The privileged clientele who sail aboard the all-suite Yachts of Seabourn are accustomed to having every choice. …
The privileged clientele who sail aboard the all-suite Yachts of Seabourn are accustomed to having every choice. They dine when and with whom they please, every night, even enjoying Seabourn`s award-winning cuisine in the privacy of their sumptuous suites if they wish.
And now, the ultra luxury line is expanding guests` choices by offering a more casual dining alternative on evenings when the suggested attire for the ships` open-seating Restaurants is Black Tie Optional. In the past, the alternative indoor-outdoor Veranda Cafe on each 208-guest ship has been closed on so-called Formal Nights.
Now this popular dining area will be open for dinner on those evenings, serving those who prefer an elegant casual alternative, with jackets, but no ties required for gentlemen and dresses, skirts or pants with a sweater or blouse for women. In bars and lounges throughout the ship, either of these two attire options is suggested after six p.m.
Many Seabourn guests consider a formal dinner integral to their enjoyment of their cruise, said Richard D. Meadows, Seabourn`s senior vice president of sales and marketing. And why not? After all, they do look terrific in their tuxes and formal gowns. But there are others for whom the formality holds little appeal, especially as we have created more seven-day cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean that attract and satisfy travelers with different ideas of what they like on vacation.
According to Meadows, the compromise has been tried successfully on all three Seabourn Yachts.
We wanted to remain true to Seabourn`s heritage of elegance, while acknowledging the desires of some of our other guests. This solution accomplished both goals,said Meadows.
The Veranda Cafes were redecorated at the beginning of 2003, with brighter, lighter colors and new furniture. Seabourn designed a new concept for the Veranda Cafe dinners, featuring different themes each night, such as Ginger and Spice (Asian), Modern Mediterranean and Seabourn Steakhouse. A re-design of the Veranda Cafe galley creates an open kitchen ambience in the room. In December, the Veranda Cafes will add new Rosenthal china as well, in a chic, contemporary design.
The Veranda Cafes are also popular venues for breakfasts and luncheons. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, with lavish buffets and a casual atmosphere at both meals. In good weather, many Seabourn guests opt for the family-style seating outdoors, overlooking the harbor when the ship is in port, or the ship`s wake when at sea.
More casual alternative dining options are only the latest in a continuing series of enhancements aboard The Yachts of Seabourn. Complimentary open bars, free Massage Moments on deck and Pure Pampering in-suite bathing experiences by Molton Brown add sumptuous touches to the Yachts` club-like atmosphere. Each ship`s 208 fortunate guests receive the skilled attentions of nearly the same number of dedicated staff, allowing a level of nearly clairvoyant, personalized service that has set the line apart since its inception. Superb cuisine designed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer graces the open-seating Restaurant for dinners. From the elegant Tumi document portfolios and baggage tags that assist guests on their way, to the Heidsieck French champagne that adds sparkle to their special moments on board, to an unforgettable Exclusively Seabourn complimentary shoreside experience-every detail of a Seabourn cruise bespeaks a privileged, exclusive style of travel that is simply unavailable by any other means.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
