Seabourn Ovation - Initial Reactions and Unpopular Opinions

[jenidallas]

We are presently 65% of the way through our honeymoon which includes two Seabourn sailings.  We've recently completed the Ovation sailing from Venice to Athens and will embark on the Odyssey sailing from Lisbon to Bridgetown tomorrow.

 

While I do not have the intention, at this time, of writing a full trip report/review, I did promise some that I would share my own thoughts on my our first sailing on an Encore-class ship.  For ease of reading, I'll classify by subject area.

 

I tend to find that every sailing is unique for me... so while on one sailing, I might indulge in pre-dinner drinks in a specific locale, on another sailing it will change entirely.  I've had voyages where I've dined at a hosted table in The Restaurant almost every evening and others where I've indulged in room service dinners and more casual meals.  I state this only to set the baseline that I did not have a set routine to be disrupted by stepping up to a larger class of ship.  Also based on two years of reading Encore/Ovation reviews, I had advance knowledge of some of the surprises encountered by others.

 

Embarkation

 

We arrived at the port in Venice shortly after noon and embarkation had already started.  We did not have to queue and went from our water taxi onto the ship in less than 10 minutes (including baggage handover, security, check-in, and a quick stop to visit with a designated staff member about our occasions while onboard).  This is possibly the quickest and most efficient embarkation I've ever had.  When we crossed the gangway, Handre was waiting to greet us and staff members were inviting guests to explore the ship or head straightaway to The Colonnade for lunch.

 

Suites

 

We noticed very few substantive changes to the suite set up.  USB ports were a nice improvement.  We loved the updated décor... the table and chairs are more inviting/functional, the round ottoman more stylish (although it doesn't hold a room service tray quite like the old square one), and the sofa more comfortable.  I particularly liked the vanity stool (one of several things I snapped pictures of to send our designer at home... we found a lot of renovation inspiration on this trip both onboard and ashore).

 

I particularly liked the subtle changes to the hallways - a slightly warmer/inviting corridor, interesting artwork throughout, more up to date wood tones.

 

Public Spaces

 

The ship seems to accommodate the extra 150 passengers fairly well (overall).  There are a few exceptions I'll highlight further, but overall the increase in scale feels like it was well planned for space-per-passenger, scaling (e.g. slightly larger coffee bar at Seabourn Square, increased seating in some venues, etc.) that makes the distribution of passengers seem similar to the Ovation class, and changes to passenger traffic flow that naturally distribute guests throughout the ship most of the time.

 

We never waited to embark or disembark the ship (meaning the shoreside team ran a very tight operation) and never had to queue for lifts.  But one thing I thought could be improved was the set up in Seabourn Square.  I understand the concept that is being attempted with the guest services staff with more open access (I'm seeing similar set ups deployed across hotel brands in recent years) but the ability to access the staff from four separate entry points led to some guest frustration when guests would queue in the traditional "Odyssey" entry point and then others would approach a newly open desk from another direction, effectively cutting the queue.

 

I was amused at the change in configuration of the shops on the new class (particularly having completed more than one onboard shops survey from corporate over the past few years).  The jewelry store is now the prominent store with the sundries/clothing entry more hidden.  I noticed increased traffic in the jewelry area as a result although space for sundries seems to have been reduced.  We only visited once early in the sailing.  I tried on a beautiful necklace for which (after I walked away) the associate offered my husband a "special sale price".  Alas, at a special price of $60k, I was carefully (and wisely) steered away from the shop for the remainder of the sailing. 

