Inaugural Cruise - Seabourn Encore

Well, the first offers are out for those who asked (paid a deposit) for this cruise. What was initially indicated to be a late 2016 sailing is now 2017. The itinerary is a 10 day segment from Singapore to Bali, 3 sea days and stops in Java. Departure date 8 Jan 2017.

It seems that Seabourn must have been a bit jammed with the final delivery date, with "late 2016" being too cold for a Med inaugural, then having to get the ship to a warmer climate enroute to Australia.

It would be interesting to know how much consideration has been given to the weather conditions that will prevail in that part of the world in January. This is true cyclone season for the region. Apart from being hot and steamy rain on most afternoons is almost guaranteed.

There will be a couple warmup legs as the ship is relocated from Italy to Singapore. Then the inaugural cruise is understood to be followed by a segment ending in Sydney.

The indicative pricing seems high, but no doubt as bookings are (or are not) received Seabourn will announce more realistic prices aimed at filling the ship.

It will be interesting to see where the interest does from.

If this is correct then sadly we will not be on her. We have family commitments that time of the year - it is summer and the kids are on school holidays. Maybe, if she stays down here,we can pick up a cruise from Sydney. At least we will save on airfares.

I won't be super sizing my Seabourn experience anytime in the near future I'm thinking.

Had my start date wrong - it's 7 Jan 2017. Here's the itinerary

10-DAY SINGAPORE - BENOA (DENPASAR)

0 01/07 SAT SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE midnight

1 01/08 Sun At Sea (South China Sea)

2 01/09 Mon At Sea (Java Sea)

3 01/10 Tue Semarang (Borobudur), Java, Indonesia 07:00 17:00

4 01/11 Wed Surabaya, Java, Indonesia 09:00 18:00

5 01/12 Thu Probolinggo, Java, Indonesia 09:00 18:00

6 01/13 Fri Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia 08:00 18:00

7 01/14 Sat At Sea (Bali Sea)

8 01/15 Sun Slawi Bay, Komodo , Indonesia (1) 07:00 16:00

9 01/16 Mon Benoa (Denpasar), Bali, Indonesia (2) noon overnight

10 01/17 TUE BENOA (DENPASAR), BALI, INDONESIA (2) overnight

NOTE (1) = Access to Komodo Island is restricted to shore excursion participants.

That itinerary definitely counts us out. Anyone want the penthouse we have reserved?

That itinerary definitely counts us out. Anyone want the penthouse we have reserved?

yeah that's a very slow sail to Bali stopping at almost nowhere worth stopping.

To the original poster, weather that time of year is usually not that bad, it's heading out of the November/December period when it really is rather wet and transitioning towards the early part of the year weather which is just lovely. We've had perfect weather here for the last 3+ weeks and it wasn't bad at all over New Year either.

We'll keep an eye on fares and see if they add an extra segment afterwards which makes the trip a bit more worthwhile, not having to fly out anywhere makes lots of cruises from Singapore quite attractive ... but not that bit.

That itinerary doesn't tempt me at all.

I think that the new ships will be too large for my taste, as the maximum capacity ship I've cruised on was 540 passengers. I suspect that we'll try them at some point, but I'm certainly not enthusiastic about them at the moment.

Hoping I'll be proved wrong!

A totally uninspiring itinerary. Prices will drop fast on this one.

We have also opted out due to uninspiring itinerary. Were hoping for a med itinerary.

A totally uninspiring itinerary. Prices will drop fast on this one.

That's what I often think about the cruise-to-nowhere trips around this part of the world but they never seem to get quite as discounted as the infinitely better port med trips do, I never know why.

Are these itineraries listed anywhere yet or were they just sent out to people who registered interest in the new ships? I'm also not totally sold on anything larger than the current Odyssey class, the size of which we like, but I won't yet discount trying it out at some point in the future, as long as the service remains up to scratch.

Did this itinerary last fall. Worst I've ever seen would never, ever do this again. Looks like a war zone once off the ships unless you take a police escorted tour to their one attraction at each port. You can have it at any price. The only bright spot is the snorkeling at Celukan Bawang which is not offered by the cruise line and the pink beach snorkeling at Komodo island which is possibly the best snorkeling you may find anywhere. If you're ok to endure the rest of the ports for these two locations, you may consider booking.

