Reflections of a novice cruiser.....Seabourn Encore Athens to Barcelona

Well, I think the cruise gods were with us as the May11th sailing from Athens started under a glorious star light night, and they worked overtime to present us with the most glorious Mediterranean weather during the entire cruise to Barcelona. I do recall a touch of rain somewhere out there, but it passed quickly.

What we loved.....

Encore is physically beautiful. Sleek, but warm and inviting. Loved the warm woods and navy blues, the tremendous amount of light that poured in during day to the sparkle of glass and chrome & polished wood at night. We found the staircase so beautiful that we found ourselves avoiding the elevators. The layout of the ship was most impressive......many places to sit & relax no matter what your pleasure for the day. Never crowded....though the pool deck proper did fill up each day as the weather was so lovely. However, we found ourselves loving taking a few steps from our cabin to our overlook on Deck 10 & found it most inviting. We loved Seabourn Square with the best baristas. We found ourselves making a beeline for them them, the moment we returned from an excursion. My husband found his little places to enjoy a fine cigar with like minded passengers without distressing anyone.

Encore did have that telltale dent in the hull from a dock mishap months ago, but seriously that was her only flaw.

The crew......outstanding. It only took us one breakfast to put aside our American need to have coffee being poured the instant we sit down. Therefore, settling down into the vibe & pace that the crew sets was eye opening and sorely neeeded. The moment we realized what cruising is all about. We felt the service was exceptional with a well trained crew at every level...... from cabin steward to waiters/s, bartender, casino staff, to Ross, our cruise director who defined the role. We interacted with the officers a bit & found them approachable and professional.

The entertainment.....highly talented and struck just the right tone on this beautiful yacht. We went to most every show and enjoyed them very much. The atmosphere at the club and observation bar was inviting each night. Loved the poolside deck parties and sail aways and sail ins.

Malta is not to be missed for a romantic sail in party with the band playing and the champagne flowing.

The food.....we were traveling with another couple & we both feel we are a bit in the “foodie” category. We were most impressed. I had cut out sugar in my diet for months prior to the cruise.....well that went by the wayside the moment the coconut cake at Thomas Keller Grill appeared.

We really did find it difficult to make that final decision each night. Every restaurant was wonderful, we loved how the menus and themes changed. Nice to have the variety. We felt TK Grill did live up to expectations. We were fortunate enough to dine there two nights. The wines served were quite good & many times exceptional with never a need to buy a “special” bottle.

The cabin.....we booked a Penthouse Suite on Deck 10 which we concluded was worth it. Really.....3 bathroom sinks, a tub & shower. Doors to close off bed....helpful to me as my husband stays up a bit later to catch up on news or reading. Great veranda, lots of light, great TV channels, loved the real time sailing map on TV. The suite was well thought out with room for everything we brought aboard. Comfy bed and linens. Slept like a baby.

Fellow cruisers.....Fellow Americans, our British & Aussie friends dominated. Everyone was congenial, engaging. We met such wonderful people with much cruising insight. There were a few grumblings heard by some older experienced cruisers when the tenders could not be launched to Crete. Despite a beautiful day, the seas were a bit rough for safe tendering. We took it in stride. On another note, don’t judge me, but I even had a great time chatting with fellow cruisers doing a bit of laundry & pressing.

The Gym......very well equipped with a good staff & great views.

What we felt could be better.....

The Spa.....I felt the spa staff was very lovely....but they seemed pressured to do a hard sell on products. It was a bit uncomfortable for me & though I have no qualms about saying no, it made me think twice. I wish they could change that culture.....but it’s not uncommon in any spa. In any case, had a great massage & pedicure. My friend who did yoga classes said the room was was too small and instructor was hard to understand.

Room Service.....used only once for a light late dinner after big lunch on shore and late afternoon return.....but food was substandard for what we expected and not well presented. However, we once ordered the caviar service (available anytime, anywhere) on our veranda....that was lovely.

Excursions.....I know are very subjective. We did a few via Seabourn.....local guides were just ok. We found ourselves peeling off as the guides dronned on with somewhat useless info. Our private excursions via our own TA were far superior. We did have a great day in Malta with a complimentary tour with Virtuoso staff on board. Thanks to our Virtuoso TA in US. Seabourn did handle one hiccup like pros. Our bus had a minor accident......back wheel fell into a ditch on very narrow lane as we were leaving a lovely olive oil tasting...the driver did a great evasive maneuver to avoid an agreesive driver. The bus was unable to move, and Seabourn radioed another bus from an other cruise line who was in our area with empty seats. The 12 of us boarded the Winstar bus back to the port.....we even ran into friends from home sailing Windstar.....what are the chances? My only complaint is that someone from the ship should have contacted us when we returned....just as a courtesy to make sure we were ok.

We strongly felt The Encore delivered for us. Will we be return clients with Seabourn?........Absolutely!

Thank you for your review. I always enjoy reading the thoughts of Seabourn first-timers.

I agree with you about the hard sell in the spa. It's the same in many land hotels and it I do find it rather off-putting.

Also, what a coincidence meeting your friends from home like that!

So glad that you enjoyed it.

It is so refreshing to read a review from a first timer as Isklaar said. We also loved to Encore last year in the same region (Barcelona - Barcelona). I agree the region is so beautiful, particularly when the weather is also favorable as you and we had.

I agree about the spar upsell also. Also for us the gym classes started too late. I could understand this timing for a cruise with a lot of sea days but not for a port intensive cruise. This was very minor in the overall scheme of things, and like you, we loved it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

cece50 I wonder if Beth the assistant cruise director is still on the Encore along with Ross?

Thanks for an insightful review. DW and I board in 6 days for our first SB cruise and are very excited. And we don't typically visit the spa (unless we can use the sauna/steam room at no cost), so we should have no problems. Unless of course they are still working on the Sojourn pool deck???

cece50 I wonder if Beth the assistant cruise director is still on the Encore along with Ross?

Ashley was our assistant cruise director. She was just lovely & so much fun.

What type of classes do they have. Any spin classes or spin bikes?

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Ashley was our assistant cruise director. She was just lovely & so much fun.

We are going back onto the Encore early December so we were wondering who the Cruise Directors could be. Wonder if Beth went with Handre to the Ovation?

Beth was fun

Thanks for an insightful review. DW and I board in 6 days for our first SB cruise and are very excited. And we don't typically visit the spa (unless we can use the sauna/steam room at no cost), so we should have no problems. Unless of course they are still working on the Sojourn pool deck???

Thanks for reminding me about the sauna & steam room. This goes in the category of “what could be better.” Unfortunately, there is a charge to use those amenities.....I believe it was set fee for the entire cruise....maybe about 250 per couple.....but don’t quote me on that. My husband did take the offer and liked the rooms and the unique heated lounges which he said were extremely relaxing after using the gym.

Hello Cece, it is wonderful to read your beautifully written reflections. Your enjoyment of your cruise and experiences on the beautiful Seabourn Encore are felt in your words.

Hard sell for Spa treatments on holiday I find difficult, the ladies are so lovely. I find I have to listen as not to be rude .As I know they are not employed by Seabourn I realise their ethics will be other than other staff on board. The same with the shop, but I must give high praise to sales person NZ Jenny she is a gem.

It is disappointing to hear about your room service experience. I must say we have always been impressed by this service on Seabourn ships including our two Encore cruises.

I agree with AB21au regarding gym, pilates and yoga classes starting too late. It would be nice to attend before breakfast. On the other hand I probably need to improve my motivation then time is not a factor.

Cece you embarked the day we disembarked, we departed with your same sentiments of another fantastic cruise on Encore.

Hello Cece, it is wonderful to read your beautifully written reflections. Your enjoyment of your cruise and experiences on the beautiful Seabourn Encore are felt in your words.

Hard sell in any respect on holiday always leaves a bad taste.

 

It is disappointing to hear about your room service experience. I must say we have always been impressed by this service on Seabourn ships including our two Encore cruises.

 

I agree with AB21au regarding gym, pilates and yoga classes starting too late. It would be nice to attend before breakfast.

Cece you embarked the day we disembarked with your same sentiments of another fantastic cruise on Encore.

