Seabourn took delivery of the new 450-guest Seabourn Quest today at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy.  The intimate, all-suite ship is the third vessel constructed by Mariotti for Seabourn’s fleet, completing a three-year expansion that increased the ultra-luxury line’s capacity by more than 200 percent.

“We are very pleased and excited to take delivery of Seabourn Quest,” said Richard Meadows, Seabourn’s president.  “She is a beautiful vessel, and I have no doubt she will earn as much praise from the experts, and as much affection from our guests as her two sister-ships.  Her officers, staff and crew are ready to welcome travelers on board to experience Seabourn-style cruising on our newest ship.”

Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress Blythe Danner will serve as godmother and name the ship during a glittering sunset ceremony at the port of Barcelona on June 20, 2011.  That evening, the ship will depart on a 14-day Maiden Voyage to Athens, stopping at the sort of beautiful seaside towns in France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that are a hallmark of the Seabourn cruise experience.

Here are two photos of Seabourn Quest departing the T. Mariotti shipyard.

Seabourn Quest left the finishing dock at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy on Friday, May 27, for an eight-hour workout in steep, choppy waves off the coast. On board, one couldn’t  escape the impression that she was kicking up her heels in exhilaration. It was a thrilling feeling for her crew, too, who are prepping her for delivery on May 31. Stay tuned for more as the big day approaches.

What a gorgeous day! Blue skies and beautiful weather greeted guests when Seabourn Pride recently visited Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful and striking capitals. Situated on the Atlantic coast over seven hills, this gem of a city is filled with historic buildings, cathedrals and impressive monuments.  Seabourn Pride Captain Sean Whalley sent us this fantastic shot of the ship – looks like a picture perfect postcard, doesn’t it?

On May 2, Seabourn and Holland America held a celebration to welcome new Seabourn staff to the Seattle office and recognize employees who are supporting the transition efforts. Employees who relocated to Seattle from Miami were greeted with welcome baskets full of Northwest-themed gifts including local travel books, chocolates and coffee. Here are some photos from the special celebration!

Photos are courtesy of Steve Schimmelman.

Seabourn has launched a “Europe Suite Sale” on select 2011 summer and fall departures aboard its award-winning fleet of intimate ships.  Travelers can explore the full range of Europe’s majestic treasures and historic cities from Turkey to the Greek Isles and along the Dalmatian Coast.  To qualify, cruises must be booked by June 30, 2011. Fares start from $2,499 per person for seven days, representing savings of 50 percent or more.
The “Europe Suite Sale” includes savings on the line’s newest ship, the 450-guest Seabourn Quest, which will enter service June 20, 2011. Along with its sister ship, Seabourn Odyssey, both ships will sail the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, operating alternating cruises to popular destinations and beautiful towns in the Greek Isles, Turkey and along the stunning Dalmatian and Adriatic coasts.

Examples of savings on Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey, as well as rest of the Seabourn fleet, this summer and fall are:

• Seabourn Quest – seven-day Greek Isles, Turkey and Adriatic sailings from $2,599.  Fares for two consecutive seven-day cruises for a 14-day voyage start from $4,499.
• Seabourn Odyssey – seven-day Greek Isles, Turkey and Adriatic cruises from $2,499.  Combo fares for a 14-day cruise start from $4,499.
• Seabourn Spirit – seven-day Dalmatian islands and Adriatic voyages from $2,499.
• Seabourn Legend – seven-day French and Italian Rivieras cruises from $2,499.
• Seabourn Sojourn – seven- to nine-day Baltic and Norway voyages from $3,299.
• Seabourn Pride – 12- to 15-day Baltic, Russia and Norway voyages from $3,999.

Rates are based on double occupancy, are subject to space available and may increase. Certain other restrictions apply.

So, don’t wait any longer – book your Seabourn cruise soon! Contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

It was a historical moment last week when three Seabourn ships met up together at sea. Both Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Sojourn were in Livorno, Italy, while Seabourn Legend was just up the Italian coast in Portovenere. The captains of the three ships decided to arrange a rendezvous, and Seabourn Legend headed south to say hello to her sisters just outside of Livorno. The three sisters looked amazing together, sailing the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. It was truly a remarkable sight, and we hope you enjoy these spectacular photos of their grand meeting!

