The second fleet of true luxury boutique ships got its start in 1988 following on the smaller yacht-style Sea Goddess pair in 1984 and 1985. More than double the size at nearly 10,000 gross tons and twice the passenger complement with 212 berths, the Seabourn ships had better sea keeping characteristics and could therefore roam the world while the Sea Goddess pair (now SeaDream Yacht Club) remained pretty much confined to the Caribbean and Mediterranean offering now relaxed lifestyle and daily ports of call.
Fleet
The trio – Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989) andSeabourn Legend (1992) will be joined by the construction of two new and largerships that will come considerably closer in size to the smaller Silversea pair.Economies of scale enter the picture even in the luxury small ship market.
Itineraries
Like its closest competitors, Seabourn roams the world,sailing virtually everywhere but the Arctic and Antarctica.
Dining and Decor
Dining is arguably the best afloat with creative menus andwonderful preparation both in the main restaurant and in the alternative venuewith its now changing themes. Décor throughout is understated Scandinavian andEuropean, attractive but hardly memorable.
Programs
Seabourn has an excellent special interest and enrichmentprogram with some top names and others, experts in their fields.
Onboard Experience
The Seabourn trio arguably provides the most luxuriouscruise afloat in the areas of food, service and a high level of maintenance.The inclusive rates include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and wines andall gratuities. Seabourn has a very loyal following of well-heeled clients thatlike the smallness, the understated Scandinavian décor, and the quiet clubby lifestyle.
Competitors
Smaller than the Silversea quartet and Regent trio, the maincompetition, Seabourn ships offer fewer public rooms, less elaborate and lesssophisticated entertainment and a much lower percentage of suites having truebalconies. French doors, where passengers can stand at a railing, were addedbut while the design provides fresh sea breezes, they do not match up to thecoveted and now almost expected private verandas.