This is a crazy itinerary. Bali, OK, although many PAX have been there already. We were fascinated by treks through the Komodo dragon habitat, but it's hard work. And what are these other ports? Maybe Seabourn will discount this so one can have the super-special Seabourn service experience at a low cost? If not, why bother?

I really can't see any chance that I would go on the new ship unless there was a significantly better offering in terms of restaurant 2 (Asian preferably). Otherwise you are just putting an extra 200 pax on board a bigger ship. Where is the unique selling point? Same same but another 200 people. No thanks.

Hi rols

If you think that the weather won't be an issue you only have to look at the 2 cyclones hitting Queensland and Norther Territory today. And then remember that Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin on Xmas eve 40 years ago. So the cyclone season for that part of the world is Dec to Feb. Indonesia might not get it quite as bad, but since the cruise continues on to Sydney it will definitely be in the zone. Just a matter of luck as to whether it coincides with the worst of the weather.

Hi rols

 

If you think that the weather won't be an issue you only have to look at the 2 cyclones hitting Queensland and Norther Territory today. And then remember that Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin on Xmas eve 40 years ago. So the cyclone season for that part of the world is Dec to Feb. Indonesia might not get it quite as bad, but since the cruise continues on to Sydney it will definitely be in the zone. Just a matter of luck as to whether it coincides with the worst of the weather.

I agree, I would not want to be traveling that region at that time of year. It is near the equator which usually dictates that it is unlikely to have cyclonic weather like we get.

We have thought about the NZ cruise from Aus as it saves traveling to the other side of the world to board the boat. But knowing how treacherous the Tasman Sea can be puts us off. I know it is not always rough but I know what it can be like.

I suppose occasionally it can be the same in Canada New England cruise which we are doing later this year. Hurricane Sandy is testament to that.

I really can't see any chance that I would go on the new ship unless there was a significantly better offering in terms of restaurant 2 (Asian preferably). Otherwise you are just putting an extra 200 pax on board a bigger ship. Where is the unique selling point? Same same but another 200 people. No thanks.

There are only 154 more people, not 200.

There are only 154 more people, not 200.

Perhaps Hardlife will have to be happy with the memories of the seventeen days that they have had on Seabourn ships.

How anyone can dismiss this ship before it is built is beyond me.

I have sailed that route on one of the small ships the legend, it was february we dodged a cyclone near darwin but were fine. The places in indonesia they visit are not that great but the waters around the islands of indonesia are very picturesque. Borobodur was certainly worrth a visit as people have said with the police escort with sirens blaring, its the only way you would get there and back in time before the ship was due to sail. Komodo dragons, great big ugly scarey beasties. Unfortunately they make you walk quite a long way along a jungle track which was slippery and hilly and not for anyone with health issues or walking difficulties. After seeing them you pop out the otherside with about 400 metres walk and you are back on the beach ready to get back on the tender. Glad i did it but would not repeat. Guest lecturer was Dr Lawrence Blair complete with eye patch (quite handsome) and very knowledgeable about the indonesian archipelago. Would i do this again on the new ship? Absolutely if the price was right to experience it. Close to home for me and would not hesitate to try what seabourn has to offer on a ship this size. Oh by the way it was a little sad that a lot of people thought that when we came down through the barrier reef that we would be stopping so they could get off and snorkel!! No stopping in that part of the world with a pilot on board to guide you through until you get to some of the islands further down but that was not our itinerary that time.

Hi rols

 

If you think that the weather won't be an issue you only have to look at the 2 cyclones hitting Queensland and Norther Territory today. And then remember that Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin on Xmas eve 40 years ago. So the cyclone season for that part of the world is Dec to Feb. Indonesia might not get it quite as bad, but since the cruise continues on to Sydney it will definitely be in the zone. Just a matter of luck as to whether it coincides with the worst of the weather.

