What It’s Like Onboard the Seabourn ‘Ovation,’ a 690-Foot 5-Star Hotel for the Seas
Welcome to Checking In, a series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels, villas, and other stays based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point, and the authors have discretion to add bonus points where they feel it’s necessary. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.
The vessel: The Seabourn Ovation.
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Describe the property in three words: Floating pleasure palace.
What’s the deal? Seabourn, the ultra-high-end cruise operator owned by Carnival, is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy the high seas—short of chartering your own megayacht, that is. Its commercial success and vocal fanbase have undoubtedly inspired several hospitality chains (see: Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express) to announce their own seafaring operations in recent months. Ovation, third-youngest of the seven gigayachts in the Seabourn fleet, has been on the water since 2018, and, because of its size, can feel incredibly private. It’s 690 feet long and only has 300 cabins, so it’s not uncommon to have entire facilities—such as the gym or the by-reservation cabanas on the poop deck—entirely to yourself.
The best room: The Grand Winter Garden Suite, a two-bedroom configuration on deck eight, which has a half-bath for guests, a separate entrance for your butler, and two verandas: one for bathing and one for lounging, dining, sunning, and the like.
The Rundown
Did they greet you by name at check-in?
No, but in fairness, check-in here isn’t like walking into a standard hotel. You have to hand over your passport to embark, then walk through an airport security–style metal detector. But the process is quick and efficient, if not exactly the most luxurious part of your trip.
Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.)
Yes. In addition to a lovely fruit basket, there was a very good bottle of Montaudon Brut Champagne on ice in my suite, along with notes from the captain and my Suite Host (more on that important role in a second.)
Is there a private butler for every room?
No, but that doesn’t mean the service isn’t incredibly attentive. Every 20 suites share a Suite Host, a butler-trained role that includes managing the housekeeping staff who clean your room daily, personalizing turn-down service, making sure your bar is stocked with your preferred beverages, and relaying any crucial messages from other departments. (For example, the night before my hot-stone massage in the spa, my Suite Host left a small note reminding me of my appointment time the next day). They’ll even arrange an in-suite cocktail party if you prefer staying in. So I’m giving a point back here.
Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?
Yes. While I wasn’t able to determine an exact brand, make, and model, I could tell from the feel that the percale sheets on the bed were pretty high-end. Some hotels on land could learn a thing or two from how Seabourn’s team makes a bed.
Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?
No, but the all-marble bathrooms are surprisingly well-appointed and feature double sinks, thoughtfully arranged lighting, a deep tub, and a separate shower.
Are the toiletries full-sized?
Yes. Seabourn partnered with Molton Brown on its custom shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, called Immersive Samphire and Eucalyptus. Fortunately, you can buy your own supply in the gift shop.
Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use? How are the spa and gym?
Well of course not—this is a boat, after all. But we’re giving the Ovation a bonus point for its wonderful spa, which in all honesty is better than some we’ve visited on dry land. The soothing and surprisingly masculine space is equipped to offer a wide array of services and treatments, including old-school barbershop shaves, manicures, facials, massages, and even acupuncture and medical consultations.
Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?
Yes. There are five bars on the Ovation, but the best analog for a lobby bar—called the Observation Bar—is at the back of the ship. It’s a circular space where you can have an English tea service during the day and enjoy cocktails and live music when the sun goes down. I ended almost every night of my week on the Ovation here.
Is there caviar on the room service menu? If so, what kind?
Yes. Seabourn partners with Regiis Ova to offer a variety of its wares onboard. And don’t be shy: If you want, you can ask room service to deliver a specific quantity (and blinis, potato chips, crème fraîche chives, and the like) to your suite at the same time every day.
Would you buy the vessel if you could?
Yes. I didn’t expect to like being onboard the Ovation quite as much as I did, but it was a wonderful experience that left me with a new outlook on sea travel. The service was impeccable, the other guests provided ample opportunities for interesting people-watching, and I’d go back again just for the spa if I could.
Total: 9/10
What Our Score Means:
1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.
7-8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
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