 

The pool deck seems to distribute traffic fairly well - it was fairly crowded on the one sea day of our journey and during the Rock the Boat party, but overall traffic was fairly well distributed.  Weather for our sailing was just below normal sun worshipper weather so I can imagine on a warmer weather cruise that the traffic might be unbearable.  I like that the Patio Grill has been relocated to the opposite corner from the Patio Bar.  This makes much more sense both for galley traffic and for passenger flow.  I appreciated not having a cluster of tables on the deck 9 suite hallway entrance.  That always bothered me on the Odyssey class when residing on deck 8 both due to having to weave through tables to get to ones suite and for the occasional food smell that lingered at that entrance.  With this switch, the table real estate has improved.  I've often found it difficult to secure a table at the Patio Grill in nice weather as many linger long after dining to enjoy libations from the Patio Bar on the Odyssey class.  On this ship it appeared that more individuals dined and then moved on elsewhere.

 

(to be continued with Bars, Casino, Restaurants, The Retreat, The Spa, Events, and Disembarkation)

 

 

[jenidallas]

Bars

 

We did not spend as much time in the bar venues as on past cruises.  That said, we enjoyed drinks at each of the venues and can thus offer some comments.

 

• The Observation Bar design is much improved on the Ovation class ships.  The round bar makes seating less awkward, especially when asking a couple to slide over one seat to allow for two (separate) vacant seats to be adjoined.  The entertainment primarily consisted of a duo (piano/singer) and afternoon tea was buffet style with tea/cocktails served at the table.  The evening tapas are also served at the buffet.  Service felt very forced at times and this was the one area where I saw tension with the staff and a bit of surly service.  We did not frequent it often as it was often crowded.
• The Club layout was much like it is on the Odyssey class ships with the notable exception of the casino entry (discussed below).  Drinks service in this venue was speedy and accurate.
• The Thomas Keller Grille Bar was, by some accounts, a very popular spot.  We didn't see it that busy on the few evenings we popped in for a pre-dinner cocktail.  The bar stools were usually occupied but tables were empty.  At least twice we were the only couple in there.  I imagine it was busier in the evenings after dinner but we never went in for a nightcap.
• The Patio Bar seems to have improved traffic flow with the Patio Grill relocated (as mentioned above) and we frequently stopped by for a quick drink during the day or early evening.
• The Sky Bar service was quick and efficient and a favorite stop for a quick to-go cocktail to take back to our suite in the late afternoon.

 

Casino

 

The casino was fairly well-trafficked almost every evening of the cruise and drew around 25 passengers for the blackjack tournament on the sea day.  Of the three tables, roulette was the least frequently used.  Blackjack frequently had multiple passengers waiting for seats.  Several passengers requested that the poker table be switched to blackjack but there were two passengers who occasionally played poker so they kept that table open for their use.  I believe Seabourn could have taken in even more revenue had there been more seats available.

 

I know some have complained about the change in set up from the Odyssey class.  I felt like this actually removed the casino more from The Club converse to reports from others that it was more directly set into the heart of The Club which I dispute  Yes, the entrance is more prominent and I can see where that might bother those who are offended by gambling (I think either tacky or tawdry was the word another poster used to describe those who frequent casinos or casinos in general) but on the Odyssey ships I've felt like I could sit at the table for a few minutes and still feel like I'm a part of what is going on in The Club.  It was much more difficult to hear the music or see the activity here.

 

 

[jenidallas]

Restaurants

 

Knowing we would be back on Odyssey shortly after our 12 nights on Ovation, we made some advance decisions to avail ourselves of the Ovation-specific offerings as much as possible.  We ended up having 3 dinners at Thomas Keller Grill, 2 dinners (and multiple lunches) at Sushi, 3 dinners at Earth and Ocean, 1 dinner (and many breakfasts) in the Colonnade, 2 dinners in The Restaurant (one hosted table and the Chef's dinner plus 1 breakfast), and 1 dinner from in-suite dining (as well as several breakfasts).

