Seabourn is known for its ultra-luxury cruising experience, offering both comfort, personalized service, and world-class amenities. With a fleet of intimate, elegantly designed ships, the line has cultivated a reputation for delivering all-inclusive journeys that focus on fine dining, unique destinations, and exceptional hospitality.
This ranking highlights the pros and cons of each ship in Seabourn’s fleet, helping you pick your ideal luxury cruise.
How I Ranked Seabourn’s Fleet
To rank Seabourn’s fleet, I gathered insights from a wide range of sources. Cruise forums like CruiseCritic and CruiseLine provided detailed accounts from experienced cruisers, while TripAdvisor added a wider range of reviews.
Platforms such as Instagram and Twitter offered real-time traveler insights, giving a direct look at how guests felt about their cruise experience. Together, these resources created a well-rounded view of what each ship offers.
Seabourn Sojourn
Maiden Voyage: 2010
Capacity: 458 passengers, 340 crew
Signature Features: Seabourn Square lounge, all-suite accommodations with verandas, The Colonnade casual-to-formal dining, Solis Mediterranean restaurant, luxurious whirlpools and relaxation alcoves.
Starting Price: $2,800 pp (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Seabourn Sojourn has been delighting luxury cruisers for over a decade with its boutique charm and thoughtful amenities. Designed to offer an upscale and intimate experience, the ship combines the feel of a private yacht with all the conveniences of a world-class cruise liner. Passengers can enjoy a luxurious atmosphere where it’s easy to connect with other cruisers and form friendships, all while sipping some champagne.
What sets Seabourn Sojourn apart is its Seabourn Square, a relaxing haven that redefines the concept of a cruise ship lobby. This inviting space allows guests to mingle over a cappuccino, browse books, or plan excursions with the assistance of guest services. Dining is equally exceptional, with venues like The Restaurant offering mouthwatering meals and a la carte room service delivered course by course.
Sojourn shines in combining cultural experiences with comfort. Expert-led enrichment lectures from the Ventures by Seabourn team enhance the journey, while regional dishes offer a true taste of each destination. However, the ship’s entertainment has been noted for its quieter vibe, better suited for travelers seeking a peaceful escape.
Common Praises:
- Outstanding service: As one reviewer mentioned, “The staff made a point of knowing your name and treating you as special from day one.”
- Spacious and well-appointed suites
- The Seabourn Square is a highlight
Common Critiques:
- Entertainment options felt limited, with few standout activities or performances: “The entertainment onboard felt lacking, with limited options for organized activities during the day and few standout evening performances,” one passenger said.
- Dining inconsistencies, especially at the Thomas Keller Grill
- Suite showers a bit small
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Sojourn here.
Seabourn Quest
Maiden Voyage: 2011
Capacity: 458 passengers, 335 crew
Signature Features: Seabourn Square hub, Solis Mediterranean dining, Earth & Ocean outdoor dining, spacious veranda suites, marina for watersports on select itineraries.
Starting Price: $3,200 per person (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Seabourn Quest, a beloved luxury cruise ship, is designed for intimate, high-end voyages that focus on comfort, service, and unique itineraries. With room for just 458 passengers, it promises a relaxed and comfortable journey with excellent dining and outdoor spaces.
Dining is a highlight on the ship, with five restaurant options catering to various preferences. Solis, the latest addition, has been widely praised for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and light yet flavorful dishes. Earth & Ocean at The Patio offers an al fresco dining experience, consistently impressing guests with its creative menus. The ship’s famous caviar service adds an extra layer of indulgence, allowing guests to enjoy a touch of extravagance at any time.
The suites on Seabourn Quest provide a comfortable retreat with thoughtful touches, such as walk-in closets, spacious bathrooms, and private verandas. Keep in mind that some have mentioned that certain furnishings feel dated compared to newer ships. Despite this, the impeccable service of the attendants more than makes up for it.
The onboard experience is further elevated by the ship’s Seabourn Square, a gathering place that combines functionality with comfort, making it an ideal spot for coffee, reading, or socializing.
Common Praises:
- Outstanding service and smooth embarkation: As one guest shared, “The service was the best we had on any cruise line, and the embarkation process was incredibly smooth.”
- Unique dining experiences: Another reviewer remarked, “Earth & Ocean at The Patio consistently delivered standout meals with excellent service.”
- Spacious, luxurious staterooms
- Intimate ship size, allowing for fewer crowds
- Seabourn Square was mentioned as a favorite spot
Common Critiques:
- Limited entertainment options: One passenger noted, “The entertainment onboard was very limited, with no variety beyond singers and musicians.”
- Some felt the suite furnishings were dated
- Bathrooms a bit small
- Dining service could be inconsistent
- Lack of variety in daytime activities
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Quest here.
