Champagne and 24 Karat Gold Facial

Now as you all know from my webpage I have been on many cruise ships over the past months and I keep getting side-tracked, so sorry it’s a little late but here is my day on the Seabourn Sojourn.

So on the 24^th August I had an exclusive invitation to come aboard the Seabourn Sojourn. Seabourn have 6 ships.  The Seabourn Quest has just had a major hull refit to give her a hull that allows for her to be Ice Breaker category.  The Seabourn Quest is the first ultimate luxury cruise ship to offer cruises in this region. The Cruises will be 21 and 24 day cruises in the Antarctica and Patagonia Region. These cruises go in Nov 2013 – Jan 2014.

As we arrived at Southampton I always go to the Town Pier as this is the perfect place to go to see the ships from a distance and the Seabourn Sojourn was docked in the City Terminal.  The Arcadia, Azura and Queen Mary 2 use this dock quite regularly although it was my first time boarding at the Ocean Terminal.

The Terminal has recently undergone a major refurbishment and you can see this when you are inside, it’s fresh and modern and is the perfect start to any cruise.

Seabourn ships are extremely modern with light beiges and dark woods giving a chic and luxurious feel to them. At the end of the day they are super yachts

As we got on to the ship we were whisked up to the Observation bar on deck 10. This sits on the front of the deck and offers specular views out to sea. There is also an outside terrace which wraps around the lounge offering space outside to relax. Here we were treated to Champagne and Chilli sandwiches at 11pm – Not a good mix really. Seabourn like Silversea and Regent are Premium All Inclusive.

The accommodation (which we will look at later on) – 90% of the accommodation on board is Balconies however there is only 225 of them on each ship.

As we go up a deck to deck 11, this is about a 1/3 of the standard deck and is at the front of the ship.  The front section has been given up for a sun terrace, with a small bar where you can get drinks.  There are about 30 sunbeds up here and they can be made in to double or single beds. This has the most magnificent views out to sea and offers a real sun trap.

On the back of this large deck is the shuffleboard area and there is also a golf green.  Surrounding this are lots of snug tables and chairs where you can sit and relax in the sun.

Back down on deck 10 at the front we have the Observation bar and then to get to the back of the ship, as its divided in to two halves, you need to go down a deck and then back up at the end. I know it’s a pain but it’s worth it.  At the moment this is the Spa Terrace with a Spa Villa on the right and Cabana Area on the left with the Spa Terrace in the middle.  There is a glass floor leading the whirlpool which sits directly on the back of the deck.

They are, and quite unfortunately, changing this. The Quest has already seen this change in June 2013 and this whole area has been taken off and replaced with 4 Spa Penthouse suites. Nice if you have one but it has taken the general relaxing space away.

As we go down a deck to deck 9, this is Spa deck.  Quite usually, the spa is on the back of the ship whereas normally this sits on the front. At the front end of the ship there is the Bridge and accommodation.

In the middle you have the main sun terrace which is overlooking the below pool deck and if you look the other way, you have magnificent views out to sea.  The general appeal to Seabourn is the very modern look – there is a look of glass and the pool deck is extremely modern.

Up here you also have the sky bar, again looking over the Chic pool deck below where you can savour a new glass of wine up here and soak in the Luxury that Seabourn has to offer.

Opposite the bar you have the top of the Atrium. Now Seabourn ships are fairly small so they don’t have a large Atrium but instead it has a spiral staircase that goes from deck 4 right up to deck 9, topped with a grand sky light.  If you look up from deck 4, it is a grand view and the same looking down from deck 9 to deck 4.  This Sky light is very much the centre piece of Seabourn and the sides of the Atrium are also floor to ceiling glass, so it boasts lots of light.

As you enter the ‘Spa of Seabourn’ you have to walk through a very open corridor with pieces of fine art on display and you enter the Spa though a set of double doors. You are met with a much different theme – lots of Bamboo and darker colours on the floor with white wash walls. There are pieces of art inspired by the rainforest.

As you walk through this area you go over a decked bridge.  There is a waterfall on the wall with lots of plants underneath making a very outside feel and the light and airiness here does also really help with this effect.

