We’re happy to share several recent photos of several of our ships at sea. To see more pictures, visit our “Postcards from Sea” photo album on our Facebook page. Enjoy!

Beautiful blue skies greeted Seabourn Pride when the ship visited Mahon on the Balearic island of Menorca earlier this week. Here is magnificent photo sent by Captain Sean Whalley.

Seabourn Sojourn is seen against the Boston skyline earlier this month.

Last week, Seabourn Spirit and Holland America Line’s Ryndam were in Kotor, Montenegro, on the same day. Brandi Johnson, Ryndam’s human resources manager, was kind enough to share this picture of both ships with us!

Here is a beautiful photo of Seabourn Sojourn in Quebec, Canada. Thanks to Marco van Belleghem, hotel manager of Holland America Line’s Eurodam, for sharing this with us!

The holidays are less than three months away and we’re sure many of you are already thinking about where to celebrate.  Many will stay home with loved ones.  Some will travel to visit family.  However, if there is anyone who wants to escape the holiday stress and being pampered, we suggest taking a Seabourn cruise during this festive season.

The holiday spirit is definitely in the air aboard the ships, with each one adorned with holiday decorations, from gingerbread houses and menorahs to trees and garland.  Our staff prepares delicious traditional holiday meals, eggnog and delightful sweet treats.  They consider guests to be their second family and no doubt, they will ensure guests have the best holidays on the cruise.  Most importantly, staff will make sure guests feel like they are home away from home.

Not only will our guests enjoy holiday cheer onboard, they will also sail to several fascinating destinations around the globe.  Here are just a few of the exciting places our ships will visit:

Seabourn Spirit will operate a 14-day Costa Rica, Panama & Belize cruise departing Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, on Dec. 23, 2011.  On Christmas Day, guests will enjoy the day in Quepos, Costa Rica, where they can explore the rainforest, opt for an adventurous zipline excursion or discover the area on their own!

Seabourn Odyssey will sail on a 16-day Panama Canal voyage departing Dec. 20, 2011, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  Five days later, the ship will transit the Panama Canal — now that will certainly be a unique way to spend Christmas!

Further south, Seabourn Sojourn will be cruising both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans around South America.  On Dec. 19, 2011, the ship will depart Buesnos Aires, Argentina, on a 15-day Patagonia Holiday cruise. Guests will enjoy a relaxing day at sea on Christmas Day, en route to Ushuaia, Argentina.

You can find the holiday itineraries for the rest of our fleet on our website.  We hope to welcome you aboard our ships during the holidays!

Our guests often experience special moments on their Seabourn cruises that they’ll cherish forever.  Here is a story about two women and an unlikely, but exceptional chance meeting on a recent cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn — one that they’ll certainly never forget.

It all started one evening during dinner at a table hosted by Seabourn Sojourn’s guest services manager. Two women struck up a typical “getting acquainted” conversation, talking about where they were from, where they attended college and so on.  As the conversation continued, the coincidences began to pile up. Eventually they discovered that they both had attended the University of California in Berkeley and had actually been in the same sorority together, Chi Omega. What makes this story even more remarkable is that they had been sorority sisters, and now had met each other again for the first time since 1946 … 65 years later! They each had no idea that the other was on the cruise until they met at dinner that night.  Needless to say, there were a few tears at the dinner table.  During the rest of the cruise, the sisters spent time together catching up with each other’s lives since their college days.

It was a chance meeting and a lovely one at that.  We’re so pleased to have been a part of bringing them back together, even if it was completely by chance!

Sorority sisters together again on Seabourn Sojourn. Shown here are Mrs. Lawrence (left) with her “big sister,” Ms. Tuttle (right).

We’re happy to share our latest Facebook photo album with you. “Postcards from Sea,” contains snapshots from our ships at sea and in ports all over the globe.  Our fans will see pictures of cruising Seabourn-style, the exotic destinations we visit, and the many unique experiences we offer both on board and ashore.  We’ll also share photos of our crew, many of whom have become good friends with our fans during a previous Seabourn cruise.

