“Caviar in the Surf” and Marina days are two of Seabourn’s most popular complimentary experiences among our guests. But did you know that we also host a beautiful barbecue on the beach in the middle of the jungle? That’s right. On our voyages where we cruise the Amazon River, we host a “Jungle Dinner Party” – compliments of Seabourn!

On March 24, 2013, Seabourn Sojourn staff rolled out the red carpet in the forest and put together a spectacular beach barbecue in the Amazon rainforest in Anavilhanas, Brazil. The “Jungle Dinner Party” featured lively entertainment and local music, and a beautiful set-up and delicious food on a white sandy beach. As the sun set behind the ship anchored in the Amazon River, it was easy to forget that they were actually in the middle of a rainforest a thousand miles away from the ocean.

Thanks to Anna Wade, one of our trainee waitresses, for sending us these photos of that lovely evening.

It’s hard to believe this is in the middle of the Amazon rainforest!

Seabourn Sojourn anchored in the Amazon River.

Restaurant Manager Bogdan Stefanescu poses with local children in festive, traditional clothing.

Seabourn Quest’s maiden World Cruise started with a Black & White Gala in Ft. Lauderdale, and now it has ended. But here is one more elegant special event the onboard team created to wind things up—the Black & White Ball.

Walk this way: the entry to the Grand Salon for the Ball

Set for action: Seabourn Quest Hotel Manager Vitor Alves’ table ready for guests

Join the club: Staff is ready to greet guests at the entrance.

Caviar and crab: now that’s Black & White!

One busy evening in Seattle, our manager of Culinary Operations, Bjoern Wassmuth, was stuck in a major traffic jam on his way home. He and his carpooling colleagues were not moving at all, so instead of sitting idly in the car, they went to a local pizza restaurant to wait for the traffic to ease. It was a charming mom-and-pop restaurant and according to Bjoern, it served some of the best pizza he’s ever had!

“It was real Italian pizza,” he said. What made it so delicious? The crust.

Always thinking about new dishes and recipes for the Seabourn ships, Bjoern asked the restaurant owner what kind of flour they used and turns out, it’s pizza flour all the way from Italy. So, he ordered a batch and did a pizza tasting at the test kitchen in Seabourn headquarters. Bjoern molded the dough, tossed it in the air and topped each pizza with a variety of tasty toppings – prosciutto, mushrooms, basil and more. The critical part of the process was knowing how much water to the flour.

“I played with the liquid content to get the crust just right,” Bjoern said. “Pizza flour from Europe is very different from American flour so it’s important to add the right amount of water to make the crust perfect.”

It certainly worked. Six pizzas later, the judges – which included several executives with a hearty appetite – were all smiles and gave two thumbs up to the delicious pizza.

It’s a good thing Bjoern was caught in the traffic jam that day. He discovered a new source for a key ingredient for one our most popular dishes onboard!

Up in the air!

Covered in tomato sauce

Voilà!! The finished product!

Earlier this week, Seabourn Spirit met up with her big sister, Seabourn Sojourn, in the Ionian Sea.  Guests and crew came out on deck and waved to each other as the ships sailed past each other.  Seabourn Spirit Cruise Director Nick Hale hopped on the rescue boat and took these pictures of the rendezvous.  It will be a while before the sisters meet again, as Seabourn Sojourn will be sailing in Northern Europe and Seabourn Spirit will be in the Mediterranean this summer. So long for now!

Condé Nast Traveler Editor Kate Maxwell appeared on this morning’s TODAY show to discuss the winners of the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards.  You can catch her talk about Seabourn and why we’re the “best small ship cruise line.”

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.