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| Source: Seabourn. International recording artist and best-selling soprano Sarah Brightman officially named the ultra-luxury ship Seabourn Encore. |
"The launch of Seabourn Encore marks the start of a new era of ultra-luxury cruising," said Richard Meadows, President of Seabourn. "This ship is stunningly beautiful and I know guests are going to be absolutely captivated as they step aboard and see it firsthand."
Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said the christening was testament to the growing appeal of Southeast Asia as the destination of choice for discerning travellers. "We are confident that Seabourn's guests will enjoy experiencing the rich and diverse offerings of the region, and look forward to welcoming more of Carnival Corporation's ships to Singapore."
S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, noted that Southeast Asia allows cruisers to take advantage of a year-round favourable climate, pristine coastlines, and diverse cultural and historical sites. "This region is well-positioned to continue benefitting from Asia’s growing interest in cruising. Cruise passenger volumes in Asia have increased by about 40% since 2012, and are expected to keep growing," he said.
Intended by Tihany "to feel more like a luxury yacht", Seabourn Encore features modern design elements and innovations in keeping with Seabourn's reputation for understated elegance, as well as one additional deck and newly expanded public areas. New features include The Retreat, a secluded for-charge sanctuary for guests to stretch out and relax in private cabanas, and Sushi, a one-of-a-kind dining destination found on no other ship in the Seabourn fleet.
With the inaugural voyage, Seabourn Encore is also marking the formal debut of several new onboard partner programmes. Spa and Wellness with Dr Andrew Weil is being introduced in partnership with The Onboard Spa by Steiner, offering guests a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual wellbeing.
A new production show, An Evening with Tim Rice, created exclusively for Seabourn in association with Belinda King Creative Productions, will also have its debut on board in the ship's Grand Salon. Seabourn Encore will also feature The Grill by Thomas Keller, a restaurant inspired by the classic American chophouse that first opened on Seabourn Quest last year. All three partner programmes will be rolled out across the entire Seabourn fleet by 2018.
Following the naming ceremony, Seabourn Encore departed on its inaugural voyage, the 10-day Gems of the Java Sea cruise, bound for Indonesia. The ship will then move on to Australia and New Zealand, followed by a reverse of the earlier 10-day Gems of the Java Sea cruise to Singapore, then the 16-day Jewels of India & Arabia cruise to Dubai, and finish her first season with a 19-day Arabian Gems & Holy Land voyage that ends in Athens, Greece on May 5.
Interested?
A veranda suite begins at US$3,999 per person (double occupancy) excluding taxes and surcharges for the 10-day Gems of the Java Sea cruise, which departs Denpasar, Bali in Indonesia on March 22 and ends in Singapore on April 1.
Hashtag: #SeabournEncore