Seabourn Pursuit
Maiden Voyage: 2023
Capacity: 264 passengers, 120 crew
Signature Features: Seabourn Square multi-use hub, sushi at The Club, Constellation Lounge with panoramic views, PC6 Polar Class expedition-ready.
Starting Price: $9,600 per person (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Seabourn Pursuit, launched in 2023, represents the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising. With room for just 264 guests, this ship offers state-of-the-art technology and luxurious design. It delivers unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most remote destinations. The ship is perfectly equipped for adventures in Antarctica, the Arctic, and tropical destinations alike.
From its cozy yet elegant Expedition Lounge to the tech-savvy Bow Lounge, the ship invites guests to connect deeply with their surroundings. Onboard you’ll find seven dining venues, including Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller’s family-style menus at The Colonnade and the innovative Sushi in The Club experience. Even on the most rugged expeditions, the Pursuit ensures you dine in style.
Every suite onboard offers ocean views with private balconies, spacious walk-in closets, and luxurious bathrooms. Thoughtful details, such as adjustable thermostats and multiple pillow options, provide personalized comfort for every traveler.
However, even in its near-perfection, there are critiques. Some guests have found the food quality inconsistent, and itinerary changes have occasionally disrupted expectations. Despite this, the ship’s unparalleled service and commitment to luxury make it a solid choice.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and attentive crew: One reviewer said, “The expedition crew was amazing and made every excursion memorable. The zodiac trips were fun and informative.”
- Impeccably maintained ship: As another reviewer shared, “The Pursuit is immaculate, and the crew’s attention to detail is unparalleled.”
- Spacious and well-designed suites
- Exceptional onboard educational programs
- High-quality dining experiences
Common Critiques:
- Dining, while good, can be repetitive: As one reviewer mentioned, “The food in The Colonnade felt repetitive and lacked the finesse of other luxury lines.”
- Frequent itinerary changes: A guest noted, “Itinerary changes were frequent and disappointing, altering the advertised experience.”
- Limited entertainment options
- Bathroom layouts in suites smaller than expected
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Pursuit here.
Seabourn Encore
Maiden Voyage: 2017
Capacity: 600 passengers, ~330 crew
Signature Features: The Retreat VIP deck, Sushi and Solis dining, The Colonnade casual family-style dining, Seabourn Square social hub, all-suite accommodations with verandas.
Starting Price: $3,200 per person (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Seabourn Encore is the epitome of refined luxury cruising, widely praised for its sophisticated design and intimate atmosphere. Launched in 2016, this ship is a stunning evolution of the Odyssey-class vessels, offering additional space and innovative features. With capacity for 600 passengers, Seabourn Encore gives off a yacht-like feel while offering a wide range of public areas and dining options.
The ship’s interiors exude elegance with rich mahogany finishes, gleaming stainless steel, and thoughtful use of natural light. Guests are treated to exceptional dining experiences, including the much-acclaimed Earth & Ocean and the chic Sushi restaurant. The Retreat, a private sanctuary on the top deck, adds an exclusive touch for those seeking added privacy and indulgence.
Seabourn Encore also stands out for its compact layout, with forward accommodations and aft public spaces making it easy to navigate throughout the ship. Passengers can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, from live music performances to engaging lectures, all delivered in a relaxed atmosphere. With its intuitive service and attention to detail, the Encore is perfect for seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike.
While the Encore shines in many areas, some guests have noted room for improvement. A larger gym and more shaded areas around the pool are frequently mentioned, but these don’t overshadow the ship’s overall appeal as a top-tier luxury option.
Common Praises:
- Intimate atmosphere: As one reviewer said, “The ship feels like a luxurious yacht, with intimate spaces and a warm atmosphere.”
- Outstanding dining: Another guest shared, “The dining experiences, especially at Solis, were exceptional and left us wanting more.”
- Smaller ship means easier access to unique ports.
- Easy embarkation and disembarkation
- Friendly and professional crew
Common Critiques:
- Cabin conditions: One reviewer noted, “Cabin furnishings, while comfortable, are showing some wear and could use updating.”
- Limited poolside comfort: Another guest mentioned, “The pool area could benefit from additional shaded seating options.”
- Minor service inconsistencies
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Encore here.
Seabourn Venture
Maiden Voyage: 2022
Capacity: 264 passengers, ~120 crew
Signature Features: Submarines for underwater exploration, 24 Zodiac boats for wildlife encounters, Panoramic Veranda Suites with heated floors, Bow Lounge with navigation instruments, PC6 Polar Class for extreme cruising.
