Seabourn Encore vs. Seabourn Ovation: Which Ship to Book?

Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation are near-identical sister ships, each carrying approximately 600 guests in all-suite, all-veranda accommodations across 300 suites. The most meaningful differences come down to deployment and itinerary—not onboard hardware—making your choice largely a function of where you want to go rather than which ship you prefer. Because the ships offer essentially the same suites, dining venues, and onboard amenities, compare sailing dates, destinations, and available suite inventory before you commit.

Seabourn Encore vs. Ovation: A Quick Overview

Seabourn Encore began its inaugural voyage in January 2017, while Seabourn Ovation entered service in May 2018, making Ovation approximately 16 months newer. Both were designed by Adam D. Tihany, the same hospitality designer behind some of the world's most celebrated hotel interiors, and both represent Seabourn's evolution beyond the smaller Odyssey-class trio (Odyssey, Sojourn, and Quest).

Compared to those earlier ships, Encore and Ovation added an extra deck, a significantly upgraded gym, and The Retreat—a private outdoor sanctuary with cabanas available to reserve for an additional fee. Both ships operate within Seabourn’s classic ocean fleet, distinct from the expedition vessels Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.

Ship Size and Itineraries

Both ships are classified as small-ship ultra-luxury vessels, and at 600 guests they sit comfortably in the boutique category—large enough to offer resort-style amenities, small enough to access ports that larger ships cannot. For context, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas carries roughly 10 times as many passengers.

Seabourn Encore has historically been deployed heavily in Southeast Asia and Australia during the Northern Hemisphere winter, then repositioning to the Mediterranean for European summer seasons. Itineraries frequently include lesser-visited ports in Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean.

Seabourn Ovation tends to rotate between the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Americas. Its schedules can include the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, and the British Isles, but deployments change by season and year, so compare Seabourn’s current itineraries for your preferred dates.

Pro Tip: If your dream itinerary is Japan or Southeast Asia, Encore is currently the ship to check first for selected seasons. For Norwegian fjords or the Baltic, compare Seabourn’s live schedule rather than relying on past Ovation deployment patterns, as ship assignments can change from year to year.

For travelers planning Mediterranean sailings, either ship may be available depending on the season. Our guide to best Mediterranean cruise ports for first-timers can help you evaluate which ports matter most to your itinerary.

Cabin and Suite Comparison

Every suite on both ships faces the ocean and includes a private veranda—a standard that distinguishes Encore and Ovation from many competitors at the ultra-luxury tier. The suite categories are identical across both ships, which simplifies the comparison considerably.

All suites on both ships include an in-suite bar stocked to guest preferences, Molton Brown bath amenities, 24-hour room service, and service from a personal suite host and suite attendant. Seabourn’s all-inclusive fare also includes premium spirits and fine wines, plus welcome Champagne on embarkation.

Pro Tip: Penthouse Spa Suites include entry to the Spa Serene Area and access to a Spa Concierge. Spa treatments cost extra, so choose this category for its added wellness amenities rather than expected treatment savings.

The Wintergarden Suites deserve special mention for their glass-enclosed solarium, dining area, wet bar, and private veranda. This flexible indoor-outdoor space can be especially appealing on cooler-weather itineraries.

For guidance on how to evaluate suite categories more broadly, our article on how to choose a room on a cruise ship covers the core decision framework.

Dining and Culinary Experience

Both ships share the same restaurant lineup, including Solis, Seabourn’s contemporary Mediterranean dining venue. Solis is available on both ships and was developed with Seabourn culinary partners Chef Anton Egger and Senior Corporate Chef Franck Salein.

On both Encore and Ovation, The Colonnade and The Patio offer casual dining. In the evening, Earth & Ocean is served at The Patio in an al fresco setting. The main dining room, simply called The Restaurant, operates on an open-seating basis with no assigned tables or fixed dining times—a hallmark of the Seabourn experience that eliminates the regimented schedule common on larger ships.

Earth & Ocean is the signature outdoor dining venue on both ships, serving lighter, ingredient-driven menus in an al fresco setting near the pool.

Pro Tip: Reservations are required for Solis, and Seabourn currently permits one reservation for every seven days of a voyage. Check availability early, as reservations are subject to availability.

The culinary philosophy across both ships emphasizes sourcing local ingredients at ports of call, which means the specific menus you encounter on an Encore sailing through Vietnam will differ meaningfully from an Ovation sailing through Norway—even though the kitchen infrastructure is identical.

