0208 248 2355
Questions about your booking? Contact Us
Login
Introducing Seabourn Ovation, the sister-ship to the prestigious Seabourn Encore. Seabourn Ovation represents another stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched. Both ships deliver a wealth of new concepts, a fresh vision and a host of illuminating ideas to delight the world's most discerning travelers.
We joined the Ovation with a degree of trepidation. I'd read lots of reviews about declining standards and the poor condition of the ship. Even looking at sample reviews, it makes no sense that the ship was looking "threadbare" in March 2025 when in August, according to one reviewer, it looked "better than ever! We have cruised with Seabourn many times, originally on the Legend, on all the Sojourn, Quest series to the Encore and Ovation. I'm writing this objective review to set the record straight: If Ovation was showing signs of age in March 2025, somewhere between then and September 2025 Seabourn snuck in a major refurbishment! The only area I thought looked in need of a refresh was our balcony furniture, and even that wasn't too bad. Our room furniture, the carpets everywhere, the restaurants and all the common areas looked great. Not that any company is perfect. I concede the food is probably not the standard it was 10 years ago, but this is true of all the major lines. Where do you go for better in this market segment? The main restaurant was good but not great; service was mostly okay to goodbut occasionally slow. But it was always friendly and, relax, you are on vacation! A common gripe; the standard wine fare is at best mediocre. I'm no wine snob, but I would buy better to sip on a Friday evening. This has definitely got worse over time. Perhaps this is because Seabourn now upsell their "premium" wines much more than they used to. These are a much better selection, but ridiculously overpriced - particularly given you are already paying for all-inclusive. The lunch buffet was good and we appreciated the inclusion of local market produce at some ports. I think Colonnade edges out Silversea's La Terrazza - particularly at breakfast, where the Silversea layout and bustle seems hard work. Oh, and those of you who didn't like the Restaurant not opening for lunch on seadays? It opened on ours. Not that we went, which may be symptomatic of why it doesn't always open! Solis is gimmicky. I'm not a steakhouse fan, but at least with Thomas Keller what you saw was what you got. The food here is focussed on presentation rather than unique taste and is nothing special. However, the restaurant (and bar) do have a nice ambiance. Worth the reservation, if you can get one! The captain and senior officers were visible and approachable and the entertainment staff do their best. Like others writing here, I wasn't wowed by the Seabourn Six (just another version of the 4 singers plus 2 dancers of the past). They are a package supplied to several of the smaller cruise lines under different names by a London production company. The guest entertainment was, for the most part, good. Enrichment lectures were pretty canned and weren't tailored to the trip. It was basically one "historian" "making history relevant for the masses". On a small-port Western-Mediterranean itinerary, there was so much more interesting material that could have been covered. Getting on and off the ship has never been an issue for us on the small ships and it was even slicker this time. With barcodes issued beforehand, checking in was, literally, less than a minute. Will we cruise with Seabourn again? Well, yes, we are on the Pursuit next year. Are they the best? I'd say comparable with Silversea (we have never sailed with Regent); better in some areas, not so good in others. It comes down to personal choice or, in our case, dates and itineraries. When comparing, it is worth noting that on a 19 day cruise for two guests we spent over $3,000 on tours. On Silversea, these are included, but then their prices are typically a little higher. There is really no fair comparison between these ships and Viking or Oceania. I really don't understand why these operators get higher ratings and win more awards. Viking ships accommodate 900 guests and some Oceania ships are bigger. You can't compare them with ships two-thirds the size or less and the entertainment (at least on Viking) is the same standard UK packaged product.
