With 300 modern suites, Seabourn Ovation proves smaller than the average vessel, only clocking in at 690 feet long and 92 feet wide. But what the elegant Adam Tihany-designed cruise lacks in size, it more than makes up for in entertainment, dining, adventure and relaxation.
Oscar- and Tony-winning musical theater lyricist Tim Rice collaborated with Seabourn to create a show. Savor American fare from respected chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry fame at his onboard restaurants. Take advantage of the ship’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites excursions — Seabourn serves as the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage — to get immersed in local culture and history. Then at night, retire to your luxuriously appointed suite, where a personal suite steward can stock your bar with complimentary wines or spirits according to your preferences, draw you a special Molton Brown bath or field any other request you may have.
Journey from Copenhagen to Reykjavik on a seven-, 14- or 21-day cruise for excursions that include visiting the small communities of Lofoten in the Norwegian Sea to learn about Vikings, observing nature and wildlife on Storstappen Island in Norway and exploring Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon in Iceland.
- One absolute must while aboard the ship is a meal at The Grill by Thomas Keller. The menu features table-side Caesar salad, steak, lobster thermidor, creamed spinach and ice cream sundaes. Be sure to order the seven-layer coconut cake for dessert. Keep in mind that while dinner is complimentary, each guest can only reserve one spot. The ship recommends booking prior to departure.
- The Grand Wintergarden Suite, the largest and most luxurious accommodation, comes with a spacious veranda, two bedrooms, a spa tub and double vanity, a sitting room, a pantry with wet bar, a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed, and private dining room seating up to six guests.
- On the wellness side, Seabourn partnered with Dr. Andrew Weil, a bestselling author and trailblazer in integrative medicine. Weil helped add an onboard “mindful living coach,” a certified yoga and meditation practitioner who hosts seminars and classes during the voyage.
- Escape into The Retreat, a secluded alfresco area of the ship with 15 private cabana "living rooms" for relaxing. Each cabana comes with a specially stocked mini fridge, a large HD flat-screen television and the option to have a personalized spa treatment there. Emerge from your private hideaway to take a dip in the whirlpool or sidle up to the bar for another drink and friendly conversation.
- Don’t miss the ship's signature event, Caviar on the Surf. The shore-side extravaganza starts with friendly staff serving you ice-cold glass of champagne and bumps of caviar from a surfboard in the sea. Afterward, dry off and enjoy a barbecue under tents with live music.
- The Club has hues of raspberry and grape, highlighted by honey brown and gold, giving it the feel of a hip club, but also a place for ladies who lunch. Visit this swank lounge in the afternoon for high tea service, and then come back after hours to dance and take in the nightlife vibe.
- Spend day and night at the pool, sprawled out on a chaise lounge on the expansive sundeck. The area offers shaded places to enjoy the outdoors, roomy cabanas, two large whirlpool spas, and The Patio for a bite and drink. Stay after the sun sets for live music and dancing on the nearby stage or a moonlit dip in the water.
- Use Technogym equipment in the fitness center for cardio and strength training, with or without a personal trainer. Join in the complimentary yoga, Pilates and tai chi classes.
- Though the casual dining option onboard, The Colonnade features dinners influenced by chef Keller's American childhood, meaning family-style platters of baked clams, barbecue ribs and New York-style cheesecake. The menu changes each night, wine pairings are available and reservations can be made once on the cruise.
- The observation lounge is one of the best places to take in the view while sipping a cup of coffee or a craft cocktail. White leather chairs and sea glass accents add to the natural hues of the ocean outside, and long, ash-colored couches give the space a friendly, meet-your-shipmates vibe.
