Seabourn offers ultra luxury, all inclusive, intimate and all suite ships with the Odyssey carrying just 450 passengers, offering a really high ratio of space per guest. Our Veranda Suites were beautifully appointed and furnished. There was a magnificent marble bathroom, with double vanity and full bath with Molton Brown products included. There is ample storage with a walk-in robe and lots of cupboards. Plush terry robes and slippers for your comfort too. There is an in-suite bar with a selection of your preferred beverages with complimentary wines and spirits, setup in preparation for your arrival. There is in room entertainment and music available too. Every night there is a turndown service, where the staff leave chocolate on your pillow - one night we had a beautiful red rose.
Dining is offered in the beautiful Main Restaurant on deck 4 or your choice of specialty restaurants at the Thomas Keller Grill or the Colonnade. It is highly recommended to pre-book any specialty dining before boarding. We enjoyed dining in both and they were superb! Seabourn also hold a Corridor Party in the first few days of travel where all passengers come out to their corridor and Champagne and hors d’oeuvres are served by the waitstaff. It's their way of introducing passengers to each other. Should you feel like staying in, there’s 24 hour room service available - perfect for a pre- or post- dinner snack of caviar and Champagne!
Beyond dining, there are two boutique stores plus a small casino next door, offering a touch of excitement for those feeling lucky. Every night they would offer a talented singer or a show in their intimate theatre with the Seabourn dancers, who were fantastic.
On sun-kissed days, we ventured to the ship's pool area, where we found ourselves surrounded by fresh towels, cold water, and refreshing soft drinks. Attentive waiters were at our service, ready to fulfil our every cocktail, wine, or spirit request. The back of the ship housed a pool and two inviting spa tubs, providing the perfect respite to soak in relaxation and breathtaking views.
Our first day aboard, all of the staff were introduced on the outer deck just below the Sky Bar which has a great view of the aft of the ship, accompanied by your favourite drink. Our first port of call was Rotorua where you can jump into the mud pools, we hired a car for the drive and were accompanied by a lovely aussie couple onboard.
Throughout our journey, the staff aboard Seabourn Odyssey went above and beyond to ensure each passenger felt cherished and known. By the end of our first day, the crew greeted us by name, accompanied by our preferred drinks—a personalised touch that made the voyage feel even more special.
Wellington was a favourite port, a gorgeous modern city with sightseeing tours on the old trams. Kaikoura was another highlight thanks to the seal colony, seafood and pristine beauty. We also called at Port Lyttleton, Christchurch – a postcard perfect city, where we took a hop on hop off tour. Dunedin and Timaru were also included on the itinerary.
In conclusion, our voyage aboard Seabourn Odyssey through New Zealand was nothing short of extraordinary. Every aspect of the cruise, from the luxurious accommodation to the world-class dining and captivating entertainment, surpassed our expectations. Seabourn is best suited to couples or groups (not travelling with children) who enjoy small-ship cruising, port-intensive itineraries and the finer things!
