Seabourn Encore is one of the most refined small ships sailing today — an ultra-luxury vessel built for travellers who expect attentive, personalised service rather than the crowds and spectacle of mass-market cruising. Launched in late 2016 as part of Seabourn's Encore class, the ship carries up to 600 guests and maintains one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, a detail that shapes every interaction on board.
What kind of ship is Seabourn Encore?
Seabourn Encore sits firmly in the ultra-premium segment of the cruise market. Its contemporary exterior houses a collection of all-suite accommodation, meaning every guest has access to a private veranda, generous living space, and a suite stewardess. The design philosophy prioritises calm over spectacle — understated finishes, considered lighting, and public spaces scaled for intimacy rather than volume.
The ship's boutique dimensions allow it to call at smaller, less-frequented ports that larger vessels simply cannot reach. This is particularly relevant on itineraries through Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean, where historic harbour towns and sheltered anchorages are often the most rewarding stops.
What are the dining options on board?
Dining on Seabourn Encore is structured around choice rather than obligation. The main restaurant, The Restaurant, operates with open seating throughout meal periods — guests dine when they choose, with whom they choose. Menus carry the influence of Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, whose culinary partnership with Seabourn shapes dishes across multiple venues.
- The Colonnade — an indoor-outdoor venue serving regional and themed cuisine, often reflecting the ports being visited.
- The Patio Grill — a casual open-deck option for grilled dishes and lighter fare during daytime hours.
- Restaurant 2 — a smaller, reservations-based venue with a rotating tasting-menu format.
- The Observation Bar and in-suite dining — available around the clock as part of the all-inclusive package.
Beverages, including selected wines and spirits, are included in the fare across all venues — an arrangement that removes the transactional friction common on more commercially structured ships.
What wellness and recreational facilities does Seabourn Encore offer?
The Spa at Seabourn is managed by Elemis and spans a substantial area of the ship, incorporating treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a beauty salon, and a fitness centre with modern equipment. A dedicated yoga and movement studio runs classes throughout the voyage. The spa's thermal areas — including steam rooms and a hydrotherapy pool — are available to all guests.
On deck, the main pool area is complemented by multiple sun deck levels and private cabana options for those seeking shade and solitude. Seabourn's signature marina platform, deployed at anchor in calm waters, gives guests direct access to kayaks, paddle boards, water skis, and snorkelling equipment — all included in the fare.
What entertainment and enrichment programmes are available?
The show lounge stages performances that are proportionate in scale to the ship — live music ensembles, cabaret-style productions, and guest performers rather than the Broadway-scale productions found on larger vessels. Evening entertainment leans towards jazz sets in the Observation Bar and themed cocktail events.
Enrichment programmes vary by itinerary and typically include destination-focused lectures from historians, naturalists, or local specialists, as well as cooking demonstrations and craft workshops. The Celebrity Edge comparison is occasionally made by travellers shopping in this market segment, though Seabourn Encore's smaller capacity and all-inclusive structure distinguish it clearly for guests prioritising quieter, more tailored experiences.
Where does Seabourn Encore sail?
The ship operates year-round on itineraries spanning Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the Indian Ocean. Its more notable deployments include winter seasons in Southeast Asia — including calls at Sri Lankan ports such as Colombo — and summer seasons threading through the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Sri Lanka itineraries often complement time aboard with overland extensions into the island's interior. Travellers disembarking in Colombo, for instance, frequently use the port call as a starting point for visits to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve or the cultural sites of the island's ancient kingdoms. The brevity of a port call rewards guests who plan shore excursions in advance.
How does the all-inclusive pricing model work on Seabourn Encore?
Seabourn operates on a fully inclusive basis. The fare covers all suite accommodation, dining across every venue, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), gratuities, and use of onboard facilities including the marina platform. Excluded items typically include spa treatments, boutique purchases, speciality shore excursions booked through the ship, and internet packages above a basic allowance.
This structure appeals to travellers who prefer to settle one comprehensive figure before departure rather than manage an accumulating onboard account. It also simplifies comparisons with other ultra-luxury lines, most of which follow a similar convention.
Who is Seabourn Encore best suited to?
The ship draws a clientele that values quiet sophistication over programmed activity. Solo travellers, couples, and small groups who appreciate cultural depth in their port calls — rather than theme-park-scale resort stops — tend to find the experience well-matched to their expectations. The absence of children's clubs and the low guest count naturally produce a quieter, adult-oriented atmosphere, though there is no formal age restriction.
Travellers combining a Seabourn Encore voyage with a land-based extension in Sri Lanka will find the island's diversity — from coastal wildlife to highland tea country — a natural complement to the ship's measured, experience-led approach to travel.
