Seabourn Odyssey, the new 450-passenger luxury ship, set off on a short evening cruise from Venice yesterday with travel agents and journalists on board. The ship’s initial preview sailing had been delayed as workers scrambled to make final preparations for the first revenue cruise, set to leave Venice on Wednesday evening. But travel agents sailing on the vessel were nearly unanimous in their praise of the Seabourn Odyssey’s many new features, including larger and more varied cabins, more dining options, a larger spa, a larger pool deck (pictured), and unique public rooms such as Seabourn Square, a new lounge that acts as a library, coffee bar, Internet café and guest services area.

Seabourn Cruise Line President Pam Conover, during a press conference yesterday, said the line is set to take delivery of two similar ships in the next two years, including Seabourn Sojourn in 2010 and an as-yet-unnamed vessel in 2011. Whether that means Seabourn will drop one or more of its three older and smaller vessels -- including the Seabourn Legend, Pride and Spirit -- depends on how successful the line is with its new ships, according to Conover. She said the addition of three new vessels will allow Seabourn to explore new destinations and itineraries. “These ships will increase our reach into the luxury market,” she said. Indeed, Seabourn Odyssey is scheduled to embark on a 108-day world cruise on Jan. 5, and Seabourn Sojourn will feature a world cruise the following year. Seabourn Odyssey will be christened on Wednesday with the ship’s first full passenger contingent acting as honorary “godmothers” to the vessel. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.

Reader Comments

login or register to comment

     

Share:

More Headlines Like This ...