From here you go in to another area of the Spa where there is a Spa Hydro Pool with heated loungers all around it.  There is a curtain between the loungers making it more private. The is also another open deck area on the back of this area so if you want to relax in a quieter area, this is the place to come.

In the Spa, you have the treatment rooms on one side (there were about 5 of these) and also a salon if you would like a manicure or to have your hair done.

They also offer something on Seabourn called ‘Gold Therapy’ so if you are interested in one of these here are the details:

‘Some say they will go to the ends of the Earth for your skin. We go even further. Our 24 Karat Gold Facial uses pure gold leaf which, scientists say, is the outcome of bursting stars that illuminated the sky billions of light years away. In this most opulent of facials we use alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz and a pure 24 Karat Gold Leaf mask to bring about miraculous results. The time tested properties of gold are electrifying, speeding up cell renewal through its powerful magnetic forces while evoking a brighter and more clarified skin texture and complexion. At the same time, Rose Quartz works to rebalance, nourish and impart healing energy upon the skin. After just one treatment you skin will impart a radiant youthful glow. The difference is light years.’

‘75 minutes for $325.00’

The Spa also has an extensive Fitness Centre and Motion Studio.

As we go down to deck 8 this is the main pool deck. At the front of the ship there are more suites, ideally located for accessing the pool.  There is only one pool which I thought was rather small although the hot tubs where much bigger.  There were two of these and I liked the way they were covered so should you have a spot of rain on a sea day you could still use these. Another glass of champagne whilst chilling out in the hot tub?

There are also two showers which you may use but these are clear view glass so you have been warned! There are a large amount of sun beds and floor to ceiling glass from one deck to another so you get the sea view.

On the front part of the pool deck you have the Patio Grill which is spilt in to two so no long queues, so whether you are grabbing a bite to eat or a nice cocktail this is all you need on a long sea day before you retire for the evening’s entertainment.

Food on-board Seabourn again is second to none, and they were Top Cruise Line for Food from 2006 – 2008 and 2010 -2012. Seabourn is also a proud member of Chaine de Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic societies devoted to fine dining.

Seabourn is also proud of the fact that they serve the Black River Caviar which is fine quality ossetra sturgeon caviar produced in a natural environment using fully sustainable methods.

The second restaurant is also on this deck and is a very sophisticated restaurant using reds and purples with brown leather.  There is also white and red netting which could be pulled across in the evening.  This felt fairly small although nicely finished it could be quite a dark restaurant however if lit by candles would be very romantic.

On the back of this deck you have The Colonnade.  This is the casual and carefree dining area where you can have a more relaxed bite to eat in a more relaxed buffet. As you walk right through there are double doors that allow you to dine Al Fresco which I thought was a nice touch. It is nice to have the choice of being able to eat inside or outside depending on how you are feeling.  Again windows everywhere letting in so much light. Each area on the Sojourn has such a modern feel, it feels like a private yacht.

 

On the next deck down, so deck 7, directly below The Colonnade, you have the Seabourn Square which is the meeting point on board – great to meet friends before dining or to go for a coffee or a hot chocolate as there is a coffee bar in here.

They also showcase their Six Diamond Award for the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences which they got in 2013, and also a nice touch there is little plaques to honour the Guests that travelled on the Maiden Voyage in 2010.

There are also two shops, a Boutique so should you fancy some H Stern Jewellery or maybe a new Gucci Handbag, you can get it here and the second is the Seabourn Shop

Seabourn Square also offers future cruise consultants and computers for personal use. There is also a small library area in here along with a lot of seating to relax and take it all in.  Again the back is open to the elements so should you wish to sit outside you can!

As you head towards the middle you have the card room so should you fancy a game, this is the place to go.  They also do Bridge if anyone is wanting to do this. On the right you have the Collection with an array of Fine Jewellery and gifts which can be purchased on board.

Again, and on all decks, the front of the ship has been reserved for suites.  Also every deck does have passenger space so this means that the front has been split in half as there are no Inside Cabins, only Ocean View and above meaning you only have one middle corridor whereas on larger ships you have one on the port and starboard side.

