The return to reality after a cruise on the Seabourn Pride may prove difficult  for those who enjoyed the unfailing pampering on this intimate and luxurious ship. The Seabourn people proudly proclaim that the “sense of proportion gives a sense of intimacy.”  However, this shouldn't be taken to mean that the luxurious suites skimp on size.  The ship itself is smaller than most and accommodates just 104 couples. Moreover, the suites themselves offer ample living space that not only serves as a comfortable nest for passengers throughout the cruise, but also provide a perfect venue for entertaining small groups of fellow passengers.

 The all-suite staterooms, complete with a doorbell to announce guests, also include TV, VCR, radio, direct-dial phone, refrigerator, a small desk and wardrobe.  Flowers grace the coffee table and fresh fruit appears daily.  Each suite has a sitting area with a sofa, two chairs, two stools and a table that can be raised and covered for elegant in-room dining.  A walk-in closet provides adequate space for formal wear, shoes and clothing.  For rainy days, an umbrella is at your disposal.  Robes and slippers are also provided.  Each suite is equipped with a welcome bottle of champagne, a refrigerator full of beer, soft drinks and two personally requested bottles of spirits.

Bathrooms have bona fide bath rugs, adding a touch of home and comfort.  Bathroom amenities include fine soaps by Hermes, Chanel, Bijan and Bronnley and other designer toiletries. Those desiring an aromatherapy bath may choose to enjoy Seabourn's Pure Pampering aromatherapy bath selections from Molton Brown. Should you desire the ultimate in pampering, your cabin steward will even draw your bath for you upon request. The towels and linens are fluffy and hair dryers are provided for guests' use.

The formal restaurant resembles that of a country club. The décor recedes into the background, leaving guests undistracted and attentive to the conversations of the others at their table. This open seating restaurant allows you to dine whenever you want and with whom you want. The solo traveler will receive many invitations to dine with others and has the choice of accepting and dining with that particular group, or randomly joining a table or dining in-room.

Renowned chef, Charlie Palmer, designs over 200 outstanding culinary delights that guests enjoy throughout the cruise. Among the variety of menus available is one personally recommended by the chef as well as others including vegetarian, classic and lighter fare. If nothing on the menu seems appealing, simply make a request early in the day and see what the chefs will whip up.

Wine flows freely through lunch and dinner with special vintages available for those who so desire, but the typically offered selections are of a high quality. Along with the formal dining room is the much smaller veranda that offers similar fare to the main dining room, but often with flair. Since space is limited here, it is best to make a reservation, which is usually easy to come by. Here, the décor and food change with the theme for the evening, however, the same fare served in the main dining room is always an option. The bistro style dining also offers dining under the stars, which makes this an attractive and casual option to the main dining room.

Other amenities that guests enjoy include a full service Steiner spa, a workout facility, a unique water sports marina and a well-stocked library with books, videos and a large atlas. Being an all-inclusive cruise, alcoholic beverages, spirits, fine French champagne, wines, soft drinks and mineral water come with the cruise fare, as do tips, gratuities and a special Seabourn Experience shore excursion. No need to be constantly signing extras to your room. While tipping is neither required nor expected, many guests still offer tips to their favorite cabin stewards, bartenders or waiters. The no tipping policy does not lower the standards of service, which are a hallmark of Seabourn. The attention to guests exceeds expectations without being effusive or overbearing. Crew members address guests by name; a special consideration that gives guests a feeling of being part of the Seabourn family and of being an important and integral part of the success of the cruise. The staff always extends a bent arm for the ladies; wine glasses are always full  throughout dinner. These extra niceties make a voyage aboard the Seabourn Pride an extraordinary experience.

Entertainment productions are on a small scale, but varied and well performed. Certain cruises invite well-known entertainers, like Gregory Hines or Alan Arkin to perform for guests. Lecturers also offer special presentations on a variety of subjects that interest cruisers.

During the days at sea, a variety of activities like trivia games, scotch tasting and visits to the galley keep guests entertained throughout the day. A nice special amenity for those enjoying the deck is the Massage Moments. Therapists wander the deck and offer quick neck and shoulder massages to guests. This added feature makes Seabourn a truly pampering ship or as it is officially known, a yacht.

Seabourn strives to meet the needs of all passengers. Have a special beverage that you can't live without during your cruise? Simply request it and it will appear on board. Don't like the ideal of hauling your luggage everywhere on your own? Seabourn offers its Personal Valet Luggage Service. Simply pack your bags and they will be picked up at your home and sent directly to your ship where you will find them onboard. No worries about lugging your baggage through airports or worse yet, having it lost on route to the cruise port.

While this cruise perfectly suits all discerning guests, solo travelers will be  especially welcomed and made to feel at home as the Seabourn Pride's staff  makes a special effort to introduce guests to one another on a regular basis. Seabourn truly lives up to its high standard of pampering, indulgence and uncompromising luxury.

Contact the Yachts of Seabourn, for information on their 3 similar ships: The Pride, The Legend and The Spirit.   Happy Traveling.

http://www.seabourn.com/

You may e-mail travel questions to me free of charge. jones@photoandtravel.com