Seabourn Sojourn

From the moment I stepped aboard the Seabourn Sojourn it was clear that their service offering is supreme.

The world’s newest ‘ultra-luxury’ ship arrived in Sydney recently and e-Travel Blackboard was invited as part of a media contingent to tour the vessel and enjoy a decadent lunch with CEO President Pamela Conover and Captain Karlo Buer.

Launched in 2010, the 32,000 tonne Sojourn joins her almost identical sister Odyssey, as one of the most spacious ships at sea, carrying no more than 450 passengers with an almost equal crew to passenger ratio.

Being an avid cruiser, it was a fabulous opportunity to take a novice in my mother (pictured left) along to experience one of the most elite cruise ships to sail the seven seas. She was extremely impressed to say the least and has finally decided that perhaps cruising is something she might enjoy!

Accommodation

Sojourn was travelling at capacity during the tour, but we were lucky enough to view a Penthouse Suite (pictured left) which was very impressive.

A spacious bedroom and living area with beautifully appointed furnishings led to an equally sizeable balcony.

197 out of 225 cabins feature balconies and all suites boast ocean views.

A full sized bath and separate shower are accessible via a walk-in-wardrobe any lady who loves shopping would be pleased with!

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the beautiful cabins was the level of service offered. A personal stewardess greets passengers on embarkation with a selection of soaps to choose from. Would you prefer L’Occitane, Hermes or Molton Brown? Would you like a bath run with floating rose petals before bed every night? The offerings seem endless!

Being an all-inclusive cruise line, a personal bar and fridge are stocked according to guest preferences determined pre-embarkation. There’s no surprise mini bar charges here…nor are there small bottles of liquor, everything is full size!

Bars & Entertainment

With 6 lounges and bars and an open bar policy, there is a certainly a level of carefree enjoyment aboard the Sojourn.

The Grand Salon offers nightly entertainment or passengers can always have a flutter in the casino.

I would most likely spend my time in The Club dancing the night away I think…or perhaps enjoying the first-run movies on offer.

Dining

We were treated to lunch in The Restaurant which is a decadent dining area with open seating and the capacity to seat all guests on board.

After several people suggested the ‘to die for’ bread sticks, we had to give them a try and...they were just that...’to die for’! The mere fact that such a simple aperitif can taste so good is testament to the quality of food on board.

Acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer has created all menus for dining aboard the Seajourn and her sisters.

A novel idea, and one that particularly peaked my interest was that passengers are invited to go “shopping with the chef” on port visits. They can experience the local markets and shop for produce that will then be cooked that evening for them to enjoy!

Spa & Fitness

The Spa at Seabourn is featured on each of the new ships and spans two decks making it the largest on any ultra-luxury vessel.

Featuring such unique offerings as a Kneipp Walk Pool to aid in increasing circulation and an aroma steam bath, the offering onboard is extensive.
If you look up “ultra-luxurious pampering” in the dictionary, the description would be simple: “The Seabourn Sojourn Spa Villa”.  Never before have I seen such a decadent space to enjoy treatments.
Located on Deck 10, the area allows passengers to experience a range of treatments solo or as a couple and features a shower, bathtub big enough for two, a private balcony, full living area, double daybed and even a dining area! The area was the size of my entire apartment and I would be very happy moving in long term!

As anyone who has read my previous ship reviews can attest, I’m not one to exercise whilst at sea, however I was very interested to see the Kinesis equipment available as part of the fitness offering. Kinesis equipment provides the perfect non-impact workout for passengers who are looking for an alternative to regular toning exercises…all whilst overlooking the ocean. That might just entice me enough to work out!

Pool & The Marina

The most surprising & impressive feature onboard the Seabourn Sojourn for me would have to be The Marina (pictured left).

The onboard Marina extends from the back of the ship and features an ocean pool, surfboard bar and water activities such as jet-skiing or kayaking.
There is a definite resort-style feel about the pool area onboard with dark wood paneling, cream chaise lounges and sheltered day beds. A truly stunning area.

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