Seabourn, which sold its smaller vessels to Windstar Cruises, has announced the names of its newbuilds launching next year and in 2018.
Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation will be evolutions of the line’s very successful Odyssey-class ships (Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest), which were introduced between 2009 and 2011 at three times the size of the earlier vessels. I was onboard an early sailing of the Odyssey, and I watched the conversion of doubtful Seabourn repeat passengers into enthusiastic fans of the elegance and sheer beauty of the larger ship and its heart, Seabourn Square.
Encore and Ovation’s interior is being created by hospitality design star Adam D. Tihany, a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame who was named one of the greatest American interior architects by The New York Times in 2001. His work has also been recognized by the Fashion Institute of Technology and the James Beard Foundation.
Tihany says his concept responds to the fact that Seabourn’s guests occupy the ship for at least a week, while discovering new sights and experiences, and he is making sure that happens on the ships as well.
“I realized how much of Seabourn’s overall product is dedicated to satisfying guests’ appetites for surprise,” Tihany said. “From planning itineraries and cuisine to their style of service, Seabourn is always focused on surpassing expectations and eliciting the sort of delight that results from the unexpected.”
Encore and Ovation will be somewhat larger than the Odyssey-class vessels without diminishing Seabourn’s generous space ratio. The ships will be designed with an additional deck and an increased capacity of 150 more passengers to carry a total of 604 guests each. All suites will have private verandas, and public areas will be expanded.
During her maiden season in 2016, the Encore will sail the Middle East and India; Southeast Asia; and Australia and New Zealand.
The Details
Seabournhttp://encore.seabourn.com
