareness of, and access for, travellers with disabilities.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Seabourn does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest’s arrival. It is recommended that guests make every effort to contact Guest Accessibility and to submit a Special Requirements Information form (SRI) well in advance of the departure of their cruise and/or cruise tour. We recommend submitting an SRI upon booking or a minimum of 45 days prior to departure.
Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care unless an individual is hospitalised in the ship’s Medical Centre. In limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if an individual with a disability is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services.
Our vessels have specially designed suites for guests who need mobility assistance. If you have not booked one of these accessible suites but instead will be using a standard suite you need to know about some limitations that adversely impact manoeuvrability, especially ingress and egress. Most entry doors and bathroom doors in non-accessible suites measure 23 inches wide. Bathrooms have a doorsill and the bathtubs are often difficult to negotiate for guests who have limited mobility. Passageways within the suite may be too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter to manoeuvre throughout the suite.
Accessible Suites offer features such as wider entry doors to the suite and bathroom measuring a minimum of 32 inches wide, accessible showers with grab bars, benches/seats, and hand-held shower heads as well as lowered closed and towel rods.
Accessible suite numbers are detailed in the section below by ship and their locations are noted on the deck plans for each ship within the “Onboard Life” section of this website.
Note: For safety reasons, mobility devices must be stored and charged in the guest’s suite.
If you are on an Expedition voyage click here for information. If you are on another Seabourn voyage please find the below information applicable to your cruise.
Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit
- Suites 825, 824, 800, 738 and 737 have transfer shower configurations.
Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation
- Suites 1132, 1012, 664, 665, and 550 have transfer shower configurations.
- Suite 1191 has a roll-in shower configuration.
Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest
- Suite 635 has a transfer shower configuration.
- Suites 913, 813, 815, 619, 619 and 408 have roll-in shower configurations.
For guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening, please contact our Reservations Department. For guests with life-threatening food allergies, we ask that guests provide detailed information to Guest Accessibility by completing a Special Requirements Information form (SRI). Guests should indicate on this form which foods may potentially cause a severe reaction.
Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Seabourn regularly. Our galley staff on board is accustomed to and experienced in dealing with these types of needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. It is important to note, however, that meals are prepared in open galleys on board the ships, thus there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination. As such, Seabourn cannot guarantee that a guest will not come in contact with those items. Although Guest Accessibility will provide the ship with an advance notice of all food allergies detailed on an SRI submitted to them, it is recommended that guests also contact the Maitre d’ upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs.
Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under age 21. A guest must be at least 6 years of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail on voyages to Antarctica or on Expedition Cruises. We will not accept reservations for infants 6 months or younger for non-transocean sailings, 12 months or younger for transocean sailings at the time the cruise commences. Seabourn cannot accept a booking or carry any guest who will be 24 completed weeks or more pregnant on the last day of the intended cruise. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk.
Attire During the Day
- During the daytime, casual, resort-style attire, including shorts and jeans, is welcome in all lounges and dining venues. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck or in the spa and fitness centre.
In the evening (after 6pm) there are two different dress codes:
Elegant Casual
- Men: Slacks with a collared dress shirt or sweater; Jacket Optional.
- Ladies: Slacks / skirt, blouse, pant suit or dress. This is the dress standard for all dining venues
- Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in The Restaurant after 6pm.
Formal
- In the Restaurant, Men: Tuxedo, suit or slacks and jacket required.
- Ladies: evening gown or other formal apparel. Dress in other dining venues is Elegant Casual.
- Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in the Restaurant after 6pm.
The itinerary in the preliminary document booklet will inform you of the number of Formal evenings to expect during your voyage. As a rule of thumb, Formal evenings are scheduled as follows:
- Cruises up to 13 days: One Formal evening
- Cruises of 14 to 20 days: Two Formal evenings
- Cruises of 21 or more days: Three Formal evenings
(Note: Extended Explorations, Holiday voyages and crossings may be scheduled differently.)
Attire Ashore
Packing clothing that can be layered is the best way to plan for cruising in virtually any climate. For tropical cruises, bring light, loose-fitting garments that can be paired with a lightweight jacket or sweater. For cooler climates, pack extra layers of warmer garments such as a light top coat and some sweaters. When dressing to go ashore, it is helpful to be aware of the customs of the countries you are visiting. In some ports men and women should not wear shorts. Many cultures prefer that women wear dresses or skirts when visiting shrines, churches, mosques and temples.
Some of our more adventurous destinations like Alaska and Antarctica voyages have additional special packing requirements.
- Packing for an Alaska Cruise
- Packing for an Antarctica Cruise
Please Note: Firearms, explosives, fireworks, other weapons and knives or sharp blades over 2.5 inches long and illegal drugs of any kind are prohibited without exception.
Full list of Prohibited Items
For safety reasons drones and any other remote controlled aerial devices/toys, as well as hoverboards or similar devices are not allowed on board our ships.
ON SEABOURN VENTURE AND SEABOURN PURSUIT:
We are implementing a “no smoking” policy on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, our two expedition ships, which includes e-cigarettes. Expedition travel visits many remote and rarely visited environments that are pristine, with diverse ecosystems and wildlife. We have implemented this policy to eliminate the possibility that cigarette butts and other smoking materials would end up harming the environment.
ON ALL OTHER SEABOURN SHIPS:
For the comfort of all guests, most public areas on board, as well as guest suites are smoke-free.
Cigarette smoking is permitted in the following areas:
Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites. Smoking of water-pipes, glass-pipes or other smoking devices is not permitted on board. Smoking is not permitted on open decks during fuel bunkering operations in port.