I was talking about the actual inaugaral cruise up around Indonesia, that laconic itinerary to nowhere this thread started with. The weather for that cruise in early January isn't going to be a concern, the cyclones don't get up nearly this far, the heavy rains we often get towards the end of the year have subsided by then and the weather is quite far along to the lovely stuff we're having right now, and always seem to get during Jan and Feb, before it turns disgusting again around March and is miserably hot by April.

If you're talking about continuing on down towards Australia, then I'd certainly have more concerns. We went NZ -> Australia early January last year knowing it might be unpretty, and it was unpretty, and we didn't even get hit by a cyclone, it was just nasty weather in general.

I believe Seabourn Encore destinations are about to be released to the general public, 3rd March (tomorrow).

Please could an Administrator add Encore to the Roll Calls.

The Encore is gradually being unveiled and you can see more information here:

http://encore.seabourn.com/

Below - the current legs which are on pre-release offer - Precise details have been sketchy. The Inaugural Voyage is Singapore to Bali, having set off from Athens a month earlier, heading for Sydney over 60 Days. I'll post that full itinerary in a minute.

44-Day Lands of Silk & Spice

Athens to Bali

December 4, 2016

Ocean-View Suites from $23,999*

60-Day Arabia, India & Asia Exploration

Athens to Sydney

December 4, 2016

Ocean-View Suites from $32,999*

28-Day Route of the Dhows

Dubai to Bali

December 20, 2016

Ocean-View Suites from $16,499*

44-Day Arabia, India & Coral Sea

Dubai to Sydney

December 20, 2016

Ocean-View Suites from $25,499*

26-Day Gems of the Java & Coral Seas

Singapore to Sydney

January 7, 2017

Ocean-View Suites from $15,999*

42-Day Java Sea & South Pacific Exploration

Singapore to Auckland

January 7, 2017

Ocean-View Suites from $25,499*

If you can get them to add Encore roll calls could they also remove the Prides roll calls?

Apologies - I know this text will paste badly...! However, the 60 day itinerary is below. I understand it may change. There are a couple of oddities like taking 7 days to get from Aqaba to Muscat but what do I know - at least I get some Bridge in. Also, like some of Seabourn's other 'extended journeys' there are a couple of revisits - you guessed it - Muscat again, and Komodo twice. More chances to be eaten!?

Personally, I'm liking the itinerary. I'm going back to several places I've been before, and some I've worked in. But it's like going to Chicago once, having some deep pan pizza, seeing the Cubs lose or Da Bears, gazing out from the Sears or Hancock and then saying you've 'done' Chicago. Ya aint....

