Enjoying the champagne lifestyle of Seabourn's Ovation

Rose, Branch Manager of our Ringwood store, enjoyed a 5-night cruise onboard Seabourn’s Ovation this autumn. Flying to Nice, she had a 25 minute transfer to Monte Carlo and took a tender out to this floating palace, surely one of the most glamorous and exciting ways to start a holiday, as you journey over cobalt seas towards your glinting ship.

Ovation has 300 cabins, and a capacity of just 600 guests, and is testament to Seabourn’s objective of intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere. “There is an elegant and relaxed vibe with a personal and refined service,” confirms Rose. If you fear that a ship with just 600-passenger capacity will be low on facilities, then you’d be mistaken - this ship has a spa, a hair salon, casino, lounge, bars, fitness centre and Discovery Centre for presentations. At the heart of the ship is Seabourn Square, which they describe as the ‘living room’ of the ship.

This sociable space is an open, comfortable environment in which to enjoy a barista coffee, light snacks, or ship-made gelato, mingling with fellow guests, having a bit of down time or chatting with Guest Services. The adjoining library provides a quiet place to browse the onboard books or catch up with the news. “There are plenty of sunbeds and seating areas around the pool,” says Rose, “as well as lots of places to relax inside with a drink and a book.”

For an additional charge The Retreat is available, with its fifteen private cabanas which are bookable daily. Designed as individual luxury living rooms, they are located round a central whirlpool with sun loungers and a dedicated concierge on hand to cater for every need.

The staff in general are exceptional says Rose, “They are very attentive and friendly - nothing was ever too much trouble, and they remembered what you liked to drink and replenished without the need to ask.” The cruise is inclusive of all food and drinks, and caviar and champagne are served freely at any time for that touch of super-luxury. “I especially enjoyed caviar and champagne being delivered to my cabin pre-dinner,” says Rose, “and my favourite drinks would have to be any of the signature cocktails served in Solis!” Unusually for cruising, tipping is ‘neither required or expected’ according to Seabourn’s website, which makes their inclusive pricing even more inclusive!

Of the forty or so photos that Rose took onboard Seabourn Ovation, nearly half of them were of the food! This is testament to the world-class dining available with Seabourn, that rivals the finest restaurants anywhere on land. “There is an abundance of dining options for this comparatively small ship,” confirms Rose. Seabourn offer inclusive dining at all venues, and do not dictate any seating times or plans – dine when you want, where and with whom you want on a day-to-day basis:

SOLIS features Mediterranean fine dining with rotating menus based on the local specialities, “This was my favourite,” says Rose, “The explanation and recommendations of the menu options was amazing.”

THE RESTAURANT is the main dining venue for classic refined elegance.

SUSHI features fresh authentic sushi and sashimi

EARTH & OCEAN for enjoying dinner served poolside by candlelight.

COLONNADE with its open kitchen, for regionally themed bistro style dinners from the buffet or table service.

At the end of each day you return replete to one of 300 suites, that span thirteen grade categories, each with their own private glass-doored veranda for expansive sea views. “I had a V4 Veranda Suite, situated midship,” says Rose. “It was very spacious with the biggest bathroom in a standard balcony cabin that I have ever seen. It housed a bath with shower, 2 sinks, toilet and a full shower cubicle with ample space to move around in. The main cabin area featured a large king-size bed, walk in wardrobe with masses of hangers and vast amounts of drawer space throughout the cabin. A large sofa and glass dining table and chairs were available, and the fridge was permanently stocked with soft drinks. If spirits were required they were delivered to your cabin in litre bottles!” Seabourn also have their own Molton Brown signature toiletries, provided as standard in each room, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion - one less thing to pack.

Seabourn offer a range of optional shore excursions, categorised into 7 themes: Cultural – the arts, ideas and history of places; Bespoke – customisable options with private drivers and guides; Adventure – active destination experiences; Mindful Living – shoreside experiences for a peaceful life; Epicurean – featuring the unique flavours of each destination; Essential – introductory experiences such as guided walking tours and general interest; and Journeys – pre, post and mid cruise overland experiences of 2-13 days. Rose’s voyage stopped at Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, Sete, Alicante and Palma, and she took advantage of a great benefit of smaller ship cruising, “We wandered around all the ports independently, as the joy of a smaller ship allows docking with immediate access to ports of call and you can just explore yourself if you wish.”

Seabourn has been reinventing small-ship ultra-luxury cruising for over 35 years and have succeed in their goal of creating the relaxed elegance of private yachts. “The service and standards onboard are fantastic, yet it’s very relaxed and friendly.” confirms Rose.

If you would like to discuss a Seabourn cruise please contact your local branch. You can find Rose at Ringwood.