Seabourn consistently ranks among the top performers in at-sea dining. For a broader look at how luxury lines compare on food, see our best cruise lines for foodies guide.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

The activity programming on Encore and Ovation reflects Seabourn's philosophy: curated over abundant. You won't find waterslides, go-karts, or a 20-venue entertainment district. What you will find is a deliberately paced onboard life that complements destination-focused itineraries.

Shared amenities across both ships:

• The Retreat: A private outdoor sanctuary on Deck 12, with 15 cabanas available to reserve for an additional fee. Features sun loungers, a central whirlpool, bar service, and a dedicated Retreat Concierge.
• The Spa at Seabourn: Full-service spa with thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, and a comprehensive treatment menu.
• Fitness Center: Notably larger and better-equipped than the Odyssey-class ships—a frequently cited upgrade by repeat Seabourn guests who've sailed both generations.
• The Club: The main onboard lounge and bar, hosting live music and evening dancing. On select itineraries, Seabourn may separately offer its Caviar in the Surf beach event, subject to weather and local conditions.
• Observation Bar: A forward-facing observation lounge ideal for scenic cruising through fjords or straits.
• Marina Platform: A retractable water sports marina offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and other watersports on select port days.

Entertainment on both ships leans toward enrichment programming—Seabourn Conversations guest speakers, destination lectures, live performances, and culinary demonstrations, with the exact schedule varying by voyage.

Pro Tip: The Marina Day experience—where Seabourn offers complimentary watersports from its retractable Marina platform or at a beach—is one of the line’s most distinctive offerings. Check the itinerary carefully: it is not available at every port and remains dependent on weather, sea conditions, local permission, and the captain’s approval.

Pricing and Value Analysis

Seabourn positions both Encore and Ovation at the ultra-luxury tier, with fares that are genuinely all-inclusive: fine wines and spirits, gratuities, specialty dining, and most onboard activities are covered in the base fare. This distinguishes Seabourn from premium lines where beverage packages, specialty dining, and gratuities represent significant add-on costs.

Fares for Veranda Suites vary by itinerary, departure date, occupancy, suite category, and available promotion. Compare the total voyage price and included amenities for your preferred sailing, as pricing can differ significantly across Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific itineraries. Owner’s Suites and Wintergarden Suites can command significant premiums over Veranda Suites.

When comparing Seabourn to other ultra-luxury lines, the value calculation depends heavily on how you cruise. Our comparison of Seabourn vs. Regent Seven Seas breaks down how the two lines differ on inclusions—notably that Regent includes shore excursions as standard while Seabourn does not. Our Viking Ocean vs. Seabourn article addresses a different segment of the luxury market for those cross-shopping those brands.

Pro Tip: Seabourn periodically offers time-limited promotions on selected sailings, so check the current offer terms for eligible voyages, savings, and booking deadlines. Some travel advisors may offer additional amenities on eligible sailings; compare any written advisor offer with Seabourn’s direct fare before booking.

Which Ship Is Right for You?

The decision framework here is straightforward once you've identified your priorities.

Choose Seabourn Encore if:

• Its currently published itineraries align with your preferred destinations and travel dates
• You prioritize itineraries with significant overnight port stays in complex, culturally rich destinations
• You're flexible on European itineraries and willing to follow wherever Encore deploys in a given season

Choose Seabourn Ovation if:

• Its currently published itineraries align with your preferred destinations and travel dates
• A currently published Ovation itinerary combines the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in a way that suits your plans
• Its available suite categories and fare suit your plans

Either ship works equally well if:

• You're a first-time Seabourn guest focused primarily on the onboard experience
• Your priority is the suite category (Owner's Suite, Penthouse) rather than the destination
• You're celebrating a milestone—anniversary, honeymoon, or significant birthday—and the ship itself is the destination

For couples considering this as a honeymoon or anniversary voyage, our best honeymoon cruises guide includes Seabourn among its top recommendations for the ultra-luxury segment.

How to Book

Both ships can be searched and compared directly on Cruisebound. When evaluating sailings, filter by ship name to isolate Encore or Ovation itineraries, then compare departure dates against your travel window. Pay attention to the embarkation and disembarkation ports, as some consecutive Seabourn voyages can be combined into a longer itinerary. Confirm any combination savings and turnaround-day procedures for the specific sailing before booking.

