What can we expect from Seabourn’s newest ships?

I met with designer Adam D. Tihany in his New York studio to discuss what he’ll bring to the Seabourn’s twin ships, Seabourn Encore to launch in 2016 and Seabourn Ovation to launch in 2018.

First, it’s important to note that the ships’ designs will be evolutionary, not revolutionary. The new ships will build on the success of the Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, which were introduced between 2009 and 2011. Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation will maintain Seabourn’s high ratio of space per guest and many of the same features as the existing vessels.

However, there are some major differences from the Odyssey-class vessels.

•  The two new ships will be configured with one additional deck and newly expanded public areas.
• The new vessels are expected to carry 604 guests each, based on double occupancy (compared to 450 on the Odyssey-class vessels), and every suite will feature a private veranda.

Seabourn new ships will feel like luxury yachts. 

One example: design changes in Seabourn Square. “That room will give you a pretty good idea of the luxury yacht feeling,” he says. “It’s conceived very differently from the existing ones on Seabourn. The whole centerpiece of the concierge station is exactly the reverse of what it is now; instead of looking in, it’s looking out.”

Between now and Seabourn Encore’s debut, we hope to bring you lots more of what to expect from Seabourn’s newest ship.

Meantime, bookings are open for Seabourn Encore’s maiden season.