 

• We are fans of the Thomas Keller Grill and don't comprehend the outright hatred some have for the concept.  The portions are too large but I don't feel obligated to clean my plate.  We thought the service was very good but there was definitely a mild sales push toward the upgraded wine list.  We purchased wine one evening, purchased after dinner drinks on another.  My dinner on the final night was far too rich and I regretted my order after bedtime (I had the clam chowder starter and a truffle gnocchi special entrée with no dessert).  The venue was fairly full almost every evening but we managed to secure two additional reservations (one on the first night by asking during our walkabout around the ship, one on the final night by securing a table for four with two of our friends).
• Sushi was our favorite venue on board.  We enjoyed many of the bento box lunches and two dinners there (one regular menu, one the special formal night set menu).  We also popped in for pre-dinner appetizers a couple of evenings.  Service was amazing and I loved their special green cocktail (available only in the evenings).  The formal night set menu was a real treat and I'd definitely repeat it on future sailings.
• Earth and Ocean is a vast improvement over the stale Patio Grill evening concept of yesteryear.  We had three dinners there.  I really liked the offerings as they are very inventive and focused on current fusion cuisine trends.  I wish there was more variety within the dessert offerings (which were hit/miss).  The portion sizes are also a bit large for individual dining but awkward for sharing.  From early reviews, I understood this to be more of a tapas/lazy Susan type place, but it was clear that we were expected to order individual appetizers and entrees and when we tried to order for sharing, it confused the staff.  That could use some fleshing out - I'd rather see smaller sharing portions.
• The Colonnade design is a major improvement over the Odyssey class ships.  The change from squared off to rounded serving stations is not just aesthetic but also seems to improve passenger flow.  We had an easier time finding seating during peak times as it seems like the back deck is larger and the interior configuration is more thoughtful with table sizes.  We dined there once - on a TK Ad Hoc evening for ribs (my husband's favorite).  Service was best in the evening but the usual problems with slow drink service seem to have carried over from the smaller ships as my glass was frequently empty and it sometimes took 15 minutes to get breakfast drinks.
• The Restaurant redesign looks nice but I miss the clear pathway through the middle of the dining room.  I found it awkward to weave among tables to be seated.  The acoustics are awful - our first meal was for a hosted table and I had difficulty hearing anyone else speak.  Our second meal was the Chef's dinner and the menu was excellent (as I would expect from Jes) but again, the ambiance was off due to the noise levels and weaving traffic between the tables.  It feels like they tried too hard to cram more tables in.  Food from The Restaurant was good but I find the menus somewhat stale (and they seem to continue to get skimpier with fewer offerings).
• In-Suite Dining was the best I've had on any sailing.  We never had any issues with incomplete orders or lukewarm food.  It always arrived promptly (we rarely hang out the card the evening before and instead call down when we wake up) and tray pick up was speedy as well.

[jenidallas]

The Retreat

 

Conceptually I hate the mere idea of the Retreat.  I recall responding very strongly against the idea when Seabourn first floated the concept on surveys a few years ago.  The negative reviews of the Retreat probably pre-colored my perceptions as well.

 

That said, someone gifted us a day at the Retreat as part of our honeymoon and we decided we'd at least check it out upon boarding and then perhaps find a way to divert the credit elsewhere.

 

We went up for the "Bollinger champagne reception" going on from 1-4 pm on embarkation day where we were greeted with cold glasses of champagne and offered the chance to try out one of the cabanas while we sipped our beverages.  We ended up lingering about 30 minutes and asking questions all the while with our glasses regularly topped off.  If nothing else, this is a great way to enjoy some upgraded champagne while waiting for suites to be ready or for the muster drill to begin.

 

After listening to an enthusiastic Retreat host give us the full pitch (including a run down of his favorite items from the specialty menu and most popular special cocktails) plus reviewing the amenities (bottle of Bollinger, all-day access to an upgraded wine list, $50 spa credit) we decided to use our day in one of the ports we didn't intend to visit.

