Expert review of Seabourn
Best For
Couples or friends traveling in pairs who like customized service, such as personalized stationery and private shore excursions. If you prefer ports where few ships go, Seabourn is for you.
Not For
Families, since children are not encouraged to sail. Formal travelers who love black-tie events should look elsewhere — Seabourn's take on luxury is a casual one.
We Love
- In addition to three all-suite ships, Seabourn recently added the larger Sojourn (with 450-passenger capacity) and the new expedition ship, Quest.
- The new spa suites offer direct access to the spa, which is considered the best at sea. Yoga and Pilates are free of charge here, and the treatments are worth the fees.
- Most of Seabourn's itineraries offer a Marina Day, in which the crew unfurls a marina complete with a cage that’s plunked into the sea to create a saltwater pool and water toys, including kayaks and pedal boats.
- Fine wine and Champagne are included, as is dinner in any venue, including the fine dining Restaurant 2.
- On some sailings, the captain and stewards wade in and serve caviar and Champagne on surfboards in their whites.
- Complimentary mini-massages are offered on deck.
- The use of outdoor space is genius, from movies on deck to dancing under the stars and outdoor wine tastings.
- These ships can dock in smaller ports, like the mouth of a fjord or Kotor, Montenegro.
- Seabourn’s private excursions program offers special access, like a private tour of Peggy Guggenheim’s museum in Venice or a czar’s palace in St. Petersburg.
We Could Live Without
- Internet access is not free.
- The best shore excursions book up before passengers even board the ship — which means you have to pick tours months in advance.