We are excited to announce a change in the service provider for our very popular Personal Valet Luggage Service.  Effective May 11, 2011, luggage shipments will be managed by our partner company, Luggage Forward. Luggage Forward is the premier door-to-door luggage delivery service, serving more than 200 countries and providing guaranteed service.

For guests who have booked a reservation for Personal Valet Luggage Service directly with Seabourn, we would like to ensure them that there will be a smooth and flawless transition to Luggage Forward. No action is required from guests and they will soon receive luggage shipping and packing details, as well as shipping supplies directly from Luggage Forward.

Everything else remains the same.  Guests can continue to ship their personal luggage between their homes and their Seabourn suite – all in an effortless way without having to worry about checking in luggage at the airport or baggage fees.

We strive to exceed the expectations of our Seabourn guests, and we are confident guests will find Luggage Forward to provide travel convenience of the highest caliber.

Guests with any questions about this transition can reach our Seabourn Personal Valet Luggage Service representatives at 1-800-929-9391. For more information or any questions regarding upcoming luggage shipment, please contact Luggage Forward at 1-800-766-8535 or visit www.luggageforward.com/seabourn

One of America’s most beautiful, intelligent and respected actors will do the honors as godmother to the intimate, all-suite Seabourn Quest when it is named at the port of Barcelona on June 20, 2011. Blythe Danner will preside over a glittering sunset ceremony in the Spanish Mediterranean city’s harbor, attended by the ship’s guests and crew, prior to its departure on a 14-day Maiden Voyage to Athens, Greece.

Blythe Danner earned a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in Butterflies Are Free (which originated at Westport Country Playhouse) and has received nominations for her roles in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, A Streetcar Named Desire and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. On television she won two Emmy Awards for her role on Showtime’s “Huff” and was nominated twice for “Will and Grace” and for Joyce Carol Oates’ “We Were the Mulvaneys.”  She received a Golden Globe nomination for Anne Tyler’s “Back When We Were Grownups.” Her film roles include Woody Allen’s Alice, The Great Santini, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, Mr. and Mrs. Bridge with Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, and Sylvia with her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow.

She holds honorary doctorates from Williams College, Hobart/William Smith College and her alma mater, Bard College. She has been involved with environmental issues for more than 35 years and serves on the advisory board of Union of Concerned Scientists, Environmental Media Association in L.A., Environmental Advocates in Albany, and Energy Visions in NYC. She also serves on Planned Parenthood’s board of advocates and is a member of the advisory board of the Bruce Paltrow Fund at the Oral Cancer Foundation, named after her husband.

Earlier this week, our sister company, Carnival Cruise Lines, introduced the Carnival Magic during a festive and magical naming ceremony in Venice.  The new ship represents the 100th vessel in the Carnival Corporation & plc fleet – a remarkable and extraordinary achievement for the company.

On April 29, all guests sailing aboard Carnival Corporation & plc’s 100 ships enjoyed a complimentary champagne toast at dinner to commemorate this historic and unprecedented milestone.  All told, more than 227,000 guests across the company’s 10 cruise brands participated in the toast, believed to be the largest celebration of its kind at sea.

Seabourn was very proud to be a part of this celebration.  In addition to the champagne toast, our talented pastry teams created a special, signature dessert in honor of this momentous occasion.  Here are just a few pictures of the tasty desserts. Check out more photos on our Facebook page and tell us which one you like the most! www.facebook.com/seabourn.

What a beautiful sight! Here is a photo of Seabourn Odyssey anchored off the Dalmatian coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia.  A UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is rich in history and beautiful architecture. Within its ancient walls are museums, restaurants, shops, buildings with red-tile roofs, and Europe’s second-oldest synagogue.  Thanks to Ben Luckx, Seabourn Odyssey’s assistant manager of destinations services, for sharing this great shot!