 

All in all, it was a good call... the day we picked was grey and a bit dreary so the ship ended up being crowded while we were the only ones in the Retreat (so yes, this is a very underutilized space).  We had our breakfast and lunch up there, drank champagne and specialty wines/cocktails, watched post-election coverage in the cabana, and enjoyed the hot tub.   (All in all, we were probably there from 10 am to 6:30 pm with only a quick break to run back to our suite.)  We had two dedicated staff members up there with us at all times and it reminded me of flying first class on a premium international carrier (where the staff is trying to think of new ways to wow and impress you).

 

A few things to note... the windows/panels on the starboard/port side cabanas now open on Ovation (an improvement over a complaint from Encore).  The bottle of Bollinger doesn't have to be consumed in the Retreat (and in fact, we were told that many take it to enjoy at dinner at a later time) and the spa credit does not need to be consumed that day and can be applied to any spa charge on the bill.

 

We ended up booking a second port day with some friends on board... on that day there were three couples up there.  Still very quite and serene.  We also popped up for a quick visit on the sea day when the space was more heavily utilized.

 

The space is sometimes used for private events (cocktail parties, for example) in the evening based on weather and availability.  We threw a cocktail party on the second to last evening for about 20 of the friends we made on the cruise and were originally offered the opportunity to use the Retreat.  (Unfortunately for us, Handre had wanted to use the space for the continuing guests cocktail party... although we ended up with the better part of the deal moving to a meeting room since the weather was quite windy that night!)

 

I didn't want to like the Retreat but I did.  I'm conflicted though because I hate that such an expansive/premium area of the ship is being utilized for a very small group of passengers on a pay-to-play basis.  We talked a bit with staff about how underutilized the space is and were told that Seabourn knows the space is underutilized and is exploring other possibilities to use the space such offering evening dinner/romance experiences (akin to what Seadream does).  I wish the cushioned loungers, nicer towels, and upgraded menu options were available at the Retreat were on offer throughout the ship.  It seems like the space is wasted and it is clearly not in the spirit of Seabourn to have such an area.  

 

I hate that I liked it so much when I know I'm not supposed to in the court of public opinion.

[Isklaar]

We're boarding Ovation for the first time in 4 weeks, so this comprehensive report is most welcome.  Thank you.

 

Congratulations on your marriage, sending very best wishes to you both. 

[raphael360]

Thank you for the excellent review.  We will have do 10 Odyssey class ship cruises with our first Ovation cruise coming up in Feb. Australia to New Zealand.  The Odyssey class ship is home to us as most of our cruises have been 24 - 30 days.  I AM looking forward to a more comfortable couch in the state room.  One question: is Sushi by reservation like TK or open seating?

 

Thank you again for this review.  MOST helpful.

[Isklaar]

I have a question about the outdoor space attached to TK Grill. I'm sure I read somewhere that it is now utilised as added space for the Colonnade but haven't seen any further references to that. Is that the case? If so is it available during all Colonnade meal services or just e.g breakfast? 

[jenidallas]

The Spa

 

We both used the spa and I also utilized the salon for hair/nails.  Like the smaller ships, the spa is run by Steiner and some (but not all) associates are in sales mode to drive product sales.  I'm good at saying no to the offers but after a late afternoon massage, my husband found himself booked with an early morning acupuncture appointment for early the next morning that he didn't particularly want (a "I'll make you an appointment to come back tomorrow" move) and I could see where he might get hit with a cancellation penalty were I not on top of making him cancel it (as he had no intention of going).

 

I liked the upgraded appearance of the spa.  The décor is more up-to-date and serene.  I liked the layout of the salon and nail areas (a bit less crowded than on the other ships) and the separate barbershop is a nice touch.  The floor plan of the treatment areas led to less noticeable noise during treatments.

 

Events

 

We had most of the usual Seabourn Signature events - Rock the Boat, Officers on Deck/Epicurean event, Classical Sail Away, Club Party, etc.  Thankfully we did not have a howdy-do hallway party (whatever they call that awkward thing I hate).

