Odyssey - Seabourn up the Stakes and the Style

With the first full contingent of passengers acting as the ship’s ‘godmother,’ the newest vessel in the Yachts of Seabourn stable officially entered the cruise world in grand manner, with a magnum of champagne whizzing down a special zipline from atop the main mast.

The 32,000-ton vessel then set sail down the famous Guidecca Canal, passing along one of the world’s most scenic maritime passages to confirm the start of a new era for the small boutique cruise line.

Seabourn CEO Pamela Conover insisted: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Seabourn Odyssey to our distinguished fleet of yachts. The launch of Odyssey allows us to serve more travellers but still offer the intimate and exclusive experience which has made us a leader in the luxury cruising market.”

With a procession of musicians, acrobats, costumed ‘courtesans’ and  adding to the colourful affair – plus the requisite red carpet, ribbons and ropes – along with a sumptuous gala dinner, the new vessel certainly looked the part. The firework finale then set the seal on a memorable event.

And, despite several areas of the ship still being finished off literally as she set off on her maiden voyage, the initial feedback was almost exclusively positive and glowing.

In particular, the 11,400sq ft Spa really caught the imagination of most. The largest spa facility of any luxury vessel, it also boasts a hydropool, Kinesis wall and two herbal steam rooms, plus two remarkable Spa Villas, which come complete with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony, a double daybed and a living room.

The eye-catching Seabourn Square, an innovative ‘concierge lounge,’ at the heart of the ship also drew many compliments.

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