Luxury cruise line Seaboard launched its long-awaited new vessel, Seabourn Encore, in Singapore at the weekend – and the stars came out for the occasion.
International opera soprano Sarah Brightman presided over the naming ceremony as Godmother of the new 600-guest ship, sending a bottle of champagne smashing against the bow in a time-honoured ship christening tradition.
Guests and VIPs joined Seabourn staff at the launch festivities, with local musicians and cultural acts, including lion dancers and stilt walkers, helping to send the ship off in style.
“The launch of Seabourn Encore marks the start of a new era of ultra-luxury cruising,” Seabourn President Richard Meadows said.
“Seabourn Encore marks a major step forward in terms of growth for our company. This ship is stunningly beautiful and I know guests are going to be absolutely captivated as they step aboard and see it firsthand.”
Chief Executive Singapore Tourism Board Lionel Yeo said the event marked another milestone in the destination’s partnership with Seabourn and Carnival Corporation.
“We are honoured that Singapore hosted the christening of Seabourn’s crown jewel. It is testament to the growing appeal of Southeast Asia as the destination of choice for discerning travellers. We are confident that Seabourn’s guests will enjoy experiencing the rich and diverse offerings of the region, and look forward to welcoming more of Carnival Corporation’s ships to Singapore,” Mr Yeo said.
Following the naming ceremony, Seabourn Encore departed on its inaugural voyage, a 10-day Indonesian itinerary, before heading south to Australia for its maiden season of cruising down under.
Seabourn Encore is the fourth ultra-luxury vessel to join the Seabourn fleet and the first of two ships to be designed by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany.
Seabourn Ovation is scheduled to launch next year.
Intended by Tihany “to feel more like a luxury yacht”, Seabourn Encore features modern design elements and innovations in keeping with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance, as well as one additional deck and newly expanded public areas. New features include The Retreat, a secluded for-charge sanctuary for guests to stretch out and relax in private cabanas, and Seabourn’s first sushi restaurant, Sushi.
The inaugural voyage also marks the formal debut of a holistic spa and wellness experience, Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, a new production show created exclusively for Seabourn, ‘An Evening with Tim Rice’, and The Grill by Thomas Keller, a restaurant inspired by the classic American chophouse.
For more information www.seabourn.com
