My sailing with Seabourn was a wonderfully relaxing introduction to small-ship luxury cruising. The itinerary took us from Lisbon to Bordeaux, offering a lovely mix of vibrant cities and historic streets.
Discover Seabourn Ovation Deals
From the moment we stepped on board Seabourn Ovation, the atmosphere felt calm and refined. My first impression of the ship was one of understated elegance - intimate, with a classic cruising style that felt sophisticated without being overly formal. The décor throughout the ship leaned traditional, with dark wood finishes, soft ambient lighting and carefully placed artwork creating a warm and relaxing environment.
We stayed in a Veranda Suite, which felt spacious and thoughtfully designed. The suite featured a private balcony, a comfortable seating area with a sofa, table and chairs, and a curtain divider that could separate the lounge space from the bedroom area. The suite came stocked with a minibar including soft drinks and beer, replenished daily along with water. The bathroom was particularly impressive, with double sinks, a bathtub, a separate shower and Molton Brown toiletries. Storage space was excellent thanks to multiple cupboards, drawers and a walk-in wardrobe complete with plenty of hangers, a safe and room for suitcases under the bed. Small touches like robes, slippers, cosy blankets and an abundance of soft pillows added to the comfort.
Life on board felt easy-going and sociable. We spent time in The Club taking part in team trivia and a music quiz, where guests were grouped together to form larger teams - a fun, relaxed way to escape the midday sun and meet fellow passengers. There was also plenty of entertainment available in the evenings, including a British comedian in the Grand Salon and musical performances from the Seabourn Six featuring songs from famous musicals. Guests could also enjoy Seabourn’s signature champagne and caviar service by the pool, which many people took advantage of during sunny afternoons.
Dining on board was consistently excellent. The main dining room, The Restaurant, offered a changing menu each evening with a good range of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Across multiple visits I enjoyed meals including veal cannelloni, beef tenderloin, lamb chops and a delicious Napoleon of berries dessert. Formal night featured the Signature Dinner, a five-course set menu with a beautifully prepared fillet of beef Wellington as the main course.
Solis, which requires booking, provided a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience with attentive tableside preparation for some dishes. The Colonnade buffet changed theme nightly, offering cuisines such as Spanish and Vietnamese, while The Patio served relaxed poolside lunches before transforming into the al fresco Earth & Ocean grill restaurant in the evenings.
However, the standout dining venue for us was Sushi, we loved it so much that we visited several times! The venue felt serene and contemporary, almost transporting you away from the ship entirely. The atmosphere reminded us of travelling in Japan, with calm surroundings, friendly staff and beautifully prepared food. It also catered well to non-seafood eaters, which we appreciated. It was genuinely one of the most memorable dining experiences of the cruise.
The service across the ship was another major highlight. Staff throughout the restaurants, bars and public areas were consistently warm, attentive and approachable. What stood out most was how relaxed and happy the crew seemed, interactions felt natural and friendly, often with a playful sense of humour which made for a welcoming atmosphere.
The ports of call each offered something different. Porto was undoubtedly my favourite stop and the highlight of the itinerary. The city was vibrant and beautiful, with historic churches decorated in striking blue-and-white tiles, lively riverside cafés and bars, and bustling streets full of outdoor dining. Walking through the old town and down to the riverfront was a real highlight, and it left me wanting to return for a longer visit. La Coruña had a completely different atmosphere, peaceful, quiet and perfect for wandering old streets and harbourfront paths. In Bilbao, we explored the riverside and admired the impressive Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, while Bordeaux made a lovely first impression as we sailed inland along the river toward the city.
Overall, this sailing offered a wonderfully relaxing experience with all the advantages of small-ship cruising. The ship was easy to navigate, never crowded, and offered several peaceful spaces to unwind, including the whirlpool on Deck 7 and The Retreat, a quieter private sun terrace with cabanas available to hire.
If my experience has inspired you and you think you may like to embark on your own voyage, please get in touch with our specialist concierge and they'll be more than happy to help create the perfect holiday for you!
-large_thumb.jpg)
-large_thumb.jpg)
-banner.jpg)
