If you really want to know what Seabourn Odyssey is all about, I'll let you in on a secret: she's like chameleon, easily becoming exactly what each individual passenger desires and requires at any particular moment in time.Since we boarded Seabourn Odyssey on Sunday, I've talked with previous Seabourn triplets fans, multigenerational families onboard for summertime reunions, retirees who've been cruising for years, and honeymooners new to this intoxicating mode of travel—everyone has reacted enthusiastically to Seabourn Odyssey.
Some of you have worried that—with a 450-passenger capacity—she's just too large. Yes, this is a much larger ship than the triplets but I think you'll find that she feels spacious but never empty.
Others worried that the intimacy of the triplets would be lost. Well, of course it will be nearly impossible to meet and get to know each guest aboard this vessel. But, you'll find plenty of time to mix and mingle and you'll see the same faces around the ship each day.
As far as the crew goes, they take the Seabourn spirit to a new level and seem to have memorized everyone's names and preferences. We are thrilled that Barry Hopkins is the Cruise Director aboard Odyssey. We've sailed with him previously when he was with Regent Seven Seas and he is one of those passionate Englishman that always has a story to tell or some advice to share. He's helped put together a knockout entertainment team and the musicians onboard Seabourn Odyssey are the best I've encountered on any cruise ship ever. Kudos to Barry and the entire entertainment department for pulling this off!
The layout of the ship is fantastic and I'll discuss each area in future blog posts. The designers of this ship built in many hideaway nooks that are perfect for sunbathing, reading a book, talking with friends, or simply watching the world go by as you sail from port to port.
Seabourn Square on Deck 7 is the heart of Odyssey and it's a comfortable meeting place where you can check your e-mail, borrow a book, grab a coffee and pastry, find out more about shore excursions, and reserve your next cruise.
I've only been aboard Seabourn Odyssey for three days and she's already won me over. Leonard and I are discussing which cruise to select next. When we're ready to book, we'll just head down to Seabourn Square and make our reservation.
Of course there have been a few tiny missteps here and there (which I'll blog about shortly). After all, this is only Seabourn Odyssey's third ever voyage! But Seabourn has hit the right tone in regard to all things of great importance and those minor missteps will no doubt be corrected shortly.
If you've been on the fence about whether you should stick with the triplets or book Odyssey, I encourage you to give this ship a try. She is elegant and graceful (we haven't been able to feel a difference between when we're docked and when we're sailing!) and she is ready to welcome you "home."
Photo of Seabourn Odyssey sail-away party by Andrea M. Rotondo
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