Seabourn Ovation begins to take shape with steel cutting ceremony

Seabourn president Richard Meadows and Genoa shipyard director Raffaele Davassi celebrate the milestone

Seabourn has taken a giant step forward toward the launch of its next new vessel, Seabourn Ovation, with the commemorative cutting of the first steel.

The ceremony, held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy, was presided over by Seabourn president Richard Meadows and Genoa shipyard director Raffaele Davassi.

“The cutting of steel is a significant milestone in the creation of Seabourn Ovation, as well as the continuing evolution of the Seabourn fleet and the ultra-luxury cruise segment,” noted Meadows.

“We are excited to witness this important step and look forward to seeing the ship come together.

“With Adam Tihany’s extraordinary design vision and the excellent craftsmanship of Fincantieri, Seabourn Ovation will be matched only by its sister ship, Seabourn Encore, as the most beautiful ultra-luxury vessel ever built.”

Scheduled to join the Seabourn fleet in spring 2018, Seabourn Ovation will expand and build upon the line’s award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionised ultra-luxury cruising.

Seabourn Ovation will maintain the line’s high ratio of space per guest, enabling a highly personalised level of service.

Sister ship Seabourn Encore will debut in late 2016, and with the addition of Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn will have the youngest and most modern ultra-luxury fleet in the industry.

Designed by hospitality design icon Tihany, Seabourn Ovation will feature modern design elements and innovations consistent with the line’s reputation for understated elegance.

The approx. 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy.

In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda.