Seabourn Encore
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 600 to 400
About the Ship: It is always exciting when a new luxury cruise ship sets sail and that's the case with Seabourn 's new flagship, Seabourn Encore. With a December 2016 inaugural voyage, the ship is the next generation of Seabourn's popular Odyssey-class. The ship is one deck taller than its little sisters and carries 150 more travelers for a complement of 600.
Beautiful interiors and intuitive spaces that are designed for the way people want to gather and relax are hallmarks of Seabourn Encore's indoor and outdoor public areas, which were created by renowned designer Adam D. Tihany. All 300 suites -- ranging from 300 to 1,300 square feet -- have balconies that are perfect for enjoying breakfast, drinks or dinner al fresco.
The Spa at Seabourn set a new standard in wellness at sea when the complex was allotted so much space on the line's Odyssey-class ships. Now, in addition to an expansive spa, Seabourn Encore features The Retreat, a private, VIP-access-only outdoor lounge area on Deck 12. A daisy-shaped canopy stretches over The Retreat so you'll find both sun and shade. Fifteen cabanas -- costing $350 per couple per day -- are available, and come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, Evian misters, a beverage-filled mini-fridge and fresh fruit. The cabanas are conveniently arranged around the hot tub, which is a focal point of The Retreat.
About the Cruise Line: Many travelers looking for top-notch but friendly service are partial to Seabourn. The line's all-inclusivity is also compelling: Cruise fares include interesting itineraries as well as entertainment and all meals, and there isn't even a surcharge for the line's excellent new restaurant from celebrity chef Thomas Keller. (Seabourn offers The Grill by Thomas Keller fleetwide, including on Encore. The line launched this eatery first on Seabourn Quest, in partnership with the famed chef known for his restaurants Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Napa Valley. As with those eateries, The Grill is a not-to-be-missed experience.) The fare also includes open bars offering fine wines, beer and spirits throughout the ship (although there is an additional list of select vintage and spirits that do cost extra). Tipping is neither required nor expected onboard, making the experience stress-free.
Who Sails This Ship: Once passengers sail Seabourn, their loyalties tend to remain with the cruise line so you'll find many cruisers are repeaters. The Odyssey-class ships have become a favorite choice for families with teens or adult children looking for family reunion-style getaways and multigenerational vacations.
Itinerary Highlights: Seabourn Encore offers itineraries to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and the Middle East.
Other Ships in the Fleet: In addition to Seabourn Encore, the line sails a trio of 450-passenger Odyssey-class ships: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. In spring 2018, Seabourn Ovation (a twin to Seabourn Encore) will set sail.
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Silversea Silver Spirit
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 540 to 376
About the Ship: Silver Spirit is the largest luxury cruise ship (not counting expedition ships) in Silversea 's fleet, but it won't be for long. Watch for the cruise line's forthcoming flagship, Silver Muse, which will make its debut in spring 2017.
Dining is one area where this cruise ship excels. Main dining at The Restaurant features the type of continental cuisine you'd expect from a luxury liner (plus a strong showing of Italian and Mediterranean favorites), while La Terrazza focuses on Italian cuisine adhering to the precepts of the "slow food" movement that emphasizes fresh, artisanal ingredients and natural preparations.
Silver Spirit also houses three smaller dining venues: Le Champagne, offering meals with wine pairings designed by Relais & Chateaux; Seishin, serving up the freshest sushi you're likely to find on any cruise ship; and Stars Supper Club, which highlights inventive small-plate menus against a backdrop of live music and dancing. (There is a $40 per person surcharge to dine at both Le Champagne and Seishin; all other Silversea restaurants are complimentary.)
Silver Spirit also excels in terms of its public areas. The gorgeous, expansive pool deck features plenty of comfortable loungers, a large pool and three raised hot tubs, making it the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail. Once the sun goes down, the various lounges -- the Art Deco-inspired Bar off Reception; the Observation Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows; and the Panorama Lounge, with its indoor/outdoor space -- are all inviting and boast live music along with other activities such as trivia or karaoke.
About the Cruise Line: Silversea shines across its fleet when it comes to personalized service. The crew is incredibly friendly and intuitive; they seemingly know what you want when the very thought has only barely crossed your mind. This is especially evident in the lounges, where the bartenders quickly memorize your drink preferences and always have your favorites (along with a few savory treats) waiting for you. Staff is trained by The Leading Hotels of the World, a well-regarded hospitality consortium.
The line's claim to fame is the fact that a butler is assigned to tend to every cabin aboard every Silversea ship in the fleet, including the 270 ocean-view accommodations aboard Silver Spirit. Butlers are educated by the Guild of Professional English Butlers and will assist you when it comes to unpacking and packing your luggage, serving breakfast on your balcony, making arrangements for shore tours and dining times, and even serving dinner -- course by course -- in your suite.
Silversea also loves to throw a good party, and does so on every warm-weather cruise in the form of its deck party. Chefs spend the day preparing for this pull-out-the-stops event at which they serve roast suckling pig, carved meats, shrimp and crab-leg cocktail, pasta, salads and an array of mouth-watering desserts.
Who Sails This Ship: Silver Spirit has fans from many walks of life, so you'll see older couples alongside honeymooners, all dancing the night away. Well-heeled families with older children also appreciate the ship for its spacious suites and compelling summertime itineraries. If you're not sailing during school break or summer vacation, though, you're more likely to cruise with older professionals and retirees.
Itinerary Highlights: Silver Spirit sails the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Other Ships in the Fleet: Silversea offers two distinct cruise experiences: itineraries offered aboard traditional cruise ships and those geared to active discovery courtesy of a fleet of rugged yet luxurious expedition vessels. In addition to Silver Spirit, the line's traditional luxury ships include Silver Wind. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper. Its newest flagship, Silver Muse. sets sail in spring 2017. As for its expedition fleet, look to Silver Explorer. which visits Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia and remote regions in the Pacific; Silver Galapagos. which sails the Galapagos Islands year-round; and Silver Discoverer. which sails Antarctica and the Arctic, Africa, Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords, and the Panama Canal. Silver Cloud. formerly one of Silversea's traditional luxury cruise ships, is transferring to the expedition fleet in 2017 after a refurbishment.
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