What's Your Take on Seabourn's New Ship?

[editor@cruisecritic]

Seabourn's revealed much-awaited details about its two new-builds and the ship is clearly more evolutionary than revolutionary. In fact some of the additions -- an extra pool, additional restaurant venues -- are merely a function of its larger size.

But that's probably good news to a lot of folks who'd like to see the traditional Seabourn ambience continue, and so the lack of innovations (there appears to be no massive new space for enrichment classrooms or a poolside movie screen) may come as a relief.

Does it? Which new features are you most excited about (you can vote for more than one)?

Carolyn


Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor
CruiseCritic.com

[Host Dan]

The new ships are going to be UNBEATABLE!!! This is so very exciting! I will say that one of the most "important" improvements (not mentioned in the poll) is that there will be real private verandahs on 90% of the suites! (sweet)

Host Dan

[SantaAna,CA]

The description sounds breathtaking. Dan, when I opened the link on Carolyn's post, there were deck plans, but too small to really see anything. Are they located anywhere else on the 'net? Seabourn's website, or...?

I laughed, at the poll, to see the one I voted for (the pool area re-do), was a favorite. That sure will make me happy, I love pool and sun time. I certainly hope I'll be able to cruise on one of the beautiful new Seabourn ships.

Jane

[Iamboatman]

Balconies and the expanded spa and better pool/sun areas tops my list.

Of course they mean little without the superlative Seabourn service!

[B-2-B's Best!]

Perhaps your poll should be expanded to include "the inclusion of true verandahs, previously lacking on the yachts"?

[crystal808]

Agreeing with Eric, et al:

Assuming that the quality service staff will not change (my greatest wish!), I sought out a "balcony" listing (gotta love my balcony!), so picked the cabins & the pool(s) upgrade!

Everything sounds, as Dan mentioned, "sweet"!!

Paul

[JaneBP]

>"... where guests savor multi-course dinner menus designed by acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer...'

Do you think this means we have to wait until then for a new menu or will they inplement the ones we have now?

Keeping the breadsticks and the twice baked goat cheese souffles of course.

[RMS Olympic]

Let me know when you plan to sail on one of these....I will book.
As mentioned earlier...the deck plans appear too small....but at first glance the layout seemed similar to the SilverSeas ships and the Regent Navigator in general layout.
In the meantime I am planning a 1st qtr 2009 Seabourn Caribbean sailing on one of the smaller ships after I get my Crystal Serenity crossing (Nov 2008)under my belt.
Happy sailings
Tom

[editor@cruisecritic]

Totally agreed! But that's not something we can evaluate until later, when we really sail the new ship...and compare the ratio of passengers to crew (which I frankly assume won't change significantly).

I have to say on one hand I was surprised about how little has changed with the new ship (save for the expected stuff -- more options, bigger suites (and bigger bathrooms). On the other hand, what's not, how do you say, "broke" don't fix it.

I absolutely loved my cruise on Legend in March and I'd be happy to go again on any one of the triplets -- even without the "improvements." And it seems that Seabourn gets that....

Carolyn

Originally Posted by Iamboatman

Balconies and the expanded spa and better pool/sun areas tops my list.

Of course they mean little without the superlative Seabourn service!

[editor@cruisecritic]

You're right, we should've included. Shamefaced

Originally Posted by B-2-B's Best!

Perhaps your poll should be expanded to include "the inclusion of true verandahs, previously lacking on the yachts"?

Carolyn

[Crown Prince]

Thank you, Carolyn, for the excellent article. Very well written!
Any photos yet?

[Iamboatman]

Originally Posted by editor@cruisecritic

I have to say on one hand I was surprised about how little has changed with the new ship (save for the expected stuff -- more options, bigger suites (and bigger bathrooms). On the other hand, what's not, how do you say, "broke" don't fix it.

I absolutely loved my cruise on Legend in March and I'd be happy to go again on any one of the triplets -- even without the "improvements." And it seems that Seabourn gets that....

Carolyn

And that is exactly the point! Seabourn provides a wonderful cruise that has a great fit with high demand. It doesn't need to make big changes...a tweak here...a modification there...balconies (OK that is a big one for some)...but it still "feels" like Seabourn.

The Best is working hard to be better...not different.

[crystal808]

Originally Posted by RMS Olympic

In the meantime I am planning a 1st qtr 2009 Seabourn Caribbean sailing on one of the smaller ships after I get my Crystal Serenity crossing (Nov 2008)under my belt.

Hey, Tom:

I've got a deposit on the Legend crossing (April '09), but who knows? The new build will be inviting (somewhat reminiscent of the Radisson/Regent we sailed on). Might have to rob a bank, but we'll see!

Originally Posted by Iamboatman

And that is exactly the point! Seabourn provides a wonderful cruise that has a great fit with high demand. It doesn't need to make big changes...a tweak here...a modification there...balconies (OK that is a big one for some)...but it still "feels" like Seabourn.

The Best is working hard to be better...not different.

Hard to disagree with that! My sentiments, exactly!

Paul

[CruisinMatt]

Originally Posted by crystal808

I've got a deposit on the Legend crossing (April '09), but who knows?

[crystal808]

Originally Posted by CruisinMatt

Now Matt...you KNOW I'm not gonna give up that single supplement!

Paul
(was referring to an "additional" SB cruise in 2009 if I can find a convenient bank to rob!)

[LaPaloma]

Originally Posted by SantaAna,CA

The description sounds breathtaking. Dan, when I opened the link on Carolyn's post, there were deck plans, but too small to really see anything. Are they located anywhere else on the 'net? Seabourn's website, or...?

I laughed, at the poll, to see the one I voted for (the pool area re-do), was a favorite. That sure will make me happy, I love pool and sun time. I certainly hope I'll be able to cruise on one of the beautiful new Seabourn ships.

Jane

Jane--I clicked on the small picture of deck plan--it got bigger--i printed the enlarged picture--it came out good enough to get a much better idea of what it will be like--it looks great!! It appears there will be 25 suites on deck 4 with out verandas--these will probably be a good bet for single passengers! Don

[CruisinMatt]

Originally Posted by LaPaloma

Jane--I clicked on the small picture of deck plan--it got bigger--i printed the enlarged picture--it came out good enough to get a much better idea of what it will be like--it looks great!! It appears there will be 25 suites on deck 4 with out verandas--these will probably be a good bet for single passengers! Don

Don - thanks for the info - the picture was not clickable yesterday.

[Cruisewoman79]

I am SO excited about the new Pool and deck area. I absolutely LOVED my Seabourn Spirit Cruise July 07 (Athens to Istanbul). Gave it high marks on everything but I was so disappointed by the tiny misplaced pool. Having just sailed on SeaDream and enjoyed so much their pool and all the social activity that took place there - it was the only downside.
I can't wait for the new ships and booked the Pride this November in the Caribbean (GREAT SALE) - just so I can be one of those who get first dibs on booking the new ship!

[SantaAna,CA]

I didn't even think of clicking on the deck plans. Technology challenged. Thanks for the tip. Hope to see you and Lola soon.

Jane

[Jim Avery]

Hi Kate:
Good to see you are having fun. Your mention of the sociability of the SeaDream pool really prompted fun memories. That really is the hub of activities on SD. Hope the new SB ship fares as well pool wise.
Have a great summer.
Jim & Lois.