table { }td { padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-left: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; } SUN 04DEC16 Sail from Piraeus (Athens), Greece 4:00pm MON 05DEC16 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece 8:00am 6:00pm TUE 06DEC16 Sea Day WED 07DEC16 Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel 8:00am 11:00pm THU 08DEC16 Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel 7:00am 3:00pm FRI 09DEC16 Enter Suez Canal at Port Said 5:00am 5:00am FRI 09DEC16 Daylight transit Suez Canal FRI 09DEC16 Exit Suez Canal at Suez 6:00pm 6:00pm SAT 10DEC16 Sea Day SUN 11DEC16 Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan 7:00am 6:00pm MON 12DEC16 Sea Day TUE 13DEC16 Sea Day WED 14DEC16 Sea Day THU 15DEC16 Sea Day FRI 16DEC16 Sea Day SAT 17DEC16 Sea Day SUN 18DEC16 Muscat, Oman 10:00am 11:59pm MON 19DEC16 Sea Day TUE 20DEC16 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7:00am 4:00pm WED 21DEC16 Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Uni 8:00am 5:00pm THU 22DEC16 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 8:00am 11:59pm FRI 23DEC16 Sea Day SAT 24DEC16 Muscat, Oman 8:00am 6:00pm SUN 25DEC16 Sea Day MON 26DEC16 Sea Day TUE 27DEC16 Mumbai (Bombay), India 8:00am 6:00pm WED 28DEC16 Sea Day THU 29DEC16 Mangalore, India 7:00am 4:00pm FRI 30DEC16 Cochin, India 8:00am 6:00pm SAT 31DEC16 Sea Day SUN 01JAN17 Sea Day MON 02JAN17 Sea Day TUE 03JAN17 Sea Day WED 04JAN17 Porto Malai, Langkawi, Malaysia 8:00am 6:00pm THU 05JAN17 Sea Day FRI 06JAN17 Singapore 8:00am SAT 07JAN17 Singapore 11:59pm SUN 08JAN17 Sea Day MON 09JAN17 Sea Day TUE 10JAN17 Semarang, Java, Indonesia 7:00am 5:00pm WED 11JAN17 Surabaya, Indonesia 9:00am 6:00pm THU 12JAN17 Probolinggo, Java, Indonesia 9:00am 6:00pm FRI 13JAN17 Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia 8:00am 6:00pm SAT 14JAN17 Sea Day SUN 15JAN17 Komodo Island, Indonesia 7:00am 4:00pm MON 16JAN17 Benoa (Denpasar), Bali, Indonesia 12:00n TUE 17JAN17 Benoa (Denpasar), Bali, Indonesia 11:00pm WED 18JAN17 Lembar, Lombok, Indonesia 7:00am 5:00pm THU 19JAN17 Komodo Island, Indonesia 12:00n 8:00pm FRI 20JAN17 Sea Day SAT 21JAN17 Sea Day SUN 22JAN17 Darwin, Australia 8:00am 6:00pm MON 23JAN17 Sea Day TUE 24JAN17 Sea Day WED 25JAN17 Sea Day THU 26JAN17 Cairns, Australia 12:00n FRI 27JAN17 Cairns, Australia 5:00pm SAT 28JAN17 Townsville, Australia 8:00am 6:00pm SUN 29JAN17 Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia 8:00am 5:00pm MON 30JAN17 Sea Day TUE 31JAN17 Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia 8:00am 5:00pm WED 01FEB17 Sea Day THU 02FEB17 Debark Ship Sydney, Australia 7:00am

By the way I love the way 12.00n means noon with no ambiguity. I wish more people did that.

Ship looks nice - contemporary and spacious, with more venues. Assuming it will continue the true SB style, I have little concern it will feel too big or crowded at all. Especially if all the naysayers who prejudge stay away. I think its design and features are intended to attract a younger demo anyway. I may just be the oldest pax on it.

Today is shaping up big-time on Sojourn:

We are at 100 Islands, the Philippines, where we tendered in, took a 10 person outrigger which led to a snorkeling stop over coral and huge bivalves, then an island lunch with Capt Elliot and several friends and crew zip lining, and then another island for more skorkeling and swimming. Water clean and clear, sunny and 28 c air and water. Big, warm Filipino hospitality. First time for Seabourn in many years; we have 5 ports in all.

Upon returning went kayaking at the marina aft of deck 2, with banana, motor and sail boats on offer too. Washed off remaining sand etc at aft shower on deck 5 and returned borrowed snorkeling gear.

At cabin was waiting our cruise confirmation for maiden Encore, in our case Dubai to Sydney. Sail away in 2 hours will be magnificent!

It's a perfect Seabourn day too. All smiles, all around.

Happy sailing!

Today is shaping up big-time on Sojourn:

 

 

 

We are at 100 Islands, the Philippines, where we tendered in, took a 10 person outrigger which led to a snorkeling stop over coral and huge bivalves, then an island lunch with Capt Elliot and several friends and crew zip lining, and then another island for more skorkeling and swimming. Water clean and clear, sunny and 28 c air and water. Big, warm Filipino hospitality. First time for Seabourn in many years; we have 5 ports in all.

 

 

 

Upon returning went kayaking at the marina aft of deck 2, with banana, motor and sail boats on offer too. Washed off remaining sand etc at aft shower on deck 5 and returned borrowed snorkeling gear.

 

 

 

At cabin was waiting our cruise confirmation for maiden Encore, in our case Dubai to Sydney. Sail away in 2 hours will be magnificent!

 

 

 

It's a perfect Seabourn day too. All smiles, all around.

 

 

 

Happy sailing!

Markham,

Sounds like you're ready to audition for the next James Bond movie.