I am currently in Southampton on SS Dawn to start the second half of a B2B Copenhagen RT. The last 12 days have been in Norway, and since I was on Ovation for a month in the spring, I feel I can compare the two cruise lines.
Susan, you might appreciate the effort SS has taken in La Terrazza, their breakfast and lunch “buffet” (Italian at dinner). Food is in a separate room with 3 hand washing stations at the entrance and then a staff member hands you a plate. You can’t force passengers to wash, though! 😷
Seabourn Square is a friendlier, more private experience than SS Reception.
SS has a total of 9 food venues, French La Dame and dinner at Kaiseki an up-charge. The MDR Atlantide was open for B & L on port days with few patrons.
The Grill where you can (or not) cook your own meats or fish, has heaters; so does Spaccanapoli, best pizza at sea.
Veranda sizes are the same on both lines. Butler is available but not obtrusive.
Entertainment: Seabourn is better, though we had a guest soloist Christine Andreas who gave 2 excellent performances. Also had 2 very knowledgeable speakers, one a diplomat and the other a destination specialist.
So, which line do I prefer? Honestly, it’s a tossup. I have another Dawn booking this year and Encore next spring, so obviously I like both. And will continue to view itineraries on both and Regent. Just wish Seabourn would build a new classic, not an expedition, ship.