Starting Price: $3,400 per person (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8/5)
Seabourn Venture is a luxurious, purpose-built ship for exploring remote, stunning destinations. As Seabourn’s first ship built solely for expedition, you’ll find state-of-the-art technology and a refined interior design throughout the ship. Every element, from its cozy Expedition Lounge to its Zodiac fleet, is tailored for an immersive yet elegant experience.
Despite its compact size, Seabourn Venture maintains the brand’s hallmark luxury with a virtually all-inclusive package, intuitive service, and gourmet dining. The ship’s Panoramic Veranda Suites, a standout feature, provide stunning views and thoughtful touches like heated bathroom floors, perfect for voyages to Antarctica or Greenland. Passengers can also enjoy Seabourn’s signature caviar service and relax in the infinity pool and hot tubs.
Unfortunately, Seabourn Venture is not without its drawbacks. The placement of Zodiacs (small, inflatable boats) on the top deck slows deployment during excursions. Some travelers have also found the external layout confusing, with its lack of a wraparound promenade. Additionally, while the ship includes most amenities, extras like submarine dives and kayaking come with a steep price tag.
If you’re looking for both high-end comfort and expedition-style adventures, the Seabourn Venture is a perfect choice. However, travelers looking for a busier schedule or easier logistics might find some parts of the experience lacking.
Common Praises:
- Outstanding service: As one reviewer said, “The service was exceptional; we felt like every need was anticipated and fulfilled.”
- The Panoramic Veranda Suites are a common highlight: “The Panoramic Veranda Suites provided incredible views and were worth every penny.”
- Smaller size provides an intimate, personalized experience.
- Guests often praise the ship’s luxurious features
- Zodiac excursions and land adventures are a favorite
Common Critiques:
- The process of deploying Zodiacs (small, inflatable ships) has been a source of frustration for some: One reviewer remarked, “The Zodiac deployment process was inefficient and left us waiting longer than expected.”
- Ship lacked a true expedition focus: A reviewer said, “The ship felt more like a luxury cruise with less focus on true expedition activities.”
- Dining options were frequently noted as repetitive
- The pool size and lack of a bow Jacuzzi were disappointing
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Venture here.
Seabourn Ovation
Maiden Voyage: 2018
Capacity: 600 passengers, 450 crew
Signature Features: Elegant design, alfresco dining at Earth & Ocean, sushi restaurant, spacious suites with private verandas, Seabourn Square with library and coffee bar, exceptional dining across multiple venues.
Starting Price: $3,500 per person (CruiseCritic)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.6/5)
Launched in 2018, Seabourn Ovation delivers a high-end cruising experience with thoughtful design and comfort. Onboard, you’ll find high-end service and an array of dining options, including the innovative Earth & Ocean concept. With its intimate capacity of 600 passengers, the ship feels exclusive yet spacious, giving guests access to stunning public areas and private retreats.
Ovation’s interiors feel luxurious, with calming suite designs and beautiful art throughout the ship. Guests can dine outdoors, unwind in peaceful spots, or savor freshly made sushi. With dining options from casual to formal, there’s always something different to enjoy during the voyage.
However, Ovation’s larger size compared to its predecessors, such as Seabourn Quest, does present some trade-offs. While the additional deck and expanded spaces enhance the onboard experience, some guests have noted occasional lapses in service consistency, particularly during busy times at the Colonnade buffet or the main dining room. Despite this, the ship’s lively yet calm vibe, combined with personalized service and social dining, creates a memorable experience for cruisers.
Common Praises:
- Spacious and luxurious accommodations: One reviewer mentioned, “The suites were spacious, well-appointed, and felt more like a luxury hotel than a cruise ship.”
- Memorable dining experiences: As another guest shared, “Earth & Ocean dining was a standout, offering unique dishes with a fantastic alfresco setting.”
- Thoughtful and attentive service
- High-quality entertainment and relaxing onboard atmosphere
Common Critiques:
- Inconsistent dining service: A guest noted, “Dining service was uneven, with delays in some venues and inattentive staff at times.”
- Lacked the advertised “ultra-luxury” feel in certain aspects.
- Embarkation process felt rushed and disorganized
- Limited onboard activities.
- Some minor wear and tear in public areas
Find more passenger reviews for the Seabourn Ovation here.
Which Seabourn Ship Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for luxury, Seabourn consistently delivers across its fleet. Each ship offers refined accommodations, excellent service, and exquisite dining options. None of the ships suffer from major flaws, so your choice comes down to personal preference.
For a smaller, intimate setting, Seabourn Sojourn is a great choice. If you’re drawn to cultural enrichment and unique journeys, Seabourn Quest is a top choice. Adventure-seekers will love Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, with their state-of-the-art expedition features, Zodiac excursions, and Polar Class-ready designs. For a refined, yacht-like atmosphere, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation provide spacious public areas, top-notch dining, and modern elegance.
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