Encore, Spain & Romantic Rivieras ex Barcelona Return

Details

14 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona roundtrip aboard Seabourn Encore.

14 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona roundtrip aboard Seabourn Encore.

Seabourn has officially debuted Seabourn Encore. The new ship is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. It will crown a fleet that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. Modeled on the award-winning trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey in 2009, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small-ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched. An additional sister-ship, Seabourn Ovation, is scheduled for delivery in 2018. Both sisters will deliver a wealth of new concepts, a fresh vision and a host of illuminating ideas to delight the world’s most discerning travelers.

To further advance its mission with Seabourn Encore, Seabourn enlisted the participation of master designer Adam D. Tihany. Although the architecture of Seabourn Encore is not radically different from Seabourn’s other three ships, Tihany’s vision is present throughout the ship. There is a new softness and a curvaceous elegance to his designs that reflect a noticeably bespoke aesthetic. The vessel exudes ultra-luxury with design elements often found in private yachts. Nautical visual elements are employed with an exceptional intelligence and sophistication. And, true to his vision, Tihany has enriched the entire ship with an impressive array of unexpected surprises and subtle transformations for guests to continually discover and delight in --- but those, as he so wisely says, are not meant to be described, but rather to be discovered.

Highlights of this cruise:

Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Monte Carlo
The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of which about 16 percent are citizens, or Monégasques.

Bastia
Corsica’s most important port is nestled at the base of the northward-pointing finger of Cap Corse, between a looming mountain and the sea. The oldest part of town is dominated by the honey-colored Genoese citadel, which today holds the museum of history. The busy, 19th Century Place St-Nicolas is bordered in plane trees and pleasant cafes. There are a number of interesting churches, including the twin-steepled St. Jean-Batiste and the church of St.-Croix, which has a gilded ceiling and a curious black oak cross recovered from the sea in 1428. Climb the winding stairway from the waterfront to the Jardin Romieu for wonderful views over the town and the Vieux Port.

Rome
Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.

Bandol
Tucked into a sheltered bay around the corner from busy Marseille, Bandol possesses a quiet charm that is rare on the Cote d’Azur. Its beachy side is along the Anse de Renecros.

Palamos
Located at the foot of the mountains on Spain's rugged Costa Brava, Palamos boasts seven superb beaches, Iberian archeological remains from the year 6 BC, and the Church of Sant Esteve on the beach. Highlighting the town center is its 16th-century cathedral.