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Arrive | Depart | ||||||
21st21 | MarMar | 202222 | Singapore, Singapore, embark on the Seabourn Ovation | 17:00 | |||
The main island of Singapore is shaped like a flattened diamond, 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south. Near the northern peak is the causeway leading to West Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur is less than four hours away by car. It is at the southern foot where you will find most of the city-state’s action, with its gleaming office towers, working docks, and futuristic "supertrees," which are solar-powered and serve as vertical gardens. Offshore are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city. To the east is Changi International Airport, connected to the city by metro, bus, and a tree-lined parkway. Of the island's total land area, more than half is built up, with the balance made up of parkland, farmland, plantations, swamp areas, and rain forest. Well-paved roads connect all parts of the island, and Singapore city has an excellent, and constantly expanding, public transportation system. The heart of Singapore's history and its modern wealth are in and around the Central Business District. The area includes the skyscrapers in the Central Business District, the 19th-century Raffles Hotel, the convention centers of Marina Square, on up to the top of Ft. Canning. Although most of old Singapore has been knocked down to make way for the modern city, most colonial landmarks have been preserved in the CBD, including early-19th-century buildings designed by the Irish architect George Coleman. | |||||||
22nd22 | MarMar | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
23rd23 | MarMar | 202222 | Langkawi Island, Malaysia | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
On Malaysia's west coast, Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands. The only real settlement is on the main island, Pulau Langkawi. This popular beach destination attracts divers from around the world to explore the sea life, and after being declared a duty-free zone back in the '80s, it has become a favorite shopping spot for visitors seeking cheap booze. You'll find sightseeing attractions—such as national parks, a cable car ride, and a large aquarium—throughout this island of lush rainforests. However, it's the long stretches of sandy beach that attract most visitors to this tropical paradise. | |||||||
24th24 | MarMar | 202222 | Phuket, Thailand | 07:00 | 17:00 | ||
Though few tourists linger here, Phuket Town, the provincial capital, is one of the more culturally interesting places on the island to spend half a day. About one-third of the island's population lives here, and the town is an intriguing mix of old Sino-Portuguese architecture and the influences of the Chinese, Muslims, and Thais that inhabit it. The old Chinese quarter along Talang Street is especially good for a stroll, as its history has not yet been replaced by modern concrete and tile. And this same area has a variety of antiques shops, art studios, and trendy cafés. Besides Talang, the major thoroughfares are Ratsada, Phuket, and Ranong roads. Ratsada connects Phuket Road (where you'll find the Tourism Authority of Thailand office) to Ranong Road, where there's an aromatic local market filled with fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. | |||||||
25th25 | MarMar | 202222 | Sabang, Weh Island, Indonesia | 10:00 | 18:00 | ||
Sabang is the largest city on the island of Weh or Pulau Weh. Weh is a small, active volcanic island, just northwest of Sumatra. It's at the northern end of the Indonesian Archipelago and at one time, was a coal loading station for ships passing between Europe and Asia. Today, the island is known for its ecosystem and much of its surrounding sea and inland areas have been declared as wildlife protection areas by the Indonesian government. Pulau Weh attracts visitors seeking underwater diving, hiking through the volcanic mountains and relaxation by the beach. Those venturing into the city will see some of the remaining colonial buildings and the large trees that offer them shade. The island and city are virtually untouched by tourism and a sense of adventure when exploring ashore is needed. | |||||||
26th26 | MarMar | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
27th27 | MarMar | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
28th28 | MarMar | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
29th29 | MarMar | 202222 | Cochin, India | 07:00 | 17:00 | ||
Kochi, formerly and still commonly known as Cochin, is one of the west coast's largest and oldest ports. The streets behind the docks of the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry districts are lined with old merchant houses, godowns (warehouses), and open courtyards heaped with betel nuts, ginger, peppercorns, and tea. Throughout the second millennium this ancient city exported spices, coffee, and coir (the fiber made from coconut husks), and imported culture and religion from Europe, China, and the Middle East. Today Kochi has a synagogue, several mosques, Portuguese Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and the United Church of South India (an amalgamation of several Protestant denominations). The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula, and islands. Ernakulam, on the mainland 2 km (3 miles) from the harbor, is the commercial center and the one-time capital of the former state of Cochin. Willingdon Island, which was created by dredging the harbor, holds several luxury hotels as well as a navy base. The beautiful Bolghatty Island, north of Ernakulam, is a favorite picnic spot for locals. On it there's a government-run hotel in a colonial structure that was once used by the Dutch governor and later by the British Resident. Another local favorite is Cherai beach on Vypin Island, which is a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin. The Fort Cochin district, Kochi's historic center, is at the northern tip of the Mattancherry peninsula. Houses here often recall Tudor manors; some have been converted to hotels, others remain in the hands of the venerable tea and trading companies. South of Fort Cochin, in the Mattancherry district, is where you'll find the city's dwindling Jewish community. Their small neighborhood, called Jew Town, which is now dotted with cafés and shops selling curios and antiques, is centered on the synagogue. | |||||||
