No Pirates In The Caribbean For Seabourn Passengers

Sometimes events half a world away can have a positive effect for North American travelers whose vacation destination preferences lean toward closer to home. In just such a twist of events, the Yachts of Seabourn recently announced that the company will not operate a planned 5-month, 15-cruise series of voyages in the Indian Ocean aboard the 208-guest, all-suite yacht Seabourn Legend in late 2010 and early 2011. The vessel will instead be positioned back to the Americas at the end of its Mediterranean season to cruise in the Caribbean for the winter.

Calling the decision “regrettable,” Seabourn’s president and CEO Pamela Conover said that while the intended shoreside destinations remain apparently safe for visitors, the high seas routes between them are currently vulnerable to incidents of piracy that have not been adequately controlled. “It makes me sad to have to cancel these cruises,” Conover said.

However, heading for Cruise Diva's favorite non-pirate cruising locale, Seabourn Legend’s voyages among the favored yacht harbors and unspoiled islands of the Caribbean remain a very popular choice for travelers looking for an award-winning small-ship experience in a relaxing and beautiful destination. Itineraries are designed to take advantage of Legend’s intimate size and features, such as the unique fold-out watersports marina that can be deployed in a secluded cove for Seabourn’s signature “Champagne and Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue. Activities ashore range from snorkeling, yacht-racing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and zip-line adventures to visiting artists’ studios, tony boutiques and strolling or relaxing on world-class beaches. On board, deck barbecues and al fresco dining options make the most of the bucolic climate, as do Dancing and Movies Under the Stars. Week-long itineraries sail between Ft. Lauderdale and St. Thomas, or round trip from St. Thomas.

Seabourn yachting enthusiasts looking for exotic itineraries still have a stunning selection from which to choose. Seabourn Spirit will depart the Mediterranean in Nov of 2010, sailing through Egypt, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and Oman to Dubai. Spirit will then continue via India, Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore, to begin a season of cruises exploring Bali, Borneo, Java and the myriad islands of the Java, Flores and Savu Seas. The intimate vessel will even venture southward to Australia’s Northern Territories and Great Barrier Reef. Seabourn Pride, meanwhile, will be cruising in Asia for the full year, and in the autumn will be sailing in China, Thailand and Vietnam, with included or optional extensions to Beijing, Guilin, Cambodia & Laos and the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Seabourn Odyssey will make a maiden circumnavigation of South America in early 2011, encompassing the Peruvian and Chilean coasts, the Chilean fjords and Patagonia, Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and the Amazon.

For more information, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit Seabourn.com.