Seabourn Encore: A Deep Dive into Luxury at Sea
600 passengers 450 crew
Hey everyone, Angie from Trips with Angie here! I just finished a fantastic 14-night cruise on the Seabourn Encore, sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore and exploring the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. It was an incredible journey, and I'm excited to share all the details with you. Let's dive into what makes the Seabourn Encore a truly unique cruise experience. If the Seabourn Encore right for your next cruise, email Angie@TripswithAngie.com
Embarking on Luxury: First Impressions
The Seabourn Encore, launched in 2016, is a gem in the world of luxury cruising. With 300 suites accommodating 600 passengers and a crew of 450, the ship offers an intimate and personalized experience. Our journey began on Deck 4, where the medical facility is located. This deck also served as a common disembarkation point in ports, with thoughtful touches like towels and refillable water bottles provided.
Dining Delights and Hidden Gems
Let's talk about dining. The Restaurant, the ship's main dining room, is a beautiful space, but we found it a bit formal for our taste. Instead, we discovered some incredible dining experiences elsewhere.
Sushi on Five (Deck 8): This included sushi restaurant was a hit! Open for lunch and dinner, it offers fresh and delicious sushi, ramen, and daily specials. Be prepared for a wait during peak lunch hours, as reservations aren't accepted.
Solis (Deck 8): Replacing the Thomas Keller restaurant, Solis offers a delightful Mediterranean menu. The lounge outside, with its live piano music, is a hidden gem. Don't miss the fried eggplant, tuna carpaccio, and whole baked fish.
The Colonnade (Deck 9): This casual dining venue offers a mix of buffet and à la carte options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The outdoor seating is highly sought after, especially during breakfast and lunch.
The Patio (Deck 9): Our favorite for dinner! This outdoor restaurant offers delicious dishes like scallops (a must-try!), pasta, and fish. The Baked Camembert dessert is another highlight.
Suite Life: Our Veranda Suite (916)
Our V4 Veranda Suite on Deck 9 was a haven of comfort. The suite featured a spacious living area, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony. The bathroom, while a bit small for a luxury cruise, offered a range of amenities, including customizable bath products. The in-suite dining experience was exceptional, with full setup and restaurant menu options.
Exploring the Ship: Hidden Treasures and Amenities
The Seabourn Encore offers a variety of amenities and hidden gems:
Self-Service Laundry (Deck 5): Included laundry facilities with washers, dryers, and irons are a convenient perk.
The Club (Deck 5): This late-night venue features live music and a dance floor. The outdoor deck area, with its pool and whirlpools, is a quiet escape.
The Grand Salon (Deck 6): The ship's theater hosts lectures and shows. While the sightlines can be challenging, the entertainment is top-notch.
Seabourn Square (Deck 7): This central hub includes a cafe, shops, and guest services. The Seabourn Cafe is a favorite for morning coffee and gelato.
Bow Deck (Deck 7): A hidden whirlpool and spacious deck offer stunning views, perfect for sail-ins and sail-outs.
The Retreat (Deck 12): This exclusive, extra-charge area offers cabanas, a whirlpool, and personalized service.
Activities and Entertainment
The Seabourn Encore offers a range of activities, from fitness classes and spa treatments to evening entertainment and lectures. The pool deck is a popular spot during the day, and the Observation Lounge is perfect for pre-dinner drinks and afternoon tea.
Final Thoughts
The Seabourn Encore provides a luxurious and intimate cruise experience. With its exceptional dining, comfortable suites, and attentive service, it's a fantastic choice for those seeking a high-end cruise.
FAQs
What are the best dining options on the Seabourn Encore?
Sushi on Five, Solis, and The Patio are highly recommended.
Are there any hidden gems on the ship?
The outdoor deck area at The Club (Deck 5) and the bow deck whirlpool (Deck 7) are great hidden spots.
What is the cabin storage like?
The cabins have ample storage with a walk-in closet and multiple drawers and shelves.
Is there a self-service laundry?
Yes, there is a complimentary self-service laundry on Deck 5.
What is the evening entertainment like?
The Grand Salon hosts lectures and Broadway-style shows, and The Club offers live music and dancing.
PS. Have you been following along on our 6 week Asia adventure? In between the Celebrity Millennium cruise and this cruise, we took a land tour of Vietnam: