Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Seabourn describe their Expedition voyages as ‘an ultra luxury Safari at Sea’ and Sarah from our Ipswich Branch recently visited Seabourn Quest, whilst she was docked near the Cutty Sark in London, to sample Seabourn luxury for herself, and to find out more about their amazing Expedition experiences.
Sarah arrived in style, “We stepped onboard one of the River Pontoon Boats to take us to the Ship, which was lovely as you got great views of the O2 Arena and the Cutty Sark Maritime Museum, plus it was a gorgeous sunny day.”
Seabourn takes travellers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including lesser-known ports and hideaways. With five Ocean Cruising ships and two new Expedition ships, their fleet of modern, small-ship vessels offer an exclusive, private yacht-like atmosphere with capacities ranging from just 264 to 600 guests. Seabourn Quest is an Odyssey-class Ocean Cruising ship, “With the Ship only holding 458 passengers I thought it would be quite small,” explains Sarah, “but I was so wrong! There are 7 bars and lounges, a casino, spa, gym, 2 outdoor pools, 6 whirlpools and the list just goes on - who would have thought the ship would have all these facilities for such a small number of passengers!”
The onboard experience is all about anticipating and exceeding customers’ expectations, “The decor was lovely and modern, with all the staff being so friendly and welcoming” explains Sarah, “every suite receives a complimentary bottle of bubbles and those who aren't drinkers are well-catered for too with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.”
Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Andrew Weil to deliver their pioneering Mindful Living Programme onboard. This offers holistic physical and spiritual well-being at sea with orientations, seminars and classes during the voyage, rejuvenating both the mind and body whilst exploring new horizons.
Seabourn is also a proud member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic societies devoted to the art of fine dining, and each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open seating, encouraging you to explore all the culinary options available whilst onboard.
Even the itineraries are carefully considered with the customer in mind, “For their Mediterranean programme you are in a different port each day, whereas some other cruise lines you have multiple days at Sea,” explains Sarah, “I think this is definitely a bonus for customers because not everyone likes too many sea days!”
In 2022 Seabourn redefined expedition travel with their first ultra-luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, followed by Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. The world class Expedition Team deliver hand-crafted itineraries encompassing the Amazon, Antarctic, Arctic, Australia and South Pacific, immersing the luxury traveller in the wildlife, culture and history of these coveted and unique destinations. Guests enjoy inclusive experiences at every stop, such as excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks, and snorkelling, with some amazing optional extras for a once in a lifetime trip, “When we were onboard we had a Presentation about the Expedition side and I was wowed by their onboard 6-seater Submarines,” says Sarah, “this is a true bucket list experience!”
“It’s the little touches for me that make Seabourn a great company to cruise with,” concludes Sarah. To find out more about Seabourn’s portfolio of luxury cruises, contact your local branch.