 

I was unimpressed with the Captain's Welcome event.  Unlike on the smaller ships where they gather everyone in the Grand Salon to hear the band, enjoy a special greeting/officer introduction, and even do some dancing, on the larger ships they invite guests to go to their choice of The Club, Thomas Keller Grill Bar, or Observation Bar where the cruise director and officers parade through the ship making appearances at 15 minute intervals and offering a quick toast. 

 

My husband attended trivia every day and his team took first or second place most days and we now have more Seabourn swag going home with us to gift due to prizes being awarded daily.  (I'm personally saving my trivia energy for the transatlantic.).

 

There was a Shopping With the Chef event in one port (I can't recall which as we had other plans that day).  I don't recall whether there was a bridge tour and I don't think there was a galley tour.  There was one cooking demo offered which we did not attend but understand Jes was amazing.

 

We understand that lectures were interesting including one impromptu/unscheduled one given by the father of the Band singer who happened to be on board.  As the youngest hostage in the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, his talk was a perfect and unexpected delight for Remembrance Day. 

 

Disembarkation

 

Disembarkation in Athens was, like embarkation in Venice, seamless and easy.  The shipboard staff spent some time rearranging departure times a couple of days prior to disembarkation due to planned strikes/street closures in Athens.  We had a private car pre-arranged so we set our pick up as late as advisable and let the traffic die down before we walked off.  From final card scan to in the car with all of our bags, it was less than 10 minutes.

[jenidallas]

19 minutes ago, raphael360 said:

One question: is Sushi by reservation like TK or open seating?

 

Sushi is open seating. 

 

We never saw it totally full at lunchtime as the bento boxes get people in/out quickly.

 

At dinner it does fill up.  I recommend going early (between 6:30-7:00 pm) or later (8:00 pm).  For our first dinner we showed up around 8:00 and waited in line for about 10 minutes for a table (cocktails from the nearby TK Grill Bar make this easier).  For the formal night dinner, we showed up around 6:45 pm and they were full by 7:05 pm.  We finished before 8 pm though so they were able to turn the table.

[jenidallas]

13 minutes ago, Isklaar said:

I have a question about the outdoor space attached to TK Grill. I'm sure I read somewhere that it is now utilised as added space for the Colonnade but haven't seen any further references to that. Is that the case? If so is it available during all Colonnade meal services or just e.g breakfast? 

 

It is used as added space for the Colonnade during breakfast where they have a "fresh bar" with juices and other fresh fruit/light offerings. 

 

We did not visit during lunch so I'm not certain whether service is expanded to that level or not.  We also had no trouble finding outdoor seating at any time so we didn't have a reason to go searching for it.    The patio was closed due to inclement weather on the one evening that we had dinner in the Colonnade

[raphael360]

36 minutes ago, jenidallas said:

 

Sushi is open seating. 

 

We never saw it totally full at lunchtime as the bento boxes get people in/out quickly.

 

At dinner it does fill up.  I recommend going early (between 6:30-7:00 pm) or later (8:00 pm).  For our first dinner we showed up around 8:00 and waited in line for about 10 minutes for a table (cocktails from the nearby TK Grill Bar make this easier).  For the formal night dinner, we showed up around 6:45 pm and they were full by 7:05 pm.  We finished before 8 pm though so they were able to turn the table.

 

Excellent advice.  We're "eat as early as possible people"  to digest some of food before bedtime.  We'll be the first in line when it opens at night.  I'm excited about Sushi.

 

Thanks again.

Raphael

 

[frantic36]

Jeni, thank you for such a comprehensive review as it makes for a helpful guide for us. We have sailed on Encore twice and will be on Ovation for the first time in January. It will be investing to experience some minor modifications they have made on Ovation ie The Club. I find it interesting you mention the bar area is like the Odyssey class ships as it isn't on Encore and so was disappointing to us. I have heard rumours that Encore will be changed in dry dock to be more like Ovation. 

 

Enjoy your Odyssey cruise.

