CRUISE NEWS: Seabourn bound for Barbados and other restarts

Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn is continuing its odyssey this summer beyond US waters – which are still not open to international cruise ships – with the news that it will offer a series of new summer voyages operating round-trip out of Bridgetown, Barbados, beginning on July 18.

The cruises mark the second international foray for the ultra-luxury cruise line, which previously announced plans to resume guest operations in Greece aboard Seabourn Ovation starting July 3.

Developed in conjunction with the Government of Barbados, the cruises will feature the Seabourn Odyssey on seven-day cruises from Barbados to Southern Caribbean destinations including Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts.

Guests can also choose a 14-day option, which combines the two distinct seven-day itineraries between Windward and Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Previously released itineraries for Fall 2021 sailings include additional port calls in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

The itineraries include unique Seabourn experiences such as “Caviar in the Surf” at Carambola Beach, during which Seabourn team members wade through the water to serve chilled caviar and Champagne. The day also includes a lavish barbeque lunch featuring grilled lobster, fresh fruit, and other dishes. A Marina Day is also scheduled, where guests can take part in watersports operated directly from a platform on the back of the ship.

The cruises, which can be booked now, are limited to guests that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and full health and safety protocols must be observed. “Fully vaccinated” is considered a minimum of 14 days following the first or second dose (for those vaccines requiring two doses) of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines being administered. Proof of vaccination and the dates given are required. Seabourn notes that its crew will also be vaccinated.

MORE NEWS

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its return to sailing with Seven Seas Splendor cruising from the UK beginning September. The voyage will mark the cruise line’s return to service, as well as Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural season, with the ship having only completed two cruises with guests after being christened in February 2020.

• Culinary- and destination-focused cruise line Oceania says it will resume cruise operations with the 1,250-guest Marina in August, beginning with sailings to Scandinavia and Western Europe. Marina will resume her originally published voyage schedule, commencing on Aug. 29, in Copenhagen.

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reports it will continue its restart of operations in Europe from the homeports of Barcelona and Rome with previously scheduled port-intensive itineraries to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles beginning Sept. 5, 2021.