Written by Christina Sharp, Product & Media Manager at ROL Cruise
We stepped on board Seabourn Ovation and instantly felt at home. Not only is she a small ship (we could get from our forward cabin to all the restaurants and lounges at the aft of the ship within two minutes flat), but it’s also very well staffed, with a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 2:1. What did this mean in practice? We had not one, but two butlers! And there was always a crew member on hand to help.
Seabourn Ovation became a home-away-from-home almost instantly. With only 600 guests on board and a straightforward layout, we felt comfortable straight away. And yet, on this small ship, there was so much to explore; the beautiful Observation Bar on Deck 11, the Spa on Deck 10, Sushi on Deck 8 and the coffee bar, Seabourn Square, on Deck 7. I was surprised to learn the ship was at capacity; there was so much space and privacy!
Seaboun Ovation came into her own as we began our route through the Mediterranean. Our second stop was Lipari, off the coast of Sicily. This placid, laid-back Italian island with its crystal clear aqua waters and volcanic beaches was a rare port of call for a cruise ship (there are only 18 scheduled stops planned for the whole of 2026!) We felt like true adventurers, coming ashore with a handful of companions and blending into the locale.
On to Gozo, another port of call that seldom sees cruise ships. Enjoying breakfast on the sheltered rear deck felt more like we were on a yacht than a cruise ship. There was no queuing for a tender to go ashore, and staff were on hand with whatever we needed to make exploring ashore more comfortable. We were lucky to be exploring the Gozo Citadel in pleasant November temperatures, but with these small considerations, we would have been prepared for whatever the weather.
We headed back onboard for a poolside lunch at The Grill by Thomas Keller on Deck 8. Then, it wasn’t long before we found ourselves in the second of the ship’s two pools, with an obligatory cocktail. With only a handful of other guests nearby, it felt like we were at our own private hotel. The ease with which we could move around the ship, and how swiftly and effortlessly the crew offered to serve us, was a real treat. I have honestly never experienced such seamless service.
This high standard was maintained in each and every restaurant on board. Every dish had been lovingly prepared, from the taste to the presentation. From the homemade breakfast smoothies and blueberry pancakes to the salted cod prepared to table side and my favourite, a melt-in-the-mouth filet mignon, each dish was a delight. We were lucky enough to dine at Solis, the often fully booked onboard speciality restaurant. It was an evening of conversation, laughter and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
We saw out our final day on board in style, with a sail-in party for arrival at Valetta. The onboard entertainment team wowed us with their vocals, and the gentle party atmosphere was as easy to enjoy as it was to escape - on Seabourn Ovation, nothing is pressed upon you. You sail your way, with easy company, fine food and genial service. I was sad to leave, knowing the ship was sailing on without me.
Until next time, Seabourn Ovation.