“Postcards from Sea” already contains some amazing shots from the ships, including a beautiful sunset shot in the South Pacific, photos of Seabourn Quest meeting up with Seabourn Legend for the first time this year, and pictures of UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur near Semarang, Indonesia.  Here are just a few photos in “Postcards at Sea.”  To see more pictures, please visit our Facebook page here.

We hope “Postcards from Sea” will bring back good memories to guests who have sailed with us in the past. At the same time, we hope our fans will be enticed to join us on a future cruise!  We also welcome fans to share their photos of their Seabourn cruises on our Facebook page, or email them to us directly to community@seabourn.com and we’ll include them in the album.

Staff Captain Sigurd Darbakk and Captain Mark Dexter watch the sunset over the island of Moorea after Seabourn Odyssey leaves Papeete.

Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Quest meet at sea.

Guests approach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur (near Semarang, Indonesia).

A lovely photo of Seabourn Odyssey in Kotor, Montenegro.

We’ve recently received additional photos from the special events in Saint Petersburg and Amsterdam during the President’s Cruise.

In Saint Petersburg, guests were transferred from the ship after an early dinner to the sumptuous Mikhailovsky Theater, which is seldom open to visitors, being mostly used for sponsored events by its owners. Upon arrival, they proceeded up a red carpet being heralded by the St. Petersburg Horn Capella, the only ensemble of its kind in Russia, playing antique straight brass horns that were popular in the 18^th century.  They were ushered into the theater where drinks and dessert bites were offered, and had a chance to peruse the theater’s collection of artworks. Then they were seated in the theater for a ballet performance exclusively created for them by the renowned Russian choreographer Boris Eifman. The evening’s performance consisted of a medley of scenes from his most famous works – Tchaikovsky, Red Giselle, Anna Karenina, and I am Don Quixote – and performed by a troupe hand-picked for the occasion by Mr. Eifman. Following the performance, the guests were informed that a donation had been made on their behalf to Mr. Eifman’s ballet school, where he boards and trains talented orphans and children from distressed families to enter the traditions of the Russian ballet. A cadre of the young students passed thank you gifts to the guests as they departed to return to Seabourn Sojourn.

A beautiful performance in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Photo courtesy of Anton Udovichenko

In Amsterdam, guests visited the historic Westerkerk church, dating from 1631. They were greeted by characters who seem to have stepped out of Rembrandt paintings. (Rembrandt is buried in the church, but nobody is sure exactly where.)  They entered a restoration of Holland’s Golden Age, with music, games, refreshments and lots of fun. There was a recital of music from the period on the church’s magnificent pipe organ, built in the 17^th century and expanded early in the 18^th. After an evening of this time travel, they left the church and embarked on canal boats and enjoyed dessert during a beautiful canal cruise back to Seabourn Sojourn.

In Amsterdam, guests enjoyed a live recreation of Rembrandt's famous “Night Watch." Photo courtesy of Martine Berendsen

Check out the photos from both of these events on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/seabourn.

We’re happy to share a few photos of our annual President’s Cruise, which is currently taking place aboard Seabourn Sojourn.  Seabourn President Richard Meadows is on board and mingling with guests, as well as enjoying the sights and sounds of Northern Europe.  For more pictures, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter for updates from the cruise!

During the Gala Reception, Seabourn President Richard Meadows pays a special tribute to the longest serving crew members on Seabourn Sojourn. Pictured here with Meadows are: Arnel Zablan (Laundry Master) – joined in 1997 Francisco Hubahib (Able Seaman) - joined in 1996 Danilo Ondoy (Linen Keeper) - joined in 1995 David Santos (Assistant Electrician) - joined in 1993 Jose Noel Jontongo (Sous Chef) - joined in 1991 Domingo Dilla (Butcher) - joined in 1991 Miro Marino Enriquez (Bosun) - joined in 1988

Seabourn Sojourn arrived into Helsinki, Finland, and the day could not be any more picture perfect as the ship was greeted by plenty of sunshine.

Many guests were out and about and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the wonderful capital city of Helsinki. Standing in front of the very famous Sibelius Statue are Seabourn President Richard Meadows with Seabourn Club Members Lin and John Kohler.

Both Richard Meadows and Pamela Conover hosted a special party for all the mid-level and senior management and toasted to everyone's efforts. They thanked the entire team for the staff’s efforts in creating and delivering the special Seabourn experience to guests. Left to right: Ship Doctor Sam Slishman; Nurse Rachel Obra Lagrimas; Training Manager Cathy Meyer; Seabourn Brand Ambassador - Pamela Conover; Chief Purser Ann-Cathrin Nilsson; and Executive Housekeeper Debbie Smith.

All smiles from some of Seabourn Sojourn’s staff!

St. Petersburg could not have been any more spectacular! Everything about the visit was just perfect - sunny blue skies formed the perfect backdrop at our Exclusive President’s Event hosted by Richard Meadows and Pamela Conover at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. World-famous choreographer Boris Eifman presented a medley of scenes from his most famous work, and the show left the audience in awe! "This is the type of magical moments lasting memories are made of," said Seabourn Sojourn Cruise Director Handré Potgieter. Here is a picture of guests entering the theatre.

Seabourn Sojourn overnighted in St. Petersburg, allowing guests ample time to explore this opulent city. Left to right: Brent Boylan, Patty Edwards (the only guest to sail on all five Seabourn President’s Cruises), Richard Meadows, Marie Fisher and Carol Armstrong

Vera David, Richard Meadows and Antonia Ryan

Enjoying St. Petersburg are Pamela Conover, Mark Elovitz and Michele Merkel.

Prior to the ship's departure, the St. Petersburg Military Ensemble performs a local song and dance, showcasing a colorful collage of Russian art and culture. This leads to a spectacular sail away party with music and dancing continuing as the ship sails up the Neva River.

It's a very lovely evening as Seabourn Sojourn departs St. Petersburg. The staff serves up champagne and caviar during the sail away party. Left to right: Waitress Annie Michalsky; Chef Alex Zillessen; Assistant Maitre'd Bart Durand; and Sommelier Gareth Cronje.

After a few days in St. Petersburg and Talllinn, Estonia, guests enjoyed a beautiful day at sea to relax. That morning, Richard Meadows hosted his “Seabourn Today” presentation, where he shared some insight into the history of Seabourn, highlighted some of our very exciting itineraries and noted that we have more than 50 maiden calls in 2012-2013. The Grand Salon was packed, and guests were listening intently and deciding where and when their next Seabourn cruise should be.

That evening Seabourn Brand Ambassador Pamela Conover co-hosted the Seabourn Club Party with Seabourn Club Representative and Cruise Sales Specialist Pierre Van Breda. They honored 282 Seabourn Club members who sailed a combined total of 17,229 days, which equates to 47 years! They also honored Lorraine Thompson, who has the most days sailed with 1,362 days (and counting!). That’s a lot of champagne and caviar! Following the celebration, most guests were off to The Restaurant, where Chef Marcus de Jong prepared his seven-course Chef's dinner. Left to right: Pierre van Breda, Captain Karlo Buer, Pamela Conover, Lorraine Thompson, Cruise Director Handré Potgieter

Pamela Conover and Lorraine Thompson

If you’re making travel plans for the end of this year or early next year and still deciding where to go, here is a suggestion: South America.  Between October 2011 and January 2012, Seabourn Sojourn will sail around this continent on a series of cruises, including two 17-day Treasures of the Inca Coast voyages between Ft. Lauderdale and Valparaiso, Chile, and six 14-day Patagonian Passage voyages to the picturesque Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  This continent is filled with stunning natural beauty, classic colonial cities, majestic ancient monuments, and exciting adventures that will undoubtedly leave visitors with unforgettable memories and experiences they’ll cherish forever.

