Is Seabourn still the best in 2024? Our honest experience review will tell you!

#seabourn #cruising #cruiseship #cruise
Is Seabourn still one of the best? Our open and honest review reveals all!
We give you our honest review of our week on board Seabourn Encore, the joint largest ship in the fleet of one of the world's most highly rated ultra luxury cruise lines, Seabourn Cruises. We cover the food, entertainment, the ship itself, the service, the itinerary and everything else in between!
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Voluntary Disclosure:
We were invited on board as guests of Seabourn as Ambassadors of Panache Cruises, the UK luxury cruise provider. We paid for our own transport to the ship and received no fees or remuneration for producing media during and after this voyage from either of the aforementioned companies. Any resulting videos have been produced without influence or expectation from Seabourn or Panache (they genuinely just love what we do) and we had complete editorial and artistic freedom. Neither Seabourn or Panache have had no prior preview of this content and are watching for the first time along with you. All our videos contain our personal and unbiased opinion. Please ask us if you want to know more or visit www.asa.org.uk for more information on blogger/vlogger disclosure requirements. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the content as much as we did creating it. Rich and Helen.
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[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for watching! It really does mean the world to us! Please give this video a THUMBS UP, please SUBSCRIBE and please leave us a comment too as that's extremely important to us (and it also encourages KZbin to suggest it with other viewers who might be interested), and also we’d LOVE to hear from you. R&H x

[@sameerpatel4253]

Have you tried Viking? Heard and read a lot of good things, wondering what your opinions were

[@faithmoore7520]

did they have sparking cider? I do not drink alcohol

[@faithmoore7520]

what cruises line pampers you and is just as nice as seaborn?

[@herenow6953]

It looks amazing ! You are both very lucky to have such wonderful experiences!

[@visitwithus]

We are indeed - and we never take it for granted 😊 Thanks for watching 👍

[@xr6lad]

Lovely ship. As I sit here Tuesday morning getting ready for work. Laughed at your wife mangling words: my partner does exactly the same thing. Always mispronunciation things as different but similar words. So sweet.

[@visitwithus]

Hehe! We always get things wrong. Speaking is so difficult sometimes. 😂

[@brummienik4273]

As you know, have yet to do an ocean cruise but found this video, like your others, absolutely fascinating. Better than watching the TV ! The music for the Santorini clip (the musician you filmed, I think) is absolutely mesmerising. Must buy some “canapés” for our back garden patio 😂

[@visitwithus]

😂😂😂 Thanks for watching Nik 👍😊

[@williammcnamee3360]

Thank you so much for a great video. We are rusted on Seabourn fans. We love the incredible service, the beautiful suites and the wonderful food in the Colonnade, Sushi the MDR and the restaurant near the pool. However Thomas Keller needs a makeover. We have been cruising since 2017 and the menu is always the same. In my opinion it's well cooked stodge. In Australia we have Returned Services League clubs where people go for lots of beer, a prawn cocktail, steak and chips and a huge slice of cake, followed by $20 on the slots machines. I'm sure all countries have a similar venue and Thomas Keller is a better presented version of this. It's time Seabourn fans pointed out that the emperor has no clothes. Thomas clearly signed his contract 6 or so years ago, stipulated his inflexible menu, the way his venue would be run and then he walked away and didn't give Seabourn a second thought. It's time he was asked to either lift his game or hand his considerable real estate over the someone who can do better. We are going on a very long cruise next year on the Odyssey from Sydney via Adelaide to Vancouver via Alaska and I doubt we will be dining in Thomas Keller at all.

[@visitwithus]

Hi William and thanks very much for your comment. I love the term 'rusted on Seabourn fans'! We've got a full dining guide on the WIP list so you'll see what we think of every single dining option (and we love Sushi). Your comments about TK are very interesting and pretty on point actually. It would be interesting to see how many feel this way and what Seabourn's ongoing relationship with TK is really like. I guess it's pretty long term tie-in but you're right, the menu is long overdue a refresh. :)

[@detoniagooden2502]

They’re changing the TK Grill over to a fresh new Mediterranean restaurant on the Ovation end of 2/2024.

[@jerryteel5866]

Well, regarding three of your complaints…Thomas Keller is now Solis. The outdoor area behind the new Solis is now used for al fresco dining. And the deck chairs are padded. Woo-hoo! We’ll be back on Seabourn for the fifth and sixth times in 2025. Can’t wait.

