Seabourn Looks Back On Three Decades Of Ultra-Luxury Innovation And Ahead To Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary Year
Unique events in 2018 include the launch of fifth ship, Seabourn Ovation
SEATTLE, January 3, 2018 - The 30th
Anniversary of Seabourn starts with the turn of the calendar to
2018. But the anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year as the
world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line rolls out unique events and amenities
created just for the occasion for guests, Seabourn team members and travel
professional partners to enjoy around the world. "Our 30th Anniversary is a wonderful occasion to
celebrate the reputation we've earned as the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise
line by providing guests with opportunities to experience the most intriguing
destinations around the globe on the most desirable ships at sea," said
Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "As we continue to grow, those
opportunities will grow as well. For now, though, we invite guests to sit back
and soak up the ultra-luxury innovations we've pioneered and special touches
we've created in celebration of our third decade at sea." Here are some highlights to look forward to during Seabourn's 30th
Anniversary year: A New Vessel: Seabourn Ovation Seabourn will expand its highly acclaimed fleet from four ships to
five with the addition of Seabourn Ovation, launching in spring 2018.
Like all Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionized ultra-luxury cruising upon
their introduction in 2009, Seabourn Ovation will maintain the line's
high ratio of space per guest, enabling highly personalized service by a
dedicated, thoughtful crew. The addition of Seabourn Ovation will further reinforce
Seabourn's position as the youngest and most modern ultra-luxury fleet in the
industry. Designed by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany, the ship
will feature modern design elements and innovations in keeping with the line's
reputation for understated elegance, and it will be configured with one
additional deck, expanded public areas, and unique offerings such as Seabourn's
new signature dining experience The Grill by Thomas Keller, and the new
mindful living program Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil. Following the ship's delivery, Seabourn Ovation will embark
on an 11-day inaugural voyage departing May 5, 2018, from Venice, Italy, to Barcelona,
Spain. The ship will go on to spend the majority of her maiden season cruising
the waters of Northern Europe, offering a series of seven-day Baltic and
Scandinavian cruises between Copenhagen and Stockholm, which will include the
line's signature three-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. Seabourn Ovation
will also sail on longer 14-day voyages, visiting the majestic Norwegian fjords
and British Isles. Here's to 30 More Years! Whatever the vessel, guests can anticipate a variety of vibrant
offerings over the 30th Anniversary year ahead. Start with a toast
to three decades of cruising excellence with an exclusive Passion Pearls
cocktail created by world-renowned mixologist Brian van Flandern, who
has transformed the line's craft cocktail program over the past two years. In
keeping with the tradition of pearls to mark a 30th year, the
cocktail combines ingredients inspired by one of Hollywood's most iconic
luminaries, Audrey Hepburn, mixing passion fruit puree, Champagne, Hennessey
VSOP Cognac and more. Notes Van Flandern: "Like Seabourn, Audrey's career
spanned the globe and continues to inspire the next generation of world
travelers who enjoy the simple pleasures of a luxury lifestyle in the company
of likeminded people of good taste." The celebration began in earnest on New Year's Eve across the
Seabourn fleet. Additional 30th Anniversary-inspired enticements
await guests throughout 2018 on their Seabourn cruise, where special touches
will be seen in suites and at special events and dinners. While guests always
enjoy a wide variety of complimentary fine wines and spirits onboard, a special
30th Anniversary Wine Package, featuring a selection of top quality
wine and champagne, will also be available for purchase during the celebration.
Additionally, The Shops will feature a special collection of pearls this spring
along with commemorative 30th anniversary merchandise. Guests will
even be challenged on their knowledge of Seabourn during onboard trivia matches. A History of Innovation at Sea Seabourn was born in 1987 out of a belief that travelers would
appreciate a cruise experience intensely focused on providing personalized,
anticipatory service; a relaxed, club-like atmosphere; and a place that
encourages easy, carefree sociability. The line noted that its success depended
on travelers recognizing and valuing those attributes and returning to
experience them again and again. Among the line's early innovations: The creation of an onboard
experience that felt like something experienced on a private yacht, where
virtually everything required for a guest's onboard enjoyment was included in
the fare, including all-suite accommodation, dining and complimentary drinks.
The idea was to create a relaxed social atmosphere like the one people enjoyed
at private clubs. From the earliest days, service was intended to be the finest
yet tipping was neither required nor expected by onboard staff. By 2009, Seabourn responded to evolving guest expectations by
revolutionizing the luxury cruise segment with the introduction of 32,000 ton,
458-guest Seabourn Odyssey. Larger than Seabourn's original ships, the
Odyssey-class vessels further enhanced a spacious, welcoming environment guests
desired. The added space allowed the one of the largest spa facilities in the
category, a variety of alternative dining and entertainment venues, plenty of
open deck space, and more. Launched to unanimous acclaim in 2009, Seabourn Odyssey was
declared "a game-changer" by the media. Two additional sister ships, Seabourn
Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, followed in 2010 and 2011, while
Seabourn sold its original ships to enable a more consistent fleet profile. The
fourth new vessel, Seabourn Encore, was launched in December 2016. The
fleet will expand again with Seabourn Ovation in spring 2018,
reinforcing the brand's position as the newest ultra-luxury fleet in the
industry. Seabourn continues to raise the bar. The ships travel to many of
the world's most desirable destinations, including marquee cities, more than
170 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lesser known ports
and hideaways. Ventures by Seabourn invites guests to participate
in active optional, for-charge excursions in kayaks and Zodiacs on select
voyages. Partnerships with select companies and individuals whose dedication to
superior quality, exceptional service and consistent customer satisfaction
mirrors Seabourn's has resulted in programs such as 'An Evening with Tim Rice', a new evening entertainment
experience created exclusively for the line in association with Belinda King
Creative Productions; Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, offering a holistic
spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and
spiritual well-being; and The Grill by Thomas Keller, reminiscent of the classic
American restaurant from the 50's and 60's. Seabourn continues to innovate its offerings to the luxury
traveler with the launch of several new programs and initiatives in 2018,
including two Wellness Cruises with Dr. Andrew Weil, and a selection of
land-based immersive Seabourn Journeys that will elevate the cruise experience
in remarkable destinations around the world. For more details about the award-winning Seabourn fleet, or to
explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a
professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
For more Information:
Brian Badura
(206) 626-9158 or BBadura@seabourn.com
or
Ashley Fenton
Hawkins International Public Relations
(212) 255-6541 or Ashley@hawkpr.com