US: (877) 2GO-LUXURY (877-246-5898) UK: 020 8133 3450 AUS: (07) 3102 4685 Everywhere Else: +1 530-562-9232
US: (877) 2GO-LUXURY (877-246-5898) UK: 020 8133 3450 AUS: (07) 3102 4685 Everywhere Else: +1 530-562-9232
– Avalon Myanmar – Myanmar River Cruise – April 2017
Avalon Waterways – Myanmar – Part VI (Kya Hnyat to Kyauk Myaung)
Avalon Waterways – Myanmar – Part IX (The Ship: Avalon Myanmar)
Avalon Waterways – Myanmar (Burma) – Reflections: “Isn’t This Amazing!?”
*Azamara Club Cruises – Azamara Journey – Singapore to Dubai (April 8, 2018)
* Azamara Quest – Southeast Asia and Japan (February 2015)
– How Close to Luxury Can Celebrity’s Smallest Ship Get? – Part I
– How Close to Luxury Can Celebrity’s Smallest Ship Get? Part II
– How Close to Luxury Can Celebrity’s Smallest Ship Get? Part III
– How Close to Luxury Can Celebrity’s Smallest Ship Get? Part IV
– How Close to Luxury Can Celebrity’s Smallest Ship Get? – Some Final Observations and Thoughts
– The Prologue to the Travelogue
– The Adventure Begins…With a Bump or Two
– Settling In Made Easy
– Luxury Touches Here, There and OK, Not, Everywhere…But There Are Lots of Them!
– Asian Flair Onboard and On Shore
– Private Tours, Israel and Conflicts in Perceptions and Perspective
Celebrity Equinox 2009 – Egypt…Impressive and Depressing
– Dining With the Captain and the Reidel Wine Seminar
– The Last Dinner (Tuscan Grille) and Disembarkation
– What Happens When A Class Act Meets Highly Discounted Cruise Fare
– Lisbon to Monaco: Crystal As a “Move Up” & “Move Over” Luxury Option – Part I
– Lisbon to Monaco: Crystal As a “Move Up” & “Move Over” Luxury Option – Part II
– Lisbon to Monaco: Crystal As a “Move Up” & “Move Over” Luxury Option – Part III
– Lisbon to Monaco: Crystal As a “Move Up” & “Move Over” Luxury Option – Part IV (Food & Wine!)
– Princess Cruises Doesn’t Treat You Like Royalty; Celebrity Cruises Does! Which is a Better Value for the Upscale Cruise Guest? Part I
– Celebrity Silhouette vs. -Royal Princess – Which Is A Better Value For The Upscale Cruise Guest? Part II: The Standard Veranda Staterooms
– Celebrity Silhouette vs. Royal Princess – Which Is A Better Value For The Upscale Cruise Guest? Part III: Treating You Right From The Start
– Celebrity Silhouette vs. Royal Princess – Which Is A Better Value For The Upscale Cruise Guest? Part IV: The Wine Lists Speak Volumes (As Do The Beverage Packages)
Regent Seven Seas Voyager – August 2017
– Italy and Corisca 2014 – Part I
– Italy and Corisca 2014 – Part II (Getting There, The Stateroom and First Impressions)
– Italy and Corisca 2014 – Part III (“You Can’t Teach Five Star Service” and Bonafacio, Corsica)
– Italy and Corisca 2014 – Part IV (Calvi, Monaco, Portofino, Porto Azzurro…and Stale Bread)
– Italy and Corisca 2014 – Part V (My Last Day…and How The Chef’s Team Makes It Happen)
The Seabourn Encore is an impressive ship and clearly a larger (but not too large) and overall improved version of the Seabourn Odyssey-class ships. The attributes that have struck me in my first few hours onboard is that she is lighter, more open and spacious, and both modern but more nautical in feel.
To be honest, there are a few quirks, but I need to live with them for a few days before deciding how quirky they are and whether they actually affect my (and your) overall cruise experience.
But just to provide some photographs, rather than the computer generated or staged photos that have been provided, what follows is a bit of a journey around the Seabourn Encore. I will detail each space, as appropriate, later in this Inaugural sailing. And, remember, some of these venues are designed to be truly appreciated in the evening with different lighting; especially some of the dining venues. I will try to post evening photos of them later in the cruise.
