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.

Seabourn Sojourn returned to Dover last Sunday from its maiden voyage, and we are pleased to report that it was very successful and triumphant cruise!  Everyone worked so hard to ensure that it would be a flawless debut, and most importantly, to meet and exceed guests’ expectations.  Based on the very positive feedback and praise we received from guests, that is exactly what Sojourn and her crew did.

The consensus of emotions among guests and crew was a mix of elation and pride.  At the end of the cruise, guests rated their overall impression 9.56 out of a possible 10.  Many of them also shared comments about their experience. Some were simple, short and sweet:
•    “Fabulous ship. Outstanding service throughout. Best cruise ever.” (Norman & Sharon)
•    “More than exceeded expectations” (Craig)
•    “Sojourn is a beautiful ship. The décor is outstanding.”  (Joel & Linda)
•    “This is a beautiful + perfectly sized ship!” (Roderick & Deborah)
•    “Our second cruise on Seabourn and we have already booked our 3rd for next year. We are sold on the quality, service, planning, etc. Was a little apprehensive about the larger ship, but LOVE IT!” (Patrick & Marla)
•    “Elegant + spacious, light + airy” (Jeorg & Beatrix)
•    “Best Seabourn experience after many many cruises.” (Paul & Carolyn)

The service, in particular, received outstanding remarks from guests:
•    “The ship is impeccable. The service exquisite. The staff are the best we’ve had in our years of sailing.” (Derham & Joy)
•    “Loved our two weeks aboard. Ship was fabulous and staff + crew even better!”  (Gary & Peggy)
•    “Very impressed! Especially on a maiden voyage.” (Colin & Jane)

We are so proud of Sojourn and her crew for a wonderful job well done! We hope to welcome back our maiden voyage guests on another Seabourn cruise very soon!

We have fantastic news to share – today we signed and took delivery of our newest ship, Seabourn Sojourn! It was a wonderful day in Genoa and we are so proud to welcome her to our fleet. Shipyard staff members, who proudly worked on her for the past year, stood at the dock and waved goodbye to Sojourn as she pulled away this afternoon and headed out to sea. For the next few days, onboard crew will be preparing the yacht for two days of exciting festivities in London, where we will officially “name” the yacht and introduce her to the world. It will be spectacular, so stay tuned for more news from the inaugural celebration!

If you’re seeking pure indulgence, look no further than the Spa on Seabourn Sojourn.  It will offer many new amenities and treatments, and will provide the best and healthiest spa experience at sea.

Treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage, which – by the way – you can only get on a Seabourn cruise.  Try out our newest holistic treatment and step into the new Kneipp Walk pool.  Stay in shape and work out using the latest version of the Kinesis System in the state-of-the-art fitness center.  Or simply sit back on a lounge chair and enjoy some peace and quiet in the new outdoor, cabana-style area.

If you want some privacy, book the Spa Villa, which truly is an ultimate sanctuary.  There will be treatment area large enough for duet treatments; a bathtub big enough for two; a private balcony for sunbathing; a full living room area; a double daybed and a dining area to enjoy healthy snacks.

There is a little bit of everything that is sure to soothe your soul in the Spa on Seabourn Sojourn! Read more about the Sojourn Spa.

It was an exacting task to align the two pieces perfectly and then weld the seams to form one smooth and sleek hull. That task was finished last week and the entire hull was then towed back to San Giorgio di Nogaro, where they will begin adding the blocks of her superstructure.  Once that phase is complete, Quest will be towed again all the way around the “boot” and up the coast of Italy to the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, and the yard will begin to outfit the yacht for her arrival in June of 2011.  Before you know it, she’ll be ready for the world to see!

Here is a great picture of Seabourn Quest arriving in San Giorgio.  You can see her name proudly affixed on the bow. Even though she is in the early stages now, you can tell she is going to be a stunner!

Seabourn Legend Hotel Manager Ralph de Klijn sent the following update and photo about a group of cadets who recently finished their Seabourn Academy training on Legend:

Here is a wonderful picture of all the cadets who successfully completed the Seabourn Academy over the last three and a half months on Seabourn Legend. Our training manager, Paul Charsley, has debarked Legend, leaving his pupils behind after a successful couple of months onboard. In total, we had three waves of cadets training on the yacht, and they will now be assigned to begin their careers throughout the fleet, including the new Seabourn Sojourn. It was great having new talent added to the Seabourn family and we wanted to share this as guests, particularly some who sailed during the Legend’s crossing, have asked for an update on their training. From myself and the Legend management, we wish all new Seabourn family members the best of luck in the next years aboard our yachts.

We’re only one month away from the launch of Sojourn and there is a great buzz in the air here at Seabourn!  We are in the midst of finalizing plans for the inaugural festivities in London while workers at the shipyard are putting the finishing touches on the yacht.  We know many of you are just as excited as we are to see her. The debut is right around the corner, but in the meantime, here are some new construction photos of Sojourn. (more…)

It was another day in paradise as Seabourn Pride visited the beautiful island of Ko Kood, Thailand.  The day couldn’t have been any better with gorgeous weather, a beautiful beach and a delicious barbeque meal. And best of all, guests delighted in Seabourn’s signature “Caviar in the Surf.” It was without a doubt a picture-perfect day in this private beach escape.

Win a complimentary 7-day cruise for two during the maiden year of Seabourn’s third new ultra luxury yacht, just by guessing the name the vessel will be given when she is launched in June 2011. (more…)