We have some fantastic news to share!  Seabourn Quest departed the CiMar facility in Porto Nogaro today, under tow to Genoa where she is expected to arrive August 20.  This finishes the standing order for Seabourn vessels at CiMar.

CiMar was first created for this project and has grown along with our fleet.  The company designated an area of about 50,000 square meters – formerly a potato field – and built a special overhead crane for the construction of the Seabourn vessels.  Odyssey’s hull was built there first and then the superstructure was added at Genoa. Sojourn was mostly built at CiMar including the superstructure, and Quest’s all steel work was done there.We’re very excited about Quest — stay tuned for more updates and photos!

Loston Harris

If you’re sailing on Seabourn Sojourn’s August 8 cruise, be sure to go up to the Observation Bar during the cruise!  We are delighted to present renowned jazz artist Loston Harris, who will bring the sophisticated musical ambiance of Manhattan’s iconic Carlyle Hotel to Sojourn during the 12-day voyage.  Enjoy his amazing talent as you sail through the spectacular Norwegian Fjords and Scotland.  His piano playing has been described as “percussive” and “incredibly fluid,” and Sojourn guests are sure to love and appreciate his beautiful melodies and “suave” vocals.

Just how hip is he? Well, he played George Clooney’s birthday bash and Sarah Jessica Parker’s VIP after-party for the debut of “Sex & the City.”

For the last seven years, Mr. Harris has headlined and found a home in a place that shares his passion for timeless music, the legendary Bemelmans Bar at the prestigious Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, New York. The Carlyle has a legacy of cabaret and great jazz talents like Mr. Harris.

He blends traditional jazz riffs, gospel and blues with his own unique stylings. He is doing his part to continue a legacy and is doing it his way. Mr. Harris has previously recorded three CDs to rave reviews — Stepping Stones, Comes Love, Timeless. As of January 1st, his fourth release, Why Try To Change Me Now is available on CD Baby and iTunes.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Harris aboard Seabourn Sojourn!

This morning under the crisp blue sky, Seabourn Sojourn made its maiden call at one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Stockholm, Sweden.  Here is a great shot of the yacht anchored in the harbor.

Seabourn Sojourn at Stockholm

T. Mariotti shipyard produced a time-lapsed video of Seabourn Sojourn being built in Genoa, Italy.  From the beginning when she was in two parts right up to her delivery, you can see how Sojourn came together.  Enjoy the video here:

Earlier this week, Seabourn Sojourn made its maiden call at Olden, Norway.  She cruised through some of Norway’s stunning fjords, giving guests the opportunity to soak in the dramatic and picturesque scenery of towering mountains and waterfalls.  Known as the “gateway to glaciers,” Olden is a charming village located near the Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, and the Briksdal Glacier, the most well-known arm of Jostedal Glacier.

It was a picture-perfect day and Sojourn looked amazing docked next to the mountains and lush landscape.  Sojourn Staff Captain Stig Betten and Executive Housekeeper Suzanne Clark shared a couple of incredible photos with us.  Don’t you wish you there?

“Last year, at the debut of the Seabourn Odyssey, I dubbed that vessel a “game-changer” for the luxury cruise market, and the new Sojourn, which I boarded last night in Dover, England, is no less a stunner.  Similar in size and layout to luxury rival Silversea’s Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow, the Sojourn (like the Odyssey) boasts a far more stylish, sophisticated decor and design with several downright spectacular public areas.”
“Overall, the changes to the spa result in a more tranquil, quiet setting that — like the spa on Odyssey — oozes style and sophistication.
- Gene Sloan, USA Today
http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/06/a-sneak-peek-at-the-newest-luxury-cruise-ship-at-sea-the-seabourn-sojourn/95513/1

“This is simply one of the most beautiful, most luxurious, most expertly run ships out there. We’re talking 6-star all the way.”
“… the other amazing thing about Seabourn is the crew. So helpful, so friendly, trying to get to know every guest. They really make the experience. And that is obvious from the second you step onboard.”
- Fran Golden, Get Away With Fran (blog)
http://getawaywithfran.com/?p=675

“Sojourn is opulent and intimate with standout features that include the largest spa on a luxury vessel, the two-deck Spa at Seabourn provides the ultimate pampering experience at sea.”
– Anita Dunham Potter, ExpertCruiser.com
http://www.expertcruiser.com/blog/seabourn-sojourn-is-christened-in-london/

“The 450-passenger Sojourn … is looking spectacular, sleek and luxurious and is very much ready for her close-up.”
- Sue Bryant, Cruise Critic
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3920

“… this boat might just be the breath of fresh air the cruise industry needs.”
- Kate Auletta, The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/15/seabourns-sojourn-cruise_n_613226.html

“New Megayacht Sets Sail”
- Elaine Glusac, The New York Times
http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/new-megayacht-sets-sail/

“… on the Sojourn, it’s the spa that truly shines.”
- Amber Nolan, ShermansTravel.com
http://www.shermanstravel.com/blogs/cruise_news/3011/new-seabourn-sojourn-sets-sail/

Here is a beautiful shot of Seabourn Sojourn in Dover, England, just a day before her spectacular debut in London.  It was a gorgeous morning, the perfect shade of blue.  There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the light was just so beautiful on her.  Doesn’t she look stunning?

Thanks to our director of marketing, Karen Sinclair, for snapping this incredible photo of Sojourn that morning.

During a beautiful sunset ceremony on the River Thames in London, The Yachts of Seabourn’s highly anticipated new Seabourn Sojourn was named by British supermodel Twiggy, who served as godmother to the new yacht.  There were more than 700 guests and staff in attendance – and the crowd burst into cheers as the bottle of champagne smashed against the side of vessel. The evening ended with a performance on the open deck by Siren, an energetic, dynamic female string quartet, as fireworks lit up the London sky.

Here are some photos from that spectacular evening!

It was a beautiful evening in London, just perfect for the naming of Seabourn Sojourn.  You can watch the video of the spectacular event here:

While the sun was rising this morning, Seabourn Sojourn sailed up the Thames River to London.  It was truly a beautiful morning, perfect for the arrival of the most luxurious ship to sail through the Thames Barrier.  Moored mid-river near Canary Wharf, the yacht looks stunning, and staff is preparing the vessel for two days of inaugural celebrations.  Tonight, British supermodel and fashion icon Twiggy will officially name the vessel during a sunset ceremony.  The following day, Seabourn donated the yacht to Breast Cancer Haven as the venue for a gala fundraising event to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Here are some great shots of Sojourn navigating the waters of the River Thames.  Stay tuned for photos from tonight’s naming ceremony!