The main restaurant on the Seabourn Encore is beautiful with numerous touches that catch your eye. And there are even more if you look!
Main Entrance to The Restaurant |
Rear Hallway to The Restaurant is beautiful. |
Rear Entrance to Main Restaurant |
The layout of the standard Seabourn Encore’s Seabourn suite is similar to the Seabourn Odyssey-class ships, but with some differences…some good, some maybe not. Overall the suites are generally the same square footage, but one foot narrower and a bit longer.
Seabourn Encore’s standard Seabourn Suite |
The additional length of the Seabourn Encore’s suite allows for a larger sofa – Perfect for stretching out to read or take a nap |
The Seabourn Encore has a glass table with an interesting wood base with two easier to manage leather chairs. Reappearing from the triplets: A stool with storage room inside |
The Seabourn Encore balconies are slightly wider and roomier |
The Seabourn Encore balcony chairs have a slideout ottoman |
Seabourn’s updated and upgraded Molton Brown amenities |
The Seabourn Square is, well, round, but more importantly, open and bright |
You now look at a beautiful glossy teak sculpture…I mean wall… when you chat with Guest Services |
There are individual internet desks. (Privacy film needs to be added to prevent others from seeing your information) |
Seabourn Square’s coffee bar is larger and improved. Seabourn is roasting its own coffee…right on board. (I’ll tell you more later!) |
The Bar in The Grill by Thomas Keller |
Glass and Steel Wine Cellars A striking and common theme on the Seabourn Encore |
The Grill has both inside dining in a beautiful setting or |
al fresco dining (which during the day is also available for use for breakfast or lunch in the Colonnade) |
The Seabourn Encore’s Colonnade has more spacious seating |
The Seabourn Encore’s Colonnade has a longer buffet “line”, but also has additional hot offerings |
I’m still figuring out the circular presentation of culinary delights, but I think this island is for salads and cold dishes. It requires you to “make the rounds”…. |
but what is presented is both beautiful and delicious. |
The Seabourn Encore’s al fresco dining is very similar to the Seabourn Odyssey class ships |
Sushi is about the cuisine – Minimalist and white decor with colorful and well prepared presentations. Bento Boxes for lunch |
Seabourn Encore’s Sushi – Open for lunch and dinner with earlier opening hours. Hint: One night enjoy some sushi at 6PM and dine elsewhere at 8PM |
The Club has been significantly modified on the Seabourn Encore.
Seabourn Encore’s The Club has more group seating and sofas |
The Club’s bar is more easy to socialize at as it is a horseshoe, but it is difficult for the bartenders. |
The Seabourn Encore’s Pool Area has more options for seating and laying about. The Pool is also a bit more than 5 feet deep. |
The twin hot tubs are now located on the opposite side from the Patio Grill |
Typical Seabourn: Suncare amenities await! |
Not to worry, there are actually plenty of lounge chairs |
A great place for a drink, but I noticed a number of people using this area for laptops and iPads |
I will be spending a day at The Retreat and will provide a detailed description of what this exclusive area is all about.
The Seabourn Encore’s Retreat |
Private Cabana in the Seabourn Encore’s Retreat |
Seabourn Encore’s Observation Lounge |
Afternoon Tea is served in the Seabourn Encore’s Observation Lounge |
There is a lot more to the Seabourn Encore to explore, including the numerous open spaces, pools and hot tubs located aft…behind The Club and Seabourn Square. And, of course, the various premium suites.
If you are interested in learning more about the Seabourn Encore or, better, want to book a cruise on this magnificent ship, please give me a call or email me…even when I am onboard her!
United States: (877) 2GO-LUXURY
United Kingdom: 020 8133 3450
Australia: (07) 3102 4685
Everywhere Else: +1 530-562-9232
Or email us at eric@goldringtravel.com.
Goldring Travel LLC
12177 Business Park Drive, Suite 6, Truckee, California 96161
US: (877) 2GO-LUXURY (877-246-5898)
UK: 020 8133 3450
AUS: (07) 3102 4685
Everywhere Else: +1 530-562-9232
Email: info@goldringtravel.com