If you’re looking for a cruise experience that quite literally offers it all, then I’d like to introduce you to Seabourn Ovation, the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet. She’s sleek, sophisticated and she’s ready to sail you to some of the worlds most incredible destinations, all in ultimate luxury.

Seabourn Ovation From Top To Bottom

The Retreat

This canopy covered relaxation area offers private cabanas that can be hired for the day and each comes with a large TV, sofa, iPad and Bluetooth headphones. The outside space for each cabana offers a private dining area with chairs and 2 sun loungers. At the heart of The Retreat is a large whirlpool.

Observation Bar

Located on Deck 11 forward, this gorgeous space offers panoramic views and is open for early morning coffee and late-night cocktails.

The Spa at Seabourn

Seabourn Ovation boasts the largest spa facility of any luxury cruise ship and although I’m not a spa person, I was genuinely impressed. There’s a sauna, steam rooms, thermal area, large hydro-pool, gym, barbershop, salon and motion studio. Seabourn’s partnership with Dr Andrew Weil also means guests can enjoy a mindful living programme (additional costs apply) that encompasses physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being.

The Colonnade

This is Seabourn Ovation’s rather lavish buffet area where guests can dine inside or out on the open deck. It was possibly the nicest buffet restaurant I’ve seen on any ship and whatever they were cooking up in the galley smelled amazing.

Pool Patio
My absolute favourite space. This open deck features a swimming pool, 2 whirlpool spas, sun loungers, cabanas, a stage for live music, gelato bar and Patio Bar. On a warm and sunny day, you’d find me there, I wouldn’t move. One thing I’ve always loved about Seabourn ships is the mid-ship pool area.

The Grill by Thomas Keller

This dining venue serves signature dishes by 3 times awarded Michelin Star chef Thomas Keller. There’s no charge to dine here, but you are required to make a reservation. The menu looked very tempting and resembled that of a fine steakhouse. It’s not pretentious, it is just good quality food cooked and served in a way you’d expect from a fine dining venue.

Sushi

Another no charge speciality dining option and a rather unique and intimate space. Guests don’t need to make a reservation here and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Bento boxes are offered at lunchtime, but evening options include sushi, sashimi and a kaiseki ryori with Japanese beer.

Seabourn Square

Seabourn Square replaces the typical reception area and instead offers a “living room” style space that offers a little bit of everything. In this space, you’ll find individual desk that play host to Guest Services Specialists who are on hand to answer just about every question you could possibly have. There are also computer stations, walls lined with books and a table filled with magazines and newspapers. You’ll also find a coffee bar serving speciality coffees, gelato, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, and a large boutique that is filled with jewellery and precious stones.

Grand Salon

This is Seabourn Ovation’s main showroom and it can accommodate all 600 of her guests at the same time. Lectures, movies, cooking demonstrations and more are offered here daily.

The Club

This is a great spot of afternoon tea (specific days) and pre-dinner drinks. In the evening, a DJ offers a selection of songs to keep you dancing until the late hours. The open deck beyond The Club features a plunge pool and 2 whirlpool spas. The Casino is part of The Club.

The Restaurant

Seabourn Ovation’s main dining venue and what a stunning space it is. It’s large enough to accommodate all guests and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on an open-seating basis. I enjoyed a 3-course meal here during my time onboard and it was delicious. My soup was served from a jug and the gelato and chocolate sauce I had for dessert was out of this world. I know, it’s only ice cream and sauce, but it was amazingly good.

Seabourn Ovation – My Views

First impressions were good, onboard impressions were excellent and lasting impressions…well, I was browsing the Seabourn website earlier. I suppose that says it all.

I’m yet to have the pleasure of fully immersing myself in the entire Seabourn experience, but just being onboard for a few hours was enough of a taster to leave me wanting more. I’d like to try water sports from the marina, watch the sunset from her bow and simply enjoy all the extra and personal touches that come with luxury small-ship cruising – the guest to crew ratio is 1:1, so you can imagine the level of personal service that is offered.

LOVE the atrium. It soars from Deck 4 right up to Deck 10 and it is stunning.

DON’T LOVE the canopy above The Retreat. The space is very intimate, and each cabana is beautifully designed, but from a personal point of view, the canopy blocks out too much sun.

2018 marks Seabourn’s 30^th anniversary. You can read more about the history of this unique cruise line on the Seabourn website.