SEABOURN CRUISE LINE

Seabourn Cruise Line (based in Miami, Florida), was founded in 1987 by a group of Norwegian investors, including industrialist Atle Brynestad, whose aim was to build the most luxurious yacht-like cruise ships ever constructed. Its first ultra-luxury ship, the all-suite 10,000-ton, 208-guest Seabourn Pride made her debut in November 1988, to be followed a year later by sister ship, Seabourn Spirit. In 1996, a third identical sister ship was purchased from Royal Cruise Line. Built from the same plans, at the same shipyard as her twin sisters, Seabourn Legend, which began her life as Royal Viking Queen and later sailed as Queen Odyssey for Royal Cruise Line( Royal Viking and Royal Cruise Line were both Kloster owned lines).

Seabourn's newest generation of ships Seabourn Odyssey(2009) and Seabourn Soujourn(2010) take Seabourn's style of inclusive luxury cruising to a whole new level. Even more spacious and accommodating, these ships offer unrivaled luxury accomodations, a multitude of fine dining options taking Seabourn's legendary level of attentitive personal service to all new heights.

Seabourn Cruise Line is a wholly owned brand of Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL), and it operated the Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit as "The Yachts of Seabourn". In 2000, the company invested $25 million dollars in major refurbishment of all three ships, including the addition of balconies to 36 suites on each ship. Rather than reduce the 277-square-foot inside space of the Seabourn suites, the company elected to install sliding glass doors leading to a small, step-out balcony that allows for sunlight, fresh air and views along the ship's side to guests. The seating area of the suite essentially becomes a private sun area, complete with a clever convertible table for in-suite dining.

In 2002, the line initiated a series of enhancements to the onboard product that began with the re-introduction of an open-bar policy throughout the ships. Not only are fine wines and spirits stocked in the in-suite bars to guests' requests, they are offered gratis throughout the cruise, including French champagnes from the House of Heidsieck.  This change has enhanced the club-like atmosphere on board. Dinner menus are now designed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer. Complimentary soaps from Bijan, Bronnley, Hermès, Channel and L'Occitaine, are joined by toiletries from Molton Brown, including a menu of therapeutic bathing preparations called Pure Pampering. The line also added free Massage Moments and a complimentary massage on deck. Exclusively Seabourn shoreside experience in one port of call on each cruise.  An enhanced program of treatments and services dubbed The Spa at Seabourn, were added, as well. Entertainment programs were upgraded by addition of innovative ideas, such as nighttime Movies Under the Stars on deck, with freshly popped popcorn.

The Yachts of Seabourn
The Yachts of Seabourn offer nine categories of suites, six of which are identical in size and amenities except for location and whether they feature balconies or five-foot picture windows. Double Suites, Classic Suites and Owners Suites are larger, and some also feature private verandas. The Yachts of Seabourn are distinguished by offering the highest levels of food and service afloat. Aboard the Yachts of Seabourn, an average of two evenings on a seven-day cruise are designated as formal in the open-seating restaurant, with most male guests wearing tuxedoes and women in formal gowns or cocktail dresses. The balance of evenings are designated "elegant casual," with jackets, but not ties, requested for gentlemen. An alternative indoor/outdoor Veranda Café serves bistro-style dinners nightly to casually-dressed guests. Frequent on-deck meals and linen-and-silver "beach barbecues" (often with caviar and champagne "in the surf"), are highlights of warm weather itineraries.

Dining
Culinary pleasures aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend can be high drama, as celebrity chef Charlie Palmer unveils his latest creations. The softly lit ambiance is enchanting. For casual dining, try the Veranda Cafe's bistro and theme dinners, enjoy an al fresco grill luncheon on deck, or a sumptuous special dinner under the stars. An impressive selection of complimentary wines is always offered with lunch and dinner.

Course-by-course in-suite dining is also offered.

"Signature Series" Shore Excursions
Seabourn has extended its tradition of creating hallmark optional shoreside experiences for its guests. These include privileged access to historic and cultural sites when they are not open to the public, fanciful balloon flights over picturesque places and culinary adventures, such as meals and tastings in celebrated locations near the ports of call. Taken together, they provide Seabourn's guests with a virtual backstage pass to the world.

Exclusively Seabourn Shoreside Experiences
Seabourn has created a unique series of complimentary shoreside experiences created exclusively for its guests. There are invitation-only events using local expertise and insights to allow exceptional, personalized experiences of one port of call on every cruise. Often, they include private entry to museums or other local institutions, with interpretation by curators, cultural or folkloric performances, sampling of local cuisine or invitations to visit local dignitaries in their private residences.

Guests
Seabourn's guests average 59 years old. They are affluent, sophisticated and generally well-traveled. Single guests like the line because of generous single-occupancy policies and thoughtful social attention by the staff on board. No programs are offered for children.

Theme Cruises
Seabourn's "Dress Circle" enrichment program features notable guest speakers on such topics as politics, the arts, food, wine and film.

Destinations
The Seabourn Yachts are able to access small harbors and navigate rivers to bring their guests in close proximity to unusual destinations

French Riviera, Greece, Turkey, Black Sea, Mediterranean, Dalmatian Coast, Italy, France, Scandinavia & Russia, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, New England & Canada, Colonial America, Mediterranean, Egypt & Arabian Sea, Africa, Riviera, Spain, the Caribbean, South America, Caribbean, Panama Canal & Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia & India,Thailand & Vietnam, Amazon, South America, Panama Canal, East Asia, Arabian & Red Sea, Rivers of Western Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Transatlantic.

Experience ultra-luxury cruising "as you like it," Seabourn style.