[@visitwithus]

We called it! 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@stevenfrasher3780]

Sailing soon, so this was very informative, thank you. I got a smile out of how you two constantly interrupt each other, but that energy keeps the narrative moving and conveys excitement. :)

[@visitwithus]

Haha! Thanks Steven. I think you’ll find the energy and urgency that comes across is just pure enthusiasm for what we are talking about. Glad we’re sending out the right vibes (although we don’t normally interrupt each other as much in real life lol)

[@George_Light]

You two make choosing voyages a JOY. We're on the Ovation in September, so this was incredibly important to us. We did Silversea last fall... our first "ultra luxury" experience. We're looking forward to Seaborun... THANK YOU for all that you both share! YOU TWO ARE AMAZING folks!

[@visitwithus]

Aww, thank you SO MUCH George. Your kind words are such an encouragement. ❤️

[@grahamh2331]

Thanks for another informative vid. Seabourn are our favourite, cruised with them many times and we love the smaller ship. Just come back from sailing on Sojourn which was our first Seabourn cruise experience and stepping on board was like coming home. We have stalled on booking the slightly larger ships thinking that it would not be the same but after seeing your video I think that we won't be long in booking. Nice to see that the basics are the same though I don't like the idea of charging to go into a exclusive area, you already pay a premium, just hope that this is not the way that the line is going to go. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Graham 👍 We love the smaller ships too ❤️ Happy cruising and thanks for watching 😊🛳

[@susanm784]

I just love watching your videos. You make me laugh so much. Loved the “canapé” “canopy” conversation. Hilarious.

[@pamelaballard9270]

Thank you for doing vlogs on the smaller ships. Seems like most are on the mega ships, where the individual tends to get lost in the melee. Nice to know what else is available. Enjoyed hearing from a couples view point.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍 We ❤️ the smaller ship experience.

[@carment5936]

I agree with Pamela. I really enjoy your reviews on smaller luxury ships since most you tubers focus on premium or mainstream lines. Please keep on doing your great videos, they really help us when planning our vacation.

[@michaelpruitt7610]

As always, you give us so much information and it's so beautifully done, Thanks, Seabourn is our favorite line.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Michael. Much appreciated. :)

[@xr6lad]

As I sit here in windy rainy Melbourne (been a wet year) I was watching the Queen Elizabeth leave port on Sunday evening. from our apartment balcony: so wanted to go away. Then this morning (Tuesday) Pacific Explorer sails into port. Love cruise ship season.

[@visitwithus]

Ahh, what a privilege to be able to watch the ships. 😍

[@johnking264]

Loved your review, sailed similar cruise on Quest some years ago. It brought back good memories and made me think we must do this again. Checking out more of your reviews right now.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for your kind words John. Welcome to our channel. I hope you subscribe and find lots of interest. 🙂

[@amybrock2592]

Fantastic overview of your experience! Thank you for pointing out the awkward right-hand-centric coffee cups! Fellow left-hander here. Very striking design, but not so user-friendly by the looks of them. :) I think I'd love the "Shopping with the Chef" event. I will definitely be looking at Seabourn for the future.

[@visitwithus]

Haha! Lefties united against unreasonable coffee cups! 😂 Shopping with the Chef was a definite highlight of the week. We highly recommend it. :)

[@michaelapartheimuller251]

I have been so many Times on Seabourn, but i love to watch your Videos - they are great! Please keep on. One Information to you. Chef TK was on the Ovation the last Weeks. From now on, they have the regular Menu as you know and a daily Menu with Options.

[@visitwithus]

Oh that’s interesting Michaela. Guess we’ll have to go back now before we produce a dining guide 😆😉 Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 👍😊

[@nanfrostsfashionfocusstyle6250]

Thank so much for this! I haven't been on Seabourn but am curious about it. I like a smaller ship. You seem to like what my husband and I would like so this was so helpful to hear from your perspective.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊 And thanks for watching 👍

[@brentfairlie]

Thank you. A nice relaxed episode and an interesting review.

[@juliedahl507]

Of our 40 cruises, one on Seabourn, and we loved it! Especially loved Seabourn Square. One other word...gelato:)

[@visitwithus]

Oh my goodness, the gelato! We didn’t mention this but we do mention it in the upcoming dining guide. The chocolate gelato is to die for! 😍

[@loumello8813]

Lovely ship and an excellent review of this Seabourn ship. We haven't done Seabourn yet, but, it is on our list of lines we want to try. The food does look wonderful and the specialty caviar events are always a nice touch.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Lou. It's definitely one you should try. Refined, relaxing and just excellence all round!

