The Seabourn Pride is the first of a new breed of luxury cruisers. She was built in 1988 to cruise worldwide at 18 knots. The sleek, all-white, all-suite vessel weighs in at 9,975 tons and measures 439 ft in length. She was last refurbished in September 2007. The renovations included overhauling the ship's open-air, alternative dining venues in order increase their seating capacities and enhancing options for outdoor, evening entertainment. The Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend are next in Seabourn's multimillion-dollar renovation project, with all refurbishments to be completed by August 2008.
Aboard the Seabourn Pride, a mostly European crew of 160 and Norwegian officers cater to 208 well-heeled passengers. Many loyal passengers book year after year, even though the ship maintains a similar annual cycle of cruises that includes the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, New England and Canada, the Caribbean and South America.
Seabourn may be considered the first of the true oceangoing luxury lines with global itineraries, larger that the SeaDream I and II that sail exclusively in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Monied passengers, both working and retired, are drawn to the small size, understated elegance, and excellent food and service aboard the Pride. Many regulars, mostly Americans but also some Europeans, are extremely partial to Seabourn; some to a particular ship because of the winsome staff. Tipping is included in the fares and loyalists tend to add to that for individual servers.
Seabourn Pride's 7- to 18-day itineraries tour the Caribbean and South America in winter. The ship crosses the Atlantic for spring in the Mediterranean and summer in Scandinavia and the Baltic. A return crossing to the U.S. east coast positions here for fall foliage in New England and Canada cruises before she heads south to the Caribbean to complete the annual cycle. Along with shore excursions to landmarks, passengers are treated to such events as private visits to museums and stately homes. Some passengers like to make private arrangements and head off with a car and driver.
The graceful design and understated decor of this six-deck ship can be seen in the lounges, used for socializing, learning, entertainment and dancing. The social center is a trio of glass-enclosed spaces located aft, including a lounge-cum-nightclub with hot hors d'oeuvres and music before dinner, an adjacent bar and a small casino. A boutique shop and a small library with books and videos provide further diversion. The Magellan Lounge, with tiered lounge seating, hosts the captain's party, lectures and most evening entertainment, which on this ship is usually performed by a multi-talented three-member cruise staff. A quiet spot is the forward-facing observation lounge for its unimpeded views, afternoon tea, drink before dinner and electronic chart to check the ship's position. The lido offers wind-protected deck chairs both in the sun and under cover, and the mezzanine above is available for open-air seating and jogging. The two whirlpools are more popular than the pool, though redesign of the pool has reduced its once-constricted feel. A third and very private whirpool is sited ahead of the superstructure at the bow. Weather and seas permitting, a stern marina is lowered for watersports.
The casual Veranda Cafe serves breakfast and lunch both indoors and under cover outdoors. A bar overlooking the lido serves soup and a single specialty at lunch. Evenings in the restaurant are dressy indeed, with up to four formal affairs on a two-week cruise. Other nights, a jacket is required. Seating is open and includes an adequate number of tables for two. Some passengers let the maitre d'hotel know that they would be happy to join others or have others join them. Bowing to today's tastes, Seabourn now allows a more casual dress code—jackets for men, and dresses, skirts or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women—for those dining in the Veranda Cafe. It is open most evenings as Restaurant 2 with a tastings or themed bistro menu such as Asian, modern Mediterranean and steakhouse. Reservations are required and there is no supplemental charge. Throughout, the food and service are superb, and selected table wines and spirits are included in the fares. Room service runs round the clock, offering selections from the restaurant menu served course by course.
The 277-sq-ft suites come with blond-wood cabinetry, picture windows, coffee tables convertible to dining tables, flat-screen TVs with CD and DVD players, stocked minibars, fine glassware, fresh fruit and flowers, safes, walk-in closets and personalized stationery. The marble baths come with robes and dual basins. The 36 suites offer French doors in place of windows, allowing passengers to step ever so slightly out to a railing. In foul weather conditions, the doors may be closed remotely from the bridge. These suites command premium fares and yet are now the most popular of all and sell out quickly on most cruises. Only six have true private balconies.
A boutique ship offering every luxury in dining, service and suite spaciousness, the Seabourn Pride should please those looking and able to afford an intimate social cruise or, if preferred, a completely private one.
