I have just returned from a wonderful 5 days on the Seabourn Ovation sailing in the Mediterranean being very spoilt. Seabourn pioneered small-ship ultra-luxury cruising. Their fleet is 'all suite' accommodation carrying between 458 and 600 guests. The Ovation is the newest to the fleet joining in 2018. My ship was at full capacity with 600 guests but what was noticeable was there seemed to be so much space. It is an intimate ship with a private club atmosphere where the guest-to-staff ratio is 1-1.
My suite was all glass, oceanfront with a veranda. A full-size bathroom with tub and shower with plentiful luxury Molton Brown toiletries. A fabulous walk-in closet (my favourite bit) and a large lounge area. I was welcomed with a chilled bottle of champagne and a very well-stocked fridge. Each suite has a personal suite host and suite attendant. No request was too much for my 2 ladies, even offering a choice of pillows. I flew out to Nice with British Airways and transferred by road for just under an hour to Port Hercule in Monte Carlo where I was welcomed on board like a VIP. What a backdrop with the exotic yachts and the Mediterranean Sea. The ship is small enough to dock in the port where you can just get off and soak up the sights of Monaco. We had all day here so I was able to have a wander and visit my favourite place, the old town with the Palace of Monaco at the top. Through the medieval, windy lanes you can find the Oceanographic Museum which is a must I think for any visit to the Principality.
Again, no visit is complete without a visit to Casino Square and the legendary Monte Carlo casino. From Monaco, we sailed a short distance to St Tropez, a Provencal town on the French Riviera. A resort for the jet set. Again like Monte Carlo the harbour is filled with sleek yachts. A pretty town with narrow streets, designer shops and a 16th-century citadel at the top. Probably my favourite stop was Marseille. A very edgy city but had a real buzz about it. Lots of bars and restaurants around the old port. Full of museums and old forts charting it's maritime heritage. I caught the 'noddy train' which took me along the corniche area and up to the Basilica Notre Dame. Standing 149 metres above the city is very imposing and worth a visit. I was quite excited to see the Chateau d'If a fortress located on a small island off the shore which served as a prison and is the setting for one of my favourite novels Count of Monte Cristo.
Onwards again overnight to Palamos in Spain. Somewhere I hadn't heard of. Situated on the Costa Brava. a major fishing port and famous for locally caught 'gambes'. A quiet town with a historic church in the town's heart and a 600 metre lovely long, wide white sand beach. Our trip finished in Barcelona. Seabourn's strapline is 'This is your moment' but I can honestly say there were lots of moments. What sold it for me was the exquisite dining and the staff who definitely do not know the word 'no'. There is a choice of 5 restaurants and is so hard to choose which one to go to. The Colonnade, which is a more casual alternative for dining, buffet in the day and regional-themed dinners in the evening. Earth and Ocean, dinner served outdoors weather permitting in the evening. The Patio, in the day, serving fresh pizza, salads and burgers out on the pool deck.
The highlight was probably the Grill by Thomas Keller. Inspired by the 1950's and 1060's America and I had the most stunning Lobster Thermidor. The Restaurant is a traditional restaurant serving a classic menu and set menu every evening paired with local wines. If this isn't enough you could visit Sushi, and the clue is in the name. The freshest sushi and sashimi. There was a lovely tranquil area at the front called the observation bar and here at 4 pm you could have afternoon tea which was divine. Everywhere led to Seabourn Square which was a focal point where you could find guest services and a relaxing lounge area with a coffee shop that served freshly made cakes and sandwiches every day. Here you can sit, relax, read a book and watch the world go by. If you want a pamper there is a spa and wellness centre featuring holistic medicine, meditation and yoga. You most certainly won't be stressed on board Ovation.
A resident entertainment team will make sure any night owls are looked after with superb live music and world-class live singers and shows. A most fabulous 5 days and the experience was made better with the Seabourn staff who without a doubt have to be the best at sea. Thank you, Seabourn.
