More Details on Seabourn's New Ships!

Seabourn fans have been anxiously awaiting news about the line's forthcoming ships. Today the company announced that the first steel plates for the first yacht were cut on May 9. According to a press release, more than 8,500 tons of steel will eventually be cut and welded to form the hull and superstructure of the line's $250 million flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in mid-June 2009.

The yet-to-be-named vessel is being designed by the architecture firm of Yran & Storbraaten of Norway and constructed in Italy by T. Mariotti S.p.A. The ship's designers have mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the existing Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend while adding additional facilities and amenities. Indeed, past guests will appreciate a familiar scheme to the general layout of public rooms and accommodations.

"We've been careful to incorporate Seabourn's signature features while designing the next generation of ultra luxury ship to satisfy the desires of a new generation of luxury travelers," said Pamela C. Conover, the line's president and CEO.

Seabourn's new yacht will offer more dining options, more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities. Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, the new vessel will carry just over twice as many guests (450 passengers), boasting among the highest space-per-guest ratio (71.1) in the cruise industry.

13 Categories of Suites
In response to feedback from past passengers, the new ship will offer a range of luxury accommodations. Seven of its 11 passenger decks will feature 225 ocean-view suites, measuring from 277 to over 1,300 square feet. Approximately 90 percent of the suites will include private verandas providing from 68 to 344 square feet of outdoor living space. Decks 9 and 10 are home to 22 penthouses with 450-square-foot interiors and verandas measuring nearly 100 square feet.

The most expansive guest quarters on board will be five Owners Suites that measure over 700 square feet (including veranda) and four, two-bedroom Grand Suites providing over 1,300 square feet of private living space. All suites will feature granite bathrooms, with separate tub and shower, twin sinks and a stunning glass vanity.

Four Dining Venues
The Restaurant—the ship's gourmet, open-seating dining room, where guests savor multi-course dinner menus designed by acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer; Veranda Café—a stylish, yet casual restaurant serving regional specialties, with both indoor and outdoor seating; Restaurant 2—an elegant and intimate specialty restaurant featuring innovative tasting menus; and Patio Grill—where guests can enjoy pizza and grilled items, poolside. In addition to a 24-hour, in-suite service menu, during dinner hours guests can order from The Restaurant menu, dining course-by-course if they wish.

Six Open Bars
Anticipating the desires of sophisticated travelers, the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet will offer a selection of lounges and bars to satisfy a myriad of moods and entertainment styles. With an open-bar policy that ensures fine wines, champagnes and spirits flow freely, choices will include:

Grand Salon—the main showroom and home to Seabourn's dance band, features a unique living room-like foyer furnished with inviting booths and arm chairs, in addition to tiered banquettes that surround the dance floor.
The Club—with both indoor and outdoor seating, is where a pianist, duo or trio will perform a variety of musical genres throughout the evening.
Sky Bar—this popular icon of the existing Seabourn yachts overlooks the ship's central, outdoor living space: Poolside Patio.
Patio Bar—in the evenings, guests can enjoy live, alfresco entertainment, weather permitting.
Coffee Bar—situated portside at Seabourn Square, traditional Italian espresso, cappuccino and café latte are complimented by champagne, wine and spirits.

With a dramatic square bar as its focal point, the ship's forward-facing observation lounge is located atop the navigational bridge and boasts panoramic views; high-powered, motion-dampened spotting scopes and binoculars-behind-the-bar for use by patrons.

Other Facilities & Amenities
Seabourn Square - the heart of the ship and home to the pursers and tour desks, Internet center, library and three duty-free retail shops.

The Marina—a beloved icon of the current Seabourn fleet, a fold-down teak platform provides a staging area for guests to enjoy complimentary water sports including waterskiing from the ship's own speed boat, banana boat rides, paddleboats and kayaks.

Sun Terraces—Stepped terraces, on Deck 11, at the ship's highest and furthest-forward point, are home to another intriguing amenity. There, protected by a glass windbreak, guests will find a terraced enclave furnished with large sun-beds.

Spa at Seabourn—With a thallasso whirlpool as its focal point, the spa will feature his and hers Finnish saunas, a selection of aromatic steam rooms, separate gym and aerobics areas and two outdoor decks, for exclusive use by spa guests.

Swimming pools and whirlpools—Guests can choose from swimming pools on Decks 8 and 5, plus a total of seven whirlpools.