Yet another great Seabourn cruise, this one on the Ovation. The ship, staff and food were all first rate and we really enjoyed the ports of call. While many lines have nice ships, what sets Seabourn apart is the outstanding staff and dining as well as what I call casual luxury. The service is never stuffy and is always friendly and attentive. We love Seabounr's small luxury ships where we never feel crowded. Our cabin on the 7th floor made it very convenient to Seaboun Square and the outstanding coffee bar. Dining in The Restuarant never disappointed. Our one night dining at the Solis as very special. We enevr made it to the Sushi restuarant but heard it is very good. Our cruise director Ross Roberts was outstanding KEY PORTS OF CALL: Amalfi - We took Seabourn's Pompeii excursion which was outstanding. Sicily - We did Seabourn's Godfather excursion, which as fans of the Godfather Trilogy, we found facinating. Malta - a beatiful and historic country. Don't miss St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the blue water caves. Corsica - We did the Napoleon walking tour - this was not our favorite, We could have easily covered the same ground on our own. Overall this was an outstanding Seabourn cruise experience
I am on board the Seabourn Ovation now with my wife and other family. The ship looks better than ever and everything has been outstanding! Literally the ship looks brand new. As far as entertainment goes I think Ross Roberts is one of the best cruise directors and always ensures an incredible entertainment agenda. His sail away and deck parties have rocked so far. He is such a talented guy. A cruise director can really make or break a cruise and Ross always makes cruises so special. Not sure I am a fan of the Seabourn Six concept and choices of talent. Giving the benefit of the doubt. Seabourn has always impressed with their singers. The entertainment director, Bruno and duo in the Observation lounge all have amazing talent and voices. The in house band is remarkably good. I noticed some enhancements with the Colonnade buffets for the better with regards to selection and presentation. The staff has been so attentive with special thanks to bar waitress Sharell and Marcia. The dining room waiter Ariel is incredible and could not be more kind and attentive. Our suite is extremely well maintained and stateroom service has been perfection. Have dined so far at Solis, Earth & Ocean, rib night at Colonnade and the dining room. All venues have had great service and food is universally incredible. Room service has been prompt and I noticed that presentation has improved.
Being a long time cruiser - mainly with Celebrity - and no stranger to the Retreat on Celebrity - the experience on Seabourn blew me away - a cut above the rest. The ship - in size and clientele were amazing - the crew attentive, the food - phenomenal. If I had my choice this would be my continuum. The one caveat - the excursions - very pricey - and not worth the money spent - a few of them were so awful and the cruise line refused any leeway on it despite numerous passengers complaining. Overall an amazing experience and would not hesitate for a minute to rebook another advneture on a seabourn ship. A very nice touch was the attentiveness to solo travelers - and the way they host tables by the entertainment staff or a crew member. ttention to detail appreciated. Cudos to Seabourn for making an amazing journey
An evolution of Seabourn’s oceangoing fleet, this ultra-luxury ship offers 13 categories of oceanfront suites with private verandas, capacity for 600 guests, one additional deck, and an enhanced and central common living space with a reimagined Seabourn Square. Suites range in size from 251 to 1,306 square feet of indoor space, with verandas adding an additional 68 to 960 square feet of outdoor living area. All suites offer sweeping ocean views through the glass doors of their verandas.
Seabourn Ovation is operated with all-inclusive deals, and provides the best choice of dining venues (all complimentary) and open-bar lounges. Guests dine when, where, and with whom they wish. The design of Ovation features contemporary spaces created by the Adam Tihany’s company, including ship's Main Dining Room and the club-like Seabourn Square lounge area.
Expand your horizons in our library, at a port lecture or at one of our many inspiring enrichment programs. To encourage and enhance this satisfying aspect of your Seabourn voyage, we invite luminaries of particular interest and accomplishment to join our guests on board – and bring fascinating insights, expert opinions and delightfully entertaining diversions to the conversation.
The ambiance of Seabourn Ovation is relaxed, with a sheer activities’ variety. Most sailings feature the Seabourn line’s Caviar in Surf Beach Barbecue or Marina Days, when you can go kayaking or sailing right from ship. Seabourn cruise line’s service is ranked the best on the luxury cruising market – highly personalized and attentive. Tipping is not expected.
Seabourn’s spa and fitness facilities have repeatedly been named the Favorite Spas at Sea by the readers of SpaFinder.com. They offer a wide spectrum of massages, facials and beauty treatments, blending traditional practices from around the world with the most up-to-date techniques. Seabourn’s spas are suitable for guests wishing to maintain a personal fitness regime or discover a new one. A well-equipped ocean-view gym and Motion Studio is staffed by professional fitness trainers, and a full-service salon for men and women complement the spas.
Please note: Seabourn Ovation does not offer any dedicated Kids & Teens facilities.
