Seabourn refines ultra luxury cruising

[Jason]

Year after year, Seabourn Cruise Line has redefined its onboard product, making substantial investments in innovative new services and amenities, in a concerted effort to clarify and maintain its position as the best of the best in the cruise industry`s most demanding segment. This document is meant as a summary of those elements.

Balcony Suites Added to The Yachts of Seabourn: Innovative balconies were added to 36 suites on each ship, providing fresh air, panoramic views, sunshine and sea breezes without sacrificing any of the expansive 277-square foot space.

Seabourn instituted complimentary bar service of fine wines and spirits throughout the ship, throughout the cruise.

Complimentary Massage Moments were provided to guests as they lounged on deck. Entertainment innovations such as Movies Under the Stars on deck were introduced.

Seabourn Signature Series Shore Excursions: Seabourn creates hallmark optional shoreside experiences for its guests. These include privileged access to sites when they are not open to the public, fanciful balloon flights over picturesque places and culinary adventures such as meals and tastings in celebrated locations near the ports of call.

Charlie Palmer Designs New Cuisine: Celebrated chef Charlie Palmer introduced new menus for The Yachts of Seabourn based on the contemporary cuisine served in his acclaimed American restaurants. Chef Palmer, a two-time James Beard Award-winner and author, is founder of eleven restaurants including his New York flagship Aureole.

Exclusively Seabourn Shoreside Experiences: Seabourn provides a complimentary shoreside experience on every cruise, created exclusively for its guests. These invitation-only events use local expertise and insights to allow an exceptional,personalized experience of the port of call.

Pure Pampering: Seabourn introduced Pure Pampering, a program of shamelessly sybaritic services that rivals those offered by the world`s most exclusive spas. The suite contains a selection of beauty and wellbeing products from the celebrated firm of Molton Brown, supplementing the array of Hermes, Bijan, Bronnley and L`Occitaine designer soaps offered to arriving guests. In addition, a menu of five soothing and revitalizing Molton Brown bathing experiences is offered, with the opulent option of having the bath drawn and prepared by the suite stewardess, with a flourish of rose petals.

Celebrated Champagnes from the House of Heidsieck: Fine champagnes from the renowned House of Heidsieck are poured throughout the bars and lounges on the Yachts of Seabourn. Complementing the sevruga caviar served on board, Heidsieck champagnes invite guests to celebrate momentous milestones and spur-of-the-moment whims.

The Spa at Seabourn: Seabourn introduced The Spa at Seabourn, with an enhanced menu of "Ceremonies," packages of services to be used by guests throughout their stay on board, much as might be experienced at land-based resort spas. Classes and private sessions in yoga, Mat Pilates and Cardio Ki Bo circuit training are also available. In 2003, each ship`s gym was doubled in size, with twice the complement of equipment.

Recommended Reading Lists from Longitude Books: Online travel book retailer Longitude provides customized lists of maps and books for each Seabourn itinerary. Guests can access the lists from Seabourn`s website, and order on line, by phone, fax.

`Personal Valet` luggage shipping service: Seabourn teamed with DHL Worldwide Express to make air travel easier by offering reliable shipping service for guests` personal luggage directly from their homes to and from their suites on board the Seabourn Yachts.Stereo radio/CD was installed in( Wave(A famous Bose each suite, with a library of music in all styles and audio best-selling books available for guests` enjoyment.

Seabourn`s Golf Program offers guests the opportunity to play at over 100 of the world`s most challenging and beautiful courses worldwide.

Seabourn and Tumi, the prestige American brand of luggage and accessories, formed an alliance of style to bring enhanced value to their mutual clientele. Tumi designed custom document portfolios and luggage tags for Seabourn guests and provided "loaner" luggage for guests on board.

The Veranda Cafe alternative dining venues on all three Yachts of Seabourn were redecorated, offering an "open kitchen" ambiance. New menus offer a different theme every night. The Veranda Cafes now remain open for dinner nightly, welcoming guests dressed in Casual Elegant attire (jacket, no tie) on evenings when the dress suggestion in The Restaurant is Black Tie Optional.

Starting in 2004, all Seabourn suites coddle guests in luxurious new sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers from the prestigious 140-year old Italian firm Frette.

The Veranda Cafes on all three ships now feature new porcelain tableware in a breezy, contemporary style by the German firm Rosenthal.

Source: Vicky Karantzavelou, Travel Daily News