“Seabourn understood from the very beginning that guests should never be viewed as passengers,” says Chris Austin, the cruise line’s senior v.p. for global marketing and sales. “Rather they are members of a select society, sharing travel experiences together in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere only available on a smaller luxury ship.”
Austin notes that since the cruise line’s inception, this spirit of “carefree hospitality” included meals and a selection of spirits in the fare price. While the freedom of choice is new for some cruise lines, Austin says that “the freedom of choice has been a part of the Seabourn experience since the outset,” as guests could dine where they wished and sit with whom they liked.
Seabourn is surely leading the way in a much needed change to broaden the demographics among the smaller luxury cruise ships and to introduce the upscale cruise experience…to a younger consumer!
– Marcella Rappoport, Executive Vice President,
Ovation Travel Group & Ovation Vacations, A Virtuoso Agency
The Seabourn Cruiser
Who is the Seabourn guest? Well, Austin describes them as “some of the most interesting, accomplished people you could meet. They like to travel in style, and they like the ultra-luxury hotel ambiance and style that Seabourn offers them. They are affluent and adventurous travelers who want the ‘best of the best’ in all they do. Seabourn’s guests have come to expect and require impeccable, intuitive personalized service in an ultra-luxury, but club-like setting, visiting unique harbors and key ports around the world.”
The cruise line reaches this market by blending “the qualities of iconic destinations with a sophisticated, upscale environment better than anyone in the ultra-luxury segment,” points out Austin. “That synergy of place and experience, both on and off the ship, is the result of tireless effort to bring our guests a travel experience second to none, all delivered in an all-inclusive environment.”
What the Future Holds
“We just took delivery of Seabourn Encore last December and we will introduce the new Seabourn Ovation in spring 2018,” says Austin.
“This year is a somewhat historic year for Seabourn. Our fleet grew to four ships with the christening of Seabourn Encore in Singapore this past January. In other enhancements, the entertaining production show ‘An Evening With Tim Rice’ will be playing in Grand Salons across our fleet by this summer; The Grill by Thomas Keller will be added to Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn by the end of the year; Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil will also roll out across the fleet by the end of 2017; and our optional, for-charge Ventures by Seabourn excursions program will be available fleet-wide by the end of this year.”
Seabourn + The Travel Agent
According to Austin, “Seabourn has built an enviable partnership with travel professionals around the world, developing a business partnership that is mutually beneficial. Travel professionals trust Seabourn in delivering experiences that exceed their clients’ expectations while also delivering the tools, programs and innovation to help the travel professional grow their business.
“Each and every day we seek to do the right thing, and are laser-focused to support our partners growing their business. We’ll give your clients an exclusive place to feel at home while on board, take them places they have always wished they could visit, help them learn from respected experts, yet they only have to buy one plane ticket and unpack their luggage once.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Call your Seabourn Business Development Manager at (866) 755-5622 for additional information.
