After suffering two disastrous cruises with P&O over twenty years ago we vowed never to cruise again. However, having reached our fifties, we researched it again in a lot of detail, and we decided to give Seabourn a shot with a seven day Venice-Athens run on the Odyssey in early September. In short, though expensive, it was the best holiday we have ever had...and we have already booked up again for next year.
All the worries we had about cruises from previous trips - i.e. lack of space, poor food, bad maintenance, downmarket entertainment, compulsory black tie, enforced shared tables and chain smoking everywhere - dissolved within a day on the Odyssey. It's in sparkling condition. Nothing feels dated and even though the cruise was fully booked it felt very roomy. We'd booked an Owner's Suite up front as we wanted space to retreat to (we're quite private) and it had just been completely refurnished to a very high standard.
It's now decorated in muted greys, beiges with champagne-coloured chair backs and a much better sofa than that shown on the current website. I wonder if it's the same furniture as used on the Encore? It was certainly very well appointed. It was all the private space we needed with an enormous verandah, so we had breakfast there most mornings. The new beds are INCREDIBLY comfy too and Kudzie, our Suite Stewardess, was an angel. More premium liquor provided than even I knew what to do with.
Could not fault this cabin. Recently refreshed with high quality furnishings and a pleasing neutral colour palate. Lots of space in the sitting room but best of all is the huge wrap around balcony. It can get windy out there so often the furniture has to be tied down or stowed at night. More drinks in your bar than you know what to do with. Table with seating for four perfect for private dining, especially breakfasts. Very little noise or vibration (a little anchor noise when tendering but we are always awake early so 7.30am isn't a big deal!). Some motion in high winds but far less than we were expecting. We have hopeless sea legs and were fine. The most comfortable bed we have ever slept in (I think they are new mattresses) with crisp white linens and beautiful pillows. Spotless luxurious bathroom with endless supplies of products and fluffy white towels. Overhead shower pressure not fabulous but workable. In short, an amazing place to stay! I'm adding pictures to the review as the suite is now quite different to that shown in the brochure/online by Seabourn as it was recently refitted. No more burgundies!