Hardly a veteran cruiser, I had cruised just once before, two years ago on a mass-market behemoth that was banal and annoying in many respects. In fact, I used to pay scant attention to cruise lines and derisively refer to cruises as "prison at sea." Still, two images from Seabourn advertisements captured my imagination from over a decade ago - waiters in formal wear knee-deep in clear blue waters with trays of champagne and caviar (this publicity image is still in use today), and a cheerful room attendant offering a tray of designer soaps - and I am very happy to report that my first Seabourn cruise exceeded all my expectations.

Prior to booking this cruise, I did research on cruisecritic.com and sought out advice from its knowledgeable, helpful and passionate community. I'd like to start the review by commenting on some of the negative remarks that were discussed in previous reviews and forums regarding the Seabourn Odyssey.

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