Inside smoking of cigarettes is not permitted.
Outside smoking of cigarettes is permitted in designated areas of Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation:
- The designated smoking area for all ships is the starboard half of the Sky Bar open deck.
- Cigarette, cigar & pipe smoking is allowed on the starboard half of the Seabourn Square outside deck.
Guests are asked to refrain from smoking anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. If you have any doubts about any area, please consult your onboard staff.
Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on adjoining verandas in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation
Seabourn only permits service animals on board, defined as those animals that are individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. We do not permit our guests to bring pets, therapy/companion animals, and other animals that do not meet the definition of service animals. If you have any questions about whether the animal you wish to bring on board is, in fact, a service animal, you may contact Guest Accessibility.
Your itinerary may include ports of call that have very specific and strict requirements that need to be met prior to your service animal being allowed off of the ship. Please be sure you understand the requirements for a service animal to disembark in each port of call. The best places to obtain specific information on required documentation and immunisations for your service animal are the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website, local customs offices in the specific ports, and from your service animal’s veterinarian. All documentation and immunisation requirements are established by government authorities and not by Seabourn. Should you need assistance in locating this information, please contact Guest Accessibility.
To board the ship, your service animal must have current vaccinations. Records confirming the vaccination status should be provided to Guest Accessibility prior to your departure. We also recommend that you carry the immunisation records with you in case they are required at any port of call. If you do not have the proper documentation and proof of vaccinations for your service animal required at a port of call, or if there are local quarantine requirements, your service animal will be denied the right to leave the ship. If your service animal is denied the right to leave the ship in a specific port of call, the staff and crew will work with you to determine what actions may be possible to allow you to visit the port without your service animal. Please note that in your absence, you will need to provide for the care and supervision of your service animal. Except in those circumstances where your service animal has been denied disembarkation, you may not leave your service animal unattended on the vessel or in your suite at any time.
The Australian quarantine authorities have changed their approach regarding service dogs on-board cruise ships. Unfortunately, their new approach makes it practically impossible for us to accept service animals on domestic or roundtrip cruises from Australia. The Department of Agriculture now considers these cruises to be akin to an international voyage and therefore under ‘biosecurity control’. As a company, we are incredibly disappointed with the Department’s new approach, and we have written to the Federal Minister to ask for a return to their previous way of doing things. At this time guests will not be able to travel with service animals on voyages that end in Australia or call upon a port in Australia after visiting a foreign country. Guests sailing on voyages that begin in Australia will be able to sail with their service animal provided the voyage does not return to Australia after visiting a foreign port. Should you have further questions please contact Guest Accessibility via email at Access@Seabourn.com.
Seabourn ships offer guests access to the internet by means of transmission between satellites orbiting approximately 20,000 miles above the earth and our mobile shipboard system. While this technology enables mid-ocean access in virtually every part of the world, satellite service is frequently noticeably slower and slightly less reliable than land-based methods of access due to the motion of the ship and limitations of bandwidth. There are two main reasons for this:
- The available bandwidth from satellite transmission is much lower than is available from most shoreside systems served by stationary cables with much greater bandwidth capacity.
- In addition, a shipboard system is typically serving a greater number of users simultaneously than most shoreside networks. Many shoreside users use wireless cell phone systems for internet access, further reducing demand on hardwired systems. Each user’s data transmission occupies a portion of the available bandwidth. More users means slower service.
For these reasons, we ask that guests not use internet service for high volume uses such as gaming, file sharing or streaming video content. The internet service on board is generally quite adequate for all guests’ usage when web browsing and sending or retrieving email.
Guests can access the internet either at terminals located in Seabourn Square, or wirelessly using their own wireless-enabled devices in most locations on board, including in guest suites, lounges and most areas on open decks.
Your ship’s small but modern basic medical facility is staffed by a doctor and a nurse. This facility is equipped to provide medical care for illness or accidents that may arise during the cruise, but is not intended to provide ongoing medical treatment. Since we are either at sea or in ports where availability of medical facilities and pharmaceutical products may be limited, we suggest you bring adequate supplies of prescription medications and other health-related items.
Full laundry, dry cleaning (on selected ships wet-cleaning) and pressing services are available. Suite attendants take care of pick-up and delivery. Same-day service is available at extra charge if requested by 9:00 a.m. A complimentary launderette with washers, dryers, laundry soap and ironing facilities are available onboard all Seabourn ships..
- The Retreat
- Sun Terrace
- Observation Bar
- Penthouse Suite
- Veranda Suite
- Penthouse Spa Suite
- Bridge
- Sky Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Motion Studio
- Spa & Wellness Area
- Salon
- Treatment Rooms
- Penthouse Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
- The Patio
- Patio Bar
- Whirlpools
- Pool
- The Grill by Thomas Keller
- The Colonnade
- Owner’s Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
- Card Room
- The Collection
- Shops
- Coffee Bar
- Seabourn Square
- Grand Wintergarden Suite
- Wintergarden Suite
- Grand Signature Suites
- Signature Suites
- Owner’s Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
- Whirlpool
- Grand Salon
- Owner’s Suites
- Veranda Suites
- Penthouse Suite (x1 Accessible Suite)
- Meeting Rooms
- Casino
- Club Bar
- The Club
- Pool
- Whirlpools
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
- The Restaurant
- Galley
- Ocean View Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
- Medical Facility
- Marina
Get in touch with our team to start planning
Call and speak to a member of our experienced team today on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.
Alternatively, leave your details and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.