On deck 7 you have the exclusive Grand Winter Garden Suite in a midship location.  There are only two of these and also only two of the Grand Signature Suites which are located at the front of the ship.

As you get to deck 6, this area has been reserved more for the suites and all that is on this deck is the Grand Salon.  This is the main theatre on board and is more of a show lounge I suppose. There is a strong mix of purple, silver and cream in here which works really well. Outside again right on the back there is deck space to sit on and relax.

On deck 5 in the middle you have a choice of meeting rooms.  Here is a great place should you want a private cocktail party which can be arranged for you – you just need to give them 24 hours’ notice.

This deck is also the main promenade deck with lots of outside space.  The promenade goes from each side to the back and wraps around.  Right on the back you have a large pool and two whirlpools so it’s almost like having two pool decks.  I would imagine this would be the quieter pool on board due to its position. There are also deck chairs and sun loungers here to relax on.

Back inside you have a main corridor leading back to the main bar on board, but before we get there I wanted to mention that the casino is also on this deck, again like many of the smaller ships more hidden away.

Right on the back before the outside area is The Club which is the main bar on board and with large windows looking out onto the pool area, this allows for a view of almost 270 degrees around. This is the ideal place to come for a pre-dinner drink or meeting friends. The colour theme again in here is creams and browns which gives a calming feeling.

Down on deck 5 you have the main restaurant which again, is in a different place to normal.  Normally these are on the back of the ship, however on Seabourn, the galley is where the restaurants normally are and the restaurant is in a midship position lit by lots of picture windows and it is the height of two decks meaning there are lower and upper windows so a real feeling of light in here.  There is a large use of netting around the top part of the ceiling and the colour scheme is gold’s, blacks and crisp whites. The use of colourful flowers in here really stands out. The large ceiling chandeliers are very elegant although I did find them a little tacky, I didn’t want to say it but I didn’t really like them if I am honest.

Last deck, deck 4 and on this deck at the front you have the medical centre and the back is the Marina which is an extending platform which provides a Marina on the sea complete with a salt water swimming pool. Depending on the itinerary, climate and local regulations, Seabourn offers complimentary kayaking, sailing and other water sports from the Marina or from a beach. This is fairly unique to Seabourn,

You may recall a film called Speed 2 – the film itself was filmed on a Seabourn Ship.

Also another thing that Seabourn do superbly is the Caviar in the Surf, the picture below showcases this and yes they do this and it’s not just for marketing.

In addition to this you will find inspiring enrichment programs, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and complimentary Massage Moments on deck

So that’s the ship, now what suite should I book you in?

Each Suite with have a Personal Suite Stewardess,

Your Personal Suite Stewardess will,

Welcome you with Champagne and Canapés

Offer you a selection of designer soaps

Draw you a pure pampering bath

Replenish your ice and bar set up

Deliver a daily newspaper and program

Manage your laundry service needs

Assist you with any special requests

Personalize your nightly turndown service

In addition to this you will receive Complimentary Suite Amenities, these include Champagne upon arrival, stocked bar with up to two selected spirits wine an soft drinks, fresh fruit, personalized stationery, exclusive body remedies products by Molton Brown, London and a choice of designer soaps.

With virtually one staff member for every guest this is service at its best, you could sample the in suite dinning which is offered from an around the clock menu as well as the Restaurant menu, during regular hours for your enjoyment in you suite or on the balcony.

So in addition to all this you will get Fine cotton linens, a fluffy duvet, down or hypoallergenic pillows, slippers and robes, 24 hour complimentary room service, in-suite bar stocked with your favourite wines and spirits, fine soaps such as L’Occitane and exclusive body remedies bath products by Molton Brown, London, Flat screen Televisions with movies and music and in suite WI-FI and cell phone access.

So the lead in grade of Suite is the Seabourn Suite, these are Ocean View suites, these are around 295 square feet generally, although it’s worth noting that Suites 410 and 413 are 283 square feet and Suite 411 is 271 square feet.

 

These have a dining table for two, a separate living area and master bedroom, the en-suite has a separate bath and shower was lots of closet space and of course the big picture window.