Koalapanda, as recent as 2015 we were able to do that. Our 2013 Med cruise we attended an Abbs class at 6:45, followed by yoga or pilates on different days. On the last cruise there was nothing like that available and we got the impression (could be wrong) that it was more related to the instructor than to SB. The gym instructor on our last cruise did not seem that interested. It didn’t really worry us too much as it was very port intensive and therefore we did a lot of walking/swimming anyway.

Hi ab21au you are correct with Port intensive cruises walking does compensate for Gym time.

I find it difficult to find a space to do my own Pilates routine pre breakfast . I try to use my suite and verandah. I would really love to see one Pilates Reformer machine in the Gym.

I do manage a short Aqua routine while everyone is dressing for dinner.

Hello Cece, it is wonderful to read your beautifully written reflections. Your enjoyment of your cruise and experiences on the beautiful Seabourn Encore are felt in your words.

 

Hard sell for Spa treatments on holiday I find difficult, the ladies are so lovely. I find I have to listen as not to be rude .As I know they are not employed by Seabourn I realise their ethics will be other than other staff on board. The same with the shop, but I must give high praise to sales person NZ Jenny she is a gem.

 

It is disappointing to hear about your room service experience. I must say we have always been impressed by this service on Seabourn ships including our two Encore cruises.

 

I agree with AB21au regarding gym, pilates and yoga classes starting too late. It would be nice to attend before breakfast. On the other hand I probably need to improve my motivation then time is not a factor.

 

Cece you embarked the day we disembarked, we departed with your same sentiments of another fantastic cruise on Encore.

Hello koalapanda.....so interesting that we crossed paths in Athens. Did you start your journey in Australia or Dubai? We met a few of your fellow sailors that stayed on for the Barcelona leg......they had high praise for Dubai to Athens....even given that there were some interesting developments near the Holy Land.

Thanks cece for your report on Encore and I am so pleased the weather was lovely for you. I'm looking forward to getting back onboard and cruising on her again.

With regards excursions I agree it is usually best to do private if you can. I was happy with the kayaking and zodiac venture tours we did in Alaska through Seabourn.

Julie

Hi Cece, we began our cruise from Dubai. As you had heard from other cruisers Dubai to Athens on Encore was wonderful

For us it was a most interesting , eye opening and a mind changing cruise visiting ports on this itinerary. Our favourite port was Oman, however all Arabian ports were lovely. We felt most welcome, safe, and greeted warmly with a gentle, happy demeanor by both male and female locals everywhere.

An Arabian night held sailing from Oman was amazing. So many cruisers purchased Arab dress for the occasion including Panda. Seabourn , with special thanks to CD gem Ross Roberts put together a memorable evening. The atmosphere was electric despite 36C heat the pool deck was throbbing. Amber lighting orchestrated to complete the ambience.

The Sir Bani Yas island lobster barbeque and surprise champagne and caviar in the desert stop on our return journey from Petra knocked our socks off. Seabourns logistics for these occasions are mind blowing, yet carried off with precision for our enjoyment.

The finale to our holiday was spending nine days in Greece. These days spent with Greek friends of 60 years, mostly spent revisiting Athens, a day visit to islands Paros and Hydra. The highlight, a surprise organised by our friends was three delightful days in Kyparissia . A beautiful Pelopenese town on the Ionian sea.

Hi Cece, we began our cruise from Dubai. As you had heard from other cruisers Dubai to Athens on Encore was wonderful

 

For us it was a most interesting , eye opening and a mind changing cruise visiting ports on this itinerary. Our favourite port was Oman, however all Arabian ports were lovely. We felt most welcome, safe, and greeted warmly with a gentle, happy demeanor by both male and female locals everywhere.

 

An Arabian night held sailing from Oman was amazing. So many cruisers purchased Arab dress for the occasion including Panda. Seabourn , with special thanks to CD gem Ross Roberts put together a memorable evening. The atmosphere was electric despite 36C heat the pool deck was throbbing. Amber lighting orchestrated to complete the ambience.

 

The Sir Bani Yas island lobster barbeque and surprise champagne and caviar in the desert stop on our return journey from Petra knocked our socks off. Seabourns logistics for these occasions are mind blowing, yet carried off with precision for our enjoyment.