Key booking considerations:

• Suite selection: Availability varies by sailing and suite category. Wintergarden and Owner’s Suites are limited in number, so check live availability early if you have a specific premium category in mind.
• Booking window: For peak dates and limited suite categories, booking earlier generally provides more choice. Compare current availability and promotion terms for your preferred sailing before deciding when to book.
• Promotions: Seabourn's best-fare promotions are time-limited. Setting a price alert or working with a Seabourn-specialist advisor ensures you don't miss savings windows.
• Travel insurance: Given the per-night investment at this tier, comprehensive travel insurance—including cancel-for-any-reason coverage—is strongly advisable.

If you're new to the booking process, our first-timer's guide to booking a cruise covers the end-to-end process including deposit structures and final payment timelines.

Key Takeaways

• Seabourn Encore and Ovation are functionally identical sister ships—the same suites, the same restaurant lineup, the same onboard philosophy. Hardware differences are negligible.
• Itinerary is the deciding factor. Compare Seabourn’s current schedules for both ships, then choose based on ports, sailing dates, suite availability, and total fare.
• All-suite, all-veranda accommodations across 300 suites mean every guest has an ocean view with private outdoor space—no interior or ocean-view cabin compromises.
• The all-inclusive fare model covers spirits, dining, gratuities, and WiFi, making the sticker price more competitive against premium lines than it initially appears.
• The Retreat and upgraded gym are meaningful improvements over the older Odyssey-class ships—relevant context for repeat Seabourn guests considering a step up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation really the same ship?

They are sister ships built to the same design specifications, with identical gross tonnage (40,350 GT), guest capacity (approximately 600), and suite configurations. The primary differences are cosmetic interior touches and deployment itineraries. Guests who have sailed one will find the other immediately familiar.

Q: Does Seabourn Ovation or Encore have better dining?

Both ships share the same restaurant venues, including Solis, Seabourn’s contemporary Mediterranean dining restaurant. The quality of the dining experience is effectively identical. Menus and specials may vary by voyage and ingredient availability, while the core dining venues, service standards, and inclusions remain very similar on both ships.

Q: What is The Retreat on Seabourn Encore and Ovation?

The Retreat is a private outdoor sanctuary on Deck 12 of Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. It features 15 private cabanas available to reserve for an additional fee, along with sun loungers, a central whirlpool, bar service and a dedicated Retreat Concierge. It was introduced on Encore and Ovation and is not available on the current Odyssey-class ships, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. Former fleet member Seabourn Odyssey also did not have The Retreat.

Q: How does Seabourn's pricing compare to other ultra-luxury lines?

Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, and Regent compete in the luxury cruise market, but their fares and inclusions vary. Compare like-for-like itineraries, suite sizes, included excursions, airfare, and onboard credits before judging total value. Seabourn’s fare includes premium spirits and fine wines, dining, gratuities, and Wi‑Fi, although shore excursions, spa treatments, and other optional purchases can affect the total cost.

Q: Can I do a back-to-back cruise on Seabourn Encore or Ovation?

Yes. Many consecutive Seabourn voyages can be combined into a longer itinerary. Any combination savings and turnaround-day procedures vary by sailing, so confirm the applicable fare and port requirements before booking. This can be a good approach for guests targeting a specific region, such as combining two Mediterranean sailings for a longer voyage.

Q: Is Seabourn suitable for first-time luxury cruisers?

Seabourn is frequently cited as an excellent entry point into ultra-luxury cruising precisely because the all-inclusive model removes the decision fatigue of managing onboard spending. The 600-guest capacity creates an intimate atmosphere without feeling exclusive or intimidating, and the crew-to-guest ratio (approximately 450 crew to 600 guests) ensures attentive, personalized service from embarkation.

Fast Facts

• Best For: Discerning couples, solo luxury travelers, and milestone celebrators seeking a polished, intimate ocean voyage
• Price Range: Fares vary by itinerary, sailing date, suite category, occupancy, and available promotion
• Best Time to Book: Book early for peak travel dates and limited suite categories. Compare current availability and promotion terms for your preferred sailing before booking
• Asia: Compare current Encore and Ovation itineraries for your preferred travel dates
• Northern Europe: Compare current Seabourn itineraries for your preferred travel dates
• All-Inclusive: Yes — spirits, dining, gratuities, and WiFi included
• Suite Count: 300 suites per ship, all ocean-facing with private veranda
• Competitive Set: Silversea Silver Nova/Muse, Regent Seven Seas Splendor, Crystal Serenity