If you surf online for reviews of Seabourn Yachts, there is a very common thread: Everyone raves about the level of service from onboard staff. So how does Seabourn continuously get honest, sincere and downright “gushing” reviews from their past guests? Well, they take training very seriously, and ensure their staff is completely versed on Seabourn’s incredibly high customer service standards. But with Seabourn’s expansion and the rise of luxury cruises in general, it’s challenging to always find the “best of the best.”

As a result, Seabourn created its own Seabourn Academy. Because Seabourn’s training is centered on close-up management and on-the-job experience, the training includes shoreside orientation and a rigorous three-week training period on one of the existing sisters. After they graduate, the cadets are assigned to Odyssey, Spirit, Pride or Legend. They will go aboard all three Seabourn yachts in small groups over a three month period. By the end of 2009, another 200 new recruits will have completed a Seabourn specific training program that will prepare them for a prosperous future and career with Seabourn.

And who is leading the ranks? Allow me introduce the esteemed training team…

Leading the team is Guillaume Colas, Training Manager. Guillaume began his career with Seabourn in June 2000 as a waiter on Seabourn Legend. He continued working his way up the ranks until he became Maitre D’ in 2003. In 2006, Guillaume was asked to become the first corporate trainer, leading him into his current role.

Jo Poelmans, Trainer:
Jo joined Seabourn in 2003 as waiter on the Seabourn Pride. In 2006, Jo decided to change careers and give up his position as Sr. Asst. Maitre D’ to become Cruise Sales Specialist. In 2008 Jo was asked to join the Training Department as Company Trainer. Jo has completed his training and successfully conducted his first training sessions onboard.

James Blackman, Trainer:
James used to spend his days working as a Bar Manager on Seabourn Legend. He left Seabourn in 2005 to further explore the world and gain experience in the US, Australia and the UK. James returns to Seabourn in a new role as a trainer.

Oliver Ellinger, Trainer:
Oliver is currently a Bar Manager on board Seabourn Spirit, a position he has held since 2005. Oliver joins the training department until Odyssey launches next June.

Tags: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Odyssey Services

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 11:30 am and is filed under Seabourn Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.