Seabourn Sojourn
Luxury Cruising through the
"Yachtsman’s Caribbean"
Part Two
by Linda Coffman
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| Veranda Suite 620 |
Sumptuous Suites
As on the smaller Seabourn ships and sister-ship Seabourn Odyssey, all accommodations on Seabourn Sojourn are suites, 90% of which have private verandas. All are located midship to forward and none are aft. Eight categories of spacious accommodations are truly of suite proportions, with separate bedrooms in all but Veranda Suite and Seabourn Suite categories, which have a curtain to separate sleeping and sitting areas. Even the most modest Seabourn Suites have walk-in closets, a sitting area with a dining height table for meals, a dressing table, and a granite-topped bathroom with double-sink vanities and a separate shower and tub.
Amenities befitting true luxury suites include a flat-screen interactive TV, iPod docking station, personal safe, hair dryer, fully stocked minibar, fresh fruit and flowers, world atlas, personalized stationery, shampoo, conditioner, designer soap and lotion by Molton Brown, Egyptian cotton towels and robes, slippers, umbrellas, and Euro-style pillow mattresses atop beds dressed with silky, high-thread-count linens. Top-category suites have the added benefit of bathtubs with whirlpool jets, a butler’s pantry with wet bar, and a guest powder room.
Wintergarden and Signature Suites can be configured with two bedrooms by adding a connecting suite to make a Grand Suite and includes complimentary Internet/WiFi service. Worth Noting: Suites in a variety of categories have the capacity for a third guest and seven suites are designed for wheelchair accessibility.
| Suite Type |
Size (sq. ft.) |
| Grand Wintergarden |
1,189 |
| Wintergarden Suite |
914 |
| Grand Signature |
1,207 |
| Signature Suite |
907 |
| Owner's Suites |
611–675 |
| Penthouse Suites |
436 (611, accessible) |
| Veranda Suite |
286-300 |
| Ocean-view Suite |
295 |
Spa & Relaxation Luxuries
Located on Decks 9 and 10, The Spa and Fitness Center on Seabourn Sojourn has one major feature change from the prototype Seabourn Odyssey. In the Thermal Suite, the large hydrotherapy pool found on the Seabourn Odyssey is gone and in its place is a Kneipp Walk, a round walking pool (pictured here) that has hot water on one side and cold water on the other, utilized to stimulate circulation. Heated loungers surround the wading pool and a variety of steam and thermal rooms are included in the $30 per day pass for use of the Thermal Suite. The spa, operated by Steiner, offers a full menu of facial, massage, and body therapies and features two 750-square-foot Spa Villas for private, customizable treatments.
The fully equipped gym is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment as well as a Kinesis Wall, the unique pulley-and-cable system that is the newest, most innovative method of exercise available today. In addition, classes are offered in Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, and body conditioning. Changing rooms have a sauna, for which there is no additional charge.
On sea days it was never a problem finding a spot to relax, either by the main swimming pool on Deck 8 or the smaller, more private pool aft on Deck 5. Stewards circulate around the main pool deck offering refreshments, cool water spritzes, icy towels, and sunscreen. Spa attendants are on hand for "massage moments" on deck. Although there is no bar adjacent to the aft pool area, stewards keep a cart stocked with soft drinks and water and occasionally make a pass through to offer chilled fruit punch and inquire if they can bring anything else. Each pool area has two adjacent whirlpools and a fifth whirlpool is located all the way forward on Deck 6. When the water-sports marina is extended, there’s even a third swimming option—an enclosed in-sea "pool" with teak deck for guests' enjoyment when there isn't a private beach available for a day of Caviar in the Surf.
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| Observation Bar |
Lounges & Entertainment
Peace and tranquility reign aboard Seabourn Sojourn, so the daily roster of events is somewhat thin. Wine-tastings, lectures, trivia contests, dance lessons, afternoon tea, and other quiet pursuits are scheduled, but most passengers are satisfied to simply do what pleases them.
The enrichment program features guest appearances by luminaries in the arts, literature, politics, and world affairs. Due to the size of Seabourn Sojourn, guests have the opportunity to mingle with presenters and interact one-on-one. On our Caribbean sailing, popular lectures were presented on the history and culture of the islands.
Dining and evening socializing are generally more stimulating to Seabourn passengers than splashy song-and-dance revues. Still, proportionately scaled production shows and cabarets are presented in the Grand Salon and smaller Club lounge where dance parties are held most nights. An extremely gifted pianist entertained in the Observation Bar during our cruise. Movies Under the Stars are shown on the wind-protected pool deck at least one evening on most cruises as long as the weather permits. We also enjoyed a deck party with dancing and flambé desserts. Movies on demand are available for those who prefer to watch them in the privacy of their suites—popcorn will naturally be delivered with a call to room service.
Service, Seabourn-Style
From the moment we stepped board Seabourn Sojourn, we felt different. We weren’t mere passengers—we were guests. We learned the true meaning of pampering as the staff aboard Seabourn Sojourn spoiled us with constant, yet unobtrusive service. While Mel and I consider ourselves low key and low maintenance, crewmembers went out of their way to satisfy our every whim—even whims we didn’t know we had. The Coffee Bar in Seabourn Square made sure Mel’s favorite Scotch was always available and I got my iced coffee just the way I like it. When the specialty coffee maker (nicknamed Dolores by Simon from South Africa) was on the blink for a day, the baristas went out of their way to have freshly brewed coffee available for anyone who stopped by for a cup.
Every crewmember, from officers on down to security and maintenance workers passed us with a smile and a pleasant greeting. When returning to Seabourn Sojourn following a day ashore we were greeted with a sincere “welcome back.” Toiletries in our suite bathroom are never allowed to run out before replacements appeared and room service arrived promptly and just as ordered.
After experiencing such conscientious service and attention to detail, plus the warmth and friendliness of our fellow passengers, we hoped we could adjust to life back at home. In our household, it’s our feline companions (Elvis & Priscilla) who are the pampered divas, but we may just have to find a way to change that to the Seabourn way of doing things.
Seabourn Sojourn Fast Facts
• Entered service, June 2010
• 32,000 tons
• 225 suites
• 450 passengers
• 330 crewmembers
• 8 passenger decks
• 2 swimming pools, 5 hot tubs
• Complimentary guest laundry facilities
Back to Seabourn Sojourn -> Part One
Photographs, © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com
From Cruise Diva's Seabourn Sojourn Blog Archive:
- Welcome Aboard Seabourn Sojourn
- Relaxing at Sea
- A Day in San Juan
- A Day in St. Barts
- A Day in St. Kitts
- A Day in St. John, USVI
- Caviar in the Surf at Isla Catalina
- Dining at Sea
- Seabourn Service at Sea
More from CruiseDiva.com:
Seabourn Cruise Reviews
Seabourn Line Profile
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