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Sail la Vie

Travel
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30 May 2025
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6 min read

Not all cruises are created equal. Aboard Seabourn Encore, the pace is slower, the details sharper and the luxury quieter.

There’s something timeless about the Eastern Mediterranean — the way the late-afternoon sun paints whitewashed villages in hues of honey, the sight of centuries-old olive trees cascading down otherwise barren hills, the sound of whispers echoing through ancient wind-swept amphitheatres, and the smell of grill smoke mingling with the salty breeze as you stroll along cobbled streets — it’s the sense that history isn’t just remembered here but felt. It’s a region where past and present blur in the blink of an eye — and perhaps there’s no finer way to experience it than from the deck of Seabourn Encore, a vessel that gracefully glides not only through waters but through different eras and civilisations, carrying guests on a journey profuse with culture, history and life-enriching experiences.

From the moment we stepped aboard in Athens, we knew this wasn’t any ordinary luxury cruise liner. Over and above the sheer beauty of the vessel, which belies an impressive array of facilities for its size, everything about the embarkation process was entirely effortless. There were no rigid check-in procedures, no announcements blaring over a tannoy, and no rushing or sheep-like herding. Instead, luggage disappeared discreetly to the suite, a glass of chilled champagne swiftly appeared in hand, and warm, sincere greetings from the crew were accompanied by an uncanny familiarity — they knew your name before you’d even introduced yourself. It’s the kind of personalised welcome that leaves a lasting impression. This was our first glimpse into what quickly became abundantly clear about the hospitality aboard Seabourn: everything is done quietly and thoughtfully, with a softness to every interaction, an unspoken assurance that all was taken care of before we even knew to ask.

Like the service, the ship’s sleek interiors, designed by Adam D. Tihany, whisper rather than shout. There’s an understated elegance in the curved contours, the sculptural lighting and the warm earth-toned palette interspersed with blues as deep as the sea beneath Encore’s keel. You’re not on a cruise liner so much as inside a private club that just happens to float — light spills through walls of glass, bouncing off polished brass and smooth marble. The central atrium spirals upward like a silk ribbon, adorned with modern art that invites quiet admiration. Soft carpeting and gleaming wood lead you from stern to bow, revealing a ship that’s large enough to feel expansive yet intimate enough to feel known.

We arrive at our suite just in time to take in the panorama from our private veranda — a view of Piraeus fading into the distance as Encore glides out to sea, her movement so smooth it barely registers beneath my feet. Inside, soft neutral tones and rich navy accents mimic the sea and sky beyond the glass, while deep mahogany finishes lend a sense of warmth and grandeur. There’s a snug couch, a king-sized bed wrapped in crisp linens and a dining table adorned with fresh flowers delivered daily, accompanied by a hand-written note and a bottle of bubbles. There’s space to move, to breathe, to dine and unwind — and even to dance, as we did barefoot a handful of times. A wood-clad vanity sits pretty next to the walk-in closet that’s big enough to swallow up even the most ambitious of travel wardrobes (for two!), while the marble-clad bathroom, complete with twin basins, a sizeable tub and separate glass-walled rain shower, rivals that in any boutique hotel. Stocked with plush towels, Molton Brown amenities and a curated selection of fragrant soaps, hand-chosen by our Personal Suite Host and gifted upon arrival — it’s the little, personalised things, repeated consistently, that elevate luxury on board Seabourn.

Quickly, habits start to form as life at sea unfolds at its own, unrushed pace. Mornings might begin on a plump armchair at The Square with a crispy, sweet macaroon and handcrafted cappuccino — the barista already remembers how you like it — made with beans freshly roasted in-house a few hours earlier. Breakfast, with all the trimmings, could be a white-glove affair delivered in your suite or a leisurely spread at The Colonnade, where fresh-sliced fruit, eggs made to order and still-warm pastries fuel you for the day. By night, that same space transforms like a chameleon, serving themed menus spanning Italian favourites to French classics and Asian fusion. For something more elegant, head to The Restaurant, where the ship’s talented culinary team whips up an ever-changing selection of delicious internationally inspired dishes.

Meanwhile, at Earth & Ocean, grilled specialities are served just steps from the pool and sea — the kind of carefree, alfresco dining that pairs perfectly with a golden sunset and the hush of waves lapping against the hull at dusk. For something equally light but a touch more refined, the ship’s Sushi restaurant offers a curated array of raw fish and sushi delicacies, expertly prepared before your eyes at an intimate open counter.

Then there’s Solis — the newest jewel in the ship’s culinary crown. Inspired by the Mediterranean and its glamorous rivieras, this stylish dining room is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ever-changing sea, while dishes arrive like edible postcards from coastal villages bathed in sun and salt air. Starters include roasted shrimp crostini, tzatziki with crisp fried zucchini and eggplant, and a panzanella salad assembled tableside with sun-ripened Umbrian tomatoes and warm, just-baked bread. 

Seafood shines throughout the menu, most notably in the salt-baked Branzino, carved in front of you as you gaze in awe, and a bouillabaisse royale that honours the waters the ship sails through. For those craving something from the land, Senior Corporate Chef Franck Salein pays homage to his grandmother’s cocotte-baked chicken, scented with tarragon, while a Tuscan-style Snake River Farms Porterhouse proves a popular choice. The confit of lamb, served with boquerones and a bright green herb coulis, finds its perfect match in a bold red, expertly chosen by the ship’s discerning sommelier. For a sweet finale, there’s a tiramisu — assembled with flair at the table — or a speciality affogato named after the iconic women who defined Hollywood’s Golden Age. And to linger a little longer, a nightcap at the Solis Bar is a must, where the mood is elevated by a gifted pianist, Deborah Dyer, playing softly into the night.

After dinner, evening entertainment abounds — but don’t worry, Seabourn avoids the cruise clichés. There are no cavernous theatres or overstated productions. Instead, performances feel tailored and thoughtful. A stunning display of singing and dancing from the Seabourn Six ensues an encore at The Grand Salon, and after, a jazz quartet sets the mood with smooth tunes, inspiring smiles and one last drink at The Club. One evening, a globally known comedian, John Martin, keeps the audience in stitches long after the curtain call; on another, a talented country singer, Laura Evans, has the crowd on their feet, clapping to every beat of her soulful ballads. Elsewhere, the Observation Bar hosts live music by a husband-and-wife duo, Adam and Lee, in a setting that feels like a refined 1930s cocktail lounge — it’s also the setting for a delightful afternoon tea, complemented with sea views as far as the eye can see. 

Days are equally full, or free, depending on your mood. Some guests lean into enrichment, attending dance classes or team trivia. Others find serenity in the thermal spa, where eucalyptus steam and masterful masseuses melt tension away. The gym, with its sea-facing windows, draws in early risers; the infinity-style aft pool becomes the perfect perch to watch the horizon dissolve into sea and sky. The pool deck is also a favourite lunch spot — fresh salads, grilled seafood, cold rosé — all delivered with easy charm by a crew who seem to genuinely enjoy being there. The ship hums with life but never feels crowded. Even at full capacity, there’s always a quiet corner to be found — a sun-dappled chair on the spacious pool deck, a shaded seat at the café, or a plush banquette in The Club, where cocktails are mixed with precision and conversation drifts naturally between strangers who’ve just met.

As the ship traces its course through the Aegean and beyond, the itinerary unfolds like a love letter to the Eastern Mediterranean. In Limassol, a scenic drive leads to Aphrodite’s Rock and the UNESCO-listed mosaics of Paphos that tell vivid stories of the affluent lives once lived there. In Antalya, the ruins of Termessos sit high in the Taurus Mountains, shrouded in pine and silence. Marmaris reveals a wilder beauty, where forested cliffs plunge into crystalline coves, and a boat ride along the Dalyan River slips past ancient Lycian tombs etched into stone. On Crete, myth and memory intertwine at Knossos, while Aghios Nikolaos offers the perfect coda — a leisurely seaside meal that captures the island’s soul. No matter the port, each arrival and departure is seamless: a warm welcome awaits, excursions unfurl with ease, and every detail is handled so intuitively that you never once need to look at a map. And this is really what makes Seabourn Encore stand out from the cruising crowd. It isn’t only the ship’s five-star amenities or impeccable design — it’s the people. From the musicians and performers to the waitstaff, crew and hosts, there’s a warmth, professionalism and approachability that permeates every interaction.

On the last evening, as Encore makes her way back toward Athens, guests gather on the pool deck for a convivial goodbye soirée, complete with Seabourn’s signature caviar service. Ross Roberts, our ever-lovable Cruise Director, belts out the most magical renditions of his favourite songs as glasses of Champagne catch the last burnished rays of the sun. Chatter and cheering abound around us, and I realise this is why Seabourn is so special. Seabourn isn’t about rigid luxury where formality and stuffiness run rampant. Instead, it’s about cruising on your own terms, creating meaningful moments, shared experiences and a sense of freedom at sea.

To find out more about Seabourn and book a cruise, visit the links below:

SEABOURN

Web: seabourn.com
Tel: 0344 338 8615
Instagram: @seabourncruise
Facebook: @Seabourn

 

Food images © Maximiliano Braun

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