[@jay-jaycruz9965]

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[@rodneymartin-ps2yv]

Thanks for a straightforward look at Seabourn with which I am in pretty full agreement. I am a great Encore fan; only 3 cruises so far but looking forward to the next . November or December 2023 hopefully. My only beef is that it takes a hell of a lot of cruising to progress up the brownie-points ladder. A shame for people who prefer 7 day cruises; they could be at sea for ever!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 😊 Glad you enjoyed it and agree with our review 👍

[@ScottSingerCruises]

I just got off Seabourn Ovation the other day and LOVED it! I can’t wait to try the Encore! Thanks for the video.

[@visitwithus]

Hi scott. Yes we saw you were on the Ovation. These ships are incredible aren’t they? 😍

[@aimeerogers4542]

I look forward to the food video for this ship!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Aimee. The dining guide is on the drawing board. 👍

[@FraserAtSea]

While I'm doubtful I'll ever be able to afford to cruise with Seabourn, I really enjoyed this video. While the ship does look stunning, I do think the pool decks look really quite cramped - however, first world problem on a ship of this level!

[@visitwithus]

One day Fraser, one day 🤞 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@Bjaakola]

LOVE this dress, Helen! ❤

[@visitwithus]

Thank you ☺️

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

This looks gorgeous, I’d love to upgrade from Cunard to Seabourn, maybe 2023 will be the year to do so! My preference is 10-12 night cruises, not as rushed as 7 days but not so long away as a fortnight and often include sea days when you can really enjoy the ship. What about yourselves? Kind regards from a fellow Norfolkian!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Andrea 👍 We prefer longer cruises - like you say 7 days is never really long enough (but always better than nothing 😁)

[@catherineb6561]

Amazing review...I can't afford Seaborn but I have enjoyed many of those same things on my 3 Azamara cruises.

[@visitwithus]

We love Azamara too ❤️ Thanks for watching 👍😊

[@frankbruun2572]

Me and my wife love your videos 🙏🏼Some of them We have watched many of them times over and We always learn something new and interesting. Our favourites are from the Caribien. Thank you so much for keeping us updated. In december me and my wife are cruising with Ovation once again from Barbados and this will be our 4th cruise with Seabourn. We have tried Silversea in the Mediteranean but we were not entirely impressed. Food was amazing but the atmosphere among the crew and quality of service was not at the same level as Seabourn. The only thing I will criticize is how they use some of the space on Ovation and Encore. For me the Retreat doesn`t make much sence at all. It is costly and very few seem to use it. Looking forward to see videos from your next adventures. Best regards from Norway, Frank & Marianne

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for such kind words and for supporting this channel Frank. We LOVE Norway and can't wait to cruise there again. :)

[@hill-n-dalefarm]

Nicely done, thank you for honest opinions.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching. We like to keep reviews balanced without all the drama. :)

[@hubbardkennady4874]

Well done! Going in May from May 7-14

[@visitwithus]

Have a great time Hubbard 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@kenzyongpaucotiu9737]

You should try AZAMARA Cruises! Simply the best! 💯

[@visitwithus]

We already have Kenzi - 4 times 😁😁😁😁 We love them ❤️ Here’s a link to our Azamara play list 👍 kzbin.info/aero/PLR7WpaSLH3dMvs2WXaS0tyvIGZUSohzRQ

[@billybrent1]

Amazing! I noticed the lack of cushions on the sunbeds & I was going to ask you that question! Thank you for clarifying that point. Maybe because they have the "Retreat" which is chargeable & very expensive in my opinion, they purposely don't have cushions on the other beds to encourage you to book.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Billy. I don't think the cushion-less sun beds are a particular ruse to lure you into spending more money - I just think they are a design choice based on portability and contemporary style. IT's just our opinion though - Helen is a bit of a 'Princess and the Pea' when it comes to comfort lol!

[@savagecub]

Left handedness is a sign of bad toilet training !😂

[@visitwithus]

@@savagecub I wondered why I struggled in that department. 😂

[@jenniferalbert910]

What a lovely suite! (I know I said it before but…) I caught the tail end of your livestream this weekend and had to laugh about the “Part 1” discussion! Rich is exactly the same as my husband and I have the same exasperated reaction as Helen does 😂 Glad we’re not the only ones ha ha!

[@visitwithus]

😂 It’s so frustrating but I can’t help it. My brain works in mysterious ways lol.

[@RobinH8869]

@@visitwithus You could do an overall review as a first hit, and then do dining guide, cabin tour, what's special about x cruise line .... etc next.... Like when a new camera comes out, first review, full review ....

[@visitwithus]

@@RobinH8869 That’s genuinely what we’re doing, just sometimes they come out in the wrong order lol. We like the format of these reviews and we enjoy doing our dining guides so overall we can give the fullest coverage of a ship that’s possible. 😀

[@gratefultube]

Thanks so very much for offering a look at cruising. Almost as good as being there.

