Seabourn Quest
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Launched in 2011, Seabourn Quest is virtually identical to her sister ships Odyssey and Sojourn. One of the ship’s unusual features is Seabourn Square, a “living room” that replaces the traditional cruise ship lobby with a lounge furnished with easy chairs, sofas, and cocktail tables. A central enclave houses concierges at individual desks.Read More
The ultraluxurious Seabourn Odyssey and her sister ships exude understated elegance in a spacious setting. In addition to sumptuous ocean view suites, there are pools, hot tubs, and a two-deck spa. The specialty dining room gets its own dedicated space, and there’s room to spread out on deck and in gracious public lounges indoors. There is a Club bar for predinner cocktails and an observation lounge affording expansive sea views. The spacious show lounge features a proper stage for entertainment. When the water-sports marina is extended, there’s even a third swimming option—an enclosed in-sea “pool” with teak deck.
A leader in small-ship, luxury cruising, Seabourn has an elegant fleet of ships that appeal to sophisticated, independent-minded passengers whose lifestyles demand the best. In addition to personalized service, Seabourn delivers all the expected extras—complimentary wines and spirits, a stocked minibar in all suites, and elegant amenities. Expect the unexpected as well—from exclusive travel-document portfolios and luggage tags to the pleasure of a complimentary mini-massage while lounging at the pool.
Peace and tranquility reign on these ships, so the daily roster of events is somewhat thin. Wine tastings, lectures, and other quiet pursuits might be scheduled, but most passengers are satisfied to simply do what pleases them. One don’t-miss activity is the daily team trivia contest. Prizes are unimportant: it’s the bragging rights that most guests seek.
Although the trio of original Seabourn ships were sold, the line now has five larger, even more luxurious ships in service.
- 8 passenger decks
- specialty restaurant, dining room, buffet
- Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, DVD
- 2 pools
- fitness classes, gym, hot tubs, sauna, spa
- 5 bars, casino, dance club, library, show room
- dry cleaning, laundry facilities, laundry service
- Internet terminal
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
All suites, 90% with balconies, are located midship to forward; none are aft. Eight categories of roomier accommodations are true suites, with separate bedrooms in all but the least expensive. Even the most modest suites have walk-in closets, a seating area with coffee table that converts to a dining table for meals, a dressing table–desk, and a granite-topped bathroom with double-sink vanities and a separate shower and tub (some with whirlpool tubs).
Amenities include flat-screen TV with DVD player, safe, hair dryer, fully stocked minibar, fresh fruit and flowers, world atlas, personalized stationery, shampoo, conditioner, designer soap and lotion, Egyptian-cotton towels and robes, slippers, umbrellas, and beds dressed with silky, high-thread-count linens. Top-category suites have a butler’s pantry and guest powder room. Wintergarden and Signature suites can be configured with two bedrooms.
Seven suites are designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Food & Drink
The formal Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in open seating. In The Grill (reservations required), steakhouse favorites are prepared individually by the chef. For casual indoor-outdoor dining, The Colonnade serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from an open kitchen, with à la minute preparation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also offered poolside at the Patio Grill. Espresso and cappuccino are available at the coffee bar. Meals and snacks can be ordered from an extensive room-service menu around the clock. During restaurant hours, dinner can be served course by course en suite.
Entertainment
Proportionately scaled production shows, performances by guest artists, and cabarets are presented in the Grand Salon and smaller Club lounge, where dancing is held most nights. A pianist entertains in the Observation Bar. Movies and a deck party with dancing are scheduled on the wind-protected pool deck on most cruises as long as the weather permits.
Spa & Fitness
Treatments in the spa operated by Steiner Leisure include massages, facials, and body wraps that incorporate natural ingredients. Along with a treatment, you receive use of the thermal suite, with a large hydrotherapy pool (on Seabourn Odyssey) or the Kneipp Walk, a walking pool with hot water on one side and cold water on the other, utilized to stimulate circulation (on Sojourn andQuest). Heated loungers surround the pools, and a variety of steam and thermal rooms are included. Day passes (for a fee) are available for just the thermal suite, or you can opt for the free sauna in changing rooms.