by Wendy Fougner
Seabourn Cruises is a
luxury cruise line with smaller ships that allow for a more personal
experience. A Seabourn ship is like a private club, where members share
expansive open decks, inviting social spaces, and the personalized attention of
an exceptional crew. From the moment you first step aboard Seabourn, you’ll be
part of an exclusive circle, the privileged few, who have discovered the true
joys of yachting.
Each cruise is a
hand-picked collection of fascinating places, and each day brings a new
opportunity for authentic discovery – another chance to explore your world in a
personal and meaningful way. It is supremely relaxing to be looked after by
thoughtful hosts, whose knack for anticipating what you might like borders on
the clairvoyant.
Seabourn suites are
thoughtfully appointed and inviting, designed as homes away from home with room
to unwind or entertain. You have the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow
guests in a carefree atmosphere, where no one has to pick up the tab.
In 2011, I had the
opportunity to appreciate their service on a seventeen day cruise that started
in Singapore and ended in Dubai. If you are a couple looking for casual
elegance with opportunities to get acquainted with wonderful and interesting
people over the course of your trip, then Seabourn is perfect for you.
The cruise was spent
aboard the Seabourn Spirit. The ship was absolutely beautiful and they went to
great lengths to keep everything ship shape, whether it be polishing the brass
or painting the exterior. The suites on the Seabourn Spirit are a throwback to
the great ocean liners of the past combining modern conveniences with the old
world charm of ocean travel. With plenty of room (277 to 575 sq. ft.), they provide
a haven of sophisticated luxury. While wandering around the ship, all the staff
greeted me by name. It didn’t matter where I was they knew my name, which added
a nice personal touch and made the journey seem all the more special.
The food, the wine and
the cocktails...they were not only included, but incredible. There were two
main dining areas: The Restaurant and the Veranda Café. The food was designed
by Executive Chef Rajat Adhikary and provided diners the option of innovative,
yet more traditional, cuisine, avant-garde creations, casual fare on deck or
course-by-course dining in your suite. My favourite dining experience was the
Veranda Café. It was wonderful to eat outdoors and enjoy the warm breezes while
enjoying the scenery. In the evenings, the twinkling lights of the fishing
boats provided just the right touch of ambiance.
In addition to the
terminal ports of Singapore and Dubai, our journey took us to Penang, Cochin,
Mangalore, Mumbai, Muscat, and Oman. Each city had its own special highlights
and charms, however, my personal favourites were Oman and Cochin.
Cochin had a great feel
about it that made me realize I would like to go back and stay there for an
extended period of time. It was vibrant and alluring. The shops and restaurants
were very cool and funky, and the hotels looked inviting. The city was very
lively with lots of young travelers. Cochin just had this energy surrounding it
that makes you want to return.
As for Oman, I loved it
because while it was traditional, for example the attire, there were aspects
that were nontraditional, such as the embroidery on the outfits. The city was
welcoming, clean, and unique, and I really enjoyed my time exploring and
getting a sense of the region.
Overall, I would
recommend cruises like those offered by Seabourn for individuals interested in
“casual elegance” and looking to meet other couples who are of like mind. You
get a wonderful variety of people on the ship, and get to know them over the
duration of the cruise.
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