When it comes to awards and accolades, 2018 was a banner year for Seabourn. The luxury line earned wide-ranging recognition from numerous prestigious publications. Awards singled out the luxury line as the world’s best in the small-ship cruising category.
The honors also highlighted Seabourn’s wellness programs, onboard service and entertainment; as well as overall design, marketing and loyalty programs. The line’s new flagship, Seabourn Ovation, also earned several awards in the “best new ship” category.
Seabourn was also recognized with 2018 Travvy Awards in the categories of Best Cruise Ship-Luxury and Best Cruise Line – Expedition/Adventure.
The array of honors comes as no surprise to the line’s president, Richard Meadows.
“Thirty years ago, Seabourn began offering the finest ultra-luxury small-ship cruise experience, breaking new ground in the industry. We’re still innovating with new programs and new destinations, and growing with our latest vessel, Seabourn Ovation, which will be followed by the building of two new ultra-luxury expedition ships,” said Meadows. “The honors we received in 2018 reveal that industry observers and consumers alike have noticed and continue to recognize the talent of our teams and the hard work of those who remain committed to delivering exceptional and memorable Seabourn moments.”
The line is charting a course for 2019 and beyond that is already garnering attention.
Seabourn ships will shine a spotlight in Europe, operating 66 departures from 14 ports. Guests can choose from four vessels. And, itineraries in 2019 include more overnight stays, new ports and special programming.
Additionally, Seabourn makes its debut in Cuba this year. The line will offer four Cuba itineraries and five different departure dates. The first cruise, aboard Seabourn Sojourn, departs from Miami on November 4, 2019.
All five of the Cuba sailings feature overnight stays in Havana, which marks its 500th anniversary in 2019. Additional calls include Antilla (Nipe Bay); Cienfuegos, Punta Francés, Isla de Juventud and Santiago de Cuba, founded in 1515.
Featured shore excursions include UNESCO Partner Tours to Santa Clara and Trinidad. Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage. It has partnered with the organization to promote sustainable tourism at global World Heritage sites
Additional news promises to keep Seabourn in the headlines. Namely, the first world cruise for the line in six years will take place in 2020. Seabourn Sojourn will embark on a 146-day adventure that will call upon the Caribbean, Africa, India, Arabia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia & South Pacific, and Hawaii. The cruise departs Miami on January 4, 2020. Traveling eastward, it arrives in San Francisco on May 28, 2020.
