Seabourn Odyssey Offers More Activities, Same Caring Service

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Seeking to make your own odyssey by visiting new worldwide spots before returning home — yet without undergoing the trials of the legendary Odysseus? The Yachts of Seabourn continues to waft its passengers to ports in expanded comfort and glamour aboard its newest vessel, the Seabourn Odyssey. 

"Our crew is what brings passengers back again and again," said Pamela Conover, president of The Yachts of Seabourn at the Seabourn Odyssey's U.S. debut. The ship, the first of three yachts the line is building that departs from its previous smaller ships, carries 450 passengers instead of 208.

"We've tripled the size of the ships but only doubled the number of passengers each carries," said Bruce Good, the line's spokesman.

Why increase the space when Travel and Leisure readers voted the line The World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line in 2009? It seems the passengers wanted more restaurant choices, a larger pool and more veranda options, Good said. The luxurious decor, elegant dining and legendary service continue to attract its loyal repeaters — mostly North American retirees sprinkled with middle-aged affluent techie-type passengers who prefer not to sail with thousands of other passengers.

Certain to appeal is The Spa at Seabourn, at 11,400 square feet touted as the largest spa aboard ultra luxury-class cruise ships. Among its equipment is the cutting-edge kinesis wall. Passengers might reserve an hour or a half-day at one of the spa villas, where a couple or two may retain the area for double treatments, featuring a double tub and daybed.

The ship retained its popular onboard Watersports Marina, where sea-kayaking and water-skiing activities are launched. More sedentary types will find a card room for bridge, along with a casino.

But lots more busyness occurs at Seabourn Square. Open 24 hours, it's part library, part computer center, part European-style coffeehouse. It's a warm space, featuring crushed-velvet seats. Look down as you enter and spot the unusual zebra-wood floors

Afternoon tea remains a formal affair, with musical accompaniment, linen napery and fabulous sugar-free options. For serious eating, the main dining room is still dubbed The Restaurant. There you'll find simple elegance, with flowing white sheer curtains and columns of illuminated white glass set off with gold leather upholstery. The stars here are the gorgeously presented and tasty dishes, garnished to the nth degree. Dishes are developed under the capable hands of Chef Charlie Palmer, a two-time James Beard Award-winner. Don't be surprised if the crew member who escorts you into the room knows your name by the second day.

Far more dramatic is Restaurant 2, decorated in crisscrossed black and white with scarlet damask seating. This is the scene of creative tasting menus. The popular Colonnade has been expanded with indoor and outdoor self-service. Its deck is an ideal spot for dining while sailing into or leaving port. Complimentary wine and bar drinks are included throughout the cruises, and tipping is neither required nor expected.

After dinner, you might head for the Grand Salon, now a proper show lounge. Here the talented quartet of singers and dancers present a rousing selection of show tunes, including contemporary fare that will appeal to younger passengers.

At day's end you'll appreciate the details of your cabin. The 225 cabins — all suites — are appointed with rich fabrics of chocolate and pearly velvet. Storage space is major, and cabinetry is masterful with mitered light wood. Wi-Fi access is available and personalized stationery and calling cards await your arrival. The bar and refrigerator are prestocked with your favorites.

Each sleek bathroom features a marble floor, granite counter, large tub and separate shower with its own glass door plus Molton Brown toiletries. Verandas attached to 90 percent of the suites are more spacious than on the smaller ships. A warm bath selected from a bathing menu adds to the sybaritic experience.

A variety of larger suites beckons, including the Signature Suite and the Owner's Suite, which add glass dining tables and can host family or business groups. Seabourn ships are chartered 20 percent of the time, said Good, often by celebrities that include Oprah Winfrey. The decor is usually in lush ruby red or chocolate brown velvet. The most astonishing are the Wintergarden Suites. Not only does the stunning bathroom boast a round bathtub for two, but another tub sits in a separate compartment beside floor-to-ceiling windows so that the occupant can enjoy the passing waterscape.

Because of the small size, this ship can enter ports off-limits to larger vessels. On the few Caribbean cruises starting at 12 days, the Seabourn Odyssey visits ports such as the Grenadines and Jost Van Dyke. It is currently cruising around the world. Passengers can experience the scenery by standing on the prow or, if the sun is too fierce, get comfortable in the Observation Bar, a marine blue/glass green lounge.

At the various ports unexpected treats appear: caviar and champagne may be presented by tuxedoed servers appearing in the surf as passengers loll on beach chaises or guests may be transported to an ancient abbey where a professional string quartet entertains with a classical selection.

The Seabourn Odyssey will spend the summer of 2010 in the Mediterranean Sea region.

IF YOU GO

For information, call The Yachts of Seabourn, 800-929-9391, or visit www.seabourn.com.

Photo 1: The Watersports Marina, located at the stern of the Seabourn Odyssey, provides sea-kayaking and water-skiing activities at selected ports for active passengers. Photo courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn. (end caption)

Photo 2: Complimentary champagne flows freely on the Seabourn Odyssey, even in the ship's whirlpools or from the tropical surf. Photo courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn. (end caption2)

Photo 3: Meals on the Seabourn Odyssey, under the supervision of award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer, are extremely tasty and exquisitely garnished. Photo courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn. (end caption3)

Molly Arost Staub is a freelance travel writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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