Seabourn Ovation
Seabourn Ovation / Seabourn Cruise Line
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Seabourn Ovation Review

Our Ship Review

Seabourn’s luxury cruising experience puts an emphasis on personalized service, extraordinary experiences at sea and on land, and — in the words of famed Seabourn Ovation designer Adam Tihany — "design, design, design." So when it came time to envision how the cruise line’s newest Encore-class ship, Seabourn Ovation (sister to Seabourn Encore), would look and feel, Tihany knew the ship had to be extraordinary. Launched in May 2018, the 600-guest vessel offers an ultra-luxury cruising experience for travelers seeking a journey that tempts the senses with superb cuisine, incredible destinations, and contemporary art and décor.

While Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation are near replicas, there are some slight differences that have added capacity in the ship’s most popular areas. Among them is Ovation’s Club Bar, which now features a more traditional bar setting than Encore’s discreet bar set-up. The art collection on Ovation, which numbers more than 1,600 works by nearly 120 artists, delights and enchants — and also features nearly double the art pieces found on Encore. 

What We Love

The Culinary Program: Set to impress the fussiest gourmand, no bite onboard Seabourn Ovation feels compromised. The finely tuned culinary program is comprehensive, daring, exciting, and, at all times, remarkably fresh. Each day, passengers receive a complete guide to the ship’s five main dining options that evening (our favorite piece of reading material onboard) so they can pore over menus and make their dinner reservations. It takes more than a month to see the same menu again in the main restaurant—a testament to the ship’s wide range of culinary capabilities. Seabourn Ovation also excels with its high-concept dining options, including the “Earth & Ocean at the Patio” experience available nightly on the pool deck. And in 2024, the Mediterranean-inspired Solis joins the line-up, replacing The Grill by Thomas Keller.

Sun-Filled Itineraries: Seabourn Ovation tends to sail the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter, offering an array of itinerary options guaranteed to deliver a sunny escape — whether you have time for just a seven-night cruise or an extended journey that lasts 21 days or more.

Best Known For

Striking Design: Adam Tihany, known for his extensive work in hospitality design (Per Se, The Beverly Hills Hotel), has imbued Seabourn Ovation with a sophisticated charm that exudes luxury and refinement. All lines bend and curve, providing an intimate feeling akin to sailing on your own private yacht. Facing challenges of deck height, Tihany masterfully used dark wooden accents throughout the ceilings to give each space a sense of height and character. The suites, on the other hand, feel residential. These sumptuous havens have an ambiance that you’ll be proud to call home — so much so that you may not want to leave at the end of your cruise.  

Who It's Best For

Foodies & Luxury Lovers: The ship is ideal for those looking for a luxury getaway that revolves around refined and authentic experiences both on board and in port. Affluent travelers are attracted to Seabourn’s elevated service and convenient all-inclusive pricing (food, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are part of the cruise fare). Compared to the costs of a land-based five-star hotel and high-end restaurants, Seabourn Ovation’s elevated dining experiences, top-shelf open bar, and personalized service represent inherent value for the luxury traveler, starting at around $500 per person per day.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Sea Days are Quiet: Beautiful, seamless, and not for those who seek high-thrill getaways, Seabourn Ovation is more yacht than cruise ship. Don’t expect the bells and whistles of some of the larger, more Vegas-style megaships. The main attraction on a Seabourn sailing is the comfortable luxury, the dining, and the destinations. Come prepared with a few books and seek out one of the many cozy spots on deck for a decidedly low-key day at sea.