 

Next with have the Veranda Suites, these are the lead in Balcony suites. On decks 5,6,7,8 and 9 these have a total inside space of 300 square feet with an additional 65 square feet on the balcony. Again worth noting Suites 745 and 746 are 275 square feet and have a mini balcony. Suites 924 and 1024 are slightly smaller at 286 square feet.

It is also worth taking in to account that the balconies on V3 – V6 Grade in the Veranda Suites are all glass from floor to teak rail. The railings in the category’s V1 and V2 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail.

 

These contain everything the Seabourn Suite has with the exception of the balcony, which is entered through the floor to ceiling glass door.

Next we have the Penthouse Suites, I liked these as they have a separate bedroom area and the separate living room so gives an element of space, because of the separate bedroom these are ideal for 4 people so they have an table for two to four people for in suite dinning, there is also a television in each room, again you have a large balcony.

These are on deck 6,9 and 10, these have a total inside space of 436 square feet and a larger balcony at 96 square feet. There is a note on Suite 635, this is larger and special needs accessible with tub and roll in shower, also Suite 1025 has a practically Obstructed view.

 

The Penthouse Spa suite which as you will have read earlier on in the review are replace the open deck on deck ten at the back, although it is worth knowing that these have no elevator access. These have a similar layout to the Penthouse although are a fair bit bigger, at a total inside space of between 516-538 square feet and a balcony at 172 square feet these are particular spacious and offer a complimentary full day access to the Spa at Seabourn Serene Area, along with in suite spa amenities and spa concierge service. Again you have the separate bedroom and larger living area, the bathroom also contains an upgraded Spa Shower.

The Owners Suite there is 5 of these mainly on the front of the ship with the exception of a midships position for Suite 731. These also have private access to the Whirlpool tub and sun bathing area found on the bow of the ship on deck 6. These are on decks 6,7 and 8 and have a total inside space of 526-593 square feet, plus the addition of a balcony ranging from 133-354 square feet. Suite 800 and 801 have a wraparound balcony whereas the other Suite is significantly small in the Balcony sizes.

All the Suites with the exception of the mid ship one has forward facing windows, dining table for four, with a guest bathroom, there is a separate master bedroom with en-suite. There is the separate living room complete with wet bar and pantry. These suites also receive complimentary internet/Wi-Fi Service.

The mid-ship suite, 731 has a convertible sofa for one, whirlpool bathtub and no forward facing windows. Also a valid reminded would be that 600 and 601 are subject to noise when anchoring.

 The Signature is the second from top Suite, known as either the Signature Suite or the Grand Signature Suite, the difference is if you have 2 bedrooms it the Grand, if only one bedroom is call a Signature, the two bedroom is another suite adjoining the Signature, so let’s look at the two bedroom Grand Signature Suite, there are two on the front of deck 7, these are 700 &702 or 701 & 703 combined they give a total inside space of 1,159 square feet with the addition of two balconies at 558 square feet.

These suites offer expansive ocean views through forward facing windows, dining for four to six people in suite, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, pantry with wet bar, three closets and three flat screen televisions. Again complimentary Internet and Wi-Fi.

At top suite on board sits the Grand Wintergarden Suite, again the same applies as the Signature Suite, these are two suites adjoining one and other, so again I am going to look at the two bedroom version. There are only two of these and sit in a midships position on deck 7.

Suites 743 & 745 or 744 & 746 combined for an inside space of 1189 square feet plus two balconies making a total size of 214 square feet, now yes I know the Signature Suite is bigger but it’s how this Suite is finished with gives it, its superiority and also the position on board the Seabourn Ships.

 

There feature large windows facing out to sea, with a separate dining area and a separate living area, the gem to this suite is the glass enclosed solarium and day bed looking out to sea, it has two full bathrooms, one with whirlpool tub, and a guest bathroom. It has two bars, pantry with wet bar, three closets and three flat screen televisions. Again complimentary Internet and Wi-Fi.

So I am going to have either the Signature or the Wintergarden, what would you like?

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and any feedback you may have is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time

www.tomstravels.co.uk – 0800 408 6143 – [email protected]