[@visitwithus]

Our pleasure Bob! We hope you enjoy this format. :)

[@Beachdudeca]

You did a great review , thnx

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@MicheleKahn-iw6et]

any review of land tours? loved the shopping with the chef!

[@visitwithus]

We only did the excursions shown in this video I’m afraid. Thanks for watching 👍

[@2CraftySeniors]

There's certainly plenty of reasons to go on a Seabourn cruise. Perhaps if I can get my health back, hubby and I will be able to. It sounds like a perfect place for us. Thank you for the honest and full review. 🥰

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching Ebba. I sincerely hope your health improves and wish you all the best. :)

[@craig7597]

Just came across your videos whilst research Seabourn. Love your videos! Couple of quick questions of you can answer? Dress code on Seabourn - I realize it’s a little upscale for dressing in the evening, but must you always but dressed “up”. In other words, is it ever allowed just to come to breakfast in shorts and a tee? Or must you always be completely put together to even leave your room - that doesn’t sound too relaxing too me. Some reviews I have read talk about how people are have been looked down on in these luxury cruises for not “dressing the part”. Anyway, also just wondering if you saw that they were same sex couple friendly. Thanks!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for your kind words and welcome to our channel! We hope you’ve subscribed! 😊 As for Seabourn, I’d say it’s a lot more relaxed than you’d probably think. Absolutely you can wear shorts and tee to breakfast! After 6pm it gets a little more ‘smart casual’ but as long as you don’t wear flip flops and swimming trunks in the restaurant you should be fine. 😆 They are extremely welcoming to same sex couples. Absolutely nothing to worry about. 😊

[@marknevar8234]

I've done wine tastings on that deck area off the keller grill. Also had breakfast there when the collonade was overcrowded. So, it is used, but definitely under-used.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Mark. Yes, we agree that it IS used but for such a gorgeous piece of real estate, it should be utilised all day every day. It’s too good to waste on part time activities. 🙂

[@davidgreenspoon9530]

I really appreciate the perspectives and insights you shared, and the video shots were especially helpful! I'm still curious about the "formal night" dinner. Will I need to pack a suit? What is the range of attire for evenings on deck or in the venues? TIA for your response.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching David 👍 Formal night on Seabourn is down to individual preference really. Some people go all in with tuxedos, other simply wear smart trousers and a jacket. If you really didn’t want to dress up there is the option to eat at one of the informal dining venues also. So it’s down to personal preference really. How many people dress up seems to depend on each voyage and itinerary but you wouldn’t be alone if you wore a tuxedo.

[@pipegarmich]

Very nice review,well presented

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. ☺️

[@faithmoore7520]

Thanks❤💯👏🏽

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 🤩

[@karstenbrandt6850]

What a lovely review! "Shopping with the Chef" - do you book it in advance or when you´re on board? Is this event included in the cruise? Greetings from Kiel, Germany

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Kirsten 😊 You need to make it known that this is something you’d like to take part in as soon as you board the ship. The chef will then decide if and when he will go shopping and if you have said you’d like to take part you may be invited to go if you don’t have anything else scheduled for that day. I’ll leave the link to the info below 👍 www.seabourn.com/en_US/experience/onboard-activities/activity/shopping-with-the-chef.html

[@sktoh4469]

Very nice video. 😃

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊 And thanks for watching 👍

[@xunyangful]

Coffee looks so yummy!

[@visitwithus]

The coffee is very good indeed. Strong as, but that's how I like it. :D

[@Ulanda]

Love the accents

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊

[@marknevar8234]

never had any trouble getting multiple ressies at the keller grill, even on a 7 day cruise. At least on the 2 bigger ships. The other 3 are smaller and it can be tougher. if you're flexible with dining times, they usually can squeeze you in. I likes R2 as well, but it was getting long in the tooth.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Mark. Yes, we do mourn the loss of R2 but accept that the more modern approach of TK is a natural progression. ❤️

[@allisonfoster3677]

We are booked onto the Ovation in January around the Caribbean and we are looking at booking excursions but not sure whether to book early or wait. Just a question from this video re Seabourn signature events (especially the stroll with the chef idea), are these ad hoc after embarkation, are they paid for, would they coincide with excursions?

[@visitwithus]

Hi Allison. We were invited to do the chefs shopping excursion so not 100% sure how it works, but I think it’s something you try to sign up for as soon as you get on board (though I’m not sure they do them on all voyages). Sorry we can’t be more helpful. Have a great cruise. 👍

[@yvescrepeau5955]

Hi guys, I am back in the Ovation in a couple of weeks for a winter getaway.

[@visitwithus]

Have fun! Wish we could join you! 🥂😀

[@yvescrepeau5955]

@@visitwithus have you sailed on the Explora I yet? Maybe next year she looks like a lovely ship

[@visitwithus]

@@yvescrepeau5955 Yes we have! Got some lovely videos in our channel to whet your appetite. Ship Tour, Dining Guide and Suite Review. Give them a look! 😀

[@yvescrepeau5955]

I hitch a ride on the Ovation next Saturday in Bridgetown BArbados @@visitwithus

[@savagecub]

How does it compare to a Regent cruise ?

[@visitwithus]

Unfortunately we’ve not had the chance to sail with Regent yet do can’t compare I’m afraid. We’ve had day visits to a couple of their ships and they look fantastic but we’ve not experienced what it’s like to cruise on them. We are hoping to get the opportunity in 2023 so watch this space 🤞

[@jcbroadw]

Oof, that Retreat pricing is pretty steep for a line that does brand itself as "all inclusive" in some respects. I like the idea of offering everyone a complimentary 1/2 a day or even a full day that you could do at any point during the cruise, and charging after that.

[@visitwithus]

I totally agree! Thanks for watching. :)

[@harlanabraham7772]

Does Seabourn do round trips, start and end at the same port? Small casino. Probably no craps table. Coffee venue and snacks could be nice. Like to use the gym. Don't like sausage rolls. If you ever saw Doc Martin you probably wouldn't have them either. Trivia could be good. I usually make friends in the casino. Don't think Seabourn is the cruise line for me.

[@visitwithus]

Yes, they do do some trips that staff and end at the same point and if you book back to back cruises this often will be the case. Sorry we don’t use a casino so can’t answer that question. The bigger ships especially have nice gyms. Thanks for watching 👍

[@N0N4M30]

I fell into the rabbit hole of cruise ship videos even though that I never want to go on one due to the fact that I’m anxious about all the crimes happening or a ship wrecking 😅 but it’s so interesting to watch

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching

[@robinbaass1825]

What were the minute timers for on the afternoon tea table? Tea leaf timers??

[@visitwithus]

They are there to time how long you brew your tea for. The server explains how to use them when they deliver your teapot 👍

[@healinginfluence]

How would compare Seabourne and Silversea?

[@visitwithus]

We do have lots of videos on Silversea too if that helps. Generally we always say that Seabourn has an American vibe compared to the more Italian/European feel on Silversea. Silversea also offer a variety of sizes of ships which will give you differing experiences depending on if you like very small ships of something a little larger whereas Seabourn a ships are all similar with three slightly smaller and two slightly larger ship. If you have any specific questions please about either or both please get in touch 👍

[@cywoods60]

TFS

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. 😀

[@RCR1990]

Hi Rich and Helen - Have you considered opening a paid "KZbin" video tutorial for others who would like to join your community and produce excellent cruise Vlogs? As we are new empty-nesters, and absolutely love cruising, it would be so incredible to walk away from corporate and earn $$$ traveling!

[@visitwithus]

Hi Robyn. Great idea and we’d love to give tips about filming etc. A paid subscription sounds tempting but we will probably never start a Patreon/membership/paywall type thing because we want to keep everything free for people to enjoy, despite the cost to us. 🙂 However, tech tips are on the drawing board so watch this space. Oh and we don’t say no to the odd ‘Super Thanks’, or ‘Super Chat’ if we’re live because that helps us pay for equipment but both are completely voluntary. ❤️

[@gomez7879]

Is it true wifi and excursions are not included?

[@visitwithus]

Excursions not included, no. They do now offer a basic wifi package we believe but you have to pay extra for the premium wifi. Thanks for watching.

[@marinacarmenmartinez6829]

👍👏👏👏

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching Marina. :D

[@kellieashman6908]

Seems strange that a lot of the public areas are either under utilised or not used at all

[@visitwithus]

Well, there's not that many to be honest. The ship's public areas are very well used and a fabulous places to be. I'm sure they'd agree with us about the rear of the TK restaurant. It's such a lovely space!

[@SagaLarton]

The first thing I do when I board my Cruise Ship cabin, is to give my grossly overweight wife a Jolly Rogering.😂😂😂😂😂

[@visitwithus]

@@SagaLarton Oooooh MATRON! 😂

[@kathleemcallister]

do they have elevators

[@visitwithus]

They do 👍

[@msears101]

1 week cruises are NOT the way to experience Seabourn. The vibe and feel is VERY different for the 10+ day cruise.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@Mart1nus888]

Hardly a cruise. More like a ferry service. Too many early mornings and no sea time.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Rodney