 

Julie

[ab21au]

5 hours ago, frantic36 said:

Jeni, thank you for such a comprehensive review as it makes for a helpful guide for us. We have sailed on Encore twice and will be on Ovation for the first time in January. It will be investing to experience some minor modifications they have made on Ovation ie The Club. I find it interesting you mention the bar area is like the Odyssey class ships as it isn't on Encore and so was disappointing to us. I have heard rumours that Encore will be changed in dry dock to be more like Ovation. 

 

Enjoy your Odyssey cruise.

 

Julie

Yes Julie, I hope they do change the Encore bar area.  I’m sure you will like the current Club bar area on the Ovation. This cruise on the Ovation we spent most nights before dining in the Club. Last year on the Encore we rarely went to the Club and spent most pre dining at the TK Bar as the Club was not very inviting. 

 

jenidallas, congratulations. Sounds like you had a fabulous Ovation cruise and I hope your Odyssey Cruise is just as good. I agree with your thorough review of the ship. The 15min in each venue Captains events are far from adequate and really a waste of time. 

Edited November 21, 2018 by ab21au
Spell check.

[frantic36]

1 minute ago, ab21au said:

Yes Julie, I hope they do change the Encore bar area.  I’m sure you will like the current Club bar area on the Ovation. This cruise on the Ovation we spent most nights before dining in the Club. Last year on the Encore we rarely went to the Club and spent most pre dining at the TK Bar as the Club was not very inviting. 

 

Thanks for the further reassurance ab21au as we do like spending some time in The Club usually.

Your thoughts about the Encore reflect ours, though it seemed a bit better this year then the inaugural. Now at least the Bar Waiter stays there and doesn't go behind the door to make the drink.

 

Julie

[MaggyCan1]

Having had one cruise on Encore and a second on Ovation, I am a fan of these ships for many reasons  --  only one of which I'll describe here:   The Sushi restaurant.    I did not expect to be such a fan, but I loved it!   

 

At home, I will visit a sushi restaurant from time to time, but it's really not a go-to option for me.   Hence, the reason I did not really think it would be my favourite dining spot.   Why??    Well, because of the food of course, which was beautifully prepared right in front of you by the sushi chefs, and very tasty, the portion sizes were just right, the green tea which is soooo soothing and is perfect with any asian-style food, but most importantly:   the ambience.   The music was so calm and relaxing, at just the right volume, and the size of the venue made it quite intimate and not overwhelmed by the sound of chatter.   The wait staff was also just perfect:  attentive without being overly so.

 

I am about to take my first SB cruise on one of the smaller ships:   The Odyssey which I know I will enjoy very much.   However, I also know that I will miss that sushi spot on Encore & Ovation.   Ah well...such is life!  

[raphael360]

We've done 9 SB cruises on the Odyssey class ships (which we LOVE very much) but we unsure how the Ovation would be. This review has us so excited about our Australia cruise in Feb, 2019. 

Thank you jenidallas

[frantic36]

1 hour ago, raphael360 said:

We've done 9 SB cruises on the Odyssey class ships (which we LOVE very much) but we unsure how the Ovation would be. This review has us so excited about our Australia cruise in Feb, 2019. 

Thank you jenidallas

 

raphael I am just checking but please  know I have only just started my first cup of coffee. I have seen you mention Ovation and your Australian cruise together a few times. Just to check, it is Encore sailing around Australia and New Zealand. Ovation is sailing around Asia.

 

Encore & Ovation are basically the same with some tweaks like The Club Bar difference discussed above. Another difference, if you are looking forward to the Thomas Keller fried chicken experience you can't have it on Encore yet. They won't get to instal the special TK fryer until the next dry dock..

 

I asked about it in July as I had a small taste of TK chicken when visiting Napa Valley in 2017 and wanted to try it on Seabourn. 

 

Julie

 

 

[raphael360]

You are right - we're on the Encore and DARN on the TK chicken.  I was looking so forward to that :)

 

Raphael

[SLSD]

Great review Jenidallas and best wishes to you on your marriage.  

