First new ultra-luxury cruiseship in six years

The Yachts of Seabourn embarks today upon an expansive future as its newbuilding ‘Seabourn Odyssey’ sails on its maiden voyage from Venice as the first ultra-luxury vessel to debut in six years. The 32,000 gt vessel built by T. Mariotti of Genoa, Italy, accommodates 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent with verandas, offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry with highly personalized service. Odyssey features the largest spa on any luxury cruiseship, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities.

Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is building, a 216% increase in capacity for the line, with ‘Seabourn Sojourn’ launching in June 2010 and a third new-build in 2011.

Passengers on Odyssey will savour five-star, all-inclusive dining in four restaurants from the fine-dining Restaurant to the casual, open-air Patio Grill or choose course-by-course dining from the comfort of their suite.

With an intimate yacht-like atmosphere, passengers can choose from other highlights including 11 decks harbouring two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the unique marina, and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. Additional amenities include Seabourn-branded netbooks and iPods for loan as well as complimentary pool-side massages and signature ‘Caviar in the Surf’ service.

Odyssey will spend her maiden year exploring the Mediterranean throughout the summer and early autumn, then sailing the Caribbean before embarking on Seabourn’s first world cruise, a 108-day voyage departing January 5, 2010, visiting 42 ports in 26 countries on six continents from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens.

The Yachts of Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment.