The Seabourn Odyssey carries 450 passengers and has a crew to guest ratio of nearly 1:1.3….so with that kind of personnel taking care of guests, they are sure to meet and exceed their historic service standards, which ultimately is what makes or breaks a voyage experience.  However, the so called “hardware” is impressive as well.  There are a handful of innovative design features which passengers will find refreshing and fun.

In no particular order, I found the Restaurants to be really well appointed and unique….there is the main Restaurant, which features gorgeous white drapes, glistening chandeliers and a number of elevated tables giving the room a lively, diverse and flowing movement instead of the standard look of a large room with typical tabletops of two, four, six and eight.

Restaurant 2 was equally stylish in design and features and

color schematic of Red and Black….this is a hip and clever room with a sleek bar as you walk in and then a scattering of table sizes where a select number of guests will enjoy special tastings and pairings created with insight from Seabourn’s Celebrity Chef, Charlie Palmer.  (on a side note, I met Charlie Palmer during a culinary presentation he did while onboard…he made a very tasty Ahi Tuna and Spiced Duck – let me know if you want the recipe!?).

The Collonade is the classic (but undeniably more beautiful) indoor/outdoor restaurant that serves as the “lido” type restaurant during the daytime and an elegant alternative dining experience at night.  Located in the aft, the outdoor seating looks out to the ocean or port…in our case; we were gazing upon St. Mark’s Square!

One of my favorite places on the Seabourn Odyssey was “Seabourn Square”….this was a concept put forth by Carnival Corps Chairman, Mickey Arison, where it combines the traditional “reception” area functions into a moving, vibrant, social scene where people can enjoy coffee and pastries, ice cream, check out a book from the library, design custom shore experiences, book a future cruise or slip outside to a cozy couch or chair and enjoy a cool refreshment.  This will definitely be a “hang out” place for guests with plenty of seating and a cozy vibe.

Another fun area where people will enjoy spending time is the sun deck…big comfy lounge chairs and a bird’s eye view of wherever you are!  The showroom is spacious and well appointed, and features some outstanding talent on a nightly basis.  There is, of course, a casino, bar and small stage area which provides lively entertainment with music, drinks and games such as Slot Machines, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker and Roulette (no Craps).

I was lucky enough to be in a PH (1021).  It was a gorgeous suite with over 400 square feet of space…a bath and shower, walk-in closet, separate bedroom with its own TV, and a living room with a big flat screen TV, couch and small table and chairs.  Of course there was a wonderful verandah with chairs and table for relaxing and viewing on nice days.  The one thing I didn’t really like was the way the cabin door opened right into the bathroom door, so there could be folks who periodically knock doors.  But, that was it….I really believe people are going to love this ship….we have some folks sailing on it this summer and I can’t wait to hear what they say!