Seabourn Cruise Line was founded in 1986 by a group of Norwegian investors interested in building the most luxurious yacht-like cruise ships ever constructed. This ultra-luxury line's 208-passenger ships, The elegant twins Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit entered service in 1988 and 1989 respectively. A third identical sister, Seabourn Legend, was purchased in January 1996, with the demise of Royal Cruise Line. Seabourn was acquired by Carnival Corp in November, 1999 following a refurbishment - renamed Seabourn.

Spirit cruise all over the world in 7 to 14 day cruises or longer. The decor on the Seabourn Spirit is comfortably upscale, fine dining, all-suite cabins, There is plenty of space to explore but really nowhere to go at night, your choices are The Club with adjacent small casino, the show lounge and (weather permitting) the pool bar. Don't expect much late-night partying. Seabourn also has a complimentary shore excursion program. On each cruise, at one port of call, there is one free shore-side event to which all passengers are invited. As with a shore excursion, you sign up and get tickets (but in this case you don't pay). These events are often a highlight of the voyage, and may include, as examples, an outdoor folkloric dance performance in Nafplion, Greece; a visit to a private villa in Malta; and a glass-roofed canal boat ride in Amsterdam.

There is also an aft water platform and marina, which is used in suitably calm, warm-water areas. You can use the ship's water sports equipment for free, and do not have to pay extra for a Pilates class or wine-tasting seminar. Plus there are niceties like fruit smoothies, suntan lotion and cold towels passed out on deck on a hot day.Water sports facilities include a banana boat, pedalos, scuba, sea kayaks, snorkel, windsurfers, and a water-ski boat. She has a wide passageway throughout the accomodation areas. Public areas have warm colors, fine quality interior fixtures, fittings, fabrics, color combinations, and quality artwork to present an outstanding, elegant decor. Not for the budget-minded, this ship is for those desiring the utmost in supremely elegant, stylish, small-ship surroundings.

Entertainment:
Entertainment is provided in a night club and the main lounge where small cabaret shows & live music are presented, observation lounge, business centre. In a small show lounge, solo artists give nightly performances, and there's a cabaret-style show twice a week. In warm-weather cruising areas, films are screened on deck under the stars. Nightly dancing and piano music round out the low-key evening entertainment. Seabourn lets passengers enjoy the ship's facilities at their own pace, and there are few organized activities. There's a small casino, a library with a good selection of books and videos, and a card room. Water sports are popular on cruises to warm-weather destinations. The few scheduled events include a diverse series of enrichment lectures. Well-known personalities talk about everything from cruising to cuisine. There are a few activities including talks by guest lecturers (professors, statesmen, authors, or stars of stage and screen), cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, bridge play and editors of major travel and lifestyle publications. The line's "Signature Series" of shore excursions include invitations to private golf clubs of championship caliber.

Public Areas:
The Spirit has more than enough public rooms for her small capacity is for those desiring the utmost in supremely elegant, stylish, small-ship surroundings.The Observation Lounge, a tranquil oasis with floor to ceiling windows, leather chairs and low cocktail tables – the perfect spot for watching arrival and departure in port. The Horizon Lounge is your typical observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling, forward-facing windows, and is underutilized (it is open for Early Risers breakfast and afternoon tea, but mostly closed at night). The Club with its tan leather chairs and glass wall connecting to the small casino is about as stylish as this ship gets, and a nice venue for before- or after-dinner drinks and dancing.The Amundsen Lounge is a show lounge big enough to hold all passengers. The ship also has a small computer center (e-mail is an industry-high $1 per minute). The small library (with complimentary videos) had few books and the boutique could use more upscale products., a card room, and a small boutique (more utilitarian than enticing). A large chunk of indoor Spa Deck space has been given to the gym, beauty salon, aerobics room and sauna/massage area. There's an outdoor pool nearby, two hot tubs, and for those seeking to be one with the ocean, on Gourmet Deck aft is the "Marina"

Cuisine:
Gourmet dining in an open-seating restaurant, with many items prepared a la minute. Modern classic cuisine with regional specialties. Wines complimentary with lunch and dinner. Alternative indoor/outdoor casual bistro dining most nights. Deck barbecues, beach barbecues, "Galley Buffet" served by the chefs in the galley. Course-by-course dining en suite.

The elegant dining room offers open seating and the height of culinary excellence at sea. Food is individually prepared and impeccably served. There is also the Verandah Café a delightful indoor/outdoor room for casual dining For alternative dining, the reservations-required Veranda Cafe has themed menus at night (French, Mediterranean, Surf and Turf). You can dine under the stars and you don't have to dress up even on formal nights or 24 hour dining in your cabin.

Service:
The passenger-to-crew ratio is among the lowest of any ship. No tipping is allowed, yet the European service crew is professional, personable, and eager to accommodate virtually any personal request. The staff anticipates your needs and there is extraordinary attention to detail.

Accomodations:

All suites 104 cabins are and measuring ( 277-575 sq. ft.) All cabins are suite standard. They come extremely well equipped and beautifully furnished with VCR, fridge, safe and walk in wardrobes. Bathrooms are marble and feature two wash basins, bath, bathrobes and toiletries. and offer views, mostly through 5-ft. picture windows. In 2000, French balconies were added to 36 suites and these allow you to open glass doors, let in the fresh air, and step out about a foot-and-a-half.

Standard suites are a generous 277 square feet and offer small walk-in closets, large marble bathrooms with double sinks and a tub/shower, hair dryers, lighted vanities, terry robes and slippers, in addition, there are 400-sq. ft. Classic Suites; Double Suites measuring 554 sq. ft. and Owner's Suites measuring 530 and 575 square feet.

personalized stationery, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, a complimentary bar setup, a small sofa, a coffee table that can be raised for dining, and twin beds (that can be combined to make a queen) covered with duvets. There are also six larger classic suites and owners suites with small private verandahs (the owners suites also have dining rooms and powder rooms). And four suites that can be combined to make two doubles. The decor is simple, but the extras make the experience special. Chocolates are left at turn down along with roses, rose petals and other surprises. Toiletries are by Molton Brown, or passengers can choose from a selection of additional designer soaps. You can also choose from a menu of bath salts, and have your room steward draw your bath. In-cabin TVs show movies and CNN, among other offerings. And you can borrow movies from the video library to play on your in-suite VCR, or CDs to play on your Bose Wave sound system.

Spa/Fitness:
There is a marine platform at the stern and plenty of water sports equipment aboard including banana boat, scuba diving, kayaks, snorkelling, windsurfing and water ski boat. When weather permits, passengers go water skiing and swimming from the fold-out marina. Also aboard there is a well equipped but small fitness center. There is three treatment rooms, steam and beauty salon with masseuse. The ship also has a small, oddly placed swimming pool on its top deck (it is in a shaded area in the center of the ship and there is no seating around it) as well as three whirlpools (including one hidden in the prow that couples can reserve for a romantic evening complete with champagne and caviar). For two hours during days at sea, via the line's "Massage Moments" program, free mini massages are available on the sun deck.

Gratuities:
Seabourn's rates include gratuities, complimentary wines, spirits and French champagne, complimentary massage moments on deck and a complimentary shore excursion on each cruise.

Children's Program:
Seaborn have no facilities for children and therefore unsuitable.

Spirit has standard amenities,(casino, library, theater, etc). The jacuzzi on the bow is a nice private area. Not too many guests ventured there. It is a small, luxury ship that handles well. Unfortunately, she's beginning to show her age, or rather, newer ships have superceded what the Spirit can offer. Seabourn always has a free shore excursion that provides an "experience" you can't get anywhere else.

While daytimes may be spent in casual, but never sloppy garb, Seabourn passengers generally like to dress up in the evenings.Two formal nights per seven-day cruise and three on 14-day sailings; many men wear tuxedos, but dark suits are acceptable. Women wear fancy cocktail dresses or ball gowns. Other nights being elegant casual attire, jacket but no tie required for men; nice outfit for women), or casual (no jacket for men; sundress or slacks for women). For those who don't like formal nights, the Veranda Cafe offers a casually elegant alternative.

Not for the budget-minded, Seabourn is for those desiring the utmost in supremely elegant, stylish, small-ship surroundings. Utterly civilized cruising. The average age depends on the cruising region but usually ranges from late 40s to late 60s. Although the ships travel on some of cruising's most interesting itineraries, the main focus of a Seabourn cruise is the ship. Seabourn ships are the ultimate in patrician elegance without ever being stuffy. Your dinner table partner might turn out to have a title preceding his name, but he's unlikely to ever mention it. For those who can afford it, a Seabourn cruise delivers quality and exclusivity along with the best service on the high seas.