With jets whisking the time-poor, must-have-it-now generation to every corner of the world, did we think the idea of boarding a slow old boat would sink beneath the waves?
No weigh, as we seafarers say.
The shipping lanes today are almost as full with shiny bright craft as the air routes are.
Perhaps not to reach your next business meeting but for cruising, they just can’t build enough of them. Large or small? Which is best? The debate continues with plenty of eager starters in every class.
At the luxury level, one of our favourite lines has always been Seabourn. (We love little touches like the watersports marina from the back of the ship and the Caviar in the Surf where crew in full uniforms waist deep in water serve champagne to guests in their swimsuits.)
Now they have some news for us.
Seabourn started in 1988 with Seabourn Pride an all-suite, 208 guest vessel.
At the heart of the fleet now are Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest all serving up to 450 guests.
Two smaller ships, Seabourn Legend and Spirit leave the fleet and the brand new Seabourn Encore and Ovation arrive in 2016 and in 2018 respectively.
They are similar to the Odyssey Class trio but with an additional deck and expanded public areas. Extra staff will maintain the present high crew/guest ratio. Famed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany is on board.
Introducing the new ships Mark Kammerer VP International Marketing and Sales said: “Seabourn will have the youngest fleet in the ultra luxe market.”
And it is not just the glittering hardware that impresses.
“Guests determine what they do. The ship adapts. The crew is almost inside your head as they plan how they can serve you. The most popular phrase after guests experience the Seabourn service is ‘Now I know what you’ve been talking about’ That’s what we work for”.
Find out where the waves can take you at www.seabourn.com
