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The itinerary has great influence over the passengers onboard; long Antarctica sailings will skew older, while fjords cruises might attract more outdoorsy travelers. The price of the cruise fare includes gratuities, so there is no need or expectation to tip the staff on the ship. However, gratuities are not included in the pricing of shore excursions, so guests should be prepared to give tips to local guides and drivers. With only nine decks, Seabourn Pursuit offers an easy to navigate, ‘yacht-like’ environment that combines class and comfort. The amenities and public spaces wouldn’t feel out of place on a non-expedition luxury ship, and many of its venues are found on other Seabourn vessels.
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Seabourn Pursuit Review
Flanked by a bar and boutique, this lounge serves as a lovely après-expedition hangout or the place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner libation. Fellow passengers are a mixture of North Americans, Brits, Australians and other Europeans, including a fair few German-speakers. The age group is mixed, from late 40s to 70s, and from the conversation and the amount of bling on show in the evenings, you can tell that most people are wealthy. Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip.
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Waiters didn't materialize immediately to take a drink order, and we often found ourselves trying to flag someone down, in either the Colonnade or a bar. Orders were misheard in The Restaurant, hot water for tea came lukewarm multiple times and dress code infractions were handled inconsistently and without empathy. Other passengers grumbled about mishandled anniversaries and difficulties with shoreside arrangements.
Seabourn Sojourn Dress Code
Some felt that the ships seemed a bit outdated, and even we noticed that the "all-inclusive" features of Seabourn weren't as robust as what comparable luxury lines offered. If you're looking for a luxury cruise that can access smaller ports and harbors, and you find your destination on Seabourn's list, there's no reason not to book your trip. But, we'd recommend looking at this cruise line's higher-ranked competitors in the luxury tier too, just in case you could get a little more for your fare. In terms of dining, Seabourn offers a partnership with Chef Thomas Keller, who has developed a menu of classic American dishes for the line's restaurants.
Dining is a decadent affair, and Seabourn doesn't skimp on ingredients. Fresh berries at breakfast, caviar anywhere and anytime you want it and huge portions of steak -- even a partnership with top chef Thomas Keller -- shows that this cruise ship takes good food seriously. We did wish the menus had more choice and the restaurants open a bit longer, but perhaps by limiting options, a small ship can better guarantee excellent results.
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The Restaurant dinners, like honey-roasted quail, were highlights, with deft chefs cooking intricate repasts with the finest ingredients. Sauces were silken and consommes (love the duck) tasted like the bones were simmering for hours. In the alternative dining venue Colonnade, breakfasts and lunches are buffets with an impressive variety of dishes. Count on a lunchtime carving station, with a chef slicing everything from a giant roast beef haunch to whole suckling pig. Some Colonnade meals were themed, dishing up tastes of the world, such as Indian or Mexican. Afternoon tea was excellent, especially the tender scones and smoked salmon mini-bagels.
The mix is about 60 percent North American and 40 percent European/Australian. Summer sailings attract some families -- either parents or grandparents traveling with children. Kids onboard are generally well behaved and the types to enjoy trivia, afternoon tea and shuffleboard (or water play when the weather is nice). The line is also very gay-friendly, and we saw many gay couples onboard.
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Since there are no specific facilities for children, parents must take responsibility for their children’s behavior and entertainment. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone, and each person requires one adult chaperone. Each of Ovation’s 300 balcony suites, including the entry-level Veranda Suite, has a sitting area with comfy seating, an all-teak wood veranda and lots of storage space.
Seabourn Ovation Review
The Grand Salon serves as the main showroom for lectures, demos, movies during the day, performances like an Evening with Tim Rice, music, and dancing at night. There is also a card room for game nights, a small casino with blackjack and poker tables, and the Ovation hosts a high-energy pool party with a DJ or live music at least once during the voyage. It offers an additional dining option, a sushi restaurant first introduced on Encore, as well as a spacious venue for The Grill by Thomas Keller (which feels cramped on the smaller vessels). It also was the first to debut Seabourn's new alfresco dining concept -- Earth & Ocean at The Patio -- as well as the line's new gelato program. You can eat at The Restaurant every night and never be bored, or try a different venue for five nights without repeat (six, if you count in-suite dining).
Despite the ship’s size, the Ovation crew is able to offer personalized service, and the sophisticated atmosphere caters to affluent travelers looking for a hassle-free vacation. The ship is all-inclusive though supplementary options aren’t exactly scarce. Spa services, including massages, facials, and nail care are extra, of course, and if you want to drink a premium wine with your ribeye at The Grill or elsewhere on the ship, you can certainly do so for a fee. The ship has no shortage of places to sunbathe and relax, but if the scene at the main pool is too much, and the smaller outdoor lounge areas not quite enough, consider The Retreat. The VIP area (pay for a half or full day CQ?) is akin to booking a poolside cabana at a five-star resort.
Staff members seem eager to engage with guests, and everyone is happy to point passengers in the right direction when looking for a particular venue or restaurant. Room service is available 24-7, which is helpful considering the limited dining venue hours. It’s particularly helpful for squeezing in a breakfast before heading off the ship for an excursion. Tk patio is billed as the most casual dinner option and is also considered on the healthier side of things, according to several staff members.
There is also 24-hour in-suite dining, which includes dinner from The Restaurant menu served course by course. On Deck 9, The Club hosts the daily Sushi in the Club culinary experience, where passengers can enjoy the popular Japanese dish as well as crafted cocktails. Constellation Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is Seabourn Pursuit’s highest indoor viewing point, and also the place to enjoy afternoon tea or evening cocktails.
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