Seabourn

The Vibe: A Private Yacht at Sea

Seabourn Cruise Line offers an ultra-luxury experience that feels more like sailing on a private yacht than a cruise ship. The atmosphere is elegant, sophisticated, and intimate, with a strong focus on personalized service and a high staff-to-guest ratio. The ships are designed to feel like exclusive, private clubs, where guests can socialize in a relaxed setting. The vibe is best described as "casual elegance," where you can enjoy fine dining and premium drinks without a stuffy dress code. The onboard experience is geared towards discerning travelers who appreciate refined luxury, quiet relaxation, and enriching experiences.

Destinations & Ports of Departure

Seabourn's small ships allow them to sail to every continent and visit over 400 ports. They offer a diverse range of itineraries, from classic European and Caribbean voyages to exotic expeditions in the Amazon, Antarctica, and the Arctic.

Destinations:

Alaska
Antarctica & The Arctic
Asia
Australia & New Zealand
The Caribbean
Europe (Mediterranean, Northern Europe)
South America
Transatlantic voyages
World Cruises

Common Departure Ports: Seabourn sails from a variety of global ports, including but not limited to:

Miami, Florida
New York, New York
Los Angeles, California
Dover, United Kingdom
Barcelona, Spain
Athens, Greece
Vancouver, Canada
Sydney, Australia
Papeete, French Polynesia

The Fleet: Small Ships, Big Adventures

Seabourn operates a small, modern fleet of intimate ships, which allows them to access remote and smaller ports that larger vessels cannot.

Number of Ships: Seabourn currently has a fleet of six ships.
Ship Sizes: The ships are small in comparison to mainstream cruise lines, with capacities ranging from just 264 to 600 guests. The newest expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are the smallest, while the Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation are the largest.

The Cabins: All-Suite Luxury

Seabourn ships are all-suite, and most accommodations feature a private veranda. The suites are spacious, elegantly appointed, and designed with comfort in mind.

Standard Features: All suites include:

A personal suite host and attendant
Walk-in closets with robes, slippers, and a personal safe
A fully stocked bar and refrigerator with your choice of complimentary wines and spirits
An interactive flat-screen TV with a wide selection of movies and music
A marble bathroom with double vanities, a separate shower, a full tub, and luxury products by Molton Brown

What Is Included

Seabourn is an all-inclusive cruise line, and its fares are reflective of this premium experience. While the upfront price is higher than a typical cruise, it covers many items that are often add-ons on other lines.‍

What is Included in the Fare:

All-Suite Accommodations: With most featuring a private veranda.
Dining: All dining venues are complimentary, including specialty restaurants.
Beverages: All premium spirits, fine wines, and specialty coffees are included. Champagne is offered upon embarkation and is also freely available throughout the cruise.
Gratuities: Tipping is neither required nor expected.
Onboard Activities: Entertainment, enrichment programs, and fitness classes are included.
Wi-Fi: A complimentary Wi-Fi package is provided for all guests.

What Is NOT Included

Shore excursions (unless on an expedition cruise where some are included)
Spa treatments and personal services
Gambling in the casino
Purchases from onboard shops
Some ultra-premium wine and spirits from the "Connoisseur Collection"

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

While the ships are smaller, they are not lacking in activities. The focus is on a more refined and enriching experience rather than large-scale, high-energy entertainment.

Signature Events:

Caviar in the Surf: A unique beach barbecue on select itineraries where staff serve caviar and champagne from a surfboard bar in the water.
Evenings Under the Stars: A lively, open-air dance party on the pool deck.

Enrichment:

Seabourn Conversations: Engaging lectures from guest experts in fields like arts, history, and science.
Expedition Team: On expedition cruises, a dedicated team of scientists, historians, and naturalists provide educational briefings and lead excursions.

Recreation:

A full-service spa with a wide range of treatments (at an additional cost).
Fitness center with complimentary classes (yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi).
A retractable watersports marina on select ships, offering complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
Casino, lounges, and bars with live music.

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Pros

Exceptional Service: The high staff-to-guest ratio ensures attentive, personalized service. Crew members often learn guest names and preferences quickly.
Truly All-Inclusive: The fare covers a significant amount, including premium drinks and gratuities, which simplifies budgeting and allows for a worry-free vacation.
Intimate Atmosphere: The small ship size creates a sociable environment where you're likely to get to know other guests.
Refined Dining: All dining venues are of a high quality, and guests can dine whenever and with whomever they wish.
Unique Itineraries: The small ships can reach secluded ports and offer unique expedition experiences that larger cruise lines cannot.

Cons

High Price Point: The cost of a Seabourn cruise is significantly higher than a mainstream or premium cruise line.
Limited Activities: While the activities are high-quality, the sheer number and variety are less than what you would find on a large resort-style ship. This may not appeal to those who seek constant stimulation.
Not Ideal for Families: Seabourn does not have dedicated children's programs or facilities, making it less suitable for families traveling with children.
Can Feel Quiet: For some, the sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere might feel too quiet, lacking the lively energy found on bigger ships.