The Seabourn Spirit is the second of three all-suite cruise liners operated by Seabourn Cruise Line. The trio are 439-ft, 10,000-ton vessels. Built in 1989 to cruise worldwide at 18 knots, the Spirit was last refurbished in 2005. She will enter drydock in Singapore in January 2008, and this time renovations will include overhauling the ship's open-air, alternative dining venues in order increase their seating capacities and enhancing options for outdoor, evening entertainment. All renovations to Seabourn's three ships should be completed by August 2008.
Aboard the Seabourn Spirit, a mostly European crew of 150 and Norwegian officers cater to 208 mostly American passengers who cruise in the Mediterranean and out east of Suez.
Seabourn Cruise Line was founded in 1987 to capture the top end of the luxury market with ships that had better sea-keeping attributes than the smaller Sea Goddess pair to be able to cruise worldwide. By 1991, Carnival Corp. began taking a financial interest and by 1998, Seabourn was part of the Carnival family, though operated separately.
Financially successful passengers, both working and retired, are drawn to the small size, understated elegance, and excellent food and service aboard these ships. Many regulars, mostly Americans but also some Europeans, are loyal to Seabourn; some to a particular ship because of the pleasing staff. Tipping is included in the fares but loyalists tend to add to that for individual servers.
In the spring, summer and fall the Seabourn Spirit cruises mostly the Eastern Mediterranean from Piraeus (Athens) and Istanbul. In the fall she heads out East through the Suez Canal to South, Southeast and East Asia. Most cruises in Asia are a minimum of 14 days and one or more can be combined, so someone might elect to sail all the way from Singapore back to the Mediterrean in the spring. Adding to the very good program of shore excursions, mostly in small groups, some passengers like to make their own arrangments by hiring a car and driver.
The graceful design and understated decor of this six-deck ship provide 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 small casino. In addition, there is a boutique, and a small library with books and videos. The Amundsenn Lounge, with tiered lounge seating, hosts the captain's party, lectures and most evening entertainment, which on this ship is usually performed by a multitalented three-member cruise staff. A quiet spot is the forward-facing Horizon 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 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.
An indoor or under-cover outdoor breakfast and lunch take place in the casual Veranda Cafe. 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 evenings on a two-week cruise. Other evenings, a jacket is required. Seating is open, including 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, CD and DVD players, stocked minibars with fine glassware, fresh fruit and flowers, safes, walk-in closets, personalized stationery, and marble baths 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 suites have true private balconies.
A boutique ship offering every luxury in food offerings, service and suite spaciousness, the Seabourn Spirit should please those looking for an intimate social cruise or, if preferred, a completely private one.
