Seabourn Quest, a luxury experience
We attended the brand new terminal Seabourn Quest in the World Trade Center in Barcelona in mid-June 2011. It was a simple act but emotionally charged and glamor, with presence of Carnival Corporation Group Chairman, Micky Arison and featured numerous industry VIPS.
Blythe Danner, mother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, was the matron of honor and responsible for opening the ship under the stars in the city of Barcelona before the fireworks display that lit up the city for about 15 minutes apotheosis.
The Quest is the third in a series of medium-sized ships that began with the construction of the Odyssey, followed by Sojourn, opened in 2010 in London. This new ship, twin both noted for their elegance and impeccable service onboard, high level.
Seabourn Quest, of 32,500 gross registered tons, 25.9 meters wide and 198 meters long, is capable of receiving just 450 passengers and 330 crew members working on their decks 9 (average about 0.8 passengers per crew, a spectacular ratio). Municiosamente was built in Italian shipyards T.Mariotti and specially designed by expert interior designers … even the ex-president of the shipping company, Pam Conover, and the current president of the company, Richard Meadows, gave their personal views in the past months. The result? Another magnificent jewel.
This ship does not highlight the leisure and entertainment facilities, because there are not virtually, but spaces for relaxing and reading (Seabourn Square and Observation Lounge) to lie in the sun (Solarium and pool center and aft) and get a massage, either in the luxurious Elemis Spa managed (including Spa Villa, with more luxurious and intimate service) or on deck (Pools and Solarium). Indeed, unlike their brothers, the screen has Quest (video wall) in the pool, to offer movies under the stars or some event leading to its passengers. It is also an ideal boat to enjoy the cuisine, created and supervised by the ship’s chef Andrea Schiffer, and his extraordinary team. There are several dining options: main restaurant, buffet which includes a wide aft deck (The Colonnade), The Restaurant 2 (international cuisine in an intimate space) and outdoor grill-buffet.
The Quest offers 225 suites. There are up to 13 different categories of cabins, all outdoor (199 private balconies and the rest, 26, picture window). In each passenger can enjoy the stellar service and a luxurious full “set” bath. In the cabin (suite), receive the attention and a totally exclusive. In each suite, passengers can enjoy a truly luxurious surroundings and exclusive service, receive the passenger with a glass of French champagne, canapés and game accessories for the bath, prestigious international brands like L’Occitane and Hermès Paris.
On board there is a sailing school where passengers can snorkel, surf … in specific zodiac cruise. They offer diving practices and cruises in the Caribbean and Polynesia, including the possibility of eating seafood on the beach, surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters.
My assessment – Jimmy Saw
Sailing aboard one of the ships of Seabourn is an enriching and simply special. On board the Quest find experienced and demanding passengers, who worship the personal service and excellent cuisine. It is ideal for sailing vessel relaxed, surrounded by luxury and in a casually glamorous. In addition, passengers can enjoy a cruise without thinking about the cost of drinks, as they are already included, such as champagne, wine, cocktails … besides the caviar canapes! … Current prices offered Seabourn, like other luxury shipping, are more suggestive than ever, due to high supply and economic recession that is still living in the world. For those who want to experience a sense of this type and they want to brag about seaside holidays, may be a great time to choose one of the many proposals offered by Carnival Corporation Group Company.
More things to be aware of Seabourn Quest:
- All their cabins are suites and room service is available 24 hours
- Dinner is served from 19:30 h. to 22:30 h. in a single open seating in all restaurants
- On cruises of 7 nights are held two formal nights and the rest are “informal” or “smart casual”
- Tipping (service fees) are included in the cruise price. On board, tipping is entirely optional
- There are platforms for passengers with reduced mobility, providing access to all areas of the boat