 

The finale to our holiday was spending nine days in Greece. These days spent with Greek friends of 60 years, mostly spent revisiting Athens, a day visit to islands Paros and Hydra. The highlight, a surprise organised by our friends was three delightful days in Kyparissia . A beautiful Pelopenese town on the Ionian sea.

Hi......Wow......sounds like an amazing cruise. We have that one our list, maybe as early as next year. We would like to end a cruise in Greece next year as we will have friends who will be living in Nafplion while teaching a course regarding the law & recoverd antiquities. We considered Venice to Athens, but the Holy Land & beyond has its allure.

Thank You for sharing your thoughts. Loved hearing about it.

Was the Cruise Director Ross Roberts or some other Ross? He was assistant CD on my cruise and sounds like it could have been a well deserved promotion.

Roy

Was the Cruise Director Ross Roberts or some other Ross? He was assistant CD on my cruise and sounds like it could have been a well deserved promotion.

 

 

Roy

He was CD for us some time ago, in late 2017 on sojourn.

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Was the Cruise Director Ross Roberts or some other Ross? He was assistant CD on my cruise and sounds like it could have been a well deserved promotion.

 

 

Roy

Yes, indeed.....Same Ross. He did an outstanding job. He kept us smiling, laughing, dancing, singing, drinking, eating.....what a joy!

There is a free Sauna in the ladies changing room on the Sojourn. I would assume the same type Sauna was available in the men’s changing area. In the ladies, it was rose scented.

There is a free Sauna in the ladies changing room on the Sojourn. I would assume the same type Sauna was available in the men’s changing area. In the ladies, it was rose scented.

In the Gents it smells of old socks

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We agree with you cece50. We were first time Seabourners on the Dubai/Athens leg and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this cruise. Sadly however, we did not meet the koalapandas on board.

Ross and Ashley made a wonderful team which may have been why Trivia was always a full house. Captain Bathgate was so charming from the time we met him in the tender from Sir Bani Yas, to helping with the Trivia questions, judging the boatbuilding competition and finally seeing us off one last time in Athens. This was also the first time I've done a kitchen tour lead by an Executive Chef (Giuseppe Pareti) and have had champagne served along the way as well.

We were in a veranda cabin on Deck 7 which was very convenient for popping into Seabourn Square. Beautifully appointed with plenty of storage space and the bar that was always fully stocked with our preferences. So many little things that made a difference - an ice bucket that actually fit in the refrigerator, little meaningful momentos at night rather than towel animals and even an Atlas which was very helpful to sort out exactly where we were and where we were going.

With a future cruise deposit down, hopefully we will be back on Seabourn soon.

We agree with you cece50. We were first time Seabourners on the Dubai/Athens leg and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this cruise. Sadly however, we did not meet the koalapandas on board.

 

Ross and Ashley made a wonderful team which may have been why Trivia was always a full house. Captain Bathgate was so charming from the time we met him in the tender from Sir Bani Yas, to helping with the Trivia questions, judging the boatbuilding competition and finally seeing us off one last time in Athens. This was also the first time I've done a kitchen tour lead by an Executive Chef (Giuseppe Pareti) and have had champagne served along the way as well.

 

We were in a veranda cabin on Deck 7 which was very convenient for popping into Seabourn Square. Beautifully appointed with plenty of storage space and the bar that was always fully stocked with our preferences. So many little things that made a difference - an ice bucket that actually fit in the refrigerator, little meaningful momentos at night rather than towel animals and even an Atlas which was very helpful to sort out exactly where we were and where we were going.

 

With a future cruise deposit down, hopefully we will be back on Seabourn soon.

Hi Queen......we are considering cruising Athens to Dubai or vice versa. Love to hear your thoughts on the cruise itself....especially your ports of call and the numerous days at sea.

On our recent Ovation voyage, we were also disappointed in room service food delivered for dinner. Poorly presented and not up to the standards of other meals. We will not order for dinner again. Our room service breakfasts were fine.

On our recent Ovation voyage, we were also disappointed in room service food delivered for dinner. Poorly presented and not up to the standards of other meals. We will not order for dinner again. Our room service breakfasts were fine.

Yes, we were also disappointed the one & only evening we tried room service. Not sure the reason.....others seemed fine with it. It almost seemed like an afterthought, but seriously it was our only major complaint.