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!

We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic news that Seabourn has won top honors again.  For the second year in a row, the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have selected Seabourn as the World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line in the magazine’s 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.” And what’s even more exciting is that we outscored all ocean-going cruise lines regardless of size!  We’ve earned this honor four out of the last five years, winning this award in 2006, 2007, 2009 and now 2010.

We are elated and so very proud to receive this wonderful distinction.  It speaks volumes about the entire Seabourn crew and staff and the tremendous service they provide to guests.

“We are always gratified when our guests make the effort to award this honor to the staff on board our yachts,” said Seabourn’s president & CEO, Pamela C. Conover. “I always tell them they are the best,” she continued, “but I know it means so much more coming from the guests themselves. I really want to thank Travel + Leisure for giving their readers the opportunity to cast their votes for our outstanding crew.”

Travel + Leisure readers vote on various aspects of each line, and the total scores are tabulated from those votes. Seabourn’s formula of intimate guest capacity, gracious service, interesting itineraries and spacious accommodations is enhanced by a relaxed, club-like social atmosphere and an inclusive value that encompasses fine dining in all onboard venues and complimentary open bars throughout the voyage.

It is obviously a combination that readers of Travel + Leisure find a winning one.

Seabourn Spirit is anchored off the Dalmatian island of Korcula, Croatia, the largest in an archipelago of 48 islands.  The medieval walled city of Korcula is rich in centuries-old history, and today the island produces some of the country’s best wines and olive oil. Croatia’s distinctive and famous orange and red tile rooftops dot the landscape and are a stark contrast against the bright blue Mediterranean sky.  It makes for a picture-perfect shot, and Seabourn’s Personnel and Training Manager Paul Charsley delivered this stunning photo of Seabourn Spirit.

Seabourn Spirit in Beautiful Korcula

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

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!

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/