 

We've only sailed on Encore and Ovation and will be trying out Sojourn in May (Kobe to Vancouver).  I look forward to giving my take on things after after our cruise.  

 

Like you, we often found the table at the TK Grill Bar sparsely populated before dinner.  I think many do not realize that they can go there for drinks even if they are NOT dining at the TK Grill.  

[oceanviewer21]

Fascinating review thanks.  

“I particularly liked the vanity stool (one of several things I snapped pictures of to send our designer at home... we found a lot of renovation inspiration on this trip both onboard and ashore).”

 

We we used to love the ones on the Legend because we could store loads of stuff in them. See image.

Do the ones on Ovation open?

[jenidallas]

26 minutes ago, oceanviewer21 said:

Fascinating review thanks.  

“I particularly liked the vanity stool (one of several things I snapped pictures of to send our designer at home... we found a lot of renovation inspiration on this trip both onboard and ashore).”

 

We we used to love the ones on the Legend because we could store loads of stuff in them. See image.

Do the ones on Ovation open?

 

The ottoman/footstool indeed opens and I loved that too.  It was navy leather and round.  The lid reverses to create a tray top.

 

The vanity stool (at the mirrored hallway vanity) was squared with a navy/cream tweed upholstery and platinum metal construction.  It was almost mid-century modern but not so much retro as sleek.  

Edited November 23, 2018 by jenidallas

[TravelHop]

What a great review!! Well done Jeni! We were also on this cruise and it was our first Encore class also. We LOVED the small yachts and have done about 1/2 of our 10 Seabourn cruises on the little sisters. Now that choice has left us we sailed a few sailings on the Quest and Odyssey which we enjoyed but wanted to try out the almost brand new Ovation and this itenerary was also interesting as we had not been to many of these places including Venice. We stayed in Venice from Sunday night to Friday when we boarded Ovation right though the highest water in 52 years on Monday! It was an exciting time and we really did love it but we were relieved to be on board the ship! 

 

We also really LOVE the Thomas Keller Grille on both the Odyssey class and now on the Ovation. I like the extra size on Ovation but must say I love the little "train car" feel on the Odyssey class. We would dine in the TK Grille more often if we could. We also really loved the new Earth and Ocean on the patio. E&O might have been our "best" meals on the ship. 

 

There was a bridge tour but we did not do it. And there was a Galley Tour which we did - Chef Jes was fantastic as always! Then a few days after the galley tour there was a shopping with the Chef in Brindisi which we did for the first time ever. It was wonderful. Jes is so excited and engaging we did buy enough fruit and veggies and even some amazing beans that made it to the dinner special a couple of days later. We had that meal in our suite and loved the food and the memory. There were enough of the fresh Clementine oranges to be out on the breakfast buffet for several days. 

 

Our experiences on the ship were absolutely fantastic and we ended up enjoying the new ship (even though it's larger and we like anything smaller normally) more than the Odyssey class - perhaps the newness but I think the overall design is more cohesive - it just "feels good" - the art - the hallways - the public spaces and the suites all just feel so comfortable. More outlets everywhere with multiple plug types and even the USB jacks by the bed all just made for a very very comfortable experience for us.  

[SLSD]

TravelHop, I am so glad to hear someone (who loves the smaller Odyssey class ships) say that they liked the Encore/Ovation class ship even more!  We're going to have the opposite of your experience.  We've been on both the Encore and Ovation and loved them and now we will be on the Sojourn in May.  I don't expect it to be shiny new or the same, but I know we will enjoy it just as much.  Great photos by the way. 

[MalbecWine]

jenidallas, thanks for the wonderful review.  BTW, I am a TCU graduate and miss my old stomping grounds in Ft. Worth. Your review was very concise and well put together.

 

The Retreat sounds very inviting for quiet time ...chilling out.  We’re game for that or at least giving it a try.

 

Thank you again for your balanced review.