When Seabourn Odyssey stopped at Triluke Bay in Croatia last Thursday, the staff opened up the marina for all to enjoy, and guests weren’t the only ones who took to the water.  The Odyssey chefs put down their utensils and took a break from the kitchen to spend the beautiful afternoon at the marina.  They enjoyed the watersports, including the banana boats, and Executive Chef Rob van Leeuwen even donned his full chef uniform and hat for the ride.

Check out the big smiles in these photos below.  As the saying goes, “Happy chefs make happy food,” and that will make everyone happy!

Linda Garrison, cruise editor for About.com, sailed on a seven-day cruise aboard Seabourn Odyssey last year, visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in the region.

“Life doesn’t come much better than cruising a beautiful area of the world like the Adriatic Sea between Greece and Italy. One of the few things that does make it better is to be on a luxury ship like the Seabourn Odyssey.”

Check out her article here, where she gives a daily account of her journey as she explores many charming and quaint ports in Italy, Croatia, and Greece.  And you’ll get a good taste of what it is like to sail seven days in the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

Seabourn Odyssey visits some of the most magnificent destinations around the world, and on Friday morning, it sailed through the Bosphorus strait in Turkey.  One of the narrowest straits in the world, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus divides the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.  Odyssey approached the opening and cruised in between, sailing by some of the city’s most famous sights.  Guests gathered on deck or on their balconies to soak in the amazing scenery, capturing photos of the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.

On Wednesday, July 21, the Executive Chef de Cuisine Rob van Leeuwen and the staff on Seabourn Odyssey organized a special private celebratory dinner to honor the Belgian National Day. Among the 29 Belgian guests who attended the dinner were legendary Belgian chef Pierre Wynants and his wife Marie, who are vacationing on board.  Chef Wynants is one of the world’s most honored chefs, having earned three Michelin stars for his Brussels restaurant Comme Chez Soi (“Like at Home”).  Chef Wynants professed himself amazed by the food and service on Seabourn Odyssey.

Shown below, left to right: Chef van Leeuwen, Maitre d’Hotel Antony Bernardi, Chef Wynants, Mrs. Wynants, Captain Mark Dexter and Guest Services Manager Jo Poelmans.

On Monday morning, Seabourn Odyssey dropped anchor off the lovely island of Skiathos in Greece, one of the crowning jewels of the Aegean Sea.  It was quite a sight to see as the yacht sailed along the coastline so gorgeous that it can take your breath away.  It is a charming island, offering spectacular scenery and a very friendly and relaxing atmosphere.  We’re happy to share several photos from the Odyssey’s visit to the beautiful Skiathos.

On Saturday, Seabourn Odyssey departed Athens for an exciting 14-day cruise to the Black Sea.  First stop was Mykonos, one of the most popular destinations in the Greek Isles known for its white cubic buildings with blue doors and shutters, friendly locals, and a laid-back, casual atmosphere.  It was a beautiful day, with a pleasant and welcoming breeze that made it perfect for exploring this charming island.

Seabourn Odyssey in Mykonos

Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel is truly enjoying her cruise onboard the Seabourn Odyssey with her extended family, sailing in the Greek Isles and Turkey. On July 6, Captain Gier-Arne Thue-Nilsen invited Mrs. Wilson and her family to the bridge to watch and even assist the onboard bridge officers as the yacht was sailing out of Patmos, Greece, that evening.

Steady as she goes: Valerie Wilson takes the wheel of Seabourn Odyssey under the guidance of Odyssey’s Captain Gier-Arne Thue-Nilsen.

Captain Thue-Nilsen and Staff Captain Sean Whalley even spent some of their time to teach Mrs. Wilson’s grandchildren some basics in ship navigation!

Seabourn Academy Graduates

Seabourn Corporate Training Manager Guillaume Colas sent us fantastic news that a group of Seabourn Academy cadets just completed and graduated from an extensive five-week training program on Seabourn Odyssey.  The cadets trained for a variety of positions, from restaurant and bar waitstaff to housekeeping.  (more…)

During a recent stop in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Seabourn Odyssey staff pulled out all the stops and brought Seabourn’s distinct afternoon tea experience to guests in the Sinai desert.  Staff set up a wide selection of teas, as well as an array of delicious hors d’oeuvres.  Guests experienced authentic Bedouin hospitality and culture, and joined local nomads for formal tea at their campsite.  With stunning views of the mountains and sand dunes, it was simply the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea!

When Seabourn Odyssey stopped at Dubai last week, nearly 300 guests were treated to a spectacular Arabian night during “Dubai Desert Dinner,” a complimentary shore experience for World Cruise guests.  (more…)