30th30 | MarMar | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
31st31 | MarMar | 202222 | Mumbai (ex Bombay), India | 12:00 | |||
Mumbai, sometimes called the Maximum City, after Suketa Mehta’s 2004 nonfiction book of the same name, encapsulates the dynamism and chaos of modern India better than any other city. In this sprawling, muscular place by the sea that you'll find everything from succulent street food to haute cuisine, bargain-basement bazaars to haute couture, humbling poverty to staggering wealth, sacred temples to hedonistic nightclubs. Mumbai is in many ways the New York City of India, and the many of the locals carry the same kind of chip on their shoulders—despite the madness, they wouldn’t trade it for any other place on Earth.Mumbai is a city of extremes, where slum-dwelling strivers making dollars a day serve Bollywood stars and industrial billionaires. It's a 24-hour city stocked with some of the best late-night street food in the world, as well as fine-dining restaurants of renowned chefs. It's a cosmopolitan city of people from all over India that's nonetheless home to strident parochialism. It's a city of dreams for millions of Indians that, at the same time, affords so few any measure of comfort. And it's a beautiful city of silver towers when viewed by twilight from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge over the Arabian Sea, but that sight quickly turns into a maze of winding, dirty streets and alleys when viewed up close.Sensory overload is the name of the game on the island formerly known as Bombay (and yes, most locals still call it by its previous moniker). The first thing that hits you when you arrive at the airport is the smell—spicy, fishy, and, to be honest, often not altogether pleasant. Next comes a crazed cab ride through the seemingly lawless streets (should your driver run a red light or, just as likely, drive on the wrong side of the road, try to remain calm). Then a traffic jam in the midst of a veritable symphony of honking, in which barefoot children, often holding infants, and tragically disfigured men and women knock at your window, begging for change. Persevere through, though; embrace and try to understand the natural hazards of the developing world, and you'll find yourself in the middle of a beautiful, often inspiring city. | |||||||
1st01 | AprApr | 202222 | Mumbai (ex Bombay), India | 21:00 | |||
Mumbai, sometimes called the Maximum City, after Suketa Mehta’s 2004 nonfiction book of the same name, encapsulates the dynamism and chaos of modern India better than any other city. In this sprawling, muscular place by the sea that you'll find everything from succulent street food to haute cuisine, bargain-basement bazaars to haute couture, humbling poverty to staggering wealth, sacred temples to hedonistic nightclubs. Mumbai is in many ways the New York City of India, and the many of the locals carry the same kind of chip on their shoulders—despite the madness, they wouldn’t trade it for any other place on Earth.Mumbai is a city of extremes, where slum-dwelling strivers making dollars a day serve Bollywood stars and industrial billionaires. It's a 24-hour city stocked with some of the best late-night street food in the world, as well as fine-dining restaurants of renowned chefs. It's a cosmopolitan city of people from all over India that's nonetheless home to strident parochialism. It's a city of dreams for millions of Indians that, at the same time, affords so few any measure of comfort. And it's a beautiful city of silver towers when viewed by twilight from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge over the Arabian Sea, but that sight quickly turns into a maze of winding, dirty streets and alleys when viewed up close.Sensory overload is the name of the game on the island formerly known as Bombay (and yes, most locals still call it by its previous moniker). The first thing that hits you when you arrive at the airport is the smell—spicy, fishy, and, to be honest, often not altogether pleasant. Next comes a crazed cab ride through the seemingly lawless streets (should your driver run a red light or, just as likely, drive on the wrong side of the road, try to remain calm). Then a traffic jam in the midst of a veritable symphony of honking, in which barefoot children, often holding infants, and tragically disfigured men and women knock at your window, begging for change. Persevere through, though; embrace and try to understand the natural hazards of the developing world, and you'll find yourself in the middle of a beautiful, often inspiring city. | |||||||
2nd02 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
3rd03 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
4th04 | AprApr | 202222 | Muscat, Oman | 08:00 | 21:00 | ||
Oman's capital city is hemmed in on one side by spectacular jagged-peaked mountains and on the other by royal blue sea. The architecture is a traditional, sophisticated arabesque blend of white-washed, low-rise buildings surrounded by manicured palms, intricately designed domes set atop the minarets of the mosques, sand-colored villas, a surprising blend of modern art installations, like a giant incense burner that towers over the Corniche, and ancient forts set in the rocky hills. Though tradition abounds, from distinct, local cuisine to the widely worn national dress, the dishdasha, Muscat is a completely modern city, featuring opulent luxury hotels, international restaurants, excellent cellular and data service, sprawling shopping malls, pristine beaches, lively nightlife, world-class performing arts, and a highly educated population, most of whom speak English, Arabic, and often Hindi. Muscat is the ideal base for exploring other areas of the country since many of the most desirable destinations are within a few hours' drive. | |||||||
5th05 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
6th06 | AprApr | 202222 | Doha, Qatar | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Doha (population 700,000) is the capital of the State of Qatar, an emirate occupying the small Qatar Peninsula bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and otherwise surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Qatar was ruled by many different powers through the centuries, in fact historians have traced human habitation dating back 5000 years. From its earliest history, Qatar was a very important trade route connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Among its occupiers were the Portuguese, the Ottomans and finally the British during the turbulent years of the 20th century. Qatar gained independence in 1971, and with resources from oil exportation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad made improvements in social programmes including education, health and housing. In 1995, his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the throne and brought with him a modern and progressive approach that quickly transformed the country. Doha, home to 80 percent of the country’s population, was founded under the name of Al-Bida in 1850. It became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916. When the nation gained its independence, Doha remained the capital. During the early 20th century, much of Qatar’s economy depended on fishing and pearling. But after the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, Doha and the whole region suffered a decline. Only when oil was discovered, prosperity returned following World War II. Today, the country produces over 800,000 barrels of oil daily. Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula. It is an intriguing mixture of old and new, with ultra modern architecture next to traditional souqs and historic forts. It boasts a university and the Qatar National Museum (currently closed for renovation), which opened 1975 in what was originally the ruler’s palace. As the country’s cultural and commercial centre, Doha enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links. The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996 with its headquarters in Doha. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore. As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public. Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women.You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports. | |||||||
7th07 | AprApr | 202222 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds. Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide, tree-lined okulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers. Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique, with friendly and hospitable people offering a warm welcome to visitors. Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle". In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty. The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old. Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skyscrapers. Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents centre. Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition. | |||||||
8th08 | AprApr | 202222 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 07:00 | 17:00 | ||
Dubai sits on a golden sandy coastline in the Arabian Gulf, where the warm azure waves of the sea meet the desert. A high-rise oasis, this city is a pleasure-dome surrounded by dunes; one of the most fashionable on the planet thanks to its ability to satisfy the needs of legions of demanding vacationers. Dubai is about having fun—and it's one big adult playground.Nature plays her part here, with year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, dramatic arid landscapes, and warm waters, but it's the man-made attractions that make Dubai so alluring. You can launch yourself into high-adrenaline desert adventures, diving and water sports, and some of the world's best golf courses. The 5-, 6-, and 7-star hotels offer the ultimate in luxury, and the party scene is hot. Shopping malls are the biggest in the world and are packed full of high-class merchandise. And with hundreds of restaurants with cuisine from around the world, you can munch your way from Mexico to Malaysia.Dubai is an Arab country with a long history as a trading port. Traces of its traditional life, customs, and architecture can still be seen and explored, but today and tomorrow are much more important than yesterday. Almost every building in this metropolis is less than 20 years old and the most dramatic developments—groundbreaking megaprojects—have just been completed or are still under construction.The city is certainly unique. Islam is its anchor, but it has opened its doors to the rest of the world and has invited them in to work, rest, and play, which creates a truly international atmosphere. Unashamedly modern and materialistic, life here takes place at breakneck speed. The landscape is stark, the confidence is sky high, the can-do spirit is palpable, and the bling is in your face. Dubai produces strong reactions in people, but one thing is certain—love it or loathe it—you will not forget it. It is without a doubt, one of the world's true must-see destinations.Shisha: Smoke Without Fire. Emirati men love socializing, but as they don't drink alcohol they get together over coffee and shisha instead of a drink at the bar after work. The shisha, or hookah, is a smoking device, usually made of glass, that filters smoke through water before it reaches the smoker's mouth. Shisha tobaccos are aromatic and are often mixed with apple, cinnamon, or cherry, so their taste isn't as strong as other tobaccos. Smoking shisha is said to induce relaxation—but you'll have to decide if it's for you! | |||||||
9th09 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
10th10 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
11th11 | AprApr | 202222 | Salalah, Oman | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
The lush landscape around Salalah is the intriguing result of a quirk of nature. Since it is uniquely situated in the path of the Khareef, or South Western Monsoon, this stretch of the Dhofar Coast is covered in fine mist and frequent rain from mid-June through mid-September. By the time the monsoons cease, the entire coastline is a verdant stretch. Waterfalls, rolling grasslands, and thickly wooded wadis (riverbeds) thrive alongside rapid mountain streams. Unique in this desert region, Salalah attracts many visitors from the surrounding Arabian Gulf countries who are anxious to experience a rare lushness in a region where rain and greenery are in short supply. Once a stop on the ancient trading routes that connected the Levant to India and China, Salalah has a rich history that goes back centuries. Traders from Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire, and beyond passed through Salalah in their search for frankincense, making it a major center for trade in the coveted exotic ingredient. Pre-Islamic tombs and grave sites, some believed to be up to 2,000 years old, are scattered all over the nearby mountainsides and the present-day city, which has an estimated 195,000 inhabitants. | |||||||
12th12 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
13th13 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
14th14 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
15th15 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
16th16 | AprApr | 202222 | Safaga, Egypt | 06:00 | |||
Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga. | |||||||
17th17 | AprApr | 202222 | Safaga, Egypt | 22:00 | |||
Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga. | |||||||
18th18 | AprApr | 202222 | Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt | 05:30 | 18:00 | ||
The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. In recent times, the last battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, ending with a peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis, more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourist trade. However, vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism is becoming increasingly rare. Once their nomadic life kept them on the move with their tents; today many Bedouins cultivate grain, vegetables and dates in addition to catering to the tourists. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns, a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet. | |||||||
19th19 | AprApr | 202222 | 'Aqaba, Jordan | 07:00 | 23:00 | ||
The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches. | |||||||
20th20 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
21st21 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
22nd22 | AprApr | 202222 | Haifa, Israel | 10:00 | |||
Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union. | |||||||
23rd23 | AprApr | 202222 | Haifa, Israel | 21:00 | |||
Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union. | |||||||
24th24 | AprApr | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
25th25 | AprApr | 202222 | Santorini, Greece | 10:00 | 18:00 | ||
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants. | |||||||
26th26 | AprApr | 202222 | Piraeus, Greece, disembark the Seabourn Ovation | 07:00 | |||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Forward-facing windows, dining for four, separate bedroom, guest bath, two flat-screen TVs, pantry with wet bar. Complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service.
Open the door to your suite and step into a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome.
The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious ease.
Like a ray of sunshine, your personal suite stewardess arrives with a doorbell chime, to ensure that everything is just as you wish, and offer you a choice of designer soaps. After today, she will demonstrate a genie-like ability to restore perfection to your suite without disturbing you in the least, and yet be cheerfully available if and when she is needed.
All Seabourn suites share these appealing attributes. Choose from a range of suites in a variety of locations and sizes, including some with additional features to accommodate your personal preferences. However, one element never varies. Seabourn provides every guest in every suite exactly the same quality of service: the very best.
What you may appreciate most, however, is your personal suite stewardess, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care.
Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
In-Suite Amenities
Suites aboard Seabourn Ovation feature a comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully–stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalised stationery, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Open the door to your suite and step into a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome.
The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious ease.
Like a ray of sunshine, your personal suite stewardess arrives with a doorbell chime, to ensure that everything is just as you wish, and offer you a choice of designer soaps. After today, she will demonstrate a genie-like ability to restore perfection to your suite without disturbing you in the least, and yet be cheerfully available if and when she is needed.
All Seabourn suites share these appealing attributes. Choose from a range of suites in a variety of locations and sizes, including some with additional features to accommodate your personal preferences. However, one element never varies. Seabourn provides every guest in every suite exactly the same quality of service: the very best.
What you may appreciate most, however, is your personal suite stewardess, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care.
Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
In-Suite Amenities
Suites aboard Seabourn Ovation feature a comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully–stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalised stationery, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Expansive ocean views, forward-facing windows, dining for four to six, whirlpool bathtub, guest bath, pantry with wet bar, two closets and two flat-screen TVs. Complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service.
Open the door to your suite and step into a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome.
The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious ease.
Like a ray of sunshine, your personal suite stewardess arrives with a doorbell chime, to ensure that everything is just as you wish, and offer you a choice of designer soaps. After today, she will demonstrate a genie-like ability to restore perfection to your suite without disturbing you in the least, and yet be cheerfully available if and when she is needed.
All Seabourn suites share these appealing attributes. Choose from a range of suites in a variety of locations and sizes, including some with additional features to accommodate your personal preferences. However, one element never varies. Seabourn provides every guest in every suite exactly the same quality of service: the very best.
What you may appreciate most, however, is your personal suite stewardess, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care.
Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
In-Suite Amenities
Suites aboard Seabourn Ovation feature a comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully–stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalised stationery, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Open the door to your suite and step into a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome.
The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious ease.
Like a ray of sunshine, your personal suite stewardess arrives with a doorbell chime, to ensure that everything is just as you wish, and offer you a choice of designer soaps. After today, she will demonstrate a genie-like ability to restore perfection to your suite without disturbing you in the least, and yet be cheerfully available if and when she is needed.
All Seabourn suites share these appealing attributes. Choose from a range of suites in a variety of locations and sizes, including some with additional features to accommodate your personal preferences. However, one element never varies. Seabourn provides every guest in every suite exactly the same quality of service: the very best.
What you may appreciate most, however, is your personal suite stewardess, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care.
Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
In-Suite Amenities
Large windows, dining for six, whirlpool bathtub, guest bath, convertible sofa bed for one, pantry with wet bar, glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed, two closets and two flat-screen TVs. Complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service.
Open the door to your suite and step into a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome.
The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious ease.
Like a ray of sunshine, your personal suite stewardess arrives with a doorbell chime, to ensure that everything is just as you wish, and offer you a choice of designer soaps. After today, she will demonstrate a genie-like ability to restore perfection to your suite without disturbing you in the least, and yet be cheerfully available if and when she is needed.
All Seabourn suites share these appealing attributes. Choose from a range of suites in a variety of locations and sizes, including some with additional features to accommodate your personal preferences. However, one element never varies. Seabourn provides every guest in every suite exactly the same quality of service: the very best.
What you may appreciate most, however, is your personal suite stewardess, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care.
Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
In-Suite Amenities
Suites aboard Seabourn Ovation feature a comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully–stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalised stationery, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Compliments of Seabourn. Explore some of the world's most remote and beautiful beaches while the crew stands in turquoise water to serve you caviar and Champagne in the surf. On land, the crew ferries a feast of food and drinks from the ship and creates a festive setting to welcome you ashore with drinks, music and delicious barbecue sizzling on the grill.
For a refreshing change of pace, dine on deck. Lunches in this casual poolside venue feature an array of salads, pastas, soups and freshly made pizzas, plus hot dogs, specialty hamburgers, chicken and seafood on the grill. Each day, a different themed menu is offered as well. When it's just too nice to go indoors for dinner, settle in for a full menu of salads, soups, sides and grilled steaks, chops, seafood or poultry. It’s Seabourn quality food and service in a delightfully impromptu, al fresco setting.
Sushi will debut on Seabourn Ovation when it joins the Seabourn fleet in spring 2018. Seabourn researched the best ingredients and developed a menu that is a perfect blend of authenticity to maintain the root of the cuisine, and a twist of Seabourn’s culinary expertise. The sushi concept is a modern line that is steeped in tradition using the finest ingredients.
Hamachi, tuna, shrimp and other fresh fish products will be shipped from Japan to Sushi and served a la carte for dinner. The menu features caviar and small plates, along with a selection of maki rolls, sushi and sashimi, and salads. In addition, the restaurant will feature three varieties of Bento boxes for lunch: meat, seafood and vegetarian. Guests at Sushi will also find selections of special Sake, fine matcha teas, and desserts to round out their meal.
"This will be a great place to enjoy amazing sushi with a small group of friends, and we’re eager for our guests to enjoy it," said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "Sushi is intended to be a vibrant space that brings another quality culinary choice to an already diverse lineup."
The slightly more casual alternative offers appealing indoor and outdoor tables for breakfasts and lunches featuring beautiful, bountiful buffets, plus a selection of à la carte items and daily specials from the kitchen. Evenings find these pleasantly lively spots serving regionally themed dinners with full table service.
In an ongoing quest to provide a world-class experience, Seabourn has created a partnership with world-renowned American chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller. The culinary genius behind a trio of Michelin-starred restaurants – The French Laundry, Per Se, and Bouchon – Chef Keller brings his award-winning French and American cuisine to the ultra-luxury cruise line adding new flavors and flair to complement Seabourn's already celebrated cuisine.
Inspired by the classic American chophouse, The Grill focuses on updated versions of iconic dishes. Guests setting foot inside the elegant dining room will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes as well as a range of other steakhouse favorites like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented a la carte. The timeless menu will draw on the freshest products from artisan purveyors. A cocktail program and wine list of domestic and old world labels complement the menu.
The Restaurant is a beautiful fine dining venue. Its menus feature a wide variety of delectable choices prepared to your order by our talented chefs. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on an open-seating basis, inviting guests to dine when, where and with whom they wish.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Afternoon tea is a tradition steeped in history and, one that has admirably stood the test of time. This inviting, social occasion, is perfect for catching up with friends on the day’s adventures or getting to know someone new. This new version, with white-glove service and live piano music features a range of quality teas and tisanes, all freshly brewed to your order, and a bountiful buffet of both sweet and savoury delicacies to tempt and satisfy every appetite.
This poolside retreat serves the sun-worshiping guests who gather around the swimming pool and bubbling whirlpool spas. Enjoy full beverage, cocktail and wine service, fruit smoothies and gelato on the pool deck. There is also chilled mineral water spritzes and iced towels offered by the deck crew to refresh guests on warm days.
The ship's main showroom can accommodate all guests, though it seldom does because of the variety available. Lectures, cooking demonstrations, movies and other gatherings are held here in the daytime. In the evenings, live music for dancing before dinner gives way to vocal production shows, cabaret performances, comedy, and classical recitals, as well as more dancing later.
Some of Seabourn's signature events take advantage of the beautiful night sky. On deck, you may take part in an energetic, musical Evening Under the Stars® — sumptuous barbecue dinners or gala parties with live music and dancing. The Rock the Boat nights are famous for high-energy dance music created by our entertainment staffs. Jazz or Blues nights are occasional jams featuring members of the ship’s bands. And Dessert Under the Stars is a category of culinary indulgence out of doors.
An alfresco oasis for drinks and socializing overlooking the Pool Patio. With a skilled, friendly bartender preparing everything from fresh fruit smoothies to elaborate mixologist’s masterpieces, its stools and tables are occupied from morning until dinnertime with guests who enjoy good company, open air and a breathtaking view of the horizon.
The liveliest lounge onboard is the scene of daily afternoon tea service. It is a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks and dancing to live music. After dinner, the dancing music continues, and later a DJ spins dance music until late at night. Another terrace of open deck aft of The Club boasts a plunge pool and two small whirlpool spas.
A stunning round lounge with a square bar and panoramic views. Early Risers' Coffee and Tea is served here every morning, and piano music makes it a great choice for drinks and conversation before and after dinner.
The Seabourn casino offers a handsome, well-appointed enclave for those wishing to indulge in games of chance and skill. Relax and test the odds on various mechanical games or pit your skills against personable, professional dealers at blackjack or poker tables.
Our airy, welcoming space combines a gracious library and sitting room, a handsomely furnished computer center, a discreet enclave manned by efficient concierges, and a European Konditorei-style coffee bar with a gleaming espresso machine and a glass-enclosed case filled with tempting sandwiches, scrumptious pastries and colorful gelato.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Shops at Seabourn, Seabourn's innovative "living room" even boasts its own comfortable open deck terrace located aft of the Square.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
36 nights aboard the Seabourn Ovation | |||
All dining venues are complimentary | |||
Open Bars throughout the Ship | |||
Tipping is neither required nor expected | |||
All Suite Accommodations | |||
Intimate small size ships | |||
Open-seating gourmet dining in The Restaurant | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Date 21st Mar 2022 |
Nts 36 |
Please Call for Availability |
Date 21st Mar 2022 |
Nts 36 |
Please Call for Availability |
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