One of the highlights is the famed Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia.  A designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the park centers around an alpine massif of three imposing granite towers, reaching more than 10,000 feet, together with several lesser horns formed of black shale, and a variety of glaciers, lakes, and wild rivers. Here is a snapshot of the park taken earlier this year.

There is so much more to see and experience on this beautiful continent, and we hope you’ll be able to join us on one of our voyages this year!  Stay tuned for more posts about South America!

Even though it’s only July, we’re sure many of you are already thinking about plans for the holidays. If you want to get away from it all and celebrate the holidays Seabourn-style, then join us on one of our six ships around the globe.  There is a festive atmosphere onboard and our staff spreads holiday cheer on the ships.

Here is a taste of what it’s like to celebrate the holidays on a Seabourn cruise:

Tastefully decorated trees, as well as Hanukkah menorahs are set up in various lobbies and public rooms, and evergreen swags are draped on railings and balusters.  The galley team prepares a dazzling gingerbread village display, which is set up on about December 23 and maintained through about the 29^th.

Between December 24^th and 26^th, additional displays are set up on all buffet service areas and at the Restaurant entry, which contain a gingerbread house, Christmas chocolates, a chocolate Santa Claus, fresh Christmas cookies, candy canes, dried fruits and fresh clementines.  On the evening of the 24^th, a special Christmas basket or plate containing the same selection of goodies is delivered to each suite at turndown.

Of course, the holidays aren’t complete without several great, traditional meals.  On Christmas Eve, a traditional holiday meal is served during dinner. Christmas Day starts with a brunch buffet crowned with a Yuletide Log cake and cookies.  There is an eggnog, Glogg or Gluhwein party scheduled.  Christmas Day dinner is also traditional, with roast turkey, English pudding, mince pies with lots of decorations, crowns.  Plus, each guest receives a “Christmas cracker.”

Can you think of a better to ring in the New Year than on a Seabourn cruise?  If you’re sailing with us on the 31^st, be sure to pack a party dress or suit because New Year’s Eve dinner is a gala, formal-optional affair. Tables are decorated with good luck charms (marzipan clovers and horseshoes).  Afterwards, there is a gala ball in the main show lounge, and at midnight, hot goulash soup is served in all the bars.

Want to know where the ships will be during the holidays? Seabourn Sojourn will explore the majestic lands of South America, while Seabourn Spirit will visit Costa Rica, Panama and Belize.  The new Seabourn Quest will sail the warm waters of the Caribbean, while sister ship Seabourn Odyssey will offer a Panama Canal holiday cruise.  Both Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Pride will traverse the waters on the other side of the globe, with Pride visiting Vietnam and Thailand, and Legend cruising the Indian Ocean.

Have you ever celebrated the holidays on a Seabourn cruise? Do you have pictures? If so, please send us some to community@seabourn.com!

It seems like these two sisters can’t get enough of each other! Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Pride, both of which are sailing in Northern Europe this summer, met up again – this time, it was in the fjords in Flåm, Norway.  Here are a few shots of the sisters in this beautiful port.

photo credit: Tomas Østberg-Jacobsen

We invite you to visit Seabourn’s newly re-designed YouTube Channel, featuring a new background image of our highly-popular “Caviar in the Surf” experience. The channel also includes five never-before-seen short videos highlighting “The Seabourn Difference” — offerings and amenities that set Seabourn apart from other options: gourmet cuisine, the suite life, gracious and intuitive service, variety of activities, and the Spa at Seabourn.

On Seabourn’s YouTube Channel you’ll also find “Welcome to Seabourn,” a nearly eight-minute video that provides an overall look and feel of the Seabourn cruising experience, plus two videos from the recently-launched Seabourn Quest — one on the naming ceremony and another offering a look inside the ship and introducing several ship’s officers and Seabourn executives.  While you’re there, you can compare the naming ceremony videos from the introductions of Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn.

We encourage you to subscribe to our channel to receive the latest Seabourn videos. We hope